Pregnancy Lounge

Tag: infant

  • CMV Infections

    According to the HealthDay News, CMV risk can be significantly reduced when a drug called hyperimmune globin is used as it can keep the virus from being passed onto an unborn baby. CMV can be a dangerous virus for unborn babies and infants but is not usually dangerous to adults and children. By the age of 30, according to the March of Dimes, about half of the US population have contracted the virus. Hyperimmune globin gives a pregnant mother’s immune system a boost to fight the virus.

    Approximately one percent of all babies are born with CMV infection which can cause serious neurological problems including death. If a woman is infected during pregnancy, she has a 40% chance of passing the virus on to her newborn. There is currently no effective treatment of CMV.

    The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and according to Dr. Patrick Duff (co-author of the study), more studies need to be done to confirm these findings.

  • Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding: Advantages and Disadvanges

    The choice is yours. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. Remember, you don’t have to opt exclusively for either the breast or the bottle alone. Many parents find that a combination of both methods works well and lets them enjoy the advantages of each.

    Advantages of Breastfed Babies

    Breastfed babies are less likely to become ill in the first year of life, because breast milk provides your infant with antibodies to fight off some common childhood illnesses. Plus, immune factors in breast milk help protect your baby until his or her own immune system has developed. Living cells in breast milk, such as white cells, fight infection and are important in helping your baby stay healthy. Babies who are strictly breastfed , with no added formula, until at least four months of age, suffer half the number of ear infections as those who are never breastfed.

    It’s more convenient. It can be done anywhere, at any time, whenever your baby shows signs of being hungry. No bottles to prepare, no sterilizing and breast milk is always just the right temperature; you never have to keep your baby waiting.

    Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer and also ovarian cancer. When breastfeeding for three months or longer, the risk is cut in half.

    Nursing helps speed the shrinking of the uterus back to it’s pre-pregnancy size; helping your body recover more quickly from giving birth. Hormones, such as oxytocin , are released when your baby sucks, which causes your uterus to contract a bit each time your baby nurses. You can also lose weight more quickly if you breastfeed, because nursing uses up the fat you stored up in pregnancy.

    << Breastfeeding (continued) >>

    << Advantages of Bottle-feeding >>

  • Should I Breastfeed or Bottle-Feed?

    Experts agree that choosing to breastfeed your baby is the best choice for both mother and child. Here are six great reasons to choose breastfeeding.

    • Breast milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk or commercial formulas. The proportion of protein is lower in mother’s milk, making it easier for babies to handle. Breast milk also contains one-third less mineral salt, making it easier on baby’s kidneys.
    • Because of the easier digestibility of breast milk, babies that are breastfed are almost never constipated and they also rarely have diarrhea.
    • Breast milk is less likely to cause your infant to become overweight and also decreases the chances of obesity later in life.
    • Virtually no baby is allergic to breast milk (although some babies can have allergic reactions to certain foods in their mother’s diets). Breastfeeding can actually protect your baby from allergies, eczema and asthma and can also help make allergies less severe, if they do develop.
    • It is less expensive than bottle-feeding. There are no bottles, sterilizers and expensive formula to buy.
    • Breastfeeding brings mother and baby together, skin to skin, at least six to eight times a day. It can feel warm and comforting to you as well as your baby. The emotional gratification and intimacy, can be very fulfilling. Some believe breastfeeding leads to a closer bond between mother and baby. Also, many women feel a great sense of pride in seeing their baby grow strong and healthy on their milk alone.

    << Advantages of Bottle-feeding >>

  • SIDS Questions

    With regard to SIDs, is there a risk of choking when my baby sleeps on his or her back?

    Not usually, babies automatically swallow or cough up fluids. Doctors have found no increase in choking or other problems in babies sleeping on their backs.

    What about side sleeping?

    To keep your baby safest when he or she is sleeping, always use the back sleep position rather than the side position. Babies who sleep on their sides can roll onto their stomachs. A baby sleeping on his or her stomach is at greater risk of SIDS.

    Some infants may have health conditions that require them to sleep on their stomachs such as reflux.

    If you are unsure about the best sleep position for your baby, be sure to talk to your doctor or nurse.

    Some products claim to be designed to keep a baby in one position. These products have not been tested for safety and are NOT recommended.

    Are there times when my baby can be on his or her stomach?

    Yes, place your baby on his or her stomach for “tummy time,” when he or she is awake and someone is watching. When the baby is awake, tummy time is good because it helps your baby’s neck and shoulder muscles get stronger.

    Will my baby get “flat spots” on his or her head from back sleeping?

    For the most part, flat spots on the back of the baby’s head go away a few months after the baby learns to sit up. Tummy time, when your baby is awake, is one way to reduce flat spots. Another way is to change the direction you place your baby down to sleep. Doing this means the baby is not always sleeping on the same side of his or her head. If you think your baby has a more serious problem, talk to your doctor or nurse.

    What other things can I do to keep my baby healthy?

    • Eat the right foods if you are nursing.
    • Get frequent check-ups with your doctor or nurse.
    • Breastfeed your baby.
    • Take your baby for scheduled well-baby check-ups.
    • Make sure your baby gets his or her shots on time.
    • Enjoy your baby!