The airwaves were buzzing all day yesterday with news of over 4,700 complaints from parents regarding severe diaper rash that seemed to be linked to disposable diapers. Social media uproar took place on Face book as irate parents vented their frustration with Proctor and Gamble (P&G), who had changed the materials used to construct their diapers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) evaluated the heat and moisture retention issues: “The CPSC staff cannot rule out that there may exist a health concern for some babies.” In the end, the CPSC cleared P&G of responsibility for severe diaper rash, while encouraging parents and caregivers to switch diaper brands and/or see their pediatrician as needed for diaper rash concerns.

My thoughts: we have seen a resurgence of glass baby bottles; perhaps we need to re-visit the idea of cloth diapers-particularly in the early newborn period, when their skin is so delicate.
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After declaring an official epidemic of pertussis, the medical term for whooping cough, California health officials announced a broadened vaccination campaign for teens and adults of all ages. Anyone who comes into contact with babies is particularly urged to get the vaccine — even pregnant women and the elderly.
“Teens and adults should be vaccinated, especially anyone who is going to have contact with infants who are too young for vaccinations,” CDC epidemiologist Stacey Martin, MSc, tells WebMD. “Those California deaths were all in infants less than 3 months old. They don’t have the benefit of vaccination yet, so we have to vaccinate around them.” www.webmd.com

The booster commonly being given is the DTaP: diptheria/tetanus/acellular pertussis vaccine. For specific information, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-tdap.pdf

Bottom line: Vaccinate everyone except first trimester moms, or people with exceptions (on chemo, etc. Visit the Center for Disease Control website (cdc.org) for more good advice.

So exciting to hear the up to the minute labor report from Neil and Laura about your arrival into the world; it seemed to go like this:
-Early last Friday morning your mom heard a “pelvis popping” sound
-She called out to your dad that her water had broken
-He was hesitant to let your mom take a shower- as he remembered “second babies tend to come quickly!” OK- but make it a quick shower…soon they were headed across the GG Bridge to the hospital
-On the road, the contractions were getting STRONGER and CLOSER together- your mom kept saying “run the red lights!”
-Finally arrived at the hospital and went to the wrong entry- not good, due to pain and “water leaking everywhere!”
-Once admitted to labor and delivery, your mom’s cervix was dilated to 6 cm- the epidural provided much needed relief, and the cervix quickly dilated to 10 cm.
-Upon examining the cervix, the OB was surprised to find that your head felt larger than anticipated…
-Your mom pushed hard for 45 minutes- short but intense as your heart rate was reacting to every push
-According to your dad, you looked pretty stunned upon arrival and needed some added assessment- this got you a trip to the nursery where your dad stayed with you every minute-providing occasional updates to your mom-who wanted you in her arms ASAP
-You are now home with big brother, nursing well and being loved by all 4 of your grandparents, friends and family

WELCOME TO THE WORLD BABY DANE!

According to leading infertility expert Dr. Jamie Grifo MD, PhD infertility is defined as a year of trying to conceive without getting pregnant. After 3-6 months, he recommends that both partners have a medical evaluation. According to Dr. Grifo, the most common causes of infertility include: maternal age, smoking, increased use of alcohol or caffeine, overweight or underweight. Advanced maternal age certainly is the frontrunner; many women are under the false impression that it will “just happen naturally.” After the age of 30, 90% of her eggs are gone; after 40, only 3% of her eggs remain. The chances of getting pregnant on her own after age 35 are 5-7%, with 85-90 % seeking treatment either through infertility drugs or surgical procedures.

Stay tuned for next blog, when we look at the rarely discussed male infertility situation-more prevalent than you think!

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I have actually not been a follower of the NYC Housewives. However, enough of you asked me what I thought about Bethenny’s labor and delivery that I quickly caught up via On Demand. I have now watched her whirlwind wedding with the cute gay wedding planner and ultimately her water breaking in bed and eventual cesarean birth. I am happy for her…after calling off three engagements; she seems to finally have found love in her life with her new handsome husband Jason. With the arrival of Baby Bryn, came true emotion, from Jason crying in the cab on the way home from the hospital, to Bethenny falling apart as she prepares for her first overnight business trip away from the baby. They are the epitome of assisted living: which includes her personal assistant, admin assistant and live in Jamaican baby nurse. They look and feel like an extended family- including all of them going away together on holiday to the Hamptons.

Bethenny is wearing motherhood well, it becomes her, We are seeing a softer, gentler side, while she continues to be quite funny as she pokes fun at herself and most everyone around her. Humor is a very good commodity in all new family households…Congratulations Bethenny- you’re doing a great job!

www.thebestbirth.com

This week the world at large has been focused on Breastfeeding. From walkathons to supermodels voicing their support- the concept that breast is best has been celebrated. While there is no disputing the fact that breast milk is the most nutritious form of food for babies, we as a society need to strike a balance between advocating and supporting the effort versus cramming it down new mother’s throats-which can backfire into an emotional meltdown- creating guilt and even leading to post-partum depression.
On a lighter note, the “Whip ‘em out” campaign, started by celebrity mother’s, demonstrates support of breastfeeding by de-sexualizing new mothers’ bodies in such a way that breastfeeding becomes less stigmatized.
The main point is that breast milk can be a lifesaver – providing a critical first step in a newborns’ health. It’s what World Breastfeeding Week 2010 is all about this year – increasing awareness and education in our medical facilities to provide support to new families striving to do the best for their babies.

www.thebestbirth.com

In the news today: another attempt to raise awareness about how easy it is to “forget” that there is a baby strapped in a car seat. The most common scenario is a sleep deprived, overwhelmed parent who may have had a change in routine or simply too much on their mind-they exit the car, in a hurry to get to work and simply forget that there is an innocent passenger asleep in the back seat of the car. On an 80-degree day, it takes less than 15 minutes for a car to become an oven…

While car manufacturers are actively working on systems to detect breathing or a weight sensor in the car seat, that would activate an alarm if a baby were left behind, there is agreement across the board that education not technology is the key to preventing these tragedies from occurring.

For further information: www.nhtsa.gov www.kidsincars.org www.kidsandcars.org www.thebestbirth.com

Here is what to expect and what to do as you anticipate the arrival of your second baby:
• You will “look” pregnant much sooner than with your first baby- belly pops out!
• Rest when your first child is napping…tendency is to run around getting things done during their nap time- take care of yourself!
• Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions come sooner and more often
• Very common to have several false starts: middle of the night contractions that feel like the real deal…watch for them to get Stronger, last Longer and come Closer together for 30 minutes –before calling your doctor or hospital to confirm that you should head out to the hospital
• If your water breaks- Call and then Go! Second labors are typically much shorter than the first. The babies born on bridges are SECOND babies- not first
• Have an immediate contact close by to take charge of first child; Ideally: a trusted neighbor/friend/family who will come to your house, allowing child #1 to stay in their familiar environment and/or to continue sleeping in their own bed
• For younger children, attend a sibling prep class at your hospital OR plan an outing: go to the hospital to show them where mom will be, that there is a phone to call them on, a TV where she “can watch our favorite TV shows,” when she comes home she will bring the new baby
• Think carefully about the nature of your first kiddo- it is often great to bring them to the hospital to meet their new sibling- it is sometimes a disaster- as they do not want to say goodbye and leave mom there. (As an RN, I have coaxed many a kicking, screaming toddler to the elevator-waving a Popsicle under their noses!)
• Consider bringing them to the hospital to “pick –up” Mom and the new baby and all of you head home together
• If the first child is waiting at home for Mom and baby to arrive-Mom should not carry the baby in; her arms need to be available for wrapping around her first born
• Prenatally, present your first child with a baby of their own; practice holding them (while seated!) they can “help” you change diapers; practice gentle touching and talk about what to do and say when the baby cries-dress rehearsal!
• Have your present cupboard ready with lots of small treats and tell friends/family that they need to immediately acknowledge the big brother/sister when coming to visit- bearing presents for them- not the new baby!
• Make specific times during the day to spend with your older child-without the baby…sibling rivalry is a alive and well, lying in wait to pounce all over new family households

Having two kids is double joy/double challenge…its exhausting and exhilarating…enjoy the ride!

Top story in the news recently: This year’s surge in whooping cough cases is a four-fold increase from the same period last year statewide. A typical case starts with a cough and runny nose for one to two weeks, followed by weeks or months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with ‘whooping’ sound. For further education visit: www.whyichoose.org

Additional information from Almaden Pediatrics: Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Update
1. All children should receive 4 shots for whooping cough (the P in DTaP) by 18 months of age, and a booster prior to kindergarten. If your child is between the ages of 2 years and 10 years and has received all his/her vaccines, then they are considered fully immunized.

2. For our patients who have chosen to delay immunization, we highly recommend that you bring your child to our office ASAP to receive any overdue vaccines.

3. A whooping cough booster is available for adults between the ages of 11-64 yrs. We highly recommend that all parents, caregivers, and close family contacts of children and particularly infants receive a whooping cough booster. If you are unable to get it from your doctor we can provide it for you in our office.

4. The whooping cough vaccine does not provide 100% protection from whooping cough. Therefore, in order to achieve the highest protection possible for all, it is important that all eligible people in the community become immunized.

For more information regarding whooping cough you can visit doitforyourbaby.com or visit the CDC website.

Listened in to Dr. Dean Edell discussing this topic on KGO Radio today, as a physician and father of eight- he had a balanced viewpoint, and some interesting callers. Essentially it came down to COMMUNICATION with our children. When we as parents talk openly and often with little children, we are normalizing a delicate topic, creating comfort for kids and the potential for them to come back to US for information and guidance. I highly recommend author Robie Harris, who has written several books for children: It’s So Amazing for 3-7 year olds- following a bird and a bee while gently introducing the human body; even better: It’s Perfectly Normal for 8-12 year olds, provides a more in-depth discussion (with wonderful cartoon caricatures) of the body and how it is changing. Parents may find the Planned Parenthood www.ppfa.org a good educational resource.

Sarah McMoyler RN
www.thebestbirth.com