If you thought it was exciting to see baby smile that big gummy grin, just wait until you hear the first laugh. Wondering when it’s going to happen? If baby’s cooing and gurgling, it may be soon—these early noises are her way of experimenting with her voice and sounds and learning how to move her mouth and tongue, says Elizabeth Gerosa, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT, a speech language pathologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City....
Soon-to-be moms and their doctors talk a lot about pregnancy weight gain. After all, women are generally told to put on a total of 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy, depending on their BMI. But what if you’re losing weight while pregnant? It can happen. Depending on when it occurs, pregnancy weight loss could be perfectly normal or possibly concerning. Read on to find out the possible causes of weight loss during pregnancy, how you and baby can get the nutrients you both need, and when to call your doctor for help....
We know just how important skin-to-skin contact with baby is, but the latest research published by Journal of Newborns & Infant Nursing Reviews concludes that what moms’ have known for forever actually has some scientific weight behind it. In a study about kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact with baby), researchers found that chest-to-chest and skin-to-skin touching between baby and mama offers developmentally-appropriate therapy for hospitalized preemie infants. The article, “Kangaroo Care as a Neonatal Therapy”, addresses how kangaroo care (KC) actually delivers benefits beyond bonding and breastfeeding for a teeny, tiny premature babe....
Protecting your child from the sun is a great idea. Convincing her to wear — or keep on — a pair of sunglasses may be a struggle, though. Toddlers are notorious for pulling off hats, sunglasses, headbands — you name it. Don’t worry, though, if your child won’t keep on a pair of sunglasses; they’re not essential. Try to keep a wide-brimmed hat (with a chin strap!) on her instead. The hat will shade her eyes and provide adequate sun protection....
Being a mom is often said to be the hardest job in the world — and now 24 more people know that being one may come with paltry “benefits.” A Boston-based ad agency, Mullen, created a campaign for Cardstore.com where 24 people interviewed for what they thought to be a corporate “Director of Operations” position at a company called Rehtom, Inc (can you read backwards?). The role had seemingly crappy requirements, such as:...
If you’ve noticed enlarged or dark areolas (the area around your nipples), you may be witnessing one of the first signs of pregnancy. But why does this happen? And should you be concerned? The good news is that this is usually completely normal and can occur as early as a week or two after conception. Want to get the scoop on this surprising early pregnancy symptom? Read on to find out more about the causes of dark areolas—and when to seek medical attention....
New research performed in the Republic of Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, may leave a lasting impression on the future of autism research. The study, which included an analysis of more than 30 years of prior research, found that there was no correlation between prenatal exposure to mercury and the early onset of autism spectrum-like disorders. The study, which included children who’s mothers ate up to 12 meals of fish each week during an average week during their pregnancies, found that autism-like disorders such as struggling with speech, language and social skills, where not influenced by a mother’s consumption of fish....
Can’t seem to get enough to drink? Thirst is actually one of the earliest signs of pregnancy (so if you’ve been hoping for two pink lines, it may be time to test!) and one that may stick with you during the entire nine months. Why? Women experience heightened thirst in pregnancy because your body simply needs extra fluids as it supports baby’s development, so it’s important to stay hydrated. If you’re feeling like you’ve just stepped out of the desert all day every day, here’s what your body might be telling you....
Mother’s Day is your day. It’s your time to bask in all the love and appreciation your family is (hopefully) raining down on you, because you seriously deserve it. Mothering is hard work, and no one knows it more than you—and your fellow mom friends. Not only do the ladies in your mom tribe have their own little ones to look after, but they also help look after you, whether it’s lending an ear, a bit of advice or a diaper for your baby when you need it most....
Finally have a walker on your hands? Congrats! Once baby starts moving, it’ll be hard to get them to slow down. Consider those first steps a sign it’s time to step up your safety game in the toddler-proofing department. Wondering where you should start? According to Debra Holtzman, author of The Safe Baby: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Home Safety and Healthy Living, look at the space through your child’s eyes. “It’s important to see your home from your child’s new perspective,” she says....
What are mood swings during pregnancy? Are you snapping at your partner one minute, and wanting to hug them the next? Crying over every sappy commercial? Or what about crying and laughing at the same time? Yup, those are mood swings. They’re a completely normal part of pregnancy resulting from those crazy hormones, but you should monitor them closely, especially if you have a history of anxiety, depression or other mental health problems, since mood swings could actually be a sign of depression....
Naming baby can be tricky business. While some parents want their child to have a unique name specific to them, others opt to carry on family traditions and pass on a name that’s been in the family for generations. But, traditionally, there have been some rules when it comes to passing down names. Curious to find out when Jr. should be used versus II? Or what common nicknames have been used for names that are generationally III, IV, etc....
Wouldn’t it be great if you could just stop buying diapers all at once? Sorry but having two kids means there are two different bodies, and each will be ready in his or her own sweet time. Girls do seem to potty train a little faster than boys, so it’s perfectly normal that your daughter has started before your son. Many kids potty train around age 2 or 2 ½ years old, but it’s important to know that your child is ready before you start....
The yellow fever vaccination is what’s known as a live virus vaccine. A live virus vaccine is a vaccine that contains a living virus and is able to create immunity without getting the patient ill. Live virus sounds sort of creepy, but for people with healthy immune systems, they’re usually safe and effective. While it’s recommended to wait a month after receiving live vaccines before trying to conceive, the CDC says that two weeks is a safe waiting period after the yellow fever vaccination....
The simple and honest answer is yes. But, stress is an inevitable part of all our lives, and only one factor among many in a healthy pregnancy. And the last thing I want is for women to start stressing about the stress in their lives. We have enough to worry about already! I tell the women I work with to change the things they can, and learn ways to cope with what they can’t....
First things first—what is colic in babies? You know babies are supposed to cry, but sometimes it can seem like your child’s cries go on a little longer than “normal." Even after you’ve checked their diaper and made sure they’ve been fed and burped, no amount of holding, rocking or jiggling seems to console them or stop their cries. Watching baby sob and writhe in pain, you probably feel helpless and at the end of your rope....
Taking on the role of parent is no easy task, so it’s normal to find yourself wondering if your partner will be a good father once baby arrives. Time will tell—but if you spot these signs in the meantime, chances are he’ll nail the whole dad thing. He’s in touch with his inner dork. If the guy can be an unapologetic goofball about Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Italian wines or fantasy football, that’s a sign he’ll one day get completely excited discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each Transformer or the complex friendship of Twilight Sparkle and Princess Celestia on My Little Pony....
If you’re a woman, and you’re talking about your own fertility, you can feel free to hammer away on your laptop. That’s because our ovaries are well insulated against high temperatures, so we’re in little danger of damaging eggs from radiant heat. Your partner, on the other hand, may have more to worry about if he takes his laptop a little too literally. Testicles need to stay about 1 or 2 degrees cooler than the rest of the body....
We checked in with The Bump cover girl and star of _The Chew _to see how she’s adjusting to parenthood and what it was like to go back to work after maternity leave. Plus, her advice on what to eat during the new-mom phase. The Bump: How have you adjusted to being a mom? Daphne Oz: Can I just say, it is so much harder than I imagined! I had three younger siblings and liked to joke that I helped raise them, but you really have no idea what a juggling act motherhood is until you have your own....
While the decision has been a long time coming, the FDA just announced changes that will make it easier for pregnant women to understand the risks and benefits of their prescription medications. The changes have to do with how drugs are labeled. Rather than the old system, which uses letters A, B, C, D and X to classify risks of birth defects associated with the drug, manufacturers will have to spell out the risks in three detailed sub-sections: 1....
