by Shannon Choe, Premier Baby Concierge
for Traditional Medicinals
 

Pregnancy is such as an exciting time! Whether you’re loving every minute of it or not; whether you’re a dedicated scrap-booker or not, this is the time to rally and document, document, document!    Not only is pregnancy amazing in terms of the changes in your body, but also, because it’s the beginning of a story.  Pregnancy is the first chapter in your baby’s history and the next chapter in your life.  You’ll never be able to recapture these moments, and so often you hear people say they wish they’d taken more pictures or kept a journal.  For so many reasons, not the least of which is that it all goes so fast, there are a variety of ways for parents-to-be to document and cherish each step of the way!  Here are some ideas:

• Good old-fashioned photos.  Consider taking belly shots throughout your pregnancy with the same back-drop to illustrate your gradual growth.  It’s so fun to compare to future “baby bellies,” too!
   
• Journals.  Some moms-to-be track their nutrition, cravings, fears, and emotions in a written journal.  Not your style or too time-consuming?  “There’s an app for that!”  Surely there are many! 
   
• Mommy multi-tasker.  If you haven’t heard of AboutOne.com, it’s a great online organizational tool, but also a great way to save and share memories.  Upload photos, medical records, baby’s firsts and more on-the-go via email or by using a scanner.  Later, AboutOne.com will magically take all you’ve input to create and share a Family Newsletter or even a hard bound Baby Book! 
   
• Get scientific.  Measure your “baby belly” and log your pregnancy experiences on what will become a treasured keepsake- the Mommy Measure. It’s a measuring tape that is a timeline of your belly! (www.mommymeasure.com)
   
• Call the professionals.  Have professional maternity photos taken.  Depending on how you feel, this may or may not sound appealing, but with expert care, you’ll look amazing and it’s one of those things that you will appreciate later, if not now! 
   
• Belly casting. This is such a great way to literally capture your belly in this moment in time.  Fun to use as a newborn photo prop, placing swaddled baby in once he or she arrives, and a great decorative addition to the nursery, too!  You can buy these kits to tackle this task on your own, or find a local professional.
   
• The Ultrasound (if you choose to have one).  Where so many great nicknames are born!  Of course, you’re given print outs or even video of this, your first visual of your little “bean” or “peanut.”  Use a keepsake ultrasound frame to protect and display baby’s first “photo.” 

There’s really nothing like a pregnant belly!  Family near and far love to experience the exciting changes as they happen, and your child will love to share these memories someday.  Have fun with tracking and sharing milestones in whatever fashion or whatever regularity you can muster! 

by Shannon Choe, Premier Baby Concierge
for Traditional Medicinals

As parents-to-be design their nursery and create their baby registry they will learn a lot about baby products- a world they probably never thought much about before, but now will become intimately aware of!  They’ll begin to take notice of which strollers or baby carriers they pass on the sidewalk and will listen intently to the discussion of crib bumpers at a coffee shop.  And while they may already make strides to live a healthy lifestyle, they often become inspired to delve deeper into what it means to “go green” when it comes to baby.  Here’s an introduction.

Why go green?  Well, of course we want to be gentle to the Earth so it will be here for our children and their children.  Using sustainable materials and sending less to landfills is great for the environment.  But we also know that chemicals that are found in our environment at large and even in our homes that are inhaled or touched can be absorbed and enter the bloodstream.  This affects us all: pregnant moms and their babies and everyone else!  Studies show that there are several health impacts related to exposure to these toxins over time, such as allergies, asthma, cancers, developmental disorders, and other concerns.

Based on the information available to us today, it makes sense to do our best to avoid chemicals and toxins in baby's environment and make the best selections when it comes to the things baby will breathe, ingest and/or have direct contact with.  Here’s a list of items in our homes to start to research and consider if you are expectant parents: 

• Nursery paint- Traditional household paints, especially oil-based paints, often contain Volatile Organic Compounds.  VOCs are cancer causing toxins that can emit years after drying.  So new parents who’ll be decorating the nursery will want to research non-toxic nursery paints with Low or No VOCs.    
   
• Household cleaning products- Even though we all know to store cleaning products out of the reach of kids for fear of ingestion, parents are often surprised to learn that there is evidence that even normal household use of these products may be enough to have harmful impact over the long-term.  Fragrance added to products, especially laundry products, can cause respiratory problems and headaches in allergy or asthma sufferers.  Some all-purpose cleansers made with chemicals used as sudsing agents have low toxicity, but have been shown to have long-term health effects. Research why to choose non-toxic, environmentally safe products and which fit that bill or learn how to make your own all-natural cleansers.
   
• Feeding products (and toys!) that baby will have in his or her mouth.  There has been a lot of news (and some controversy) about bisphenol-A (BPA) in recent years.  Recently the FDA has "suggested parents minimize the BPA-based products that could make contact with foods or drinks that infants or toddlers might consume — especially hot foods and drinks" because "recent studies provide reason for some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children” and heat causes the chemicals to “leach” from the plastic.  Parents should look for feeding products, pacifiers, and toys made of BPA-free plastics, silicone, or products made with alternatives like glass and wood.  If something isn’t labeled “BPA” free, it probably isn’t. 
   
• Cloth diapers- Better for the environment and in some cases, much lighter on the wallet, cloth diapers offer a chemical free diaper option (depending on how they are washed).  There are so many cloth diaper options these days, from designs with covers and inserts to all-in-one diapers (AIOs).  In some areas there are diaper cleaning services that will pick up and deliver to your door, making cloth diapering as convenient as can be. 
   
• Personal care products such as soap, shampoo and baby wash- It’s unfortunate and frustrating that parents can't rely on labels.  According to the Environmental Working Group, '80% of children's products described as "gentle," "soothing," "hypo allergenic," and "dermatologist approved" contain ingredients linked to allergies and skin irritation.'  Unfortunately, labels can be misleading since manufacturers don't have to disclose all of their ingredients.  A starting point for parents could be the EWG’s cosmetic safety database, Skin Deep, to find safe options.www.cosmeticdatabase.com
   
• Crib Mattress- New parents are usually shocked to learn that most traditional mattresses have a vinyl cover with PVC, which is one of the most toxic plastics, and are foam made from petroleum with the toxic additive polyurethane. Both are tied to respiratory issues and are known carcinogens.  Babies sleep a lot and spend a lot of time in their cribs, so the mattress is one of the more important purchases parents will make, and they should definitely learn more.  There are great alternatives available at varying prices that are made from raw materials, Certified Organic Materials, and/or non-toxic plastics.

As parents move through all of the gear selections and lifestyle choices that come with preparing for baby, it’s important for them to be aware of the potential concerns in their baby’s environment.  Hopefully this knowledge will empower them to make choices that fit their beliefs, style, and budget without causing undo anxiety!  It’s only natural to be protective over baby, and each family must find the balance that fits for them.  If questions arise, be sure to consult your pediatrician. 

By Shannon Choe, Premier Baby Concierge
for Traditional Medicinals
 

Going green is more and more mainstream with every passing Earth Day.  It used to be that most grocery stores didn’t carry organic items; no one blinked at using paper bags; or had even heard of B.P.A.  But today, messages about “organic” this and “toxic” that are everywhere from TV and magazines to store aisles.  The take-home message is that green is good and important to being healthy.   Once they start eating, shopping and planning “for two,” most moms-to-be take a harder look at what it really means to go green.  Do they need to go green in order for their baby to be healthy?  Is it possible to create a healthy environment without going crazy or breaking the bank?  Where to start?!  Moms find that, like so many things on the parenting path, there is not one simple “one-size fits all” answer to these questions. 
 

People make green changes for different reasons and in different ways.  Some are concerned about the impact on the environment; others about their own family’s immediate and long-term health.  For one family, going green may mean eating organic, for another, using cloth diapers, yet for another it may mean avoiding toxins in all areas of their home.  Going green is certainly not an isolated “Yes” or “No” checkbox! 
 

Parents-to-be are generally very thoughtful of every decision as they prepare for baby.  They’ll certainly notice that in nearly every category of baby gear products there will be some that boast of organic materials; in every parenting magazine there will be articles about when, how and why to go green.  With new research coming out all the time, it can be challenging to stay informed and sometimes to separate the hard facts from the headlines.  Most new parents and parents-to-be are already overwhelmed by their to-do list full of unfamiliar tasks and while, of course, they want the best for baby, determining what that is can seem daunting. 
 

For all of these reasons, it’s really essential that parents become educated consumers, learning what all of the “buzz” is about and how these issues may directly affect themselves and their baby.  It’s key for parents to have a handful of trusted resources that offer reliable, unbiased information to check in with and become informed about the latest issues and information available.  A couple of Premier Baby Concierge favorites include:  the Healthy Child Healthy World website: www.healthychildhealthyworld.com, and the book, "Raising Baby Green; The Earth Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care," by Alan Greene, M.D.  We also suggest the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep website (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com) which has a regularly updated online database of cosmetics and personal care products that are deemed safe to use based on research.  There are countless others; parents should ask their doctors, friends & colleagues for recommendations as well. 
 

With a basic understanding of going green and the tools to evaluate products, parents are empowered to make choices for their family.  There is no one correct answer. It’s great to be a part of the on-going dialogue with friends, online, and with your pediatrician to help you interpret the facts and apply what you know to your own choices.  Is it possible to make a commitment to going green without breaking the bank? Yes. Parents can decide that the items that are closest to baby need to be non-toxic and maybe forgo the organic wood nursery furniture, for example.  Is it inconsistent to go with a wool mattress but not opt for cloth diapers?  Not at all.  Parents should not feel pressured to live up to an outside measure of the “right” choices, and furthermore, should allow themselves to bend or re-define their own rules as they need to.  Maybe they use cloth diapers 99% of the time, but use disposables when  traveling.  The key is to be informed and make choices that are a comfortable fit their family. 

Stay tuned for our upcoming article, “Greening Your Nursery” for more on this topic and specific items to consider. 

By Shannon Choe, Premier Baby Concierge

For Traditional Medicinals

Expectant moms have one thing in common: a “To Do” list a mile long!  Arguably one of the toughest items to tackle is child care.  Becoming educated about the options is the easy part; deciding what fits your family, logistically, financially, emotionally? That’s the challenge!  Whatever you do, start this hunt early so you have plenty of time to get comfortable with the options and your decision.  There’s nothing worse than feeling panicked about your baby being well cared for when you need to return to work.  An overview:

Child care center.  Small (30ish kids) or large (nearly 200 kids), a “one-off” center, part of a corporate chain run by a Director, or franchised, possibly with an owner on-site, commercial child care centers are licensed and regularly inspected by the state.  Typically open for 10 to 12 hours between 6AM and 6:30PM, child care centers offer day-to-day reliability, are usually less expensive than having a nanny, offer socialization and most often a structured curriculum.  In a group care situation though, your child doesn’t get one-on-one attention and is exposed to more germs, as well as people.  Child care centers usually have sick policies excluding students for 24 hours once a fever subsides, so you’d need a back-up plan should baby get sick.

In most areas, quality child care options for infants fill quickly and often have a wait list.  If there is any chance that you will need a space at a child care center, you should begin the school selection/registration process ASAP and if the registration or wait list fees are nominal, consider registering to save a space and make decisions later.

Nanny (or a nanny share).

Having a nanny in your home obviously means having undivided attention for your child and all of the benefits that come along with that.  If you choose, once the child is older you can also incorporate opportunities for group activity or socialization through library story times, classes, playgroups, and time at the park.  Your child will spend most of his time in your home and you can structure the nanny’s hours to fit your specific needs.  You can create your own job description and requirements for this position. A nanny is usually a more expensive option than child care center enrollment unless you find a nanny share situation, and if the nanny is sick or on vacation, you need back-up or to take time off yourself.

If you plan on hiring a nanny, you should start the process in your second trimester or three to four months before you’ll need them to start.  Contact local nanny or au pair agencies to investigate the average salary in your area.  If you decide to hire a nanny, there are several ways to find one with fees that vary considerably:  a local agency, a baby planner that offers nanny sourcing, your own search using online communities and child care websites, or if you’re lucky, referrals from friends or co-workers.

Licensed Home Day Care.

There are also home day cares which offer an in-home setting with a small group.  Each state has its own rules & regulations regarding the physical location, staff requirements and ratio of children to adults, just as they do commercial centers.  The inspection reports are public record and parents can, and should, call their state’s Dept. of Licensing to check the status of any school or home care they are considering enrolling their child in.  Enrollment in at a home day care is often less expensive than a nanny and comparable or less than a national child care center chain and offers a mix of their features:  set hours, small group size, socialization, dependability. 

Family Caregiver.

Having a family member as a caregiver is a great option.  This arrangement offers a comfortable care giver in a familiar setting, whether it is theirs or yours.  It is a relationship that should be negotiated carefully so that everyone is content with the structure and expectations, and so there will be no awkward feelings should the child care situation should come to an end.  Even if it feels overly-formal, it’s a great idea to put everything in writing and plan a “review” at a certain date.

Decisions, decisions.

Lots of great options –  how do you decide?  Obviously, the best child care option for your family is a very personal choice.  One of the scenarios may be a clear fit for your work hours, geography or financial situation.  If not, consider a typical day in the life of your child: What would each option look or feel like for your family?  Make a pros and cons list from your point of view and compare.  The key is not to panic.  This is an important decision, so leaving yourself plenty of time to ensure that you have choices is important.  Always remember that you can make changes.  If you try one of these options on and it doesn’t fit you or your child, you can make a switch. 

By Shari Criso, MSN, RN, CNM, IBCLC

For Traditional Medicinals

By Shari Criso, MSN, RN, CNM, IBCLC

For Traditional Medicinals

 For more tips from Shari visit www.ShariCriso.com

By Shannon Choe, Premier Baby Concierge Founder & Certified CPS Tech
For Traditional Medicinals

What’s the best and most ignored new mom tip?  You guessed it!: “Sleep when the baby sleeps.”  It’s understandably hard for new moms to resist the urge to “do.”  Do the laundry, play hostess to baby visitors, return phone calls and emails.  With physical, emotional, hormonal changes and a new baby to care for and enjoy, the first weeks home are a period of major adjustment.  Planning ahead for extra support is such a great idea.  This can take the pressure off the new parents and allow mom to focus on her baby and herself.  Two options beyond family coming for an extended stay:  Baby Nurses and Post Partum Doulas.

Baby Nurses have been around for decades; and Doulas for centuries.  While both offer support to families with new babies, they are two very different options.  A Baby Nurse is a non-medical newborn caregiver.  Most often Baby Nurses are not licensed medical nurses, but do have significant newborn care experience and training, in addition to CPR certification.  Typically arriving the day baby comes home from the hospital, the Baby Nurse will assist the family for weeks or months with anything to do with care of the baby.  A live-in position is most common, where the Baby Nurse will take a 4 to 5 hour break in each 24 hour period, although some Baby Nurses are available for 10 to 12 hour shifts.  Their responsibilities are any- and everything having to do with care of the baby:   They’ll feed, clothe, bathe the baby and often assist with getting the baby on feeding or sleep routines.  If bottles are used, the Baby Nurse will feed the baby through the night so that the parents can rest; If the baby is to be breastfed, the Baby Nurse will bring the baby to mom for feedings and then settle the baby to sleep.  They commonly charge $200 per day on average or $25 to $35 per hour.  The smartest way to find a Baby Nurse is to go through a service that conducts background and reference checks.

While the Baby Nurse focuses on baby, the Post Partum Doula focuses on the mom.  According to DONA International, the oldest and largest doula certification organization, the word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves.”  There are Birth Doulas and Post Partum Doulas, and DONA defines the latter as a professional “who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.”  Typically, this means cooking, laundry, light housekeeping to free the mom to rest and bond with her baby.  One doula told me that she felt she should not be doing the same thing every day, nor have a job placement for too long.  She sees it as her duty to “work herself out of a job” by easing the transition for the mom initially, then teaching the family each day so they slowly get back to managing their home and family with their new addition as part of it.  Each doula offers their own strengths and some specialize in different areas such as breastfeeding or multiples, and may have additional training/ certifications.  Fees for a certified Post Partum Doula vary by region, falling between $25 to $35 per hour. 

Do expectant parents need Baby Nurses and Post Partum Doulas?  Not necessarily.  They do need rest and support in this most exciting and overwhelming time.  The best way to accomplish this will be different for each family, personality style, and budget.  If there is family nearby and having them more involved would be possible and welcomed, this is a great, inexpensive way to support the new parents, while encouraging the whole family to bond with the new baby.  If there’s no family nearby, no guest room, or too much stress related to having family take on this role, then perhaps hiring a professional is the best route.  Also, the expertise that a professional brings can be priceless.  Having anyone underfoot can be an adjustment of its own and it’s not for everyone.  It is a financial investment to hire post partum support staff (whether they live-in or out and how long they stay on) but they bring knowledge, an objective eye, as well as an extra set of hands! 

By Shannon Choe, Premier Baby Concierge Founder & Certified CPS Tech
For Traditional Medicinals

Selecting a car seat can be confusing.  There are several types of seats and many factors to consider when shopping for the seat that fits your child as well as your budget, your lifestyle and your car.  In some cases, more than one type of seat may be a match for your child’s weight and height, while in other cases state car seat regulations may dictate which is necessary.  With all of these considerations, at least parents can take comfort in the knowledge that all car seats sold in stores meet federal guidelines and are considered safe when used properly.  So, let’s start with a basic overview of the types of car seats on the market:

Car seat carriers-  Used rear-facing, a car seat carrier is how most parents transport their infants.  Approved for use from birth, and often compatible with individual strollers or stroller systems, as well as “universal” snap and go style strollers, these are the seats that clip into a base installed in a vehicle. 

These carriers are considered convenient because they allow a sleeping and warm baby to remain that way even when parents arrive at their destination, as they can pop the seat out and take baby with them.  Some infants aren’t content to remain in these seats for extended periods, however, and/or outgrow the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit early making them a limited use item.

Convertible car seats- Convertible car seats can be used both rear-facing for infants and forward-facing for toddlers.  Some parents opt to skip the infant car seat carrier altogether, using a rear-facing convertible car seat from birth.  If this fits your lifestyle, it can be a money-saving option, because when your infant meets the age and weight requirements to turn the seat to forward-facing, you may simply turn the seat you are already using and not have to make an additional purchase.  Either way, an infant must be rear-facing until they reach one year of age and twenty pounds.  The American Academy of Pediatrics is now recommending that infants remain rear-facing up to two years of age. 

Convertible car seat maximum weight limits for forward-facing toddlers vary.  Child seat laws vary by state, however there are minimum requirements that each state must comply with, such as: a forward facing seat must be used until a child is 4 years old or weighs 40 pounds.  Many newer convertible car seat models are able to accommodate up to a 35 pound child rear-facing and 65 pound child riding forward-facing.  The exact weight limits for each car seat model are listed on the car seat labels, usually found on the car seat sides, as well as in the manufacturer’s instruction manual.

Belt-positioning booster seat- This seat provides head and neck support and “boosts” your child up so the vehicle safety belt fits better.  A booster seat should be used until the vehicle’s own belt fits the child appropriately.  This is usually once the child reaches 4’9”.

Backless belt-positioning booster seats- These may also be used to “boost” the child so that the vehicle safety belt fits better, but in only in cars with headrests.  These are easiest to move between vehicles when necessary, but if a child falls asleep while riding in the car, they can slump over without the support of a back to the booster.  This position may be uncomfortable, and also means that the child may not be as well protected in the case of an accident.

Before purchasing car seats, consider the following:

• Child safety restraint laws.  To find a listing of the child safety restraint laws by state, visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website:  http://www.iihs.org/laws/childrestraint.aspx

• Compatibility with your stroller and space in your vehicle.  Before purchasing a car seat, confirm that the seat(s) you are considering will fit your stroller (in the case of infant car seat carriers) and into your car.  If you have more than one child, you may need to make careful selections in order to fit several car seats in your vehicle, especially if you hope to fit two or three seats in a single row.  Some quick online research may answer these questions, and if not, some retailers will let you take seats out to your vehicle to try them.  Remember to also consult your auto manual to determine the types of car seats approved for each seat of the car; this may also impact your ability to fit a seat safely in your car.

• Correct installation.  Seven out of ten children in car seats are not properly buckled in.  Better safe, than sorry!  Go to:  www.seatcheck.org.  to find a car seat check point near you.

• Correct use.  The safest seat is the one that you will use correctly every time.  A seat isn’t safe simply because it is installed correctly (in the correct seat according to the type of seat and the auto manual; facing the right direction and at the correct incline for age, weight, height of the child; using the correct seat belt or LATCH method, etc.).  It also must be used correctly.  The child must be strapped in with straps at the correct height (at or below for rear facing; at or above for forward facing) and of the correct tension (should be tight enough that you can’t grasp the straps in a “pinch” test.  If you have any questions, refer to your car seat and auto user manuals and/or schedule an appointment with a Child Passenger Safety Tech.

For more information or to contact Shannon Choe at http://premierbabyconcierge.com/

By Shannon Choe, Premier Baby Conceirge
for Traditional Medicinals

When expecting their first child, many new parents feel apprehensive about, or even overwhelmed by, the responsibilities of caring for a newborn and all of the new territory and changes they know are on the way!  The stakes are high:  parents-to-be often want everything to be perfect or feel pressured by others’ expectations.  But “seasoned” parents, who are expecting a second child, now experienced in all that comes with having an infant, and whose lives already changed drastically to center around a child, can nevertheless be just as nervous.  This time, however, they worry about preparing themselves and their first born for their new sibling.  Here are a few tips to help ease this transition: 

• Lay groundwork in months prior to the big introduction.  Taking into consideration your child’s style when dealing with change or new situations and developmental ability to understand time and that a baby is on the way, decide when and how to share the news. 

• Depending on the age of your child, be prepared for any reaction: excitement, disinterest, sadness, and questions about where babies come from.

• Give the big bro or sis time to adjust to the idea; don’t force conversations about it, but encourage them to express their feelings, both positive and negative.  Go with the “power of positive thinking” approach: project confidence.  But if your child voices concerns, actively listen and respond appropriately. 

• It is key to involve the new big brother or sister wherever you can in preparations, so they can develop some excitement around this change and “ownership" of the baby.

• Create opportunities for your first-born to be a part of the pregnancy by coming to doctor’s appointments and counting down to your due date, and to get ready for the baby by preparing the nursery.

• Let them know what to expect of each stage and help them to imagine some of the ways life will change once baby arrives. 

• Assure them that although lots of things will be different, your love won’t be.  Let them know now and tell and show them again and again once baby arrives that they are loved and special and not being replaced.  Remember that life as the only child is all they’ve ever known.  This is a huge adjustment.

• There are lots of great books and activities to help prepare for a sibling and even Big Brother and Sister Preparation classes at local hospitals and birth centers.  Utilize all of the parenting resources around you to ease this transition.

• Celebrate the big sibling.  Some people will give the Big Brother or Sister a meaningful gift or throw them their own shower.  As always, your child would rather be showered with your attention, rather than gifts, so plan creative ways to celebrate them. 

• Once baby arrives, let your first born know that although the baby gets lots of attention, your world doesn’t completely revolve around the baby.  Let your first born hear you telling the baby that it’s their big sibling’s turn.  “Alright baby, I’ll be right there.  I’m just finishing this book with your big brother and then I can change your diaper.”  Your newborn won’t recall crying for a few minutes, but your oldest will definitely internalize this message. 

• Try to have realistic expectations, and adjust them as necessary. Be patient with your first-born, but also with yourselves! 

By Shari Criso, MSN, CNM, IBCLC