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OhBaby!

2020-2021

From Baby Bump to Baby's

First Birthday

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Pediatrics at O’Donovan

Pediatrics at Perkins Charles W. Daniel, MD Michelle L. Flechas, MD Gregory J. Gelpi, MD Mandy B. Grier, MD Jennifer M. Harris, MD Brett A. Hutchinson, MD Ashley A. Lucas, MD Sandy S. Reed, MD

Aimee Ferrell, MD David Hill, MD Rebecca Bokun, NP

Pediatrics at Prairieville Lisa Le, MD Amber Barksdale, NP Holly Schiele, NP

Pediatrics at Denham Springs Thiravat Choojitarom, MD Shana M. Hart, MD Karim Y. Suazo-Flores, MD Laura D Hollis, NP

Pediatrics at Goodwood H. Jay Collinsworth, MD Amber Denham, MD Paul J. Giorlando, MD M.P. Jayasankaran, MD Melissa McCormick MD (Video Visits Only) Michelle Breaux, NP Amanda K. Crawford, NP Margaret Leblanc, NP Mary Mazza-Ricketts, NP

Cammie Hilliard, MD Allison Prevost, MD Tracy Wallace, MD Dawn Zitman, MD Angela Shaw, NP Stephanie Weselak, NP

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Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Livingston JoNell H. Bolton, MD Catherine C. Spiller, MD

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With 15 convenient locations, we’re helping kids soar to better health. From online scheduling to extended hours to video visits, we’re committed to making it easy for you to keep your amazing kids healthy. Accepting new patients at all locations. To find a location near you and schedule an appointment, visit ololchildrens.org/pediatrics

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Cover photo by Butterflies of Hope

Staff BUSINESS MANAGER: Stephanie Schexnaydre DIRECTOR OF SALES: Peyvand Maghsoud ADVERTISING: Martine Duhe JoLynn Burns DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Aanifa LeBlanc Liz Arceneaux Shaun Hebert Brittney Naquin SPONSOR PHOTOGRAPHER: Butterflies of Hope For more information or to get a copy of Oh Baby! contact the Weekly Citizen at 225-644-6397

2020-2021 54

Getting Ready for Pregnancy

Birthstones

Choosing a Pediatrician

Common Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

Introducing the Fur Babies

Read to Your Baby

Finding an Obstetrician Nutrition: Eating for the Health of Your Family

Ultrasound/Sonograms: An Essential Part of Prenatal Care

Emotional Support During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Your Pregnancy Month by Month

How to Choose the Right Newborn Photographer

Hands and Feet

Bonding with Baby

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Baby's Early Education

Your Baby's Vision

Getting Your Body Back

Risk Factors in Pregnancy

Baby Nursery Design in 12 Easy Steps

Baby's First Tooth

Baby's Tooth Chart

Identifying Warning Signs of Pregnancy Danger

Budgeting for Baby... Now and in the Future

Car Seats

Baby's Nutrition: Learning the Dance of Breastfeeding

Hospital Bag Checklist

Prenatal Massage

How Will I Know When I'm In Labor

Pregnancy Milestones Preparing Children for Pregnancy and a New Baby Pregnancy Visits

Exercising During Pregnancy

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What to Expect at the Hospital

Finding the Perfect Name

Labor Memories

Your Baby's Birth Story

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Vaccine Tracker

70-75

Checkups

Tracking Your Baby... Developmental Milestones

Baby Milestones

Baby's First Birthday

The End of Infancy Tracking Your Toddler and Child

What do my parents think today?

Popular Baby Names

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Getting Ready for considering pregnancy, there is no better time to kick the habit!

AVOID STRESS High stress levels can wreak havoc on your hormonal system, thereby affecting ovulation and conception.

FITNESS MATTERS

hat most couples don’t realize when considering a baby is that it involves a lot of thought and planning. It’s not enough to be mentally ready – you have to be physically ready (fit), and healthy. This gives you a head start to having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

HOW TO GET PREGNANT As many of you know, conception is not as easy as it seems. While a few get lucky and conceive quickly, for others it can take longer than anticipated – sometimes years. By making a few healthy choices and lifestyle compromises you can increase your odds of getting pregnant. From eating the right foods to losing weight and cutting down on caffeine and alcohol, you can make a direct impact on your ability to conceive. If getting pregnant is high on your priority list, here are a few things you can do to increase your chances:

EAT HEALTHY There is nothing like a well-balanced diet to trigger your baby making process. Make sure to get ample doses of protein, zinc, iron, and Vitamin C to enhance your chances of conception.

SAY NO TO SMOKING Smoking affects fertility and also damages the ovaries. If you are

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Exercise regularly. Walk, swim, cycle or hike. Anything that gets you up and moving will do the trick. Being underweight or overweight can make conception harder and affect your baby’s health.

KEEP AWAY FROM ALCOHOL An occasional drink may not majorly impact fertility, but research has shown that alcohol impairs fertility and harms the developing fetus.

FREQUENCY Have frequent sex to increase your chances of conception. Most fertility experts feel that infrequent sex at the best time of the cycle is one of the most common causes of infertility.

How do you know you’re ovulating?

CLEAR INDICATIONS ARE: • Your cervical mucus becomes clear and slippery toward your ovulation date. • There is a slight rise in body temperature after you have ovulated.

THE SIGNS OF PREGNANCY One of the early positive signs of pregnancy is missing your period. This may differ from person to person. More symptoms that could confirm your pregnancy include: • Food aversions

Pregnancy • Frequent urination • Mood swings • Fatigue • High basal body temperature • Tender, swollen breasts • Darkened areola • Food cravings • Morning sickness • Positive home pregnancy test

STAGES OF PREGNANCY The nine-month pregnancy span is divided into three periods known as trimesters. During each of these trimesters, there are significant developments that occur.

FIRST TRIMESTER The baby grows quickly in this period. From being a tiny embryo, the fetus grows to the size of a kidney bean. It is continuously moving with its heart beating quickly and intestines forming. The earlobes, eyelids, mouth and nose are also taking shape.

SECOND TRIMESTER In the beginning of the second trimester, your baby is about 4 1/2 inches long and weighs about 45 grams from head to toe. The baby now has fingerprints! As the weeks go by, the skeleton starts to form and the baby develops the ability to hear. You’re likely to feel the “butterfly kicks” as a fluttering sensation that begins between weeks 18 and 22.

THIRD TRIMESTER In this final trimester your baby gains more weight. She/he can blink their eyes, and wrinkled skin starts to smooth. They also begin to grow fingernails, toenails and real hair. At full term, the average baby is more than 19 inches long and weighs nearly 7 pounds.

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Finding an

Obstetrician

also a good source for referrals. You can also call the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Washington, DC (202.638.5577). They can give you names of board-certified obstetricians in your area (www. acog.org).

What criteria should I use to choose my obstetrician?

inding a physician with whom you are comfortable with is very important. The ability to relax and ask questions is vital to a positive relationship and pregnancy.

How can I find an obstetrician to care for me during my pregnancy? If you’re seeing a gynecologist you like who practices obstetrics as well, you may want to ask him/her to care for you during your pregnancy. Ask your friends, relatives, someone who has recently had a baby or a person who works at a hospital in your area. Childbirth educators are

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Only you can decide what considerations are most important – this is a very personal decision. Keep in mind that you may be able to narrow your choices with a simple phone call – there’s no need to meet with a doctor who isn’t in your network of providers (insurance is an important benefit). Then add in the other factors (friends, family, educators) and you can refine your decision.

Here are some other things to consider: YOUR HEALTH HISTORY Do you have any chronic illnesses or previous complications that would require specialized care? Ask the doctors you’re considering what kind of experience they have with patients who have similar challenges.

THE DOCTOR’S OUTLOOK Find out the doctor’s attitude about issues that may be important to you – such as routine use of interventions like IVs, continuous electronic fetal monitoring, and episiotomy. You

cannot predict what your individual situation will require, but you can get an idea of the doctor’s approach to your care.

THE ANATOMY OF PRENATAL VISITS Prenatal visits are frequent. During the early stages of pregnancy, you’ll want a good rapport with your doctor; you’ll want to understand just what to expect; you’ll want to make sure that your requirements match what your doctor can deliver; you’ll have questions and apprehensions; make sure your doctor has the time to treat you properly. During the first meeting, the doctor will be able to give you the expected delivery date of your baby. This date is important for careful evaluation of the growing fetus. You may need further evaluation if you have any pre-existing conditions that could complicate your pregnancy. At each visit the doctor’s staff will record your weight, height, blood pressure, and do an evaluation as to your health. Blood tests will be done to screen for things like the mumps, measles, HIV, kidney disorders, diabetes, rubella, syphilis, etc. Outside of these tests, your doctor will ask about your lifestyle and eating habits and might ask you to make changes to accommodate your healthy pregnancy.

What to expect in future visits After your first prenatal visit, you may need to see your doctor every 4 weeks or so until the 28th week of pregnancy – after which you

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will need to see your doctor more often. In addition to these checkups, you may want to take advantage of other screening methods to assess your pregnancy and the development of your baby. This will be an important time to have open discussions with your doctor so he/she can offer good advice and evaluation. A sonogram or ultrasound will also be conducted in future visits. You will be advised throughout your pregnancy on essential nutrients required to assure that you are providing the best environment for you and your baby.

Questions for your Doctor... How many doctors are in the practice? Will I have a primary doctor throughout my pregnancy? What are the chances that my doctor will deliver my baby? What is the hospital affiliation? What is the cesarean rate? Does the doctor or group practice perform episiotomies as a matter of course? What is the doctor’s attitude about patients having a birth plan with personal preferences? How does the doctor feel about pain medication during birth? If I happen to be a high-risk pregnancy – what is the doctor’s experience? How many babies does the doctor deliver each year?

Ask Yourself... How comfortable do you feel with your doctor? Do you find it easy to ask your doctor questions? Does the doctor explain things clearly and completely? Does the doctor seem like someone who will respect your wishes? Before you move on to someone else, you might want to talk to the doctor about your concerns. If the problem can’t be resolved, or your worries aren’t addressed, don’t hesitate to change obstetricians or consider whether a midwife might be a better fit for you. BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

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ou’re pregnant! You’ve never had a better reason to eat healthy. A developing baby depends solely on the transfer of nutrients from the mother. These nutritional building blocks help maximize brain development, growth of all organs, and develop the integrity of your baby’s immune system The quality and the quantity of nutrition that you eat, the pollutants, drugs and infections that your body is exposed to during fetal development, and the stress level and state of mind that you adopt while pregnant are all factors that shape your baby, your life, the lives of your grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. That’s right, not only can you grow a healthy child,

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Eating for the Health of Your Family

Nutrition:

but you can also optimize the health of your family for three generations. Balance in your lifestyle choices can bring vital health to your pregnancy.

FIRST TRIMESTER In the first trimester of pregnancy by week 6, your baby has a beating heart, and by the 10th week of pregnancy you will have created all of the organs your child will have for the rest of their lives. During the first 13 weeks, it is common to feel nauseous, fatigued, and moody. Don’t worry, all those symptoms are perfectly normal, and you will not have to eat more now than if you weren’t pregnant. It’s often hard to eat in the first trimester because of

nausea. Focus on small and frequent snacks/meals that are protein rich (nuts and seeds, legumes, dairy, and lean animal) and always pair a carbohydrate with a healthy fat or lean protein. It is easy to mistake nausea with hunger and thirst. Try adding lemon, lime, mint, or ginger to your water or hot tea. These are natural ways to manage nausea. Adding magnesium rich foods can help as well: pumpkin seeds, spinach, Swiss chard, and chocolate.

SECOND TRIMESTER In the 2nd trimester your baby is laying down new bone. Bone building nutrients are a focus in the 2nd trimester. Most of us know the

role that calcium plays in strong bones, but did you also know that bones rely on vitamins A, D, and K, as well as the minerals boron, molybdenum, manganese, and magnesium? Focus on colorful fruits and vegetables daily to consume all of these vitamins and minerals. The goal is at least 1 food from each color daily: blue/purple, red, orange, yellow, white/tan, and green. The easiest way to achieve this goal is to make a daily smoothie loaded with fruits and veggies. Spinach is the mildest green vegetable to hide in a smoothie. Try a couple big handfuls, you’ll never know it is there!

THIRD TRIMESTER Did you know that your baby’s brain grows by 260% in the 3rd trimester alone? Now that’s brain power! Focus on brain building nutrients in weeks 28-40 to help maximize cerebral development: protein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, and B vitamins. All your healthy eating is starting to pay off. Even if you can’t see your baby eating, they are swallowing amniotic fluid daily and with it comes all the flavors of the foods you have been eating. Recent studies show that you can influence the palette of your child starting in utero. By choosing foods that have strong and complex flavors such as herbs and spices, and colorful fruits and vegetables, you can prime your baby to enjoy diverse flavors before food introduction.

TOP NUTRIENTS FOR PREGNANCY AND WHERE TO FIND THEM Protein—promotes cell growth and blood production. Protein is a long-lasting fuel source for your body as your energy requirements are in high demand. Found in lean meat, fish, poultry, egg whites, legumes, nuts and seeds, tofu, and tempeh. Carbohydrates—your body’s #1 fuel source. Found in whole grains,

non-starchy and starchy vegetables, fruits, legumes, and dairy/dairy alternatives. Fat—promotes healthy hair, skin, eye, nail, and membrane development and is a key part of your body’s energy stores. Found in olive oil, olives, avocado, coconut oil, sunflower oil, dark chocolate, nuts and seeds, seafood, and meat. Vitamin A—an antioxidant and fat-soluble vitamin that helps create skin, eye, brain, and bone health, and fights off viral infections. Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, bell peppers, parsley, Swiss chard, and collard greens. Vitamin C—an antioxidant and water-soluble vitamin that works in harmony with iron in your body. Vitamin C is also a co-factor in the production of L-carnitine. Vitamin C helps with muscle cramps, constipation, and is the key in collagen—daily Vitamin C helps your stretching skin and decreases the risk of perineum tears at delivery. Found in red bell peppers, kiwi, strawberries, parsley, broccoli, and citrus. Vitamin D—promotes a strong immune system, regulates insulin and blood sugar, lowers the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy, reduces the risk of asthma and wheezing in your baby, increases the birth weight for your baby, and decreases the risk of postpartum depression. Found from the SUN! 20 minutes of a pinking dose of sunshine daily yields 20,000 IUs of vitamin D. Food sources include: egg yolks, sardines, cod, shrimp, and dairy products. B Vitamins—B6, B12, and Folate—these water-soluble vitamins play their biggest role in cerebral development and decreasing the risk of neural tube defects. The neural tube opens and closes in the 1st 4 weeks of pregnancy. Taking B vitamins prior to conception is the best way to optimize cerebral health. B vitamins are energy producers, red

blood cell formers, nervous system health regulators, mood improvers, and sleep givers. We like them. Found in nutritional yeast, bananas, pork, green leafy veggies, legumes, yellow fruits and veggies, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. L-Carnitine—an amino acid that plays a crucial role in decreasing the risk of gestational diabetes. It is a big energy giver as well. Focus on this nutrient especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Found in red meat and pork, avocado, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, garlic, and parsley. Calcium—strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, and nerve function. Take calcium apart from iron as they bind in the body. Found in dark green leafy vegetables, rosemary, yogurt, kefir, milk, salmon, and sardines. Iron—crucial for red blood cell production, healthy brain health and myelin sheath (fatty coating on all neurons) formation, and energy production. Found in lean red meat, spinach, pumpkin seeds, kidney beans, tofu, Swiss chard, and edamame. Zinc—a mineral that helps balance blood sugar, is an immune system regulator, supports optimal sense of taste and smell, is crucial in wound healing, and helps you make prolactin: the hormone that helps you produce breastmilk. Found in crimini mushrooms, spinach, beef, lamb, summer squash, and calf’s liver. Probiotics—friendly bacteria that colonize in your gut to help boost your immune system health. 80% of your immune system comes from your gut lining. Probiotics help protect you and your child from infection, improve digestion and absorption of nutrients, and decrease the risk of allergies in your child. Found in kefir, yogurt, kimchi (fermented vegetables), sauerkraut, tempeh and natto (fermented soy beans), and miso (soy paste). Oh BABY! | 11

Ultrasound/Sonograms:

An essential part of Prenatal Care

or many Moms-to-be, a first ultrasound is a life-changing experience. As a medical procedure, it is one that patients look forward to. A fetal ultrasound or sonogram is an imaging technique that uses highfrequency sound waves to produce images of a baby in the uterus. An ultrasound can help your doctor evaluate your baby’s growth and development as well as gauge the progress of your pregnancy. Your first ultrasound will typically be done between 18 and 20 weeks, but you may have one before 12 weeks to confirm your due date. You may also have an earlier ultrasound -or more than one -- if yours is a highrisk pregnancy, if you have any pain or bleeding, if you have a history of having children with birth defects, or if another prenatal test or exam shows something abnormal. In addition, you’ll have additional ultrasounds if you have a chronic illness such as diabetes or a history of ovarian cysts or fibroids.

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A first trimester ultrasound exam is done to evaluate the presence, size, and location of your pregnancy. It also helps your doctor to evaluate any problems, screen for abnormalities, or confirm a diagnosis. If your baby’s health needs to be monitored more closely, additional ultrasounds will be recommended. What happens during an ultrasound? After you lay down on the exam table, a small amount of gel is applied to the skin of your abdomen. A device, called a transducer, is applied to your skin, sending highfrequency sound waves into your body that reflect off the internal structures. The echoes are received by the transducer and turned into a picture on the screen. All fetuses are approximately the same size in the early weeks of pregnancy, so a sonogram allows your doctor to approximate your due date. If you have your sonogram between weeks 7 and 13 weeks, your doctor can set your due date within

about 3 days! A mid-pregnancy ultrasound is done at around 20 weeks. This sonogram is also called the anatomy scan. Your doctor will listen to the baby’s heartbeat, check for physical abnormalities, check the organs, determine if there’s more than one pregnancy (twins!), measure the amount of amniotic fluid, check the location of the placenta, and measure your baby to be sure he or she is the right size for his or her gestational age. And yes – determine the sex of your baby…This is the exam where you can catch a glimpse of your baby – and go home with a picture or two! When properly done, an abdominal ultrasound poses no risk to you or your baby. In fact, there are many benefits to checking on your baby’s development during pregnancy. It is generally advised that an ultrasound be performed only if medically indicated.

Your Pregnancy

Month by Month

ONE MONTH Your baby is an embryo consisting of two layers of cells from which all her organs and body parts will develop.

TWO MONTHS Your baby is now about the size of a kidney bean and is constantly moving. He has distinct, slightly webbed fingers.

THREE MONTHS By now your baby is about 3 inches long and weighs nearly an ounce. Her tiny, unique fingerprints are now in place.

FOUR MONTHS Your baby is now about 5 inches long and weighs 5 ounces. His skeleton is starting to harden from rubbery cartilage to one.

FIVE MONTHS Eyebrows and eyelids are now in place. Your baby would now be more than 10 inches long if you stretched out her legs.

SIX MONTHS Your baby weighs about a pound and a half. His wrinkled skin is starting to smooth out as he puts on baby fat.

SEVEN MONTHS By now, your baby weighs about 3 pounds and is more than 15 inches long. She can open and close her eyes and follow a light.

EIGHT MONTHS Your baby now weighs about 4Âž pounds. His layers of fat are filling him out, making him rounder, and his lungs are well developed.

NINE MONTHS The average baby is more than 19 inches long and weighs nearly 7 pounds now, but babies vary widely in size at this stage. Oh BABY! | 13

Risk Factors in

Pregnancy

• Gestational Diabetes • Multiple-birth pregnancy • Seizure disorders • Blood clotting disorders • Advanced maternal age • Preeclampsia (toxemia) • Infectious diseases • Repetitive pregnancy loss • Suspected abnormal fetal growth In some cases, a pregnancy may be considered high risk if the mother has a family history of the following diseases: • Cardiac disease • Renal disease • Gastrointestinal disease • Cystic fibrosis Maternal Fetal Medicine providers are experienced in a wide variety of complex high risk maternal fetal conditions and will partner with you to improve care for mom and baby/babies. By working with your OB/GYN provider, the specialist can help co-manage the high-risk pregnancy to ensure that you are closely monitored.

lthough many pregnancies are considered normal and only need standard prenatal care from an Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) provider, there are certain circumstances that may require you or your baby to have additional testing, monitoring and treatment. Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists have the expertise and services to help manage high-risk pregnancies. Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists have advanced expertise in obstetric complications of pregnancy and their effects on the mother and baby. These providers are fully trained and qualified OB/GYN physicians who, upon completing a three-year fellowship, are certified as subspecialists by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). This additional training allows the providers to care for women with issues deemed to be high risk to the mother or baby; including, but not limited to: • Heart or kidney disease • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

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Maternal Fetal Medicine Services Include: • Genetic counseling • Pre-conception counseling • First trimester screening • Second trimester screening • Evaluation of fetal anomalies and growth disorders • Non-invasive prenatal testing Some women with high-risk pregnancy symptoms may require a single consultation with a Maternal Fetal Medicine provider before or during pregnancy to help them prepare and to provide guidance to their obstetrician for managing their high-risk pregnancy. Other women may require ongoing specialist care throughout the pregnancy to help monitor the health of mother and baby by performing comprehensive fetal assessments with ultrasound and/or invasive evaluations. Following delivery, a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist may be consulted to diagnose or manage postpartum symptoms related to the high-risk pregnancy. Ask your OB/GYN provider about the Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists in your area.

Identifying Warning Signs of

or many pregnant women and expectant parents, the whole pregnancy phase is fraught with physical and emotional changes. Pregnancy should be the time for women to be vigilant about their health. Pregnancy complications are not uncommon and while most problems may be relatively mild and can be immediately treated, in other cases, warning signs can carry some significant health risks to the child, mother and possibly both. Although it is generally advised for pregnant women to have frequent doctor visits, it is equally important to be aware of the possible danger signs to look for during pregnancy. These include the following signs: • Vaginal bleeding • Sudden weight gain • Fever • Chills • Seeing spots • Persistent headache • Burning sensation when urinating • Vomiting • Blurred and/or double vision • Lower abdominal pain • Thigh pains • No baby movements for 12 hours • Premature cramping • Persistent lower back aches • Nausea

Pregnancy Danger

MISCARRIAGE Bleeding during the first trimester can be a sign of possible miscarriage. According to statistics, about 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. These incidents usually occur when a woman is not aware that she is pregnant. Clots, bleeding and cramping are among the most common signs of miscarriage.

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY There are some cases the fertilized egg may not reach its correct position in the uterus and the embryo grows on the fallopian tube. Since it grows in an abnormal location, it causes tears in the blood vessels and delicate structures. It is known to display the following symptoms: lower back pains, nausea, lower abdominal pain, and cramping. This can require surgery to remove the nonviable embryo.

PREMATURE LABOR One of the most common problems of pregnancy is premature labor and delivery. Babies born prematurely run the high risk of having respiratory problems and underdeveloped lungs.

HYPERTENSION Elevated blood pressures are a common complication that occurs in 3 percent of pregnancies. It can cause some adverse effects on the placenta as well as the fetus. Severe elevation of blood pressure can cause pain in the abdomen, fluid retention, seeing spots, and headaches.

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BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Pregnancy

Milestones

Record these important milestones, along with your emotions at the time. They’ll make terrific entries in your little one’s book! First time I heard my baby’s heartbeat: ________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ First time it really sank in that I was going to be a mom: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ First time a stranger asked me if I was pregnant: ________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ First time I experienced morning sickness: _____________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ First time I bought a new-baby outfit: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ First time I wore a maternity dress: ___________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ First time I couldn’t button my pants: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ First time my parents found out I was having a baby: ____________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ First time I saw my baby on an ultrasound:_____________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ First time I could not longer see my feet: ______________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ First time I felt my baby hiccup: ______________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ First time I felt the baby kick: ________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Preparing Children for Pregnancy and a

our childâ€™s age will play an important factor in determining how your child or children will react to your new pregnancy. For example, a toddler might not understand the concept of pregnancy until they actually see and meet the new baby. Sharing the news with a preschool-aged child may be confusing because they may not understand why they have to wait so many months to meet their new baby brother or sister. The news of your pregnancy may make your child feel nervous, threatened, or unloved. It is important to talk to your child about how they will be a big brother or big sister, because the feelings that they are experiencing will

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New Baby

be a normal reaction to your pregnancy. Theyâ€™ll notice your changing shape and overhear conversations about pregnancy. So it is important to make time for your child or children and give them space when needed. It is also important to offer reassurance that you will provide enough love to be passed around to all of your children. Remember to wait until you are in your second trimester before spreading your news in the event of a miscarriage. Try to set a couple of nights aside right before the baby is born to spend some time alone with your child or children. Explain to them that while the new baby will take up a lot of your time, you still love them very much and will make special time for just the two of you.

Pregnancy

Visits

Date:________________________________________________________________________________________ The week of my pregnancy:____________________________________________________________________ Weight:______________________________________________________________________________________ Weight gained since the start of my pregnancy:____________________________________________________ Blood pressure:_______________________________________________________________________________ Fundal height:________________________________________________________________________________ Babyâ€™s heart rate:______________________________________________________________________________ Other tests:__________________________________________________________________________________ Prescribed medications:________________________________________________________________________ What I can expect before my next prenatal visit:___________________________________________________ Instructions from my doctor:____________________________________________________________________ How much weight should I gain:________________________________________________________________ Notes:_______________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________

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Pregnancy

Visits

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Pregnancy

Visits

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Pregnancy

Visits

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Pregnancy

Visits

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Pregnancy

Visits

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Pregnancy

Visits

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BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Prenatal

Massage

herapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension. Massage during pregnancy can offer the same benefits. Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce stress, reduce anxiety, relieve muscle and joint pain, and improve labor outcomes, and newborn health. Before getting a massage, check with your doctor to make sure he or she advocates a particular technique. You will find that most massage therapists avoid massage during the first trimester of pregnancy and will require that you get clearance from your doctor during this time. A pregnancy massage typically lasts an hour and often requires the use of a pregnancy massage table (a table designed to accommodate a woman’s pregnant belly) or specially designed pillows or bolsters to accommodate the belly or side-lying. Discuss with your therapist what feels most comfortable to you. Massage during pregnancy is not an indulgence, it can be an instrumental ingredient in a

woman’s prenatal care. It is important to seek care from a certified prenatal massage therapist. These therapists have received training beyond the national standards and know how to address specific pregnancy needs. Further, they are aware of how to position you safely to prevent strain on the uterine ligaments and can watch for symptoms of blood clots and varicose veins. Pregnancy massage experts adapt their techniques to address the changes in a woman’s body. Blood volume increases dramatically – as much as 50% during pregnancy, yet blood flow to the legs can often be slow or sluggish as levels of anticoagulants in the blood naturally rise. These circulatory changes put pregnant women at risk of blood clots in the lower legs, so the massage therapist uses light, slow strokes and avoids deep massage and strong pressure on the legs – and all leg massage strokes should move toward the heart. Edema or swelling of the joints during pregnancy is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce the collection of fluids in swollen joints. Later in pregnancy, as the uterus rests on the muscles of the pelvic floor, a pregnant woman experiences sciatic nerve pain. Massage addresses the inflamed nerves by releasing tension on nearby muscles. Swedish Massage is the recommended massage method during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts. Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to a woman’s prenatal care. This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. If you have recently experienced bleeding, pre-term contractions, are a high risk pregnancy, have high blood pressure, pregnancy induced hypertension, preeclampsia, swelling, severe headaches, or have recently given birth should speak to their health care provider prior to receiving a massage. The benefits of massage can improve overall prenatal health for many pregnant women. Along with the guidance and advice of a prenatal care provider, massage therapy can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement shown to improve pregnancy outcome and maternal health. Consult with your midwife or obstetrician before beginning any new therapeutic practice. Oh BABY! | 27

Exercising during Pregnancy

helps keep you

Healthy

EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY – MYTH BROKEN It is a myth that exercising during pregnancy can be harmful to the unborn as well as the mother. In fact, exercising during pregnancy is beneficial for both the mother and the child. It reduces physical discomfort, and also reduces stress and labor length. Here’s a list of frequently asked questions with answers about exercise during pregnancy:

IS IT SAFE TO DO WORKOUTS DURING PREGNANCY? Working out during pregnancy is not only safe, but healthy if you do not have any complications during the pregnancy period. It is recommended that you consult your doctor or midwives and get their approval.

WHY IS EXERCISE NECESSARY DURING PREGNANCY? Research tells us that working out or mild exercise during pregnancy helps in reducing backaches, swelling of ankles, and constipation – some of the most common problems faced by pregnant women. In addition, exercise gives you energy and makes you feel fresh.

DOES EXERCISE HELP DURING PREGNANCY? The answer is ‘Yes’. Exercising during pregnancy promotes muscles, strength, and endurance, thereby, helping the mother to carry the additional weight gained during pregnancy.

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I DO A RIGOROUS WORKOUT. IS IT SAFE DURING PREGNANCY? According to a study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, healthy, wellconditioned women who exercised before pregnancy may continue to do so throughout their pregnancy without compromising their baby’s health or development. Be particularly careful during the first trimester – don’t overdo.

FOR HOW LONG SHOULD I EXERCISE? The workout should be approximately 45 minutes long and should include a warmup, the workout, and a cool down.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE WHILE EXERCISING DURING PREGNANCY, IF I HAVE NEVER

WORKED OUT BEFORE? Talk to your doctor or midwife. As long as you have permission to proceed, you can engage yourself in mild exercise, like walking or swimming.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIRTH OF MY CHILD, WHAT EXERCISES CAN I DO TO REGAIN MY SHAPE? Make sure you are physically ready before you start with the process of regaining your shape. Once you think you are fit to start with an exercise regimen, begin with stretching and firming exercises, gradually add a second set of exercises. Just remember that you need to follow normal exercise safety like, drinking lots of water, stopping immediately if you feel any pain etc. Most importantly, remember to speak to your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.

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Finding the Perfect

Name

BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

hoosing a name for your baby isn’t as easy as it seems. Take the time to choose a name with meaning, one that you and your child will be proud of, one that fits your family. Consider the number of syllables, what nicknames can be derived from the chosen name, how you and your partner feel about the name (it’s nice to agree on it). Your baby will wear the name you choose for life, which is why it is so important to put a lot of thought into it. Your child will be known on the playground, in an interview, professionally, and to future generations by the name you choose.

AVOID NAMES WITH INITIALS THAT SPELL OUT WORDS

commonly used nicknames like “John” or “Mary.”

SHOULD YOU HONOR A FAMILY MEMBER? If you genuinely like the idea of naming your baby after a family member, then by all means go ahead. Just make sure you like the name. If you don’t prefer it, use it as the middle name. Remember – it is your decision. Family names are unique and valued – they should be considered. Use your mother’s surname as a first or middle name, for example. Search your family names – you might just come up with something unique, something special.

GO WITH YOUR HEART!

Would you name your baby Richard Alexander Thompson? Maybe, until you saw “RAT” on a monogrammed baby gift! Try to choose a name that doesn’t spell out an unexpected word with an unpleasant connotation.

There are so many things to consider! When your baby is born, you realize it’s all a matter of feeling, not logic. Stick with the name you genuinely love and welcome your child into the family with it.

THINK ABOUT NICKNAMES

FIVE TIPS ON GETTING STARTED:

Are you prepared to hear your child called by a nickname? Andrew will inevitably become “Andy” some of the time, even if you insist on the formal name. Make sure you like the potential nicknames associated with the name you choose. But if you have strong feelings against them, think about choosing another name with nicknames you like better, or consider names without

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• Make a list of the names you favor most. • Consider the middle and last name as well. • Avoid names that remind you of people you dislike. • Think about the nicknames. • Most importantly, go with your gut!

Popular Baby Names for

2020

Here are the yearâ€™s most popular baby names for girls and boys. These baby name lists base popularity ranking on a single spelling of a name (Sophia and Sofia, for example, are considered two different names). 1

Liam

11 Sebastian

21 Samuel

Julian

Lincoln

Noah

12 Mason

22 Owen

Aiden

Anthony

William

13 Ethan

23 Jack

Jaxon

Gabriel

Oliver

14 Logan

24 John

Asher

Jayden

Lucas

15 Michael

25 Theodore

Matthew

Ezra

Benjamin

16 Daniel

26 David

Leo

Caleb

Elijah

17 Jacob

27 Carter

Hudson

Isaiah

James

18 Jackson

28 Levi

Luke

Elias

Henry

19 Mateo

29 Joseph

Isaac

Josiah

10 Alexander

20 Wyatt

30 Grayson

Dylan

Thomas

1 Emma

11 Evelyn

21 Scarlett

31 Madison

Addison

2 Olivia

12 Luna

22 Sofia

32 Riley

Hazel

3 Ava

13 Abigail

23 Penelope

33 Everly

Leah

4 Amelia

14 Camila

24 Layla

34 Stella

Violet

5 Isabella

15 Aria

25 Grace

35 Aurora

Zoe

6 Sophia

16 Ella

26 Nora

36 Lily

Audrey

7 Charlotte

17 Elizabeth

27 Eleanor

37 Ellie

Bella

8 Mia

18 Avery

28 Zoey

38 Hannah

Natalie

9 Mila

19 Emily

29 Chloe

39 Lillian

Willow

10 Harper

20 Victoria

30 Nova

40 Emilia

Genesis Oh BABY! | 31

Birthstones

e all know the basics of the birthstone. Each month has a special stone or several gemstones assigned to that particular month of the year you were born, your “natal” stone. Most people don’t realize the history and folklore associated with the birthstone. The first mention of “natal” stones in history is that they were derived from the twelve stones assigned to the twelve tribes of Israel and mentioned in the book of Exodus in the Holy Bible. It wasn’t until the 18th century in Poland that birthstones were regularly worn. At that time, gemstones were worn for medical healing, believing that each person’s birthstone had the power to heal certain ailments. The current birthstone list dates back to 1912, although the tanzanite was later added to December and the spinel was just added to August.

JANUARY - GARNET Signifies trust and friendship. Garnet was known in ancient times as carbuncle. It was thought that carbuncle was one of the four stones given to King Solomon by God.

FEBRUARY – AMETHYST It was believed by ancient Romans that amethyst could ward off drunkenness if placed in the mouth during consumption. It was once reserved for royalty.

MARCH – AQUAMARINE & BLOODSTONE The color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded. Aquamarine was believed to protect sailors as well as guarantee a safe voyage. As legend tells, bloodstone was created when drops of Christ’s blood stained some jasper at the foot of the cross.

APRIL – DIAMOND A diamond is said to signify a person’s honesty, by growing dim if the wearer lies. The theft of a diamond is said to bring bad luck on any who possess the stone.

MAY – EMERALD Egyptians believed that emeralds stood for rebirth, fertility, and that it could ease childbirth. Early gemstone cutters would gaze at emeralds to rest their eyes.

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the beauty...the love JUNE – ALEXANDRITE, PEARL, & MOONSTONE

Alexandrite is always capitalized because it was named after Prince Alexander of Russia who later became Czar Alexander II in 1855. It was discovered in Russia on the prince’s birthday in 1839. As the story goes, Cleopatra told Marc Anthony she could consume the wealth of an entire nation in one meal; the value worth thirty million Sesterces (“the price of a kingdom in one mouthful”). So, she crushed a magnificent pearl, added it to her glass of wine, and drank it.

JULY – RUBY Ruby is said to bring serenity, and protect against injury. The ruby was said to be the most precious of the twelve stones God created. When God created all things, a ruby was placed on Aaron’s neck by God’s command.

AUGUST – PERIDOT & SPINEL Peridot was once thought to lessen thirst during fever, if held under the tongue. Peridot was also thought to have the power to break evil spells, and drive away evil spirits. Some famous “rubies” in the crown jewels were later found to actually be spinel.

SEPTEMBER – SAPPHIRE It has been said that Moses was given the ten commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it the most sacred gemstone.

OCTOBER – PINK TOURMALINE & OPAL Tourmaline is believed to strengthen the body, and spirit, especially the blood and nervous system. Opal was once thought to have the power to preserve the color and life of blond hair.

NOVEMBER – CITRINE & YELLOW TOPAZ Citrine was known as the healing quartz. The Greeks believed that topaz had the ability to make its wearer invisible.

DECEMBER – TURQUOISE, ZIRCON, AND TANZANITE Warriors would fix turquoise to the end of their bows to insure accurate shots. Zircon was thought to prevent nightmares.

Great Gifts For

BABY COMPLIMENTARY ENGRAVING

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Choosing a

f you already have a family doctor, you may not think you need a pediatrician. Although a general physician is licensed to care for children, they lack the training of a pediatrician. To become a pediatrician, a doctor has to have four years of medical school and three more years of residency working solely in pediatrics. Some are further specialized in a field like neonatology or cardiology. You should start looking for a pediatrician in the seventh month of pregnancy. Start compiling the list by asking family and friends if they have any recommendations. Check with your insurance company for eligible pediatricians and with your local hospitals to see if they have referral services. Ask your obstetrician or family doctor if they know of someone. Research. Ask yourself if you want a male or female doctor. There may be a point when your child gets older that they will feel more comfortable with a doctor of the same sex. Do you want an older or younger doctor? An older doctor will have more experience, but could be set in their ways and not open to new technology or methods. They might be thinking about retirement. A younger doctor, on the other hand, may be more open to new technology or methods, but lack the experience of an older doctor. Like choosing an obstetrician, do the work – find out what fits you and your lifestyle. You’ve narrowed your list of choices, now comes some

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Pediatrician

investigative work. Before interviewing a pediatrician, check with the state medical board to see if any disciplinary action or professional peer reviews have been made against the pediatrician. Check out the books put out by the Director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group. These list doctors who have been disciplined by a state or federal government. As you interview the candidates on your list, look for a pediatrician who is open-minded and compassionate to your feelings and thoughts. Make sure the pediatrician is covered by your insurance and will actually be seeing your child. Most pediatricians will do these interviews for free, but some will charge. If they charge, see if the fee can be applied to the first office visit. If a pediatrician won’t do an interview, be wary of them. Once you have made your choice, there are no hard and fast rules that say you have to stick with it. If you ever become concerned with your child’s care, discuss the situation with the pediatrician. If the problem continues, find a new pediatrician. Choosing a pediatrician for your child may be the single-most important decision you make for their young years. Unfortunately, most people don’t spend enough time doing so. Next to parents, a pediatrician is one of the most important people in a child’s life, so choose wisely.

Common Questions to Ask Your

Pediatrician

Before going in for the interview, check out the office. Is it clean and organized?

Can they be reached with questions, either routine or emergency?

Are there separate waiting rooms for sick and healthy kids?

Do they have specific call-in times?

Is the staff courteous? Do they listen to parentsâ€™ concerns?

Do they have a Website that will allow you to reach them by email?

What are the office hours?

In the event your child becomes ill, when would they refer your child to the emergency room?

Is there a lab on site?

What hospital do they use?

What doctor is recommended for work not done on site?

Who covers when they are away?

Do they do eye and hearing checks in the office?

Are there resident physicians, nurse practitioners, medical students and nurses on staff?

How easy is it to get through on the telephone?

How involved will they be in caring for your child?

Is the practice large or small?

What kind of time will they spend with your child at a typical visit?

Is there more than one office? How much time is spent at each office? When you interview the pediatrician, ask them about their educational background. How long have they been in practice? Are they board certified? How do they stay current on the latest medical developments?

When do they prescribe medication? What kind of medication do they regularly prescribe? How do they handle a situation where you disagree with their treatment? If your family situation is nontraditional, how will the pediatrician and the office staff treat you?

Oh BABY! | 35

Emotional Support During

Pregnancy and Postpartum

regnancy is one of the times in a woman’s life that she feels the most fragile. Regardless of whether or not the pregnancy was planned and hoped for or unplanned and shocking, finding out that you are pregnant brings with it a host of emotions. When you combine these emotions with an assault of early pregnancy hormones, the need for emotional support is greater than at any other time in their lives. Research has shown that up to a third of women experience clinical depression or an anxiety disorder during some point in their pregnancy. Yet these studies also show that fewer than 20% of women seek treatment. Many women are ashamed to admit that pregnancy bliss is not what they are experiencing. Sometimes they do not tell those that are closest to them. Many women find themselves suffering in silence throughout their pregnancy, hoping against hope that things will just get better. The days following giving birth are also a very vulnerable time for women. The sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone, coupled with a lack of sleep, are the perfect recipe for what is referred to as the “baby blues.” During the first couple of weeks postpartum, up to 80% of new mothers experience feelings of sadness, anxiousness, and a sense of being overwhelmed. Symptoms are more severe with postpartum depression and include feeling numb, extremely sad, or angry.These mothers can experience a lack of interest in or excessive anxiety about their newborn. They may have feelings of hopelessness or not being able to cope. They may not be able to stop crying, have an inability to concentrate, or experience memory loss. Panic attacks, inability to sleep, and a general feeling of being unwell are also symptoms. In extreme cases, the mother may begin to believe that the people around her would be better off without her or wishing that her baby was never born. Untreated postpartum depression and anxiety can greatly hinder newborn attachment. It is during the first several weeks of a newborn’s life when he or she begins to recognize whether or not someone is going to be there to meet his or her needs. In these precious weeks of attachment and bonding, the baby learns trust, a vital stage in child development. Attachment difficulties are now known to be one of the causes of many issues later in the child’s life to include sensory processing disorders,

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lack of ability to trust other people, anxiety, and defiance. Emotional difficulties, both during pregnancy and postpartum, can be successfully treated through the use of psychologically therapeutic techniques. The therapist or counselor can assist the mother in learning ways to best cope with these life transitions. The professional can also assist the woman with ways to build a greater support system, if needed. They may also encourage a greater amount of personal self-care, including taking some breaks from the baby. The therapist or counselor can also work with the obstetrician or other physician to make the best decision about the necessity of medication. Your emotional health is vital to you and your baby, before and after birth. If you experience any of these common difficulties, do not hesitate to seek professional help and know that you are not alone.

BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Oh BABY! | 37

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How to Choose the RIGHT

Newborn Photographer

Choosing a Newborn Photographer can be a difficult task. Trusting your newborn in a strangerâ€™s arms is a little scary, therefore, careful consideration should be taken when choosing your newborn photographer. Here are some tips to consider when researching your newborn photographer.

Safety is the most important thing with any newborn photo session. *Has the photographer taken newborn posing and safety courses? *Does the photographer have an assistant to assist with positioning and spotting the baby? Babies should not be placed in certain poses and expected to support themselves. A trained assistant offers much needed additional safety. This also allows the parents to sit back and relax during the session. Compare apples to apples: Fees *Is there a required minimal purchase after the session fee? *Do the fees include digital images, if so, is there a limit to the file size in which you can print? How are the digital files delivered?

*Do the fees include parents and siblings or is this an additional fee? *Is the session in studio? *Does the photographer provide in home sessions? If so, is there an additional fee? *Does the fee include use of props or will you need to bring your own props? *What style photography does the photographer offer lifestyle, posed or both? *Does the photographer offer professional printing? *Does the photographer offer discounted pricing for first year packages? *What is the turn-around time to get your images back? *Does the photographer have a changing area for baby and is there a private area for nursing moms? *Does the photographer provide refreshments during the session? Newborn portraits are treasures that will provide memories to last you a lifetime! I hope this information guides you in choosing the best photographer to suite your needs!!

BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Oh BABY! | 39

Baby Nursery Design in

12 Easy Steps

ecorating a baby nursery can be a daunting prospect – especially for a first-time mom. There are so many decisions to make, and so little time…feeling stressed? Well that’s not good for the baby, so let us give you the basics for creating a haven for your little one… one step at a time…

to the expense) – just be aware that you need to keep it vacuumed to avoid allergens (and be prepared to spot clean – it’s inevitable). Other flooring options are hardwood, laminates, concrete – with the addition of a nice area rug or rug tiles. You can decorate a room around a rug – it can anchor your décor.

STEP 1:

STEP 7:

Baby safety is your first concern. Be sure to take this into account as you design your baby’s abode. Use a checklist for baby safety and plan accordingly.

After you’ve gotten the basics decided upon, it’s time to decorate the room. Do you have a theme? Is it about heirlooms? Colors? Style? Read decorating magazines, check out Pinterest, go shopping – you’ll see things you like and can build your baby’s room to perfection.

STEP 2: Decide on a room style. Cute, modern, traditional, whimsical, ethnic, the choice is yours. This decision will affect your furniture, theme, and color choices.

STEP 3: Select a crib. The crib will form the focal point or centerpiece of your baby’s room. Consider a convertible crib as this will save you money over time and will grow with the child (and everything will continue to match for years to come). When selecting, look for shape, style, finish or color, durability – do you like it? Very important.

STEP 4: Find baby nursery furniture to complement the crib. The dresser should match or mix well with the crib. The dresser can do double duty as the changing table (add a pad and safety straps and you’re set). Having said that – you can also get a changing table. If you use the dresser as the changing table, get one that is medium height – that allows you to lean over comfortably for needed supplies. The top drawer will hold all of your diaper-changing essentials – make sure the drawer is easy to get in and out of – it should glide/slide easily.

STEP 8: The color you choose for the walls will be influenced by your ‘theme’. The things you can do with paint are amazing – stripes, murals, stencils, multicolored walls – the background to your decorating vision.

STEP 9: Now the accessories are added to your vision…pictures, art, lamps, bedding, wall hangings, storage, fabrics – as you go through the process, shop for things that please your eye. BUT, stay with your vision – see it through to perfection. You will get sidetracked along the way – just look for the items that go with what you have, that fulfill the look, and that are pleasing to the eye. This is the room your child will grow up in and it is a room you want to be happy with too.

STEP 10: Curtains, blinds, shades – stay with the vision. Also make sure that you can block light when needed. Make sure the crib is not near these things as children tend to climb and are attracted to anything within reach (keep any and all cords away from the baby).

STEP 5:

STEP 11:

Lighting is essential – and must be flexible. Sometimes you’ll want it bright and sometimes soft. You want to be sure your night lighting allows you to see in the middle of the night (but not so it stimulates the baby). Consider a dimmer switch for your lighting.

Equipment – you’ll need a few extras: a baby monitor, a mobile, safety gates, high chair, stroller, travel crib, diaper bags, playpen, white noise machine, humidifier, diaper pail, a car seat, a baby carrier, a rocker or glider, shelves and bins for toys, outlet covers. That’s a good start.

STEP 6:

STEP 12:

If you already have wall to wall carpet in the room – that’s fine – you’re not likely to make the change (or go

You’re done. Now relax and wait for your baby to come and change your life forever.

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Budgeting for Baby...

Now and in the Future

new baby brings big financial changes and budgeting challenges…What does a baby cost? How do I plan financially for the arrival of my baby? What expenses will I incur before and after my child arrives? What plans should I be making to secure the future of my child? So many questions and concerns…and while some expenses are obvious – if you’re budgeting for baby, you have to plan for the unexpected. Government estimates suggest that you’ll spend about $10,000 on child-related expenses in the first 2 years of life. It is important to break down the one-time expenses – décor, equipment, gear; the monthly expenses – medical, food, clothing, toys, child care; and those unexpected expenses – life insurance, education savings.

family.

FIND CHILD CARE

Child care expenses can easily be the largest monthly expense for your baby. Take time to research your options. Child care facilities offer many options, levels of care, hours, food, classes, and other benefits and options – things you want to know when considering who cares for your child. Which facility or caretaker best fits your budget and lifestyle? Where do you feel your baby will feel safe and comfortable?

START PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Once your baby’s social security number is in your hand, look in to special savings accounts for college. Encourage family and friends to make contributions to this fund in lieu of toys for special occasions. Parents do just fine showering their children with toys and love…so make each special occasion a time to prepare for the future and contribute to this very important fund.

children requires that you have a will. Without a will, you have no say as to how your assets are distributed after your death. Use a professional, ask questions, execute a will that covers every concern. Should you have life changes – more children, adoption, marriage or remarriage, change of executor, moving to another state with different laws – update the will.

PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED – LIFE INSURANCE

You have big plans for your kids and want to see them realize their hopes and dreams. It’s hard enough to make that happen the way it is. But what if you, your spouse, or both of you were to suddenly be out of the picture? From diapers to diplomas, would there be enough income to pay for day care, education, and everything in between? Your children are your greatest responsibility, and life insurance can help them grow up in an environment where they’re physically and financially secure – even if something should happen to you. In addition to coverage for mom and dad, protection for your child is also important. The benefit for children’s coverage includes providing a solid financial basis early in life, protection, and final expense coverage should the unthinkable happen. Simply put, let life insurance be a part of creating a bright future.

Congratulations Congratulations Congratulations Graduates! 20162016 Graduates! 2016 Graduates!

PLAN FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES

Did you know you’re already financially planning for your little one’s arrival? You are making financial arrangements with your doctor and the hospital as you progress through your pregnancy. It will be important for you to contact your insurer to see what additional medical expenses you could incur in case of complications. You’ll need to have your child on a health plan by the time he or she is 30 days old. Talk to the professionals – get the best coverage for your child and your

PREPARE A WILL

A will is a financial responsibility you have to your new family member. If something should happen to you, it is important to decide who will step in as their legal guardian. Who will protect them financially? If for no other reason – taking care of your child or

SAVE

FOR THE

FUTURE 17445 Highway 77 Grosse Tete, La 70740 ph: 225.625.4056

11070 Highway 77 Maringouin, La 70757 ph: 225.625.4675

1086 Lobdell Highway Port Allen, La 70767 ph: 225.346.6705

www.guaranty-bnk.com HARLEY LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY

Locations: New Roads | Zachary | Livonia Port Allen | Maringouin | Grosse Tete

New Roads • Zachary • Livonia • Port Allen Roads| New |Livonia Zachary | | Livonia Allen | | Port Maringouin | Grosse Tete| Grosse Tete s New | Zachary Roads | Port Zachary Allen || |Port Maringouin Livonia | Grosse Allen Tete | Maringouin Maringouin • Grosse Tete

Oh BABY! | 41

At The Baton Rouge Clinic we understand that healthcare for children takes a special touch that includes compassionate care and attention to their unique needs and concerns. Our pediatricians and staff are dedicated to providing personalized, gentle care in partnership with parents to ensure that the best possible treatment is provided for the children.

NOW OFFERING FREE PRENATAL CLASSES with our pediatricians to discuss things to do before baby comes, what you can expect at the hospital, what to expect for your baby in the first days to weeks after birth, and more. For more information and to register please call (225) 246-9290.

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Parents, rest assured that our physicians are all board certified in pediatrics and will treat your children with kindness as well as the latest medical procedures – as will all of our nurses and support staff.

Our pediatric services include but are not limited to the following: PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE PEDIATRIC SCREENING SERVICES CIRCUMCISIONS FOR NEWBORNS EAR PIERCING

ADHD MANAGEMENT TRAVEL MEDICINE ADVISORY & IMMUNIZATION VACCINE ADMINISTRATION & TRACKING THROUGH LINKS*

*LINKS (Louisiana Immunization Network for Kids Statewide) is a statewide network that tracks immunizations for all children in Louisiana.

With 22 pediatricians, 2 pediatric locations, 42 internists, & numerous specialties… we have everything you need to keep you and your family healthy and happy.

WE NOW HAVE 2 LOCATIONS! The Baton Rouge Clinic – Main 7373 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 The Baton Rouge Clinic – Pediatrics at Industriplex 12351 Industriplex Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

(225) 769-4044 l www.BatonRougeClinic.com

Oh BABY! | 43

Car Seats...

Get there safely in the right car seat Y

our baby will soon be going places! The most important thing to know about car seats is that your child should be in a rear-facing car seat until the age of 2. There are three types of rear-facing car seats. Each will work for a child less than 2 years of age who still meets the weight and height limits.

up really fast and keeping your baby safe is the most important thing. Here are a few tips to help you through the time and transition:

DON’T BE IN A HURRY!

People often buy this type of seat because it is portable. Most, but not all, can be used in strollers that are sold with the car seat or those recommended by the manufacturer. Caregivers can also purchase extra bases for the car seat so that it can be used in several cars.

The safest car seat for children under the age of 2 is a rear-facing seat. The new SC State Law requires a rearfacing seat until the child is 2 years of age. Riding in a rearfacing car seat will help protect your child’s head, neck and spine in a crash. Kids grow a lot during the first two years, so you may have to move your child from a smaller rear-facing-only car seat to a bigger convertible car seat or a 3-in-1 car seat installed in the rear-facing position.

CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT.

CHECK THE LABEL.

REAR-FACING ONLY SEAT.

This seat is larger and stays in the car. It can be used rear facing until your child is at least 2. After that, it can change to a forward-facing seat.

3-IN-1 CAR SEAT.

This seat also stays in the car. You can use it rear facing, forward facing, and then later, as a booster seat. Of course you want to turn your baby around – you want her to see the same big world that you see when traveling together as a family. Just know that children grow

44 | Oh BABY!

Your child will be ready for a larger, rear-facing car seat when she passes the weight or height limit on the car seat label or when her head is within one inch of the top of the car seat.

LONG LEGS?

Older children with longer legs can stay in a rear-facing car seat as long as they comfortably cross their legs. All children, even those with special healthcare needs, follow the same rules for staying safe in the car.

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Oh BABY! | 45

Baby's Nutrition: Learning the

our first dance with a new partner can be a bit awkward. With practice, you both learn how to move with one another gracefully. Learning to comfortably nurse your baby is very much like learning to dance. It may not be perfect at first, but with practice, it becomes effortless. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively through baby’s first six months and continuing to breastfeed as you add in other foods during the first months 6-12. Even a small amount of breastmilk in the first few days after your baby’s birth makes a difference. Longer is better, but every ounce counts! Breastfeeding provides warmth and closeness. The physical contact helps create a special bond between you and your baby. Breast milk has many benefits – it is easier to digest, doesn’t need to be prepared, and it is always available. It has all the nutrients, calories, and fluids your baby needs to be healthy and growth factors that ensure best development of your baby’s organs. Breast milk also has many substances that formulas don’t have that help protect your baby from many diseases and infections. In fact, breastfed babies are less likely to have ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, wheezing, bronchiolitis, and other bacterial and viral infections. Breastfeeding is good for Mom too. It helps to release hormones in your body that promote mothering behavior and return your uterus to the size it was before pregnancy more quickly. It also burns calories, which may help in losing pregnancy weight. Breastfeeding will delay the return of your menstrual period to help keep iron in your body. It also keeps bones strong.

PLAN AHEAD Attend a breastfeeding class. It is important to learn how to latch the baby to the breast correctly so that you are comfortable and the baby is effective at getting milk. Check your local health department and area hospitals for breastfeeding classes. Ask friends and family members who breastfed for their support. You can get excellent and accurate information from www.womenshealth.gov. Include breastfeeding goals in your birth plan. Ask about skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth. Research shows it eases the baby’s transition into the world. Often referred to as ‘kangaroo care,’ this close contact helps stabilize baby’s breathing and heartbeat – and has been shown to increase milk supply. 46 | Oh BABY!

Dance of

Breastfeeding

ESTABLISH A SUPPORT SYSTEM New Moms need support and reassurance. While you are pregnant, develop a list of ‘who to call’ in case you have questions or concerns. It can be a friend who had a successful breastfeeding experience or a lactation professional. Most hospitals have lactation professionals on staff and they will consult with you on the phone or in person. You can search ‘find a lactation consultant’ at www.ilca.org. The La Leche League offers support groups.

INTERVIEW PEDIATRICIANS When choosing a Pediatrician, be sure to ask if he or she has experience supporting breastfeeding Mothers and babies. Your baby’s doctor will be a valuable part of your support system. They are the best source of information about medications you may be prescribed during the postpartum period.

IF YOU ARE RETURNING TO WORK OR SCHOOL Let your employer know that you will need regular breaks to pump human milk for your infant and ask about a comfortable, private space. Your insurance may provide a double electric pump or you can buy or rent one. A good pump is critical. Ask a lactation counselor about the best models. Take a few weeks to practice pumping before you return to work. Work with your childcare provider to plan baby’s feeding around your schedule.

We know

babies don’t wait.

Keeping you connected from home before and after delivery to care for your new bundle of joy…

100 Woman’s Way

Babies Don't wait Oh baby ad.indd 1

Download Woman’s Pregnancy mobile app

Call your OB-GYN about a telemedicine appointment

Call our breastfeeding Warmline at 225-924-8239

Text our OB Nurse Navigator at 225-314-8485

Get video breastfeeding support with BreastTime

A nonprofit organization

I womans.org/connect

7/7/20 10:55 Oh BABY! | AM47

BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

48 | Oh BABY!

Hospital Bag

Checklist

Reduce your stress by packing for your trip to the hospital a few weeks before your expected due date.

For Mom ____ Bath Robe

____ Lotion

____ Night Gown

____ Hair Ties and Pins

____ Pajamas

____ Pillow

____ Loose Comfy Clothing

____ Tennis Ball for Labor Massage

____ An Outfit to Leave In

____ Cell Phone and Charger

____ Slippers

____ Camera and Charger

____ Nursing Bras

____ Music Player/Laptop/Tablet

____ Several Pair of Comfortable Underwear

____ Snacks for Husband/Family

____ Socks

____ Coins for Vending Machine

____ Nursing Pads/ Nipple Cream

____ Birth Plan

____ Toiletries and Makeup

____ List of Family Contacts

____ Brush and Blow Dryer

____ Magazines/Books

____ Glasses/Contact Lenses

____ Identification

____ Chapstick

____ Insurance Card/Info

For Baby ____ Going Home Outfit

____ Baby Finger Nail Clippers

____ Onesie/Sleepers

____ Car Seat

____ Baby Socks

____ Receiving Blankets

____ Baby Mittens/Hat

____ Newborn Diapers and Baby Wipes

Call List ___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________ Oh BABY! | 49

How will I know when I'm in

Labor? E

very woman’s labor is different, so pinpointing when yours begins isn’t really possible. However, some specific changes take place in prelabor, early labor and established (active) labor. Your body actually starts preparing for labor up to a month before you give birth. You may not recognize the changes at first, but there comes a time that you become aware of these new symptoms as your due date draws near. In the weeks and days before labor starts, your baby drops – you may feel what’s known as lightening a few weeks before labor starts. You breathe easier because the heaviness has shifted to your pelvis as opposed to just below your ribcage. You will have frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions signaling pre-labor. Your cervix ripens and you’re set for real labor. Some feel crampy (similar to when you had your period). Those Braxton HIcks contractions are tricky and can strike as often as every 10 to 20 minutes. You wonder if you're in real labor, but real labor contractions are most often longer, stronger, closer together, and cause your cervix to dilate. Your cervix starts to change – it softens and thins out. As your due date draws near, your doctor will do an exam, checking to see if your cervix has started to change. You may pass your mucus plug if your cervix begins to efface significantly or dilate as you get close to labor. This is the plug that has sealed your cervix canal during the past nine months. It can appear as

50 | Oh BABY!

discharge or in a lump. It might have pink, red, or brown blood. Your water breaks. When the fluid filled amniotic sac surrounding the baby ruptures, fluid leaks out from your vagina, and this is the time to call the doctor. Most women have regular contractions prior to the water breaking (but sometimes the water breaks first).

IN PRE-LABOR OR EARLY LABOR (THE LATENT PHASE), YOU MAY HAVE: • Persistent lower back pain or abdominal pain, with a premenstrual feeling and cramps. • Painful contractions that occur at regular and increasingly shorter intervals, and become longer and stronger in intensity. • Broken water. Your membranes may rupture with a gush or a trickle of amniotic fluid. Either way, call your maternity unit to let them know. • A brownish or blood-tinged mucus discharge (bloody show). If you pass the mucus plug that blocks the cervix, labor could be imminent, or it could be several days away. It’s a sign that things are moving along. • An upset tummy or loose bowels. • A period of feeling very emotional or moody. • Disrupted sleep.

HOW YOU WILL FEEL IN THE PRE-LABOR OR EARLY LABOR PHASES DEPENDS ON: • Whether you’ve had a baby before. • How you perceive and respond to pain.

• How prepared you are for what going into labor may be like.

WHEN SHOULD I CALL MY DOCTOR? You have probably talked to your doctor about what to do when you think you’re in active labor. But if you’re not sure whether or not the time has come, don’t be embarrassed to call. Doctors are used to getting calls from women who are uncertain if they’re in early labor or active labor, and who need guidance. It’s part of their job. A doctor can tell a lot by the tone of your voice, so talking helps. She’ll want to know how close together your contractions are, whether you can talk through a contraction, and any other symptoms you may have. If she thinks you’re still in early labor, she is likely to encourage you to go home until you’re in stronger active labor. Her decision will depend on how you’re coping and whether you’ve got a birth partner to support you.

YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF: • Your waters break, or if you suspect you’re leaking amniotic fluid. • Your baby is moving less than usual. • You have vaginal bleeding (unless it’s just a small amount after a membrane sweep or the blood-tinged mucus of the show). • You have a fever, severe headaches, or changes in your vision, along with abdominal pain.

CAN I HAVE CONTRACTIONS AND NOT BE IN LABOR?

This will depend on what time of day it is, what you like doing, and how you’re feeling. Keeping calm and relaxed will help your body to release the hormone oxytocin that you need for your labor to progress and will help you to cope with the contractions. Do whatever will help you stay relaxed. This could mean watching your favorite film, going for a walk, puttering around at home, or asking a trusted friend or relative over to keep you company. You could alternate between walking and resting, or try taking a warm bath or shower to ease any aches and pains. If you can, try to get some rest to prepare you for the work ahead. During early labor, you may feel hungry, so eat and drink if you feel like it. This will help to comfort you and may even help your labor to progress more smoothly.

Yes. You can have pre-labor contractions. These help your cervix to go through the changes it needs to before it starts to dilate. During dilation, your cervix moves from the back (posterior position) to the front (anterior position). It will also be shortening and thinning (softening and effacing). These changes may take place without you noticing over the last few weeks of your pregnancy. Or you may experience hours or days of cramps or contractions. These may be progressing the early changes in your cervix, even though they may not be dilating your cervix. A doctor can confirm whether cervical changes have started during an examination. If your baby has his head down but his back to your back, it can take longer for his head to engage and for labor to start. Your contractions may be erratic and low in intensity, and you may have a backache.

Your doctor will advise you about ways to cope at home until labor becomes stronger. Try a warm bath or massage to relieve the pain. If your baby is back-to-back, getting into an all-fours position, on your hands and knees, for half an hour or so now and again can help relieve backache.

CAN I TELL IF LABOR IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN SOON? Maybe. Signs of the approach of labor include: • Lightening, when your baby's head begins to drop into position in your pelvis. You may be able to breathe more deeply and eat more, but you'll also need to use the restroom more frequently, and walking may be more difficult. • Heavier and more mucus vaginal discharge. • More frequent and noticeably more intense Braxton Hicks contractions. • Mood swings and a surge of energy.

BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT SHOULD I DO EARLY ON IN LABOR?

Oh BABY! | 51

What to Expect at the

rom the first positive pregnancy test, many moms-to-be fret over labor. Writing a birth plan can help relieve your anxiety, and – like Kegels! – it’s a valuable predelivery exercise. A birth plan is a document that tells your medical team your preferences and desires for such things as how to manage labor pain. Most hospitals provide a birth plan worksheet or brochure that explains the hospital’s philosophy of childbirth – giving you options and guidelines. Much of your birth experience will be dictated by the setting you select and the caregivers assisting, so it’s important to learn your options before penning your preferences. In addition, it is impossible to completely control how your little one will make his or her grand entrance.

Things to Think About when Creating Your Birth Plan: Birth setting policies. You may want to chow down on hamburgers during labor, but many hospitals limit your consumption to ice chips. Get familiar with your delivery location’s policies ahead of time.

Procedures of your health care provider. Atmosphere. Do you want a high-energy ambiance with jazzy music or a quiet, softly lit setting for your baby’s big debut?

52 | Oh BABY!

Preparatory procedures. In earlier eras, a woman arriving at the hospital to give birth was given an enema and a trim (down there). Ask if these are still routine procedures where you’ll be delivering. They likely won’t be, but it’s better to know so there’s no surprise on labor day! Pain

management.

Is your strategy “Get an epidural ASAP!” or do you want to avoid pain medications if possible? What pain management techniques will you use?

Monitoring. Many hospitals use constant electronic fetal monitoring, but if you don’t want to be bedridden, intermittent monitoring may be an option.

Episiotomies and assisted birth. If your baby is being bashful, your caregiver may wish to perform an episiotomy – an incision between the vagina and anus – or use forceps or vacuum extraction. Discuss the pros and cons of each in advance.

C-section. In what circumstances would you want a cesarean to be performed? Does five hours of pushing grant a ticket to the OR or is your baby’s distress the only call for surgery? Discuss this with your physician.

Photos and videos. Do you wish to document every moment from the first twinge through baby’s first bath, or hold the flashbulbs until all are clean and content?

Hospital

Crowning. Some non squeamish mothers request to have a mirror positioned so they can see the baby crown (when his head first appears) or even reach down and touch his tiny noggin. Cutting the cord. Indicate when you’d like baby’s umbilical cord to be clamped, and specify whether daddy wants to take part in the snipping ritual.

Post Birth. “After a vaginal delivery, your delivery facility may practice placing baby immediately on your chest, known as skin-to-skin. This promotes bonding and successful breast feeding.” For a C-section, indicate who should bond with your baby while you recover.

Nursing. It is recommended to start breastfeeding right away; you can also ask the hospital staff not to offer baby a bottle or pacifier, which could interfere with nursing. Additional info. Mention factors that may affect your delivery, like if you’re blind as a bat without glasses, have gestational diabetes, or wish to bank baby’s cord blood. Don’t forget. While creating a birth plan is a great idea, don’t get so attached to it that you won’t allow any flexibility in the delivery room. Birth is different for every woman, every time, so no matter how much you plan there’s a good chance things won’t go exactly the way you envisioned them. Remember to expect the unexpected!

Labor

Memories

My contractions started on (date/time):_______________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ At first they felt like:________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ They were this far apart:____________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ They lasted this long:_______________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ The person I called first to tell:_______________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ His/her reaction:___________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Exciting Moments:__________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your Baby's Birth

Story

Birthplace:________________________________________________________________________________________ Time:______________________________________________ Date:___________________________________________ Length:____________________________________________ Weight:_________________________________________ Eye Color:__________________________________________ Hair Color:______________________________________ Who held baby first?________________________________________________________________________________ People who were there:____________________________________________________________________________ Exciting moments:__________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Oh BABY! | 53

These Tiny Feet and Hands Tiptoe and Crawl into your Heart

54 | Oh BABY!

and

Stay Forever

Left Hand

Right Hand

Left Foot

Right Foot

onding is the intense attachment that develops between parents and their baby. It makes parents want to shower their baby with love and affection and to protect and nourish their little one. Bonding gets parents up in the middle of the night to feed their hungry baby and makes them attentive to the baby’s wide range of cries. These strong ties between parent and child provide the baby’s first model for intimate relationships, gives them a sense of security, and positive self-esteem. A parents’ responsiveness to an infant’s signals can affect the child’s social and cognitive development. Affection stimulates your child to grow, learn, connect with others, and enjoy life.

Baby

Most infants are ready to bond right away and many parents feel an intense attachment right away, while others take a bit longer. Bonding is a process and for many parents the day to day care of their child creates that bond. You’re overcome with joy and filled with love that your child has just smiled at you…bonding. The more time a mother spends with their baby early on, the quicker mom and baby get to know each other. Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding are both natural times for bonding. When your baby is nestled against your chest, he can smell your scent and hear your heartbeat – all a part of the bonding process. As you focus on him with no distraction, you come to know his patterns, cries, quirks, needs, and style.

How to Bond:

Respond when your baby cries. Try to understand what he or she is saying to you. You can’t “spoil” babies with too much attention—they need and benefit from a parent’s loving care, even when they seem inconsolable. Hold and touch your baby as much as possible. You can keep him or her close with baby slings, pouches, or backpacks (for older babies). Use feeding and diapering times to look into your baby’s eyes, smile, and talk to your baby. Read, sing, and play peek-a-boo. Babies love to hear human voices and will try to imitate your voice and the sounds you make.

BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Bonding with

Oh BABY! | 55

Introducing the MEETING THE FAMILY POOCH

For years, your dog has been the one and only baby in the family. Now, there’s a new baby in town! It’s absolutely normal (and smart) to be concerned about your pet’s reaction to the baby. What you need to know is that the best way to introduce the new baby to the old baby (the family pet) is to start preparing the old baby almost as soon as you become pregnant. This can be done effectively no matter the age of the dog – yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks! The best place to start is by understanding your dog’s way of thinking. Dogs are pack animals and interact with their family in the same way they would interact with a dog pack. The most important thing in a dog’s life is pack structure. For a dog to feel that there is proper structure in its life, it needs to have a distinct pack leader that keeps the order in the family or pack. We like to think of our dogs as our children, but their needs are much different than the needs of a human baby. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you are providing the proper structure that the dog needs before you introduce the new baby to your pet. This is best done with the advice of a professional trainer that has experience in pack structure training. It is best to make sure your dog knows basic obedience commands like sit, stay, down, leash walking, and coming when called. If your dog doesn’t know these commands, a visit with a professional trainer is in order. When the dog has mastered the obedience commands, use them while doing things you will be doing when the baby comes. Wrap up a doll like a baby and rock it, feed it, and walk around with it. During these practices, periodically reward the dog with treats so that it associates baby activities with something positive. Babies make strange sounds, so help the dog get accustomed to

56 | Oh BABY!

Fur-Babies

the noises by playing recordings. Set up a safe area for the dog to retreat to when the baby is crying or there’s additional baby commotion. This could be the laundry room, an office, or any other room that will allow the dog to escape and relax. Have water, a crate, sleeping pads, and anything that makes the dog feel secure in the safe area. Dogs are naturally denning animals, so they like small spaces, such as crates to retreat to when they are scared or stressed. Make sure the dog’s routine is kept as normal as possible, both when you are in the hospital and when you return home with the new baby. This routine should consist of a feeding schedule (never feed the dog around the baby), a walking schedule, and brief play times without the new baby. Prior to bringing the baby home, have someone bring home something that has the baby’s smell on it, like a blanket or clothing, so the dog can become familiar with the baby’s odor. Be sure to devote the same amount of attention to the dog as before. If you go for a walk with the baby, take the dog. Acclimate your dog to the baby stroller before walking your dog next to it with the baby in it. If you can’t handle the dog and the stroller together, have someone go with you to walk the dog. The dog can be allowed the same household freedom as before, with the exception of the baby’s room, as long as it doesn’t cause any unwanted behavior. Use a gate to prevent the dog from entering the baby’s room without you. There are no set guidelines as to when a dog will get used to a baby. It could take a few days or a few weeks. It should take less time with proper preparation and good management. If, after several weeks, there has been no sign of unwanted behavior, it unlikely that anything serious will happen. It is good to remember that dogs are still animals, so their behavior

can never be fully guaranteed. All experts agree that you should never leave a dog unattended with a baby under any circumstances. The sudden movement of a baby could startle the dog and cause unwanted behavior, such as biting. Most dogs will adjust to a new baby without incident. Observe the dog’s behavior for any signs of unwanted behavior or aggression. That way, you can avoid problems and accidents. If you do observe any behavior that is concerning, call a trainer so the problem can be remedied. When introduced properly, with proper preparation, you can have a smooth introduction of your new baby to your old baby.

MIXING BABIES AND CATS

Your cat may be a bit skittish around the new baby at first, but in time, will grow accustomed to the new baby, and learn to dodge them as they begin to crawl and walk. A cat will normally leave a baby alone unless provoked. If the new baby is lying on the floor and grabs your cat’s leg or tail, your cat may hiss, nip or scratch them. If your cat is infected, your baby could develop CSD or Cat Scratch Disease. Bartonella Henselae is thought to be the culprit behind CSD. Kittens younger than 6 months of age usually carry BH, although some older cats can carry it, too. Fleas transmit the bacteria from cat to cat. Individuals who contact CSD break out in blisters or bumps near the site of the bite or scratch (seven to 12 days after the incident); you’ll have tender and swollen lymph nodes, possibly a fever, headache, rash, sore throat, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, some individuals have experienced infections of the liver, spleen, bones, eyes or lungs. Inflammation of the brain or seizures can also occur. If you suspect your child has CSD, consult your physician.

BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Oh BABY! | 57

Read to

Your Baby

hen children are read to by people they love, they learn to love books!

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START. Babies love to be held and to hear your voice. Cuddle up together and look at board books.

A FEW MINUTES IS OK. Young children may sit still for only a few minutes. They will listen longer as they grow.

LET YOUR CHILD TURN THE PAGES. Babies and toddlers need help to turn board book pages. A 3-year-old likes to turn paper pages without help.

READ FAVORITE STORIES OVER AND OVER. Children love to hear the same stories again and again. This is how they learn.

ASK YOUR CHILD QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STORY. Where is the moon? What do you think will happen next? Be sure to give your child time to answer.

READ ANYWHERE AND ANYTIME. Read at playtime, bedtime, and naptime. Read any place you have to wait. Read at the playground, in the park, or in the car.

Go to your local library to get more books. Your local library has lots of free books. Let your child choose which ones to bring home.

What Children Like in Books INFANTS (6 to 12 months) • Board book with photos of babies • Sturdy, brightly colored board books to touch and taste • Books with pictures of things they see every day balls, bottles, chairs, dogs • Small books sized for small hands YOUNGER TODDLERS (12 to 24 months) • Sturdy board books they can handle and carry • Books that show children doing familiar things sleeping, eating and playing • Goodnight books for bedtime • Books about saying "goodbye" and "hello" • Books with only a few words on the page • Books with simple rhymes or predictable text OLDER TODDLERS (24 to 36 months) • Books with pictures and names of many different things • Books with board pages - but also books with paper pages • Silly books and funny books • Books with rhyme and rhythm, and repeated text they can learn by heart • Books about children and families • Books about food, animals, trucks, and other favorite objects PRESCHOOLERS (3 to 5 years) • Books that tell stories • Books about kids who look and live like them - and also books about different places and different ways of living • Books about going to school or daycare • Books about making friends • Books with simple text they can memorize • Counting books, alphabet books, and search and find books

58 | Oh BABY!

If you’re wondering whenwhen you should start reading to your it’s now! If you’re wondering you should start reading to baby, your baby, it’s now! It's never too early to start booksbooks with your It's never too early to enjoying start enjoying with little your one, little one, and now their card at APL! andyour now baby your can babyget can get very theirown verylibrary own library card at APL! Take the first supporting your baby’s early early literacy development. Take thestep firstin step in supporting your baby’s literacy development. MakeMake reading a partaof your We can reading part of daily your routine. daily routine. Wehelp! can help! Visit any ourofconvenient locations for Storytime @ the@ Library. Visitofany our convenient locations for Storytime the Library. Babytime | Toddler | Preschool | Bilingual Babytime | Toddler | Preschool | Bilingual LearnLearn more more at www.myAPL.org at www.myAPL.org Ascension Parish Library is proud participate in 1,000inBooks Ascension Parish Library isto proud to participate 1,000Before Books Kindergarten. Before Kindergarten. This nationwide initiative encourages readingreading to newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers This nationwide initiative encourages to newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers to foster love of prepare them for school. toafoster a books love ofand books and prepare them for school.

Oh BABY! | 59

Baby's Early

alk, talk, talk to your baby every day. Your baby would rather hear your voice and look at your face above anything else. Mommy’s voice is his or her absolute favorite sound because your baby associates it with warmth, food, and comfort. By talking to your baby he/she will learn the importance of speech long before he/she comprehends or speaks himself. In just a matter of weeks if not days, he/she will recognize your voice whether he/she can see you or not. Talking to him/her will calm him when he/she is distressed or give him/her joy. When he/she responds to you with a smile, a gurgle or a coo and he/she sees your reactions, he/she is learning that talk is a twoway process. Early conversation will teach your baby many rules of communication as well as social skills. Although we are all guilty, try not to “baby talk” with your baby all the time; mix in adult language and eventually stop the baby talk all together. You should start reading to your baby immediately even though you don’t think he/she can comprehend.

60 | Oh BABY!

Education

Use different voices and faces while reading and show the baby the pictures. Point to objects in the book and tell your baby what it is. By reading to your baby from the beginning, you open many doors of imagination and learning for him/her. From the moment your baby is born, he/she is learning about the world around him. By 4 months, your baby will entertain himself/herself by babbling and making all kinds of new sounds. His/Her memory and attention span will increase and your baby will begin to apply all the information they’ve absorbed to dayto-day activities. At this time, your baby will be able to sense your mood by the tone in your voice, as well as learn the concept of cause and effect. He/She will more than likely stumble upon this discovery by accident, for example realizing when he/she kicks his feet, the crib shakes or when he/ she shakes a rattle it makes noise. When your baby discovers that he/ she can cause these reactions, he/she will begin to experiment in a number of ways to make things happen. Your baby will also discover that he/she

can cause a reaction from you or an audience. It is important for your baby’s development, to participate in this type of play with him/her in order to help him/her learn their personal ability to influence the baby environment. Close to 7 months, your baby will discover that objects still exist even when they are out of sight. This is a principle called object permanence. Prior to this point in your baby’s life, he/she assumed that the world consisted of only things he/she could see. For instance, when you left the room, he/she assumed you had vanished or if you hid a toy under a blanket, he/she thought it was gone forever and saw no reason to look for it. But now your baby is realizing that you are the same person that puts him down to bed at night, that his ball on the floor is the same ball that was in his crib the night before. Your baby knows that when playing PeekA-Boo, your face did not really vanish never to be seen again when you put your hands over your face. Playing these types of games with your baby will help him/her continue to learn about object permanence for many months to come. Screen time (such as cell phones, tablets and TV) for children under the age of 2 is controversial and some professionals suggest no “screen” time at all before the age of 2 years. It’s said that certain applications and movies could be beneficial, but suggest no more than 30-60 minutes a day. It’s never been proven that it’s bad or good – talk to your pediatrician on this subject and decide what you both think is best for your child.

Your Baby's

oon after birth, your doctor will briefly examine your infant’s eyes to rule out signs of serious neonatal eye problems. After that, you’ll watch for milestones or markers that will indicate your baby’s vision is progressing normally. The first few years of a child’s life are critical in the development of good vision. Interestingly, it takes several months for your child’s vision to fully develop. Nerve cells in their retina and brain are not developed and they don’t have the ability to focus on nearby objects. Don’t be alarmed – it just takes time. During the first 4 months your baby sees a blurred world, yet he will begin to follow moving objects with the eyes and will reach out for things – this is the time that hand-eye coordination begins to develop. Early in this time (at one month) your baby’s eyes are not sensitive to light, so you can leave lights on in the nursery and this will not disturb their sleep. At 4 to 6 months, as the baby begins moving she will develop eye/body coordination skills and will begin playing patty-cake or other similar games. At 6 to 8 months both eyes should focus equally and your child will mimic others, explore, and notice more details. A child should have his or her first eye exam between 6 and 12 months. Not surprisingly, an infant eye exam differs greatly from what the average person experiences (‘better 1 or better 2?’). By using different lights, lenses, shapes/ pictures, and techniques the doctor can determine if there are any vision issues present. After that first exam, if there are no concerns, it is recommended that your child have a yearly eye exam to track the growth and development

Vision...

of your child’s vision system. Doctors will check to make sure your child can see well, have proper eye movements, depth perception, and eye coordination. These make a difference when it comes to reading and learning. At 6 to 8 months your baby will use both eyes to judge distances, will grasp items (throw items) with greater precision. Don’t be concerned if your infant’s eyes are beginning to change color as most babies are born with blue eyes because darker pigments in the iris aren’t completely developed at birth. Over time, dark pigment is produced in the iris and your child’s eyes turn to brown, green, gray, or a mixture of colors. Watch for symptoms that may indicate a need for a professional – eye turning inward, outward, upward, or downward for long periods of time; favoring one eye over the other; bumping into objects on one side; red eyes or lids; excessive tearing; encrusted eyelids or frequent styes. In these cases, always call a professional to schedule an examination.

Our Pediatricians perform comprehensive vision testing at age appropriate well-child visits! We also have an Optometrist on-site for any vision needs or concerns.

(225) 246-9290 7373 PERKINS RD l BATON ROUGE, LA 70808

BatonRougeClinic.com

Oh BABY! | 61

Getting your Body Back...

Choosing Safe Options

edication, patience and perseverance are what every mom needs to get that pre-baby body back! If you want it, go for it, but get it back the healthy way!

GET BACK INTO SHAPE AFTER BABY Forget about the celebrities who look like they were never pregnant just weeks after the baby! Let’s just say it’s not realistic, nor is it healthy – ask any expert. Celebrities statistically do not gain as much weight during their pregnancies as average women; they have resources the average women doesn’t have, and many of them go on crazy diets. The worst thing you can do is try to do too much too soon. So, for the first six weeks after birth – DO NOT go on a diet – especially if you are breastfeeding. Your baby needs the nutrients and you need the energy. “You should be eating at least 1,800 to 2,000 calories a day while breastfeeding, and if you eat less you will not only be shortchanging yourself, you’ll be shortchanging your baby. You can’t produce quality milk if you are not eating enough,” says nutritionist Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of “Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy.” “If you can lose a couple of pounds before then, that’s OK, but you really don’t want to cut your food intake dramatically during these early weeks. You need the energy, and you need the calories for breastfeeding,” she says. Awesome news: Breastfeeding burns calories! It can help mothers lose extra weight gained during pregnancy and if you’re not breastfeeding, Somer says it’s OK to watch your caloric intake, but never aim to lose more than a pound a week. “Pregnancy is not unlike running a marathon every day for nine months. You have put your body through the wringer. So even if you ate well, several nutrients are still likely to be compromised. You need this postpartum time to restore your nutritional status and your energy,” she says. Exercise is highly recommended; it can not only help you whip into shape, but also increase energy and may even reduce risks of postpartum depression. Exercise is a key factor in the health of new moms, but before you start your exercise, ask your doctor if you’re ready (if you had a difficult pregnancy and/or complicated delivery, especially). Most doctors will say start whenever you feel ready and work up your activity. If you can’t keep up with any program you decide to start, you’re probably not ready or the program could be too extreme. Walking is a great recommendation. Go on some stroller routes and the baby would love it, too. You’ll get that one-on-one time with your little one while getting exercise, so it’s a win-win!

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Tip: If you didn’t have a C-Section you could also focus on core workouts! Don’t be in such a hurry to lose baby fat – be cautious about any exercise that puts major stress on your joints. Examples are jogging, jumping or running. You could end up on the sideline for months with serious injuries. As exercising, pay close attention to these warning signs and seek medical attention if they appear: excessive bleeding, pelvic or abdominal pain, extreme shortness of breath, exhaustion even after mild exercise, or muscle soreness that does not go away in a day or two. Besides that, have fun, eat well and love your Momma body!

From New Baby to “Oh, Baby” As a new mom, caring for your bundle of joy can take up all of your time and energy. Self-care is a necessity, not an indulgence. Call (225) 201-2090 and make some time for you.

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Oh BABY! | 63

Baby's First

Tooth of them. Use a piece of wet gauze to wipe them off or a toothbrush if necessary – do this twice per day. Don’t use toothpaste until they are older. If your baby does not have teeth at 18 months, talk to your physician. There may be an underlying problem, such as hypopituitarism or hypothyroidism that is causing the delay and these need to be addressed. By the time they turn 4 years of age, your child should have a full mouth of baby teeth – 20 to be exact. As guides for permanent teeth, baby teeth are important and should be taken care of by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist.

our baby’s primary teeth (baby teeth) are quite important. Decay and/or loss of these teeth can jeopardize the proper development of the permanent teeth. It is recommended that you take your child to the dentist for his/her first dental examination, cleaning, and topical fluoride treatment at his/her first birthday. For most babies, the first tooth starts coming in between 4 and 8 months. Girls tend to get teeth faster than boys. Occasionally, some newborns are born with teeth. These are usually extra and should be examined by a child’s dentist. The dentist may remove these teeth in order to prevent problems with feeding and damage to the newborn’s tongue. Babies get teeth at different rates. Baby teeth generally come in pairs, and as long as your baby starts to

64 | Oh BABY!

get teeth before 18 months, you probably don’t need to worry. When teeth come in, most babies experience pain and can be cranky and fussy. Common signs of teething include sore, tender and swollen gums; excessive drooling; loss of appetite; difficulty sleeping; and a low-grade fever. Babies may be clingy and chew on their fingers and toys. They may break out in a rash on their face, neck and chest due to the excessive drool. WHEN TEETH COME IN: Central incisors: 6 to 8 months Lateral incisors: 7 to 9 months Cuspids: 16 to 18 months First molars: 12 to 14 months Second molars: 20 to 24 months After your baby’s teeth begin to come in, you’ll need to take care

BREASTFEEDING AND BOTTLE FEEDING Whether to breastfeed or bottle feed is an important concern of the new mother. Consultation with your pediatrician will result in the decision that is best for your and your baby. If the bottle is used, the type of nipple will have no significant effect on your baby’s bite. However, after the eruption of the first tooth (4 to 8 months), allowing the infant to nurse from the breast or the bottle for extended periods of time can have destructive effects on the teeth. Most children will complete their nutritional requirements at mealtime. Children who continue to bottle feed while napping, sleeping or inbetween meals past 6 months of age, run the risk of developing extensive tooth decay. Even breast milk can cause infant tooth decay. The most damaging bottle contents are fruit juices like apple or grape, citrus juices

like orange or lemon, and sweetened beverages. Carbonated drinks and sugar or syrup-sweetened water are also dangerous. Sleeping with a bottle should never be allowed to start. If the child must sleep with a bottle, then it should contain water only. If your child has been sleeping with a bottle or does have a daytime bottle habit, you should arrange for a pediatric dental examination as soon as possible. PACIFIERS It is recommended that the baby be weaned from the bottle or breast at about 1 year of age. If the baby still has a continued need to suck, a pacifier may be used. The most important consideration in selecting a pacifier is safety. It should be one with a large handle which will not separate. THUMBSUCKING Thumbsucking at an early age is very common, and while continued thumbsucking can lead to deformation of the upper front part of the mouth, it is not advisable for parents to attempt to terminate the habit. Bribes and threats will do little to correct the habit, and often enhance the anxiety and guilt your child may have. Some children will discontinue thumbsucking by themselves, often when they start pre-school or kindergarten. For those who do not, most habits can be successfully corrected with the help of the pediatric dentist when, and only when, the child indicates a desire to stop. TEETHING The first tooth will usually erupt between the ages of 4 to 8 months. Teething can be a most disturbing time for new parents, but this is a normal process in the child’s development.

Although often the subject of debate between physicians, pedodontists and parents, there is some evidence to suggest that certain other findings, such as a rise in temperature, diarrhea, increased salivation/drooling, rashes, and changes in the bowel habits can occur in conjunction with teething. The use of teething rings, aspirin or Tylenol, and topical anesthetics or numbing agents can be helpful. If there is a doubt or concern, do not hesitate to consult your pediatrician or family physician. NUTRITION Children should have few problems with their teeth if they eat a wellbalanced diet high in the major food groups (dairy, meats, breads and cereals, and fruits and vegetables), and low in sugar. All children will eat sweetened foods from time to time. The cavity-causing effects of these sweetened foods can be reduced by the following: limit sweets to mealtime and avoid sweets for snacks. Encourage liquid sweets instead of sticky, retentive sweets. Group sweets together instead of spreading them out over the day. Remember, each time sweetened foods contact the bacteria (plaque) in our mouths, these bacteria produce tooth destroying acid for approximately 30 minutes. Keep acid products down by reducing the frequency of sugar intake. FLUORIDE SUPPLEMENTATION The intake of optimal amounts of fluoride is beneficial to developing permanent teeth. Fluoride actually becomes incorporated into the enamel of the developing tooth, making it stronger and more resistant to future decay. Your pediatrician or pediatric dentist can prescribe it for you. Fluoride supplements are recommended from birth through

about age 8. Topical fluorides are applied directly to the teeth. They are most effective soon after eruption of the teeth, because the teeth are porous (not fully mineralized) when they first erupt. Complete mineralization actually takes several years, and thus topical fluorides are recommended at least until adulthood. TOOTH CLEANING The best time to start routine cleaning of your baby’s mouth is shortly after birth. The gums should be gently wiped with a soft, wet washcloth or gauze. This routine activity will get your baby adjusted to having his mouth touched by your fingers. When his first tooth erupts into his mouth, continue cleaning in the same manner. At about 1 year, it is recommended that your child be given his first toothbrush; it should be small with soft bristles. At this age, your child will not be able to adequately clean his own teeth and you will have to assist. By introducing the toothbrush at this early age, the child will develop a lifetime habit of oral hygiene. At about age 2 1/2, after the eruption of the second primary molars, flossing should be introduced. Parents will have to assume the responsibility of flossing until the age of 6 or 7. The toothpaste selected should be one with fluoride. Avoid brands which claim to “whiten” or “brighten” teeth. These are usually quite abrasive, which can be damaging when used over an extended period of time. If a child younger than 3 years has a cavity or any dark, suspicious spot on a tooth or suffers from trauma to his teeth, he should be taken to the pedodontist immediately. Good habits begin early. So do healthy smiles.

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Baby's Tooth

Chart

Date of Eruption

B A

Date of Eruption

UPPER UPPER

E Date of Eruption

D Date of Eruption

Date of Eruption

LOWER LOWER C

Date of Eruption

D C

Date of Eruption

66 | Oh BABY!

BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Oh BABY! | 67

Vaccine

Tracker

Hepatitis B Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis Haemophilus Influenza Type B Inactivated Poliovirus Measles, Mumps, Rubella Varicella Meningococcal Pneumococcal Influenza Hepatitis A Rotavirus HPV 68 | Oh BABY!

yearly

11-12 yrs

4-6 yrs.

24 mos.

18 mos.

15 mos.

12 mos.

6 mos.

4 mos.

2 mos.

1 mo.

Vaccine

Birth

This immunization schedule is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If Youâ€™d like to try a modified schedule, speak with your pediatrician.

MALLORY ALLEN, MD

SANDY FRANZ, MD

JENNIFER GUIDROZ, MD

STEPHEN SANCHES, MD

RONALD BOMBET, MD

SUSAN BANKSTON, MD

CATHERINE KATZENMEYER, MD

CHRISTINA HOLMES, MD

GEORGE SCHWARTZENBURG, MD

LAURA BOUDREAUX, MD

ELIZABETH SEITER, MD

TRACI BRUMUND, MD

STEPHANIE KELLEHER, MD

ARTHUR TRIBOU, MD

MINDY CALANDRO, MD

SHELLEY MARTIN, MD

DAWN VICK, MD

ROBERT DRUMM, MD

JAMAR MELTON, MD

MARK WAGGENSPACK, MD

STEWART RAMEY, MD

DANNY WOOD, MD

What it’s like to be a Baton Rouge Clinic Pediatrician... One of the favorite parts of my day is being in the room with my patients. I love seeing ‘my’ kids grow up. I know, as a mom, what it’s like to worry, and I think it’s a real honor when parents want you to care for their children. Deciding on a Pediatrician means finding someone that you can talk to easily. Parents are their child’s number one advocate, and they should be able to voice concerns about their child and feel validated.

“

PEDIATRICS AT PERKINS l 7373 Perkins Rd l Baton Rouge, LA 70808 l (225) 246-9290 PEDIATRICS AT INDUSTRIPLEX l 12351 Industriplex Blvd l Baton Rouge, LA 70809 l (225) 926-4400

I’m blessed to have helped raise multiple generations of children. Being both a parent and grandparent has impacted me greatly over the years to better help and understand my patients and their parents.

“

Why do I love my job? I get the experience every day of holding a baby on the day he is born, helping a toddler with a hurting ear, watching a sticker and lollipop take the pain of shots away, helping a kid through scraped knees, school problems and broken hearts and hugging a teen when she walks out the door after her college physical. The most amazing part? Sending that baby I held on his birth day out of my office off to college with a smile and a hug and of course a lollipop. Who wouldn’t love that?

“

BatonRougeClinic.com

Oh BABY! | 69

1 Month

Checkup

You can expect your baby’s doctor to:

Weigh and measure your baby to make sure she’s growing at a healthy rate. Do a complete physical. Probably give your baby a hepatitis B shot. Recommend vitamin D drops for breast-fed babies. Address any other concerns. How is your baby sleeping? What position does she/he sleep in?________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ How often is your baby eating?_____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ What are your baby’s bowel movements like?_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does he/she quiet down, at least briefly, at the sound of your voice?_____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is your baby awake for longer periods of time?________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does he/she make soft cooing noises when content and alert?__________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Have you noticed anything unusual about your baby’s eyes or the way he/she looks at things?_______________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is he/she a little fussier at the end of the day?_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are you giving your baby tummy time when he's/she’s awake?___________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does your baby hold his/her head up when he's/she’s placed on his/her tummy?___________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ How are you doing?_______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Notes:___________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

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2 Month

Checkup

You can expect your baby’s doctor to:

4 Month

Checkup

You can expect your baby’s doctor to:

Weigh and measure your baby to make sure she’s growing at a healthy rate. Do a complete physical. Probably give your baby a hepatitis B shot. Recommend vitamin D drops for breast-fed babies. Address any other concerns. How is your baby sleeping? What position does he/he sleep in?_________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ How often is your baby eating?_____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ What are your baby’s bowel movements like?_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does he/she quiet down, at least briefly, at the sound of your voice?_____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is your baby awake for longer periods of time?________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does he/she make soft cooing noises when content and alert?__________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Have you noticed anything unusual about your baby’s eyes or the way he/she looks at things?_______________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is he/she a little fussier at the end of the day?_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are you giving your baby tummy time when he's/she’s awake?___________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does your baby hold his/her head up when he's/she’s placed on his/her tummy?___________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ How are you doing?_______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Notes:___________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

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6 Month

Checkup

You can expect your baby’s doctor to:

Weigh and measure your baby to make sure she’s growing at a healthy rate. Do a complete physical. Probably give your baby a hepatitis B shot. Recommend vitamin D drops for breast-fed babies. Address any other concerns. How is your baby sleeping? What position does he/she sleep in?________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ How often is your baby eating?_____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ What are your baby’s bowel movements like?_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does he/she quiet down, at least briefly, at the sound of your voice?_____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is your baby awake for longer periods of time?________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does he/she make soft cooing noises when content and alert?__________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Have you noticed anything unusual about your baby’s eyes or the way he/she looks at things?_______________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is he/she a little fussier at the end of the day?_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are you giving your baby tummy time when he's/she’s awake?___________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does your baby hold his/her head up when he's/she’s placed on his/her tummy?___________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ How are you doing?_______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Notes:___________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Oh BABY! | 73

9 Month

Checkup

You can expect your baby’s doctor to:

Weigh and measure your baby to make sure she’s growing at a healthy rate. Do a complete physical. Probably give your baby a hepatitis B shot. Recommend vitamin D drops for breast-fed babies. Address any other concerns. How is your baby sleeping? What position does he/she sleep in?________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ How often is your baby eating?_____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ What are your baby’s bowel movements like?_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does he/she quiet down, at least briefly, at the sound of your voice?_____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is your baby awake for longer periods of time?________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does he/she make soft cooing noises when content and alert?__________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Have you noticed anything unusual about your baby’s eyes or the way he/she looks at things?_______________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is he/she a little fussier at the end of the day?_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are you giving your baby tummy time when he's/she’s awake?___________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does your baby hold his/her head up when he's/she’s placed on his/her tummy?___________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ How are you doing?_______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Notes:___________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

74 | Oh BABY!

12 Month

Checkup

You can expect your baby’s doctor to:

Weigh and measure your baby to make sure she’s growing at a healthy rate. Do a complete physical. Probably give your baby a hepatitis B shot. Recommend vitamin D drops for breast-fed babies. Address any other concerns. How is your baby sleeping? What position does he/she sleep in?________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ How often is your baby eating?_____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ What are your baby’s bowel movements like?_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does he/she quiet down, at least briefly, at the sound of your voice?_____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is your baby awake for longer periods of time?________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does he/she make soft cooing noises when content and alert?__________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Have you noticed anything unusual about your baby’s eyes or the way he/she looks at things?_______________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is he/she a little fussier at the end of the day?_________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are you giving your baby tummy time when he's/she’s awake?___________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Does your baby hold his/her head up when he's/she’s placed on his/her tummy?___________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ How are you doing?_______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Notes:___________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Oh BABY! | 75

Tracking Your Baby...

Developmental Milestones

THE FIRST MONTH

• Shows awareness to strange situations

• Can lift head momentarily • Turns head from side to side when lying on back • Hands stay clenched • Strong grasp reflex present • Looks and follows object moving in front of them in range of 45 degrees • Sees black-and-white patterns • Quiets when a voice is heard • Cries to express displeasure • Makes throaty sounds • Looks intently at parents when they talk to him/her

RED FLAGS:

THE SECOND MONTH

• Drooling begins • Good head control • Sits with support • Bears some weight on legs when held upright • Raises head and chest off surface to a 90 degree angle • Rolls from back to side • Explores and plays with hands • Tries to reach for objects but overshoots • Grasps objects with both hands • Eye-hand coordination begins • Makes consonant sounds • Laughs • Enjoys being rocked, bounced or swung

• Lifts head almost 45 degrees when lying on stomach • Head bobs forward when held in sitting position • Grasp reflex decreases • Follows dangling objects with eyes • Visually searches for sounds • Makes noises other than crying • Cries become distinctive (wet, hungry, etc.) • Vocalizes to familiar voices • Social smile demonstrated in response to various stimuli

RED FLAGS:

Each child develops at her own pace, but talk to your baby’s doctor if your 1-month-old: • Feeds slowly or doesn’t suck well • Doesn’t seem to focus her eyes or watch things moving nearby • Doesn’t react to bright lights • Seems especially stiff or floppy • Doesn’t respond to loud sounds

THE THIRD MONTH

• Begins to bear partial weight on both legs when held in a standing position • Able to hold head up when sitting but still bobs forward • When lying on stomach can raise head and shoulders between 45 and 90 degrees • Bears weight on forearms • Grasp reflex absent • Holds objects but does not reach for them • Clutches own hands and pulls at blankets and clothes • Follows objects 180 degrees • Locates sound by turning head and looking in the same direction • Squeals, coos, babbles and chuckles • “Talks” when spoken to • Recognizes faces, voices and objects • Smiles when he/she sees familiar people, and engages in play with them

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Each child develops at his own pace, but talk to your child’s doctor if your 3-month-old: • Can’t support his head well • Can’t grasp objects • Can’t focus on moving objects • Doesn’t smile • Doesn’t react to loud sounds • Ignores new faces • Seems upset by unfamiliar people or surroundings

THE FOURTH MONTH

THE FIFTH MONTH

• Signs of teething begin • Holds head up when sitting • Rolls from stomach to back • When lying on back puts feet to mouth • Voluntarily grasps and holds objects • Plays with toes • Takes objects directly to mouth • Watches objects that are dropped • Says “ah-goo” or similar vowel-consonant combinations • Smiles at mirror image • Gets upset if you take a toy away • Can tell family and strangers apart • Begins to discover parts of his/her body

THE SIXTH MONTH

• Chewing and biting occur • When on stomach, can lift chest and part of stomach off the surface, bearing weight on hands • Lifts head when pulled to a sitting position • Rolls from back to stomach • Bears majority of weight when being held in a standing position • Grasps and controls small objects • Holds bottle

• Grabs feet and pulls to mouth • Adjusts body to see an object • Turns head from side to side, and then looks up or down • Prefers more complex visual stimuli • Says one syllable sounds like “ma,” “mu,” “da,” and “di” • Recognizes parents

RED FLAGS:

Each child develops at her own pace, but talk to your child’s doctor if your baby: • Seems very stiff or floppy • Can’t hold her head steady • Can’t sit on her own • Doesn’t respond to noises or smiles • Isn’t affectionate with those closest to her • Doesn’t reach for objects

THE SEVENTH MONTH

• Sits without support, may lean forward on both hands • Bears full weight on feet • Bounces when held in standing position • Bears weight on one hand when lying on stomach • Transfers objects from one hand to another • Bangs objects on surfaces • Able to fixate on small objects • Responds to name • Awareness of depth and space begin • Has taste preferences • “Talks” when others are talking

RED FLAGS:

THE EIGHT MONTH

• Sits well without support • Bears weight on legs, and may stand holding on to furniture • Adjusts posture to reach an object • Picks up objects using index, fourth and fifth finger against thumb • Able to release objects • Pulls string to obtain object • Reaches for toys that are out of reach • Listens selectively to familiar words • Begins combining syllables like “mama” and “dada” but does not attach a meaning • Understands the word “no” (but does not always obey it) • Dislikes having diaper changed and being dressed

THE NINTH MONTH

• Begins crawling • Pulls up to standing position from sitting • Sits for a prolonged time (10 minutes) • May develop a preference for use of one hand • Uses thumb and index finger to pick up objects

• Responds to simple verbal commands • Comprehends the word “no” • Increased interest in pleasing parents • Puts arms in front of face to avoid having it washed

THE 10TH MONTH

• Goes from stomach to sitting position • Sits by falling down • Recovers balance easily while sitting • Lifts one foot to take a step while standing • Comprehends “bye-bye” • Says “dada” or “mama” with meaning • Says one other word beside “mama” and “dada” (“hi,” “bye,” “no,” “go”) • Waves bye-bye • Object permanence begins to develop • Repeats actions that attract attention • Plays interactive games such a “pat-a-cake” • Enjoys being read to and follows pictures in books

THE 11TH MONTH

• Walks, holding on to furniture or other objects • Places one object after another into a container • Reaches back to pick up an object when sitting • Explores objects more thoroughly • Able to manipulate objects out of tight-fitting spaces • Rolls a ball when asked • Becomes excited when a task is mastered • Acts frustrated when restricted • Shakes head for “no”

THE 12TH MONTH

• Walks with one hand held • May stand alone and attempt first steps alone • Sits down from standing position without help • Attempts to build two-block tower but may fail • Turns pages in a book • Follows rapidly moving objects • Says three or more words other than “mama” or “dada” • Comprehends the meaning of several words • Repeats the same words over and over again • Imitates sounds, such as the sounds dogs and cats make • Recognizes objects by name • Understands simple verbal commands • Shows affection • Shows independence in familiar surroundings • Clings to parents in strange situations • Searches for object where it was last seen

RED FLAGS:

Each child develops at his own pace, but talk to your child’s doctor if your baby: • Doesn’t crawl • Seems to drag one side while he’s crawling for a month or more • Can’t stand with support • Doesn’t try to find objects you’ve hidden in front of him • Doesn’t say any words • Doesn’t use gestures, such as shaking his head “no” and pointing Oh BABY! | 77

Baby

Milestones

Slept Through the Night:___________________________________________________________________________ Smiled:__________________________________________________________________________________________ Rolled onto Tummy:_______________________________________________________________________________ Rolled onto Back:_________________________________________________________________________________ Laughed:________________________________________________________________________________________ Blew a Kiss:_______________________________________________________________________________________ Sat & Played with toy:______________________________________________________________________________ Waved Bye-Bye:___________________________________________________________________________________ Held a Bottle:_____________________________________________________________________________________ Held a Cup:______________________________________________________________________________________ Ate Baby Food:___________________________________________________________________________________ Held a Toy:_______________________________________________________________________________________ Crawled:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Danced:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Had a Haircut:____________________________________________________________________________________ Clapped Hands:___________________________________________________________________________________ Made a Sound:___________________________________________________________________________________ Walked:__________________________________________________________________________________________ Went on an Outing:_______________________________________________________________________________ Played Peek-a-Boo:________________________________________________________________________________ Stood Alone:_____________________________________________________________________________________ Spoke Your First Word:_____________________________________________________________________________ Other Unforgettable Moments:______________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ 78 | Oh BABY!

Baby's First

our baby is turning 1 and that’s worth celebrating! Of course, you want to have a first birthday party in honor of his special day. But how do you plan for such an important occasion? How do you make sure your baby’s first birthday is a wonderful time for both you and him? These top 12 do’s and don’ts will point you in the right direction.

DO keep the birthday party simple. Your baby won’t really comprehend what all the fuss is about. This day is for you to enjoy and to celebrate the amazing child that has transformed your life. Just don’t over complicate anything. This allows you to be free to relish every moment.

DON’T struggle over finding the perfect theme for the party. Your 1-year-old won’t notice. Next year, he/she may be begging you for Cinderella, Elsa, Wonder Pets, Dora the Explorer, or Thomas the Train theme, but this year you can do whatever makes sense for you. DO make the party short. An hour or so is enough excitement for a 1-year-old. Any longer than two hours and he/she might go into celebration overload.

DO schedule the birthday party for a time when your baby

Birthday

with your child’s photo. Most of your guests for this birthday party will be adults who have loved and supported you and your baby through the first year. Grandmothers, aunts and other friends and loved ones will be thrilled with a keepsake featuring a picture or pictures of the birthday boy or girl.

DON’T forget to charge the camera batteries or take tons of photos. You may be busy and preoccupied with the celebration, but your 1-year-old won’t remember the party so you’ll want to make sure you document every moment. Assign someone this task. A nice tip is to send out photo thank you notes after the party. DO create a first birthday memory book after the party. This is a great future gift you can give to your child. Take photos of the cake, decorations, guests and, of course, him/her. You can put these photos in a photo album or make a scrapbook, complete with journaling your thoughts about his special day. Include a page where each guest writes something special to your 1-year-old. Simplify, relax and enjoy this special day. Your baby’s first birthday party is a milestone that comes along only once in his/her life, so cherish every wonderful moment.

is less likely to be tired and cranky. If he/ she usually takes an early afternoon nap, then a late afternoon party is best.

DON’T invite too many people. A room full of strangers crowding around your little one can be overwhelming. Choose close friends and relatives to share this special day.

DO have the party at home, if possible. This is the place your baby feels most secure. There will be a lot of activity that day that he/she doesn’t quite understand. So it’s important for him/her to feel comfortable and safe in the midst of all the strange birthday festivities.

DO keep your eyes open for potential dangers. If balloon pops, make sure you put it in the trash immediately, because it could become a choking hazard.

DON’T serve food that is challenging to eat. Finger foods are best for little ones. And adults like them, too! DO have a birthday cake or cupcakes. It is fun for everyone to watch your 1-year-old eat his first birthday cake, and a great photo opportunity. Just watch out for your baby and the lighted candle.

DO consider invitations and favors that are personalized Oh BABY! | 79

BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

80 | Oh BABY!

The End of Infancy -

Tracking your Toddler and Child At 2 years, your child runs and jumps, is confident on his feet, kicks a ball, speaks in two-word sentences, continually increases their vocabulary, begins to understand the rules of grammar and syntax, follows simple instructions, and begins to play make-believe. At 3 years, your child climbs, speaks in multiword sentences, and sorts objects by color and shape. At 4 years, your child can converse in adult-like sentences, gets along with people outside the immediate family, draws circles and squares, and can ride a bike/trike.

At 5 years, your child can tell their name and address, has a grasp of the rules of grammar and meaning, hops, skips, and jumps, gets dressed on their own, and counts a large number of objects. As a parent, your role is to ask questions and answer his, talk about books you read together, teach letters and numbers, put feelings in to words. As your child speaks, make sure you rephrase if they use words incorrectly, teach your child body parts and familiar objects, foster his verbal needs by prompting him to ask for an item he wishes to use. Encourage him to feed himself with utensils and drink from a cup, play pretend, ask your child to sort and clean up after play. Get outside and explore, take walks, have

conversations. Reinforce good behavior with attention and praise. Set rules and limits – follow through with consequences – be consistent. Give your child options, allow him to make choices. Be patient and positive. Each child will develop a their own pace – watch for these Red Flags: Not walking by 18 months Doesn’t understand the use of familiar, everyday objects Doesn’t have at least 6 words by 18 months Isn’t speaking in 2-word sentences by 24 months Doesn’t imitate words and actions Doesn’t follow simple instructions Seems to lose skills he previously had.

BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Your child is 18 months old, it’s the end of infancy. In their second year, your child walks independently, drinks from a cup, uses 15 words, and can identify body parts.

Oh BABY! | 81

What do my parents think today?

BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Say it in a sentence. f Say it in a word.

Year 1:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Year 2:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Year 3:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Year 4:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Year 5:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Year 6:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Year 7:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Year 8:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Year 9:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Year 10:_______________________________________________________________________________________ Year 11:_______________________________________________________________________________________ Year 12:_______________________________________________________________________________________ Year 13:_______________________________________________________________________________________ Year 14:_______________________________________________________________________________________ Year 15:_______________________________________________________________________________________ Year 16:_______________________________________________________________________________________ Year 17:_______________________________________________________________________________________ Year 18:_______________________________________________________________________________________

82 | Oh BABY!

Protect Your

Precious Bundle Bringing home a new baby? It’s time to consider home security. HomeIQSM from EATEL offers best-in-class security, plus smart home automation the whole family will love. With HomeIQSM you can control your alarm and automation system right from a mobile device. It also works with voice command through Amazon Echo & Google Home!

With HomeIQ you can: SM

• Get 24/7 security, ﬁre & carbon monoxide monitoring • Arm/disarm your security system • Lock/unlock entryway doors • Open/close your garage door • Adjust your thermostats & lights • Receive text & email alerts • View & record live camera footage around your home • See & speak to visitors at your door with our video doorbell

Oh BABY! | 83

FOR EVERY STAGE of Life.

At The Baton Rouge Clinic we have made it our mission to provide a comprehensive range of high quality medical services for every member of your family. We’re here to help you during every stage of life – from crucial immunizations that help keep children well to easing the pain of arthritis through rheumatology services.

On-Site Specialties and Services: ALLERGY DERMATOLOGY ENDOCRINOLOGY ENT GASTROENTEROLOGY

HOSPITAL MEDICINE INFECTIOUS DISEASE ON-SITE LAB & RADIOLOGY NEUROLOGY

OPTOMETRY PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY PODIATRY PULMONOLOGY

RHEUMATOLOGY SURGERY PSYCHIATRY UROLOGY

With 22 pediatricians, 2 pediatric locations, 42 internists, & numerous specialties… we have everything you need to keep you and your family healthy and happy. MAIN CLINIC 7373 Perkins Road l (225) 769-4044 PEDIATRICS AT PERKINS 7373 Perkins Road l (225) 246-9290 PEDIATRICS AT INDUSTRIPLEX 12351 Industriplex Blvd. l (225) 926-4400 PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY 5131 O’Donovan, Suite 202 l (225) 246-9240

PSYCHIATRY 3401 North Blvd., Suite 100 l (225) 381-2621 INTERNAL MEDICINE AT NEW ROADS 230 Roberts Dr., Suite I l (225) 638-4585 PODIATRY 8160 YMCA Plaza Drive, Suite C l 4860 Bluebonnet Blvd l (225) 246-9240 DERMATOLOGY IN ZACHARY 4727 West Park Drive, Suite B l (225) 246-9240

Baton Rouge Clinic Urgent Care is open 7 days a week. No Appointment Necessary!

7479 PERKINS ROAD - AT THE CORNER OF ESSEN AND PERKINS | (225) 246-9997

84 | Oh BABY!