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4 Baby Care Tidbits Every Parent Should Know!

March 3, 2011 By apparent

New parents face many problems and issues that they are expected to understand and deal with immediately. Unfortunately, newborns do not come with an instruction book so here are a few topics that you may need to know about.

Bathing your baby: Until your baby’s umbilical cord falls off one to two weeks after their birth, only give her sponge baths. A cotton ball or cotton swab dampened with alcohol can help to dry the umbilical stump or follow your pediatrician’s directions. After the stump falls off, you can give him a bath in a sink or shallow tub.

Caesarian delivery: A caesarian is usually performed to make delivery safer for you or your baby. C-sections can be done for many different reasons including stalled labor, complicated labor, problems with the baby that may make delivery difficult, or other problems. It does not matter if you deliver vaginally or by a caesarian section, you are still a mother with a beautiful new blessing.

Circumcision: Many doctors agree that there may be some benefit to circumcision, but it may not be absolutely necessary. It may help to lower the risk of urinary tract infections and eliminates just about any chance of penile cancer. Circumcision does not cause long-term emotional problems for your child.

Crib death (SIDS): Many studies have been done regarding SIDS. Although the cause of SIDS has not been definitely defined, there are some correlations that have been made between SIDS and the following things:

Male babies are more likely to die from SIDS than females

Prematurity makes it more likely

Minority children are affected by it more often than non-minorities

More children of young, single mothers die from it

Children who live in a home with one or more smokers are more likely to be affected

Some people say that sleeping with your baby can reduce the risk of SIDS, but the American Academy of Pediatrics disagree with this statement and go on to say that there is a greater risk of SIDS in babies who co-sleep.

Back sleeping is what most pediatricians recommend for babies to decrease the SIDS risk. The reason for this is widely debated between health experts. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician.

Written by maxyoung

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Breastfeeding Questions & Answers : Nursing baby care!

March 1, 2011 By apparent

Q. How often should a newborn be nursed?

A. You should nurse a newborn no less than 8 times a day, depending upon how long he sleeps between feedings at night.  If he can go four hours between feedings, then you will probably feed him twice between 11pm and 7am.  If you feed him right before he goes to bed, then you may only have to get up one time during the night.

Q. How often should an older baby be nursed?

A. Depending upon the age of your child, you should be feeding him every 3-4 hours during the day.  As your child gets older, they will nurse less, but they will be eating more during each nursing.  If you are going to nurse after your child is over 6 months old, you should not nurse less than 5 times a day.  If your milk supply is decreasing, then you may need to add a nursing or two to your day to help increase your milk supply.

Q. How do I go about dropping a feeding as my baby gets older?

A. The most common change that moms need to make is going from a every 3 hour to every 4 hour routine, dropping a feeding in the middle of the night, or dropping a late-night feeding.

Most of the time you will know when your baby is ready to change their eating habits by a change in their sleep patterns.  A baby that has been on an every 3 hour routine normally takes 3 naps a day and if they eat every 3,5 to 4 hours then they may drop the last nap of the nap or shorten one of the other naps considerably.  Babies are usually ready to do this at around 3 months of age.

Most babies drop the feeding in the middle of night by themselves at around 6-14 weeks old.  You will know that they are ready when you awake in a panic in the morning wondering why your baby did not get you for a feeding.  The baby will require more food during the day though, and if you are breastfeeding, your breasts may feel full for a few days, but it is well worth it!

The late night feeding is usually the hardest to let go of.  Some parents think that if they do not feed the baby right before bed that the baby will awake in the middle of the night.  If you don’t think your child can do without the late night feeding, then push it back in 15-minute increments until you are feeding him at the time you would like to.  If the last two feedings of the day seem too close together, don’t worry.  It will all work itself out and you both will be much happier for it!

Written by Pipshower

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Premature Babies Care| Premature Child Care

February 25, 2011 By apparent

The of based on an opinion, which was designed by a committee of representatives from medical societies, and a moral theologian together. The following data are taken from this recommendation:

Premature birth before 22 weeks of pregnancy

Children, who are born at this time, are not viable. They are cared for in accordance with their dignity in dying. In any case, the doctors are encouraged to compare the prenatally ascertained gestational age with the development status of the child. Reconsider the case of a manifest deviation, the doctors begin before birth decision, no life support measures.

Premature birth after 22-23 weeks of gestation and 6 days

During this gestational age increases the chance of survival of children considerably from about 10 to 50%. On the other 20-30% of the surviving children suffer from severe physical and mental disabilities. There are the obstetric decisions and judgments on newborn care, therefore, there are decisions beside the child and the mother’s or parents’ interests put into account.

Premature birth after 24 weeks of pregnancy and later

The survival chances of premature infants of this age reached the end of the nineties is about 60-80%. In the obstetric decisions, in addition to the maternal or parental and the child’s interests, take into account. In children without life-threatening health problems is basically trying to preserve the vital functions.

In view of the right to life of premature maturity, it is equated with children of all ages. Doctors are being told – as a guarantor of the child – the legal and ethical precepts to follow, if necessary, to preserve life and to act even against the wishes of the parents.

Premature infants with congenital and acquired disorders at birth

In premature infants with severe congenital or at birth (perinatal) acquired disorders, the promise of improvement have the condition, is examined by the doctors, whether in the interest of the child the intensive care measures should be limited – even if this should occur, death prematurely . The degree of impairment and the resulting changes are taken into account the life chances of the child. If it is foreseeable that the child will die, the parents of the dying will be supported for the burial of the child.

Conditions that have been established above should be understood by parents, so they can provide an appropriate for their premature babies.

The NewsGrav Team – Bringing news in gravity

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Caring For Newborn Babies – A Learned Skill

February 21, 2011 By apparent

Delivering your first child is a stunning experience (to say the least) as well as the beginning of a new time in a woman’s life. Motherhood has its amazing rewards but unfortunately your baby doesn’t come with a handbook.

Sleep
Newborn babies usually sleep for sixteen hours in a day or at least that’s what the textbooks say. Some do, some don’t. However, you do need to encourage your baby to sleep during the first few months of life. Newborn babies sleep for the most part for about two hours at a time. You need to establish a day/night routine fairly early on so that they get to know the difference. Believe me, it will save a lot of sleepless nights if you are successful with this early.

Exercise
Your newborn baby will benefit from small exercises which you make your baby do. You can gently massage his muscles to facilitate their coordination and this is also a fabulous soothing tool.

Lie your baby down on its back and gently move its limbs. You can bend your baby’s knees and elbows but with care.

Food
It is necessary that your newborn baby receives a suitable diet during the initial months. There is much debate about whether or not to breastfeed. My advice is do what is right for you, so long as your baby is fed at regular intervals throughout the day your baby will thrive.

Bath
Don’t be concerned if your daily ritual with your new child prevents daily baths. While it is good to establish a routine early on, and a bath is certainly soothing, it is not necessary. Always wrap your baby in a soft towel and then dry your baby one limb at a time so that your baby does not feel cold. An after bath tip is to use olive oil on your baby’s skin.

It is the best moisturizer you’ll find. An the best nappy rash deterrent I’ve found.

Health
Any abnormal change in your child’s behaviour will be noticed by you first. Constant crying, coughing or sneezing is something that should be seen to by your family doctor. A mother’s intuition about her children is rarely wrong. Always consult your doctor immediately if you are concerned about your child’s health.

Taking care of your newborn should be satisfying. Never hesitate to ask for help or advice. An experienced mother is always a great source of information. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and remember that your community nurse and/or family doctor are there to help.

Katherine Nagy is a mother of two and founder of Awakening for Life – a marketing company in the personal development genre helping people start their own home business. If you want to know how you can spend more time with your family and earn a decent living while doing so visit http://www.awakeningforlife.com

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Caring for Your Baby on a Budget

February 21, 2011 By apparent

The cost of baby furniture, baby clothing and other items can get expensive. Well before you come home from the hospital with your new bundle of joy, you can plan ahead and find ways to cut the cost of baby care. The last thing you need with a new baby is added stress on financial issues. Following are some tips for caring for your baby on a budget.

Limit the Amount of Baby Equipment

It’s easier to have a stroller for errands, a stroller left at a grandparent’s house and another stroller for walking around the neighborhood. It’s easier to have a car seat in each of the family cars and one in the grandparent’s car. But, stop for a moment and think. Do you really need all that infant and baby equipment? Often we buy too much and items that don’t get used.

Even though it can be a little more work, consider each piece of baby equipment that you purchase. If you are purchasing duplicate equipment, such as strollers and car seats, consider limiting yourself to one of each item. Buy only what is absolutely necessary and will be used. Also, dont’ buy too far ahead. What you think you might need a few months from now, you may never use. Make a list of items you feel you will need in the future and look for sales. Don’t buy impulsively! This will help you stick to a budget and save money.

Avoid Luxury Baby Items

There are baby wipe warmers, special diaper holders, fancy monitors and more for babies. It’s easy to get swept away by all the vast choices available when it comes to baby items. Before purchasing these types of items, consider if you really need them to take care of your baby’s basic needs. Purchase only what is truly needed and will be used.

Buy Generic

Your baby is really not going to care if you use generic brands for diapers, wipes, bibs, sheets and so forth. Buying generic can significantly decrease baby care costs. I doubt the garbage man is going to care if the diapers and wipes you toss out are name brand either. In some cases where a baby may be sensitive to a certain type of diaper or other product, you may have no choice but to buy a certain brand. Otherwise, shop wisely.

Borrowed or Gently Used Clothing and Toys

You can find some generic and name brands for baby clothing that is great for your baby to wear at consignment shops, Internet auctions, flea markets and yard sales. Whenever possible, just borrow clothing or purchase used clothing items for your precious newborn or baby. Starting an exchange with other parents of babies can help both of you cut costs. Babies grow fast and used clothing is usually in almost-new condition. Why pay for a Onesie or sleeper when you can often get them at yard sales for 50 cents or . I’ve been to yard sales where baby clothing was sold for as low as 10 cents and sometimes still had the tags.

There are lots of toys available at yard sales, second hand stores and even from friends. Avoid buying brand new toys for your infant or baby to play and enjoy. They outgrow many toys very quickly. You can decrease baby care costs by purchasing gently used clothing and toys for your infant or baby. They will still get the same benefits from the items, even though they are not brand new. Of course, never purchase used items that aren’t in safe and good condition.

Written by Kate

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10 Home Health Care Myths De-Bunked

February 19, 2011 By apparent

The need for homecare is growing, and so are the number of questions people have about it. According to the AARP, 82% of people said that they would prefer to stay in their homes as long as possible. So it’s no wonder that an increasing number of families face the challenge of arranging home health care for loved ones every day.

When you or a loved one needs care, regardless of whether you’re looking for senior transportation and peer-level companionship or highly skilled adult home care, there is too much at stake to risk being misinformed.

When it comes to your health or that of a loved one, there is no room for compromise. That’s why we’re cutting through the noise and de-bunking common myths about home health care.

1. -  If you need care, whether it’s for one hour or 24, you should be able to get what you need. Everyone’s situation is unique and different people have different needs. Make sure that you find a provider that recognizes this and has a no-minimum policy.

2. – People who are emotionally and physically exhausted or guilt-ridden cannot provide good care. According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, as a caregiver, you should neither expect-nor try-to be on-call 24 hours a day. Every caregiver needs respite and relief.

3. – No qualified care professional will administer a plan of care in the home unless it is deemed safe and medically sound (check with providers you are evaluating to ensure each care plan is overseen by an RN).

4. – Everyday tasks, like vacuuming or rearranging the basement, can be tedious for a senior with arthritis. Organizing a closet can be extremely tiring for a cancer patient. They’re never ending and, if they become more difficult during post-op, or due to treatment or age-related conditions, they can take precious time away from an already very busy schedule. When even the most basic daily tasks become overwhelming, or you just need a helping hand, a qualified care provider can help you to.

5. – Home health care is often associated with, but not limited to elder care. Homecare can be a great solution to provide newborn care for new parents with a new baby or even multiples as well as additional support for children and adults enduring chemotherapy, people recovering post-op (from cosmetic procedures to hip replacement surgery) and more. A good home health care solution for your family can be whatever you need it to be.

6. – Caregiver compatibility is imperative due to the personal nature of homecare. When you arrange for a care professional to come into your home, you must ensure that you find someone you can trust. Each family should be matched with a caregiver with whom they are comfortable, which is why family members should must identify what they would like in a caregiver and be upfront about this with your homecare provider.

7. – From a security standpoint, if you are dealing with a qualified, reputable agency, you should feel safe in arranging for help in the home. From a medical standpoint, studies show that the home can be a safer than the alternatives and not only because of the one-on-one care. One study indicated that half of infections could be linked directly to hospital care. Another study reported that, given they are seeking the appropriate treatment for their condition, patients with chronic heart disease fare better at home versus the hospital. And, ultimately, remaining home can be less stressful because it is familiar, which can foster a sense of calmness and comfort for patients.

8. – However basic your needs, there should be no limit for a homecare provider to assist you. Be sure to find a home health care agency that can provide the full range of homecare, from basic peer-level companionship and hygiene assistance to highly skilled nursing and therapy.

9. – When you and your family face an urgent situation, the last thing you want to do is wait around. Read these first time parents’ story about finding newborn care at 3 a.m. Find a provider that can provide 24/7 customer service and assistance.

10. – You don’t need to know, that’s what qualified homecare professionals are here for. Just make sure any agency you turn to offers R.N. oversight on every case to ensure all of your loved one’s needs (from safety, health and everything in between) are accounted for. Take this case from one of our homecare agencies as an example:

An elderly woman who was looking for basic bathing and shopping assistance was found to have been suffering from cellulitis unbeknownst to the woman’s daughter and hidden under her sock – all because an R.N. is required to perform an assessment on every case, no matter what kind of assistance is being provided.

What misconceptions about homecare have you seen? Share them now!

 

 

 

BrightStar provides full continuum of home care including adult and elder care , childcare including newborn care, babysitter and nanny services in addition to medical staffing services for individuals, families and health care facilities.

Do you have a question about home health care? Ask us.

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Parenting tips: how to care for newborn baby

February 17, 2011 By apparent

Newborns need to be care for so that they will be safe and have the best health. There are certain things that you should not do to them. You can learn a few things to keep them safe.

 

You should always feed them in an upright positions and never laying down. They can choke from feeding laying down. You should always sit them up when feeding.If they have a respiratory illness you should lay them upright when feeding them. They could get worse if you feed them laying down.

You should never shake the baby because shaking could give their head injury because their brain has not developed well yet. You should not treat their extremities harsh either because it has not develop yet and they could get injury from that.You should not leave them unattended because they can fall or choke or eat something that they are not to do. You should treat your newborn with the utmost care like an egg that you don’t want to drop because it’s that sensitive. How safe you keep them when they’re young will be how healthy they’re when they get older. If you have a baby sitter you should instruct them how to handle the baby in the best way.

Written by kay_pierre

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Neonatal care in India: A new way for a new generation

February 17, 2011 By apparent

India is at the crossroads of change. The indicators are everywhere. More and more Indians are making the Fortune 500 list, and the country’s many IT and industrial successes have generated much admiration and discussion around the globe. In the international world of art, culture, and entertainment, Indian literature and movies are now making headlines with unprecedented frequency. However, while there is much in these developments to be optimistic and confident about, if India truly wants to be a success story, it must look ahead to the needs of the generation to come.

As it stands now, a quarter of all maternal and newborn deaths in the world occur in India. This means that an estimated 78,000 mothers die giving birth every year, and a million babies die within their first month of life. The tragic fact is that India has the highest estimated number of maternal deaths in any country.

Part of the problem is limited access to hospital and institutional support. In India, 65 percent of all births occur at home, often without the assistance of a skilled birth practitioner. Additionally, skewed gender dynamics in Indian society do not always make it possible for a pregnant woman to be given her supply of nutritional supplements or to avail of adequate care. Expectant women live, and usually work, with their husbands and mothers-in-law. By tradition, they eat last and least, so many go though pregnancy underweight and undernourished. As a result, many mothers are unhealthy and give birth to unhealthy children.

But perhaps even more dangerous, is the lack of awareness about this issue despite endemic newborn and pregnancy-related deaths across the country. The majority of the country’s population is struggling for the basics of survival, and the health of mothers and their newborns is simply not seen as a priority.

So, how is a problem of this magnitude tackled?

While the current picture is bleak, there is hope in the form of the numerous people and organizations who each day work tirelessly tackling this issue. The Indian government has recently launched a series of innovative policies and schemes to address this ongoing tragedy—for instance, the National Rural Health Mission’s goal is to improve the availability of and access to quality healthcare for those on the lowest rung of the socio-economic ladder. The soon-to-be-launched National Urban Health Mission has also given high priority to the issue of maternal and newborn health in the country. These are encouraging signs of change for the better.

However, many challenges remain. While the government is building new hospitals and maternity homes, and offering free supplies of vaccines and iron and folic acid tablets, supply gaps will inevitably remain in a country of India’s size.  Also, if a change in attitude to maternal and newborn health is not achieved, then these new healthcare facilities and nutritional supplies run the risk of being seriously under-utilized. The motivation for behavioral change must come from within communities and individuals themselves.

There is an important role here for the voluntary and nonprofit sector. Synergizing the efforts of both local and international agencies, they can help to empower local communities and this has the potential to save many, many lives.

One such organization is PATH, a global nonprofit organization that is running a five-year program in India called Sure Start. The project works with rural communities in Uttar Pradesh and among settlements of marginalized people in Maharashtra’s sprawling cities.

Organizations such as PATH are implementing pragmatic maternal and newborn programs and using innovative methods to effect lasting change. These include building networks of community health workers to assist birth attendants and visit mothers within the first few days of birth, training workers to recognize danger signs during pregnancy and delivery, and developing savings programs to help cover the cost of newborn and maternal complications and referrals

In this way, these projects work in tandem with the Indian government’s efforts and help to develop community-level systems for improved services.

So often, development is a story of the need for breakthrough innovation or for massive shifts in government policy and budget priorities. But let’s not forget what can be achieved when people decide that things have to get better and start working together to achieve that end. In thousands of villages across India, people are awakening to the crisis in maternal and newborn care and are now changing their behavior to protect the health and wellbeing of their women and children. Even the smallest changes, when properly directed, have already proven to have a large and lasting impact for the good.

Sure Start works to educate women in India on maternal and neonatal health. Sure Start, an initiative by PATH, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates

Foundation works to promote safe childbirth practices in India.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sure-Start-Project-by-Path/178629192101
Twitter: http://twitter.com/pathsurestart

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How to Survive The First Six Weeks With Your Newborn Baby

February 15, 2011 By apparent

Step1

You’ve probably heard this one a thousand times, sleep when your baby sleeps. Sounds easy right? It is more difficult then you may think. When your baby is asleep you may find yourself just wanting to hold him or her, or you may want to catch up on a few of the hundred things you’ve put off. Think of your well-being first and get some rest.

Step2

Ask for and accept help. Your friends and family love you and will do anything to help especially if it involves a baby! Have someone drop off dinner, do your laundry, pick up a prescription, or even just watch the baby so you can shower. Forget the wonder woman complex and remember that you are only human, we all need a little help sometimes.

Step3

Space out your visits. For obvious reasons everyone wants to visit within the first couple of weeks after the baby’s arrival which may not be beneficial for you. There is added stress of having to constantly entertain and you’ll get a lot of help right off the bat but then it dwindles down to nothing a few weeks later. If you space out when you have visitors, you can reduce your stress level, get a steady flow of help, and also get that all important contact with the outside world which you will desperately need throughout the first six weeks.

Step4

Think positive. It’s easy to get wrapped up in a world of worries filled with doubts about your parenting abilities , concerns of the health of your baby or you simply may feel disappointment in yourself for not being able to do as much now. Pull yourself out of that ditch by having a can do attitude. Give yourself words of encouragement, pat yourself on the back for even the smallest of things, and remember how quickly time passes. You will make it through this in no time at all!

Step5

Cherish this time with your newborn. You’ve probably noticed just how fast time flies and this period of your life is no exception. Enjoy every moment you spend with your baby even if he or she is crying, or your changing the diaper again.

Step6

Discuss your feelings! Open up to your partner, friends, family, and even your doctor. Create a network of people that you can turn to. You suddenly won’t feel so alone, sad, or discouraged when you have someone there willing to listen and help you through your emotions.

Step7

Create or join a support group for new parents. Check with your hospital, most either offer one or can connect you to parents of newborns.

Step8

Take care of yourself. Find and do something that makes you happy. Treat yourself to a small pleasure like ice cream, find rejuvenation in alone time, do your hair or nails once a week, take a hot shower, and most importantly, eat well!

Step9

Proper nourishment during this time is essential especially if you are nursing. Drink plenty of water and eat your fruits and veggies! You’ll get more energy from an avocado than potato chips.

Step10


When you feel at your lowest and you think that you’ll never make it, remember that most women do this multiple times because of the joy they receive from the experience.

Written by cestbourgogne

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