Q A What Is Gentian Violet

Gentian violet is a water-based, plant-based dye that can be an effectivenonprescription treatment of thrush due to its antifungal properties. Although very effective, gentian violet should be used in the correct concentration and for the proper duration. Most practitioners recommend .25 to .5 percent solution applied to the mom’s nipples and baby’s mouth one to three times a day for three days. If used in concentrations that are too strong or for too long, babies may develop sores in their mouth....

February 9, 2022 · 1 min · 213 words · Pamela Swendsen

Sex Ed For Baby Making

When to do it You’re most likely to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex in the five days before you ovulate, or on the day itself. And the number one mistake women make when they’re trying to get pregnant? Not getting the timing right. Counting day one of your period as day one of your cycle, most women ovulate about 14 days before their next period. So if your cycle varies between 24 and 30 days, you’ll ovulate somewhere between days 10 and 16....

February 9, 2022 · 4 min · 683 words · Matthew Trigg

Taking Care Of Your Mental Health While Parenting During A Pandemic

Who would have assumed that having to stay in our homes could be such a dynamic experience for people? Or could stretch on for. So. long. For some, this time has been traumatic and painful, while others have seen it as wonderfully reflective and healing. Wherever you find yourself on the spectrum, each of us are experiencing things we have never experienced before. Not to mention, we are in the midst of a season that can only be compared to as the most dramatic plot arc in a Shakespearian play— a run of intersections between a pandemic, moral and justice dissonance, tragic loss of life, employment, goals, and opportunities—alongside so much more....

February 9, 2022 · 4 min · 641 words · Anita Poteete

The 2021 Best Of Pregnancy Winner For Top Postpartum Belly Wrap

And the Winner Is: Belly Bandit Original Belly Wrap After delivery, many Moms experience swelling and abdominal discomfort. A belly band can ease the pressure and help you recover more quickly. The technical term for these wraps are abdominal binders. They have been prescribed by doctors for years following abdominal surgeries to offer compression and support for lower back pain. They’re also known to help with c-section recovery. What they won’t do is magically shrink your waist to its pre-pregnancy size....

February 9, 2022 · 2 min · 228 words · Oleta Ramos

20 Words That Take On New Meaning When You Re A Parent

Once you become a parent, you tend to see the world in a whole new light—and certain words that used to so aptly describe your kid-free life suddenly take on a completely different meaning. Here, we’ve rounded up 20 common phrases and how their definitions quickly change with the arrival of a child. Weekend Before kids: Sleeping in until noon and then going for brunch with friends After kids: Waking up at the crack of dawn and then coaxing your kids to put on their shoes so you can go to the zoo...

February 8, 2022 · 4 min · 652 words · Patricia Mayberry

21 Breast Pumping Tips

Whether you’re regularly pumping at work, exclusively pumping or occasionally pumping to prepare for a much-needed night out, the experience can be confusing, annoying and downright uncomfortable. But it doesn’t have to be! Learning how to use a breast pump and tapping friends and experts for their best breast pumping tips can make pumping breast milk no big deal. But as a new mom, we’re guessing you’re a little short on time....

February 8, 2022 · 9 min · 1914 words · Meryl Sparks

7 Ways To Support Your Toddler S Immune System

Between a toddler’s developing immune system and their insistence on putting pretty much everything into their mouth, cold and flu season can be incredibly stressful for parents. There’s no realistic way to completely eliminate exposure to viruses, but there are some simple steps you can take to keep your little ones happy and healthy. Still, it’s important to realize that while you can support your child’s immune system with simple changes and smart lifestyle habits, you can’t proactively improve or enhance it....

February 8, 2022 · 9 min · 1780 words · Mark Anderson

Artificial Insemination Process Success Rates And More

The journey to becoming a parent isn’t always smooth sailing—and for one reason or another, you may need some help along the way. If you’re just starting to research fertility treatment and assistance options, artificial semination might be your first stop. But exactly what is artificial insemination—and what are the main reasons to use this method? In short, artificial insemination is a process where a man’s sperm is deliberately placed inside a woman’s reproductive tract in hopes of getting it closer to her eggs....

February 8, 2022 · 11 min · 2226 words · Stephen Kingsley

Baby Rashes Types Symptoms More

Baby’s have incredibly sensitive skin, which makes them more likely to develop rashes than adults and older kids. But with all the different types out there, it can be hard to identify what the baby rash is, what’s causing it and how to treat it. Plus, no parent wants to see their precious little one with a red or bumpy reaction on their soft skin. Many might wonder how rashes affect baby’s comfort level and whether they cause itchiness or pain....

February 8, 2022 · 18 min · 3624 words · Gregory Wharton

Chicco Bravo Stroller Review

Pros • Five minute assembly time • Lightweight and easy to steer • Incredibly quick and easy one-hand fold system • Big, roomy basket Cons • Canopy is a little short and no flap over the mesh • No snack tray included Bottom Line With a stylish design on par with higher-end strollers, an easy one-hand fold, and a smooth ride, the Chicco Bravo is a great, all-purpose stroller any new parent will love....

February 8, 2022 · 7 min · 1323 words · Kathleen Pringle

Corpus Luteum Cyst What It Is And How To Treat

When you’re pregnant, it’s only natural to worry about every little thing that goes on in your body. After all, you want to ensure that everything is just right for that growing baby! So if you’ve been diagnosed with a corpus luteum cyst, you’re probably wondering what it is and what it means for baby. But rest assured that it’s a common condition that many women experience, whether they’re pregnant or not....

February 8, 2022 · 6 min · 1253 words · Susan Bulmer

Diarrhea In Late Pregnancy

Diarrhea is nobody’s friend, whether you’re pregnant or not—but for many moms-to-be, it’s (unfortunately) a pretty common visitor late in pregnancy. Regardless of whether or not you’re having a baby, diarrhea’s usually caused by changes in your diet, so first start paying attention to what you’ve been eating lately. Try cutting out foods that will leave you running for the bathroom (like prunes) and substituting them for foods that will “bulk up” your poop (like bananas)....

February 8, 2022 · 1 min · 193 words · Robert Summey

How Eating Junk Food During Pregnancy Affects Baby

From fried pickles to ice cream at midnight, women have some pretty crazy food cravings during pregnancy. Blame the extreme hormonal changes that expectant women experience, which play a major role in their sense of taste and smell. So even if you were never a potato chip junkie, don’t be surprised if you find yourself inhaling a canister of Pringles. Besides, there are plenty of excuses to give into those cravings: Pregnancy is hard, and you deserve a break!...

February 8, 2022 · 5 min · 876 words · Nathan Smith

How This Mom Handles Kids Questions About Skin Color

Ok, so I have no idea what the right way to handle kids’ questions about skin color, but I will tell you how I’ve been handling it: head on, with enthusiasm and positivity. Then I take a deep breath and remind myself of these two things: First, children have virtually no filter and often say whatever pops into their mind. Second, and perhaps most important: Your reaction to what they say has the power to shape their opinions—so use it wisely....

February 8, 2022 · 4 min · 659 words · Vernon Abernathy

How To Talk To Young Kids About Death

Death is one of those topics we tend to avoid in conversation, even among adults. So it’s no surprise that when it comes to discussing it with our kids, we’re instantly uncomfortable and unsure of what to say. But death is a fact of life and can come into our lives unexpectedly, whether it’s the loss of a goldfish or a beloved family member. So when are children developmentally ready to have the talk?...

February 8, 2022 · 6 min · 1109 words · Adam Mathson

How To Treat The Flu While Pregnant

Getting the flu is never fun—but it can be especially tough when you’re expecting. Pregnancy brings lots of changes to the immune system to aid baby’s development, meaning illness can hit a little harder during those nine+ months. While you’re at greater risk of coming down with a more severe case of the flu during pregnancy, luckily there’s lots that can be done to ensure both your and baby’s health. Here, experts break down what to know about getting the flu while pregnant and how to safely treat it....

February 8, 2022 · 12 min · 2526 words · Barbara Smith

Is It Safe To Use Body Scrub Wash And Lotion During Pregnancy

Your skin is extra-sensitive now that you’re pregnant, are we right? Body scrubs and exfoliants can actually cause micro-tears on your skin, which isn’t just irritating, it can also make it easier for chemicals to be absorbed into it. You’re better off using a loofah or soft washcloth to scrub away dead skin cells. And there are ingredients in soaps and body washes to avoid: triclosan, parabens, fragrance and rosemary. Triclosan creates a carcinogen as a by-product....

February 8, 2022 · 1 min · 164 words · Sherri Sneed

National Sleep Foundation Age Specific Recommendations

Okay, new parents, we know it’s not exactly possible to stick to a sleep routine or, who are we kidding, getting actual sleep. But the National Sleep Foundation has released recommendations that should serve as a rule of thumb for getting some shut-eye, breaking down the guidelines by age group. And surprise—not all sleep is created equal. In order to function like a normal human being (you know, give the milk bottle to baby, not the dog), you need to fulfill your individual basal sleep need....

February 8, 2022 · 2 min · 399 words · Amelia Berg

Pregnancy Foods Healthy Fats You Need

It seems like everyone stresses about what to eat once they find out they’re pregnant, but the dietary recommendations aren’t so different for pregnant women than they are for everyone else—you should be eating a variety of nutritious foods including good fats, which your body needs to stay healthy, and baby needs for brain development. Here are the fats you want to eat and the ones to avoid. Fats to avoid When it comes to fats, follow this easy guideline from Deborah Goldman, MD: “Move away from the processed food fats, because those are not healthy fats....

February 8, 2022 · 3 min · 469 words · Diana Wortham

Prevent Baby From Becoming Overweight By Sticking To A Healthy Pregnancy Weight

It’s important to maintain a healthy pregnancy weight, since a new study from Kaiser Permanente shows that gaining both too much or too little weight during pregnancy may increase the risk of having an obese or overweight child. Published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, researchers pulled electronic health records of 4,145 racially diverse females who had completed a health survey between 2007 and 2009 and had a baby shortly after....

February 8, 2022 · 2 min · 360 words · Patricia Freeman