ParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gifParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Wait it Out: Babies Born Before 39 Weeks Face Health Risks, Experts Warnhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/22/wait-it-out-babies-born-before-39-weeks-face-health-risks-expe/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/22/wait-it-out-babies-born-before-39-weeks-face-health-risks-expe/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/22/wait-it-out-babies-born-before-39-weeks-face-health-risks-expe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Credit: Getty Images

You plan your work schedules, your vacations, your children's playdates, your weekend entertainment and pretty much every other event in your life, so why should it come as a surprise that you want you want to schedule your baby's delivery, too?

The problem, NPR reports, is women are scheduling C-sections or being induced sometimes a few weeks before their baby's due date for reasons ranging from wanting their baby born on a specific date to just being sick and tired of being pregnant.

That's just not cool, experts tell the news source, pointing to studies that show infants who arrive before 39 weeks face a greater risk for health problems.

"It's now really well-documented in national studies that the risk of the baby having to require intensive care in a neonatal intensive care unit - even the risk of infant death - is increased when the baby is born as little as two weeks before the due date," Ed Donovan, a pediatrician at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, tells NPR.

A woman's projected due date is can be two weeks off, according to the news source, meaning a baby born at 37 weeks may really only be 35 weeks along. Also, Donovan tells NPR, not all babies develop at the same rate.

"Just because the lungs are mature doesn't mean that the other organ systems are mature," he tells NPR. "A baby born three weeks early with mature lungs may not be ready to eat because the brain's not fully developed."

So the message here? As a current March of Dimes campaign states, "Healthy babies are worth the wait."

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]]>c-sectionsinduced laborlabor and deliveryplanned birthpregnancypregnancy healthscheduled birthLesley KennedyFri, 22 Jul 2011 13:00:00 ESTPregnancy Announcements: Surprise the Grandparentshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/14/pregnancy-announcements-grandparents/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/14/pregnancy-announcements-grandparents/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/14/pregnancy-announcements-grandparents/#commentsFiled under:

Pregnancy Announcements

As you plan to make your big pregnancy announcement, you may wonder about timing. Credit: Corbis

Pregnancy announcements are a fun way to share the news with friends and family -- particularly grandparents. While a phone call will suffice, consider these creative ways to let the new grandparents know you're expecting.

As you plan to make your big pregnancy announcement, you may wonder about timing. When is the best time to let your loved ones know that you have a little one on the way?

According to the website Love to Know, "some couples choose to tell everyone right away. This is often the case for couples who have announced they had been trying to conceive. Others feel they would want the support from immediate family and close friends should a problem arise. Of course, some simply want to share the momentous occasion immediately so everyone can join in their happiness."

The site says eight to 12 weeks is the typical time for parents to spill the beans.

"They feel more comfortable telling their news after this time because risk of miscarriage is lower," Love to Know reports. "For some couples, it is an intimate secret they want to keep to themselves for a short period of time. And for others, a 'surprise' pregnancy may take a little getting used to before telling the rest of the world."

Whatever your timetable, perhaps the easiest way to announce your pregnancy and the impeding arrival of your new addition is through written correspondence, which is especially ideal for friends and family who are out of town.

The upside to taking this approach is that each person will be surprised as they receive your card in the mail. The downside is that you likely won't be there to share the excitement with them. If you like the idea of sending pregnancy announcement cards, consider the options available through Tiny Prints. These cards are easily customizable and affordable.

If you aren't planning to do a mass announcement, but would like to send a cute card to a select few, consider Tummy Talk's "Coming Soon" pregnancy announcements, which come in a set of 10. Also available are individual greeting cards from Zazzle. Written as a message from the baby, these creative pregnancy announcements express excitement about meeting his or her new family and includes space for the due date.

New grandmas and grandpas will be especially excited to receive your news and you may want to create an extra-special surprise pregnancy announcement for them. Rather than sticking to cards alone, consider small gifts created just for them.

Make your own card, using a pregnancy poem that creatively announces your news. One popular example is a letter from the baby. You can couple one of these poems with a small gift, such as a frame to hold the ultrasound picture or a special T-shirt for Grandma or Grandpa. The T-shirts are particularly fun for first time grandparents.

Other nice options include a special handkerchiefs set for the grandparents to be coupled with a poem about the parent-to-be following in their footsteps and Countdown to Grandbaby plaque. For other creative ideas, review Modern Mom's Pregnancy Announcement Ideas.

However you decide announce your pregnancy to the new grandparents, they are sure to be surprised and full of joy!

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]]>grandparentsPregnancy Announcementsthe editors at ParentDishTue, 14 Jun 2011 17:00:00 ESTMorning Sickness Excercise Video for Your First Trimesterhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/morning-sickness-excercise/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/morning-sickness-excercise/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/morning-sickness-excercise/#commentsFiled under: ,

This instructional exercise video can help alleviate morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy. So, move the furniture, grab a yoga mat and follow these tips and tricks to relieve the common pregnancy symptom.

First Trimester with Morning Sickness Exercises


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]]>morning sicknesspregnancy exerciseJessica SamakowWed, 01 Jun 2011 10:30:00 ESTHow to Choose a Great Middle Namehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/21/middle-names/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/21/middle-names/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/21/middle-names/#commentsFiled under: ,

No sooner had we declared the death of such old-style middle names as Ann, John and Marie -- mere connective tissue between the first name and the last -- than we started seeing the rise of a whole new generation of undistinguished middle names.

There are now officially enough little girls with the middle name Rose, thank you very much, and so, too, have we heard an awful lot of Grace, James, Claire, Lee and Rae for girls and Ray for boys.

Granted, middle names are not as important as first names, and may be rarely used after the birth announcements are printed. But that's no reason to default to whatever's easiest. In fact, the middle can be the perfect place to use a name that's more meaningful and distinctive than one you dare put in first place.


Here, some places to find distinctive middle names:

  • Honor thy mother, thy father and thy great uncle. If your family is barging into the baby-naming act, make peace by using a family name in the middle. We used both our's and our husband's grandmothers' names as middle names for our daughter, for instance, and revived a great-great-grandpa's distinguished but eccentric name as our older son's middle name.
  • Put a last name in the middle. Putting Mom's maiden name in the middle can be one good solution to the surname debates and a way to create family unity if both parents keep their original surnames. You can also revive a nearly-forgotten family surname as a middle name. Don't overlook ethnic choices such as O'Brien or DiMatteo that can make distinctive and meaningful middle names.
  • Make the middle name a place name. Did you honeymoon in Tahiti? Harbor a lifelong love of London? A place with family meaning, that you visited or where your baby was conceived can make a good middle name.
  • Pick a word, (almost) any word. Word names can make distinctive middle names. Obvious choices are True, Blue and Love, but other word name possibilities include nature names such as Lake and Pine, animal names like Fox or Lark, color names such as Crimson and Indigo, day names such as Winter or Midnight (both used by Nicole Richie) or spiritual names such as Answer or Peace.
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The Name Babes are Pamela Redmond Satran and Linda Rosenkrantz, founders of Nameberry.com, innovators of baby-name content on the Web. Got a name craving? Learn more about baby names at Nameberry.com.

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]]>baby namesmiddle namesPamela Satran and Linda RosenkrantzThu, 21 Apr 2011 10:30:00 ESTEven an Occasional Drink Early in Pregnancy Can Cause Premature Birth, Study Showshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/11/drinking-during-pregnancy/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/11/drinking-during-pregnancy/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/11/drinking-during-pregnancy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

pregnancy and drinking

A new study may cause you to rethink drinking while you're pregnant. Credit: Getty Images


Step away from the chardonnay.

The debate over how much alcohol -- if any -- is safe to drink during pregnancy has been raging for decades, but a new study published in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth finds even occasional drinking can result in premature babies.

According to a new release, researchers in Dublin looked at how much alcohol women drank during their early pregnancies to discover the effect it had on their babies.

More than 60,000 pregnant women were questioned during their hospital booking interview, which usually took place 10 to 12 weeks after conception, the release states. Women were asked about their home lives, whether they worked, what their nationality was and about their drinking habits prior to their antenatal booking visit. Answers were compared to birth record data and records from the special care baby unit.

About a fifth of the women told researchers they never drank, while 71 percent claimed to be occasional drinkers (zero to five units a week), according to the study. There was one case of fetal alcohol syndrome among this low-alcohol group, the release states, so researchers say it's likely some women underestimated or under-reported the amount they drank.

In general, the researchers say, fetal alcohol syndrome occurred less frequently than expected in the study, suggesting it is either not recognized by medical staff or only becomes apparent after the mother and baby have left the hospital.

Ten percent of the pregnant women drank a moderate amount of alcohol (six to 20 units a week), the release states. These women also were more likely to smoke, work and have private health care compared to those who never drank. Only two in 1,000 said they were heavy drinkers (more than 20 units per week). These women were most likely to be young and to have used illegal drugs.

The study shows moderate and heavy drinkers were often first time mothers, and unplanned pregnancies were associated with heavy drinking, according to the release.

Heavy drinking was also related to very premature birth. However, there was no difference in the occurrence of congenital or other birth defects regardless of the amount of alcohol women drank, the release states.

"This study emphasizes the need for improved detection of alcohol misuse in pregnancy and for early intervention in order to minimize the risks to the developing fetus," Prof. Deirdre J. Murphy, of Trinity College in Dublin, says in the release. "We would recommend that further research is required before even low amounts of alcohol can be considered safe."

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]]>drinking during pregnancyfetal alcohol syndromepregnancyLesley KennedyMon, 11 Apr 2011 12:00:00 ESTIn Japan, Pregnant Women at Increased Risk for Radiation Exposure, Experts Warnhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/18/in-japan-pregnant-women-at-increased-risk-for-radiation-exposur/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/18/in-japan-pregnant-women-at-increased-risk-for-radiation-exposur/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/18/in-japan-pregnant-women-at-increased-risk-for-radiation-exposur/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The risk for radiation poisoning is concerning for pregnant women. Credit: Getty Images

For now, experts say the radiation coming from the malfunctioning nuclear power plant in Japan doesn't pose an immediate health threat, beyond workers at the plant, itself. But, the risk of radiation poisoning could be more of a concern for pregnant women, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Pregnant women are at a greater risk because unborn babies' cells multiply more rapidly than adults, making them more vulnerable to birth defects, cognitive problems and cancer, according to the Journal's health blog.

Exacerbating the risk is the fact that radiation can affect the fetus in a number of different ways, according to the Journal.

Chandon Guha, vice chairman of the radiation oncology department at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, tells the Journal radiation can pass directly to the fetus through the woman's body, similar to a diagnostic X-ray, though the woman's abdomen does shield the fetus from exposure.

But of equal concern are "damaging particles that are released from nuclear accidents and (can) be carried by the wind. If those are inhaled, ingested or absorbed into the skin, they can reach the fetus through the circulatory system of the mother and cause damage," the Journal writes.

The risk of adverse effects on an unborn baby varies at different stages in the pregnancy, with the first 10 to 14 days posing damage that can be fatal, according to the Journal. That's magnified by the fact that the woman might not even know she is pregnant.

For harm to happen, though, a woman would likely require a dose of radiation many times higher than is given in most diagnostic tests, such as a pelvic CT. And fetuses that are exposed to radiation during this period and survive aren't likely to develop related birth defects, brain damage or stunted growth, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

After the 16th week of pregnancy, radiation exposure is unlikely to produce the same kind of problems, unless the dose is equivalent to about 5,000 chest X-rays, the CDC tells the Journal. And, after 26 weeks, the fetus "is no more sensitive to the effects of radiation than are newborns," with birth defects unlikely and "only a slight increase in the risk of having cancer later in life expected," the CDC says.

But very high doses of radiation would have the same ill effects as they would on a baby.

Experts, however, warn that the news coming out of Japan changes frequently, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact levels of radiation.

"For convenience, we assume any radiation dose gives us an increased risk of cancer," Kathryn Higley, head of the department of nuclear engineering and radiation health physics at Oregon State University, tells Time.

In areas experiencing high concentrations of radiation, she adds, "there is no question that really elevated levels do affect the embryo and fetus."

Higley and other experts tell Time pregnant women and parents of little kids would be wise to heed advisories regarding evacuation zones.

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]]>japan earthquakejapan radiationJapanEarthquakeJapanRadiationradiationMary Beth SammonsFri, 18 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST10 Common Birthing Fearshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/27/birthing-fears/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/27/birthing-fears/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/27/birthing-fears/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

birthing fears

Keep your eye on the prize. Credit: Corbis

Giving birth is a monumental event in a woman's life -- a cause for joy, and, in many cases, a cause for fear. It's normal to be scared in the hours before delivery, but what are the most common fears and how valid are they?

Here's a look at 10 things women worry about before they go into labor:

1. I'm afraid giving birth will be too painful. Every woman about to give birth for the first time worries about this because it's hard to imagine the whole process not being painful. Of course, there are plenty of medications to relieve labor pain, from a pudendal block to an epidural. Taking childbirth classes, such as Lamaze, might help soothe your worries and prepare you for labor.

2. I'm afraid I will be in labor for 60 hours. Everyone has heard the horror stories about someone being in labor for days, but in reality, the average labor lasts 18 hours, and doctors rarely let the process go past 20 hours. If your labor stalls, there are things your doctor can do to augment the process, such as giving you Pitocin to make your uterus contract, or allowing you to continue your labor in a hot tub.

3. I'm afraid of becoming paralyzed by an epidural injection gone wrong. You've gotten past the fear of painful labor by arranging for an epidural, but now you're terrified that a terrible complication will occur. Relax. The risk of permanent paralysis, as well as death or a heart attack, from an epidural falls in a range of one in 20,000 to one in 1,000,000. Anesthetists are highly-trained doctors who perform epidurals every day.

4. I'm afraid of losing control. Whether it's a fear of pooping on the delivery table or a fear of cursing uncontrollably, the possibility of not having total control over bodily functions can be very scary -- if not completely horrifying. However, labor and delivery nurses, obstetricians and midwives have seen and heard it all, so you don't have to worry about shocking them. If you are really concerned about losing bowel control, you can always opt for an enema in the early hours of labor.

5. I'm afraid I will have to have a C-section. You've decided you are going to go the natural childbirth route. You've even taken hypnobirthing classes to prepare yourself. Unfortunately, when the time comes, a complication such as the baby's heart rate becoming irregular or your baby being too large to pass through can happen, and your doctor may tell you he or she is going to have to perform a cesarean section. While this may come as a disappointment, think of it as a means to an end -- a glorious end of having a healthy baby. If you fear the cesarean possibility, it may help for you to read up on what happens during the procedure so that you will know what to expect if it does happen.

6. I'm afraid of tearing. This is a very common concern among mothers-to-be, and rightly so, because tears in the perineum (the area between your vagina and anus) are common, especially in first-time births. Most perineal tears are superficial, and only 4 percent of women suffer serious tears. Fortunately, there are things you can do at home before having birth that can help prevent tearing, such as doing Kegel exercises to make the perineal muscles stronger, and massaging your perineum to increase blood flow and the elasticity of the muscles.

7. I'm afraid I will have to have an episiotomy. Twenty years ago, an episiotomy was a routine procedure performed before labor to prevent the aforementioned tearing. However, studies have shown episiotomies really aren't necessary, and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended against the procedure.

8. I'm afraid I will have the baby in the car on the way to the hospital. This seems to be one incident that really only happens in the movies and on television, but it is possible. In only less than one percent of births does a pregnant woman suddenly feel the urge to push without labor symptoms or contractions. However, it can happen, especially if you have had a previous quick labor. If you do find yourself in this situation, the American College of Nurse-Midwives has a document, A Guide to Emergency Preparedness for Childbirth that gives step-by-step instructions on what to do in case of an emergency.

9. I'm afraid the umbilical cord will strangle my baby. While this fear conjures up a frightening image, could it really happen? The cord can end up around your baby's neck during delivery, but it is important to remember that he or she is not breathing through his or her mouth yet. You are still breathing for your baby. Even if the cord gets stretched, there are mechanisms in place that allow them to continue working properly. If your baby is born with his or her cord around the neck, all the doctor needs to do is untangle it after birth before clamping it.

10. I'm afraid I will die. This fear goes through the mind of every mom-to-be because, although the risk is low (13.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in the U.S. in 2006), it's still a remote possibility, especially if you have a cesarean section. However, taking childbirth classes, as well as taking a tour of the labor and delivery department of your hospital, may ease your mind. Talking to your obstetrician about this worry will also help your state of mind.

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]]>childbirth fearsepiduralevergreenkegel-exercisestop ten birthing fearsSally WorshamMon, 27 Dec 2010 16:40:00 ESTIn Vitro Fertilization Works Better in the Spring, Study Suggestshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/15/in-vitro-fertilization-works-better-in-the-spring-study-suggest/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/15/in-vitro-fertilization-works-better-in-the-spring-study-suggest/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/15/in-vitro-fertilization-works-better-in-the-spring-study-suggest/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In Vitro Fertilization

Could be that spring is a better time to grow babies, too. Credit: Getty Images


In the spring, they say, a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love. That might have something to do with the fact that it's easier for a woman to conceive in the spring than during any other season.

According to a study presented Sept. 14 at the World Congress of Fertility and Sterility in Munich, Germany, in vitro fertilization rates were found to be highest in the spring (73.5 percent) versus the winter (67.9 percent), summer (68.7 percent) or fall (69 percent).

Scientists have long noted seasonal variations in the number of births resulting from natural conception. Although there has been no firm explanation for this trend, it is believed that human reproduction is linked to temperature and season, according to researchers.

This new study suggests even assisted reproduction may be more effective during certain times of the year.

Continue reading In Vitro Fertilization Works Better in the Spring, Study Suggests

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]]>fertilityin vitro fertilizationInVitroFertilizationpregnancyresearchHoney BerkWed, 15 Sep 2010 13:00:00 ESTCan I Make My Family Accept My Baby's Name?http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/09/can-i-make-my-family-accept-my-babys-name/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/09/can-i-make-my-family-accept-my-babys-name/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/09/can-i-make-my-family-accept-my-babys-name/#commentsFiled under: , ,

My husband and I are expecting a boy this November. Before we conceived him, we both fell in love with the name Bodhi. Now that we have informed our families of his name, everyone on both sides have expressed their distaste. How do we politely tell our family that we will not be caving on our son's name?

- Bodhi's Mom-to-Be


Congratulations on taking this rejection so well. It's easy for hard feelings to grow when your joyous name announcement is met with grimaces.

Continue reading Can I Make My Family Accept My Baby's Name?

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]]>baby namingBabyNamingBodhigrandparentsnaming conflictsNamingConflictsThe Name LadyThu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 ESTCan I Name a Baby Charlotte in Charlotte?http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/19/can-i-name-a-baby-charlotte-in-charlotte/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/19/can-i-name-a-baby-charlotte-in-charlotte/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/19/can-i-name-a-baby-charlotte-in-charlotte/#commentsFiled under: ,


I'm a first-time mom pregnant with a daughter. Our absolute favorite name is Charlotte. It's just so beautiful! Here's the catch. We live in North Carolina. Charlotte is the largest and most well-known city in our state. Is it out for us?

- NC Mom

There's no simple rule for how a place name plays to people from that place. Some city names sound silly on babies to the locals, whereas others sound extra-appealing. And still others just sound like, well, names.

Continue reading Can I Name a Baby Charlotte in Charlotte?

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]]>charlottenorth carolinaNorthCarolinaplace namesPlaceNamesThe Name LadyThu, 19 Aug 2010 11:00:00 ESTShould I Choose a Name My Husband Hates?http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/29/should-i-choose-a-name-my-husband-hates/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/29/should-i-choose-a-name-my-husband-hates/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/29/should-i-choose-a-name-my-husband-hates/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


I have loved the name Sloan since I heard it about three years ago and immediately knew that's what I would name my daughter. My husband has never liked the name. We have disagreed on it since. He has recently told me that if it is that important to me, he was fine with it. Is it really OK?

- Sloan Dreamer

Oh, what a happy problem! I know it doesn't look that way from where you sit, agonizing over a name that has held a special place in your heart for years. But trust me, this is the best kind of naming conflict you can have.

Continue reading Should I Choose a Name My Husband Hates?

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]]>baby name conflictsbaby namingBabyNameConflictsBabyNamingmarital happinessmarital-communicationMaritalHappinessproblem solvingProblemSolvingrelationship adviceRelationshipAdvicerelationshipsThe Name LadyThu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:00 ESTFather's Involvement During Pregnancy Found to be Critical to Infant's Survivalhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/24/fathers-involvement-during-pregnancy-found-to-be-critical-to-in/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/24/fathers-involvement-during-pregnancy-found-to-be-critical-to-in/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/24/fathers-involvement-during-pregnancy-found-to-be-critical-to-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Healthier babies are born to dads that stick around. Credit: Getty Images


Babies whose fathers are absent during pregnancy are four times more likely to die in their first year of life, regardless of the mother's race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, according to a recent study.

They also are more likely to be born with lower birth weights, preterm and small for their gestational age, according to the study conducted by researchers from the University of South Florida. Additionally, pregnant mothers with uninvolved fathers are more likely to experience obstetric complications such as anemia, chronic high blood pressure, eclampsia and placental abruptio.

The father's absence increases stress for the mother, the researchers say, and can affect her behavior during pregnancy.

Continue reading Father's Involvement During Pregnancy Found to be Critical to Infant's Survival

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]]>childbirthdadsfathersfathers and pregnancyFathersAndPregnancyinfant mortalityInfantMortalitypregnancystudyHoney BerkThu, 24 Jun 2010 17:00:00 ESTPregnant? Unplug the Vacuum and Put Down That Mophttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/01/pregnant-unplug-the-vacuum-and-put-down-that-mop/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/01/pregnant-unplug-the-vacuum-and-put-down-that-mop/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/01/pregnant-unplug-the-vacuum-and-put-down-that-mop/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Another excuse to take a load off: Pregnancy is not the time for household chores, according to a new study. Credit: Getty Images


In a scene reminiscent of recent Swiffer commercials, brooms and mops may soon be crooning "Baby Come Back" to pregnant women everywhere.

A study out of the Netherlands suggests the "boring and repetitive" nature of household chores increases the odds of giving birth prematurely, according to London's The Daily Mail.

Published in the journal Pediatric Epidemiology, the study compiled data from questionnaires completed by 11,759 new moms, who reported their daily physical activity during pregnancy -- including housework, paid work and exercise -- as well as their baby's birth weight and how many weeks pregnant they were at delivery.

Continue reading Pregnant? Unplug the Vacuum and Put Down That Mop

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]]>exerciseexercise pregnancyExercisePregnancypregnancypregnantstudyworkHoney BerkTue, 01 Jun 2010 18:00:00 ESTPregnant Women Should Avoid Canned Foods, Study Sayshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/19/pregnant-women-should-avoid-canned-foods-study-says/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/19/pregnant-women-should-avoid-canned-foods-study-says/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/19/pregnant-women-should-avoid-canned-foods-study-says/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you're pregnant, kick the cans. Credit: Spencer Platt / Getty Images

Pregnant women should avoid or limit their intake of canned foods, which can expose them to a potentially dangerous chemical, a new report says.

More than 90 percent of cans tested in the study titled "No Silver Lining" contained detectable levels of bisphenol A (BPA), which public health experts say has been linked to abnormal behavior, diabetes, heart disease, infertility, developmental and reproductive harm and obesity.

The study tested an array of brand-name foods from 50 cans in 19 states and one Canadian province. The report was released by the National Work Group for Safe Markets, a coalition of public and environmental health groups.

Continue reading Pregnant Women Should Avoid Canned Foods, Study Says

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]]>bpaBPA-freecanned foodsCannedFoodspregnancyMonique El-FaizyWed, 19 May 2010 16:00:00 ESTHow Do You Help a Friend After a Miscarriage?http://www.parentdish.com/2010/04/15/how-do-you-help-a-friend-after-a-miscarriage/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/04/15/how-do-you-help-a-friend-after-a-miscarriage/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/04/15/how-do-you-help-a-friend-after-a-miscarriage/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Dear AdviceMama,

A couple close to our family was thrilled to find out they were finally pregnant. We just found out that the mother had a miscarriage.

What should we do or say? Is it better to avoid the subject altogether, out of respect for their feelings? My husband and I feel it would be very awkward to bring it up.

Signed,
Wondering Friend

Dear Wondering,

Pregnancy loss has a significant impact on couples and families. Of course we know this, in the same way that we know that any stressful situation challenges the stability of a marriage.

Continue reading How Do You Help a Friend After a Miscarriage?

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]]>Susan Stiffelman, MFTThu, 15 Apr 2010 11:00:00 ESTExercise During Pregnancy May Prevent Obesity in Babyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/04/14/exercise-pregnancy/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/04/14/exercise-pregnancy/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/04/14/exercise-pregnancy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It can be tempting to turn couch-potato once your belly starts expanding. But there's a new reason to exercise during pregnancy, and it could have far-reaching benefits for your unborn child. A new study, out of the University of Auckland in New Zealand, shows that regular aerobic activity during pregnancy can lead to a reduction in the birth weight of a baby.

"Given that large birth size is associated with an increased risk of obesity, a modest reduction in birth weight may have long-term health benefits for offspring by lowering this risk in later life," said the study's authors.

But how can you incorporate exercise during your pregnancy safely and enjoyably?

Eva Redpath is a certified group fitness expert and personal trainer based in Toronto. A specialist in women's fitness, she says that exercise during pregnancy can be a way to both keep your body healthy and help you feel beautiful while your body changes.

"Not only does exercising release powerful endorphins to boost your energy, self-esteem and create that healthy glow, the benefits of exercise during your pregnancy can positively prepare you and your body for birth," she says.

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]]>birth weightBirthWeightexerciseexercise during preg...exercise during pregnancyExerciseDuringPreg...ExerciseDuringPregnancyfitnessPilatespilotpregnancyswimmingwalking during pregnancyWalkingDuringPregnancyyogaShelley WhiteWed, 14 Apr 2010 15:00:00 ESTI'm Pregnant and I'm Afraid I Will be a Bad Momhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/29/im-pregnant-and-im-afraid-i-will-be-a-bad-mom/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/29/im-pregnant-and-im-afraid-i-will-be-a-bad-mom/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/29/im-pregnant-and-im-afraid-i-will-be-a-bad-mom/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dear AdviceMama:

I found out I was pregnant on the day we returned home from our honeymoon. Talk about a surprise. You can read my whole rant on Lemondrop. Anyway, we had previously joked about how awesome it was that we were in the "double income, no kids" category and expected to stay that way for a couple of years. Now, I vacillate between being absolutely thrilled and freaking terrified. Every time I go shopping, I see kids misbehaving, which makes me dislike parents altogether. I'm left with a fear of becoming one of those lazy, shrieking mothers. How can I avoid this happening to me?

Signed,
Freaked-Out Prego

Dear F-O Prego:

Whoo hee, woman, rant away! As jarring as some of your words may appear to the faint of heart, I have to say that I admire your honesty. Better to reveal the reality of your ambivalence than to parade that belly with disingenuous pride. I fully subscribe to the notion that as difficult as it can be to face, "the truth shall set ye free."

Trust me, you are not the first mama-to-be who crumbled during a shopping expedition. Shopping is not for the weary or the weak; it's a hotbed of fatigue, distraction and over stimulation, bringing out the worst in parent and child alike.

But here's the good news: You get to be the kind of Mommy that you want to be. You get to answer your child's awkward questions with honesty and compassion. You get to be interested in your child's inane curiosities. You get to say, "Mommy's focusing on getting stuff for the house now, sweetheart. Play with this vibrator." That is, if you really want that massaging vibrator from the Lamaze checklist.

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]]>Susan Stiffelman, MFTMon, 29 Mar 2010 11:00:00 ESTHow to Buy a Rocking Chairhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/23/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-rocking-chair/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/23/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-rocking-chair/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/23/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-rocking-chair/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Comfort is key when selecting a rocking chair. Credit: hownowdesign, Flickr

Adding a rocking chair to a nursery can help transform a room into a peaceful place for lullabies and special time with your baby.

Champ Land, vice president of the Troutman Rocking Chair Company, says the purchase of a rocking chair should be based on the comfort it provides.

"It's got to be comfortable," he says. "A rocker has a lot of movement. You need to make sure it is constructed well and find out what the warranty is."

In a phone interview with ParentDish, Land says the first thing to do, when looking at a rocker, is to tilt it towards you.

"In effect, you are looking down the rails," he says. When you look at the rails, they should be arced away from you with a "nice, smooth, rounded back."

The rocking chair should allow your shoulders to hang normally with a straight bar in between the posts, says Land, who owns the North Carolina-based company with his wife.

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]]>evergreenjfkNursery Decorrocking chairrocking chairsElizabeth HumphreyTue, 23 Mar 2010 09:00:00 ESTSleep-Deprived New Moms May Pose a Danger Behind the Wheelhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/02/03/sleep-deprived-new-moms-may-pose-a-danger-behind-the-wheel/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/02/03/sleep-deprived-new-moms-may-pose-a-danger-behind-the-wheel/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/02/03/sleep-deprived-new-moms-may-pose-a-danger-behind-the-wheel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Many mothers of newborns feel like they're living in a "mental haze," study shows. Credit: ThiagoMartins, Flickr

Driving while overtired can be just as dangerous as driving drunk, Australian researchers warn new mothers.

A study released last week of mothers of newborns reveals that many felt as though they were living in a "mental haze," according to an article in Australia's Whitsunday Times.

The Queensland University of Technology study was looking at the impact of postpartum fatigue on the everyday functioning of new mothers.

The study found lifestyle changes, interrupted sleep, lack of routine and high levels of unpredictability led to fatigue, which could at times be overwhelming, the newspaper reports.

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]]>driving safetypostpartumsleep deprivationstudyMelissa Kossler DuttonWed, 03 Feb 2010 11:30:00 ESTQuestions to Ask When Hiring a Doulahttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/01/31/questions-to-ask-when-hiring-a-doula/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/01/31/questions-to-ask-when-hiring-a-doula/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/01/31/questions-to-ask-when-hiring-a-doula/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hiring a doula? Here are questions to ask.
Credit: mahalie, Flickr

Kelly Anderson gave expectant mothers oranges and tins cans with the lids removed from both ends.

"Now push the orange through the can," she told the women, giving them an idea of what they had in store during the birthing process.

Anderson, now retired, no longer coaches mothers-to-be in Dallas, Ore. But her exercise illustrates the service doulas, maternity nurses and other birthing professionals provide: They prepare women for what's to come and guide them through every part of the process.

But finding just the right doula can be a daunting process for some women. There are Web sites to help: One of the most prominent belongs to the Doulas of North America. The organization has a certification process to assure mothers that doulas have met the highest standards of training and education.

The site also provides a locator so women can find doulas in their areas. Another popular site for finding a doula is doulamatch.net.

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]]>choosing-a-douladouladoulasEvergreenTerracemidwifepregnancyTom HendersonSun, 31 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST