Babies 411 Blog

Breastfeeding Tips - Is your Baby Getting Enough to Eat?

2011-02-10T20:01:00.000-06:00

Hello Baby! Celebrity Babies of 2010

2011-01-09T13:20:00.014-06:00

Another year has passed and more precious babies have been born. Take a look at 2010’s famous babes:

January Babies:

3^rd: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves welcomed Vida Alves McConaughey

11^th: Mark Wahlberg and Rhea Durham welcomed Margaret Grace

23^rd: Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin welcomed Axel Ferrell

24^th: Sarah Jane Morris and Ned Brower welcomed Emmett Andrew Brower

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EcoBaby Holiday Giveaway

2010-12-19T21:45:00.006-06:00

It’s our favorite time of the year and it’s time to spread some holiday cheer! And what better way to celebrate the holidays then with a fantastic EcoBaby Holiday giveaway!

Over this year, we have collected some wonderful samples and gifts to keep your little one healthy, safe and happy. Now it’s time to give it all to one lucky reader!

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Shopping for Safe Toys this Holiday Season

2010-12-03T02:09:00.013-06:00

It's that time of year again. Ahhh...the holiday season, a time for family, great food and shopping! We want to be sure your little one stays healthy and safe this holiday season so we’ve put together some tips and great resources to ease your shopping experience.

Clothing

When purchasing clothing, ensure clothing does not contain drawstrings to eliminate the risk of strangulation. Also, inspect the item for small pieces (i.e. movable eyes, bows, jewels, etc) that can be removed by your child and swallowed. Remember, choosing organic clothing eliminates exposure to harsh chemicals and flame retardants.

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Supporting NICU Parents

2010-11-17T01:04:00.001-06:00

As a neonatal ICU nurse, I have seen my fair share of parents whose lives have been disrupted by an unexpected admission into the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). NICU admissions can occur for multiple reasons, the most commons being prematurity, respiratory complications, low blood sugar and infection. Assisting parents during this difficult time can be emotionally challenging as a healthcare professional.
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Brain Rules for Baby Giveaway

2010-10-27T02:36:00.001-05:00

Every parent hopes to raise smart and happy children…but how? Should you play Mozart to your belly during pregnancy? Or how about playing a DVD to teach your baby a foreign language? Is there a book, DVD or game that can boost your baby’s IQ? Some companies prey on parent’s desires to enhance their child’s IQ. In Brain Rules for Baby, Dr. John Medina discusses brain development and utilizes scientific research to debunk common myths on childhood development.

October Awareness

2010-10-12T06:44:00.001-05:00

Are you seeing pink? This month many organizations and individuals are wearing pink to support breast cancer awareness. Turn on the TV on Sunday and you will find big, burly linebackers wearing pink in support of this cause. The NFL is just one of the many organizations that actively participate in breast cancer awareness activities. Did you know that October is also SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Awareness Month? Can you guess an activity that lowers both the risk for breast cancer and SIDS?

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Common Car Seat Misuses

2010-09-19T23:48:00.006-05:00

National Child Passenger Safety Week (September 19-25) is upon us. Over the past year, I have participated in many car seat inspections and it has become very clear to me that many car seats have not been inspected by a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 73% to over 90% of child restraints are misused. In my experience, over 95% of the car seats that I have assisted with were misused in some way (installation, location of seat, child restrained properly, safety of the seat itself, etc). To date, I have seen 2…that’s right…2 car seats that passed inspection. Let’s take a look at some common mistakes to help you avoid making the same.

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Anthropology of the Due Date

2010-09-13T21:58:00.009-05:00

Ever wonder how your due date is calculated? Using some simple math, doctors and midwives are able to calculate your EDC (estimated date of confinement), but how accurate is the date? Some experts argue that the current practice of calculating the EDC is outdated and in need for revision. Dr. Shawn A. Tassone, author of “Hands Off My Belly! The Pregnant Woman’s Guide to Surviving Myths, Mothers, and Moods” (a Mom’s Choice Gold Recipient and Arizona Book Publisher’s Glyph Award Winner), gives us some insight to calculating your due date.

Breastfeeding 101: Increasing Your Milk Supply

2010-09-03T12:49:00.002-05:00

Having trouble with low milk supply? Check out these dietary tips from our friends at New Mommy Oasis (NMO). Both Holly and Lisa, founders of NMO, experienced a drop in their milk supply and utilizing these tips helped Lisa TRIPLE her milk supply!

Breastfeeding With Comfort and Joy Review and Giveaway!

2010-08-27T11:15:00.010-05:00

Ok mamas, World Breastfeeding Month is winding down and what better way to end it than with a giveaway!!! Thanks to Laura Keegan, we will be giving away a copy of Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy. The photographs in this book are amazing. Want to see what you will be getting? Take a sneak peak here and click "Click Here for Excerpts".

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Celebrating Breastfeeding

2010-08-12T09:42:00.013-05:00

August is dedicated to the celebration of breastfeeding. What’s so special about breastfeeding that an entire month is dedicated to it? Let me give you the 411:

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World Breastfeeding Week Celebration & Giveaway!!

2010-08-02T00:00:00.020-05:00

World Breast-feeding Week is here!!! To celebrate, Earth Mama Angel Baby has offered us a Breastfeeding Support Kit to giveaway!!! YIPPIE...our very 1st giveaway!!! Thanks Mama!

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Radiation Emitting Cell Phones

2010-07-27T14:31:00.001-05:00

If you are anything like me, you can’t even imagine your life without your cell phone. I remember the days of pagers and stopping at a local payphone to return a call. These days, payphones aren’t readily available and with my increased germaphobic nature, payphones aren’t really a feasable option. I also remember the days before pagers when I would wait around for an important phone call which sometimes would take hours to come (wow that seems so long ago). Now with great advancements in technology, those days are over. But now a new problem arises…cancer from cell phone radiation.

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Car Seat Confusion: Which direction? Which location? When do they outgrow it?

2010-07-12T11:00:00.003-05:00

Recent Study Shows Parents are Puzzled
By Kimberlee Mitchell, National Child safety Expert & CPST (Child Passenger Safety Technician)

There’s no question that parent’s #1 concern about car seats is SAFETY. However, when it comes to the specifics about car seat requirements (i.e. how long child should ride in it and the best place to install it) the majority of parents are confused and lacking knowledge. (Source: Recent study by AAA and Dorel Juvenile Group.)

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That Was Then This is Now

2010-06-14T14:25:00.002-05:00

Last weekend, I read an interesting blog “Bride to BPA” by Anna Davis posted on Healthy Child, Healthy World that I really relate to. In a nutshell, Anna and her fiancé spent an exhausting afternoon registering for healthier household items for their wedding registry. I can see how trying to “green your life” all in one shot can be exhausting! I use a phasing out approach and replace items over a span of time.

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More Headaches for McNeil HealthCare and Johnson & Johnson

2010-06-02T09:55:00.001-05:00

The FDA has reported growing concerns over the manufacturing quality of McNeil Consumer HealthCare’s facilities. McNeil, the producer of many over-the-counter medications, has been frequently cited for unsatisfactory inspections. In February of this year, both McNeil Consumer HealthCare and Johnson & Johnson, McNeil’s parent company, were warned by the FDA to correct the problems noted by FDA investigators.

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Conquering Breastfeeding Challenges

2010-05-24T11:30:00.001-05:00

Earlier this week I attended a great breastfeeding conference in Houston. Our speaker, Barbara Wilson-Clay, BSEd, IBCLC, discussed the various challenges that mom’s face when breastfeeding and what we, as healthcare professionals, can do to help promote and support breastfeeding.

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The Shower Hug

2010-05-17T12:00:00.001-05:00

Last year I was introduced to an ingenious product called the Shower Hug. The Shower Hug is a wrap that is used in the shower to support and protect sore breasts and nipples. The Shower Hug can also be used to protect c-section incisions! Check out all the benefits.
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Mother’s Day Savings

2010-05-07T13:32:00.001-05:00

Mother’s Day is just a few short days away and the internet is swarming with contests, specials and FANTASTIC Mother’s Day gifts. Here is just some of what we found:
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Let’s Go Green Together!

2010-04-22T16:43:00.001-05:00

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, we wanted to share some quick and easy ways that you, as a new or expecting parent, can positively impact this wonderful planet we call home. It’s no surprise that our previous ways of life have propelled us into a state of global warming, limitation of resources and polluted waterways, soil and air. It’s time to band together and take action. Here are some easy tips to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle:
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What a Mission…Healthy Child, Healthy World

2010-04-16T14:15:00.001-05:00

Have you heard of Healthy Child, Healthy World? If not, please allow me to share with you the vision, purpose and inspirations of this wonderful non-profit organization. The vast amount of information that this organization provides is absolutely imperative to all parents (including those of you hoping to be parents in the future), caregivers and healthcare professionals…heck, it’s imperative to EVERYONE. Healthy Child, Healthy World is just that…an organization advocating for the health of children and our environment. Here’s the 411:
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FDA Reviewing Safety of Triclosan

2010-04-11T23:22:00.001-05:00

On April 8, 2010, the FDA addressed the chemical triclosan on their website (in the Consumer Updates section). Many of us have heard for some time now that triclosan, an ingredient used as a preservative to decrease or halt the growth of bacteria, fungi or mildew, can be harmful to our health, the environment and may be responsible for making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. This ingredient can be found in many common household products including: antibacterial soaps, body washes, toothpastes, cosmetics, deodorant, shaving cream and much more. Both the EPA and FDA, the authorities responsible for regulating triclosan, state that triclosan is NOT harmful to humans and in recent news, the FDA has stated that more research is being conducted to verify its safety and efficacy.
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Breast is Best for Babes!

2010-03-22T11:00:00.001-05:00

Breastfeeding is the single most important thing a mother can do to promote the health of her baby, and it lowers her risk of disease, too. Unfortunately, either through misconceptions, difficulties, negative perceptions and/or lack of qualified personnel before, during and after delivery, many moms’ give up on breastfeeding after just a few short weeks.
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National Poison Prevention Week

2010-03-15T12:39:00.001-05:00

National Poison Prevention Week kicks off this week (March 14th -20th). According to the 2008 report conducted by the American Association of Poison Control Centers, approximately 1.3 million children younger than 6 were exposed to poisons.
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A Warning About Sling Carriers

2010-03-14T11:49:00.001-05:00

On March 12, 2010, the Consumers Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a warning to all parents and caregivers using infant sling carriers. Infants, especially those younger than 4 months of age, premature infants, twins, infants with health issues and those who are of low weight, have weaker neck muscles and can suffocate against the sling fabric. Another hazard that arises with sling use is that the infant’s airway can become obstructed if the infant’s head is positioned in a chin-to-chest position. According to the CPSC, “the baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate.” Presently, the CPSC is investigating 14 sling-related deaths with 12 of them involving infants younger than 4 months of age.
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Let's Talk Chemicals with Mama Melinda!

2010-02-17T15:13:00.001-06:00

Over the past months, Melinda Olson, founder of EMAB, and the 3 Green Angels have held many Twitter parties discussing the presence of cancer-causing chemicals found in personal care products. Since I have been working closely with Melinda and the EMAB staff as their hospital liaison, I attend as many of these parties as possible. Stacy Malkan of the non-profit organization, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, also joins the party on occasion.
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Healthy Baby and Child Expo- Part Deux

2010-02-08T18:55:00.001-06:00

Two weekends ago, I attended the Healthy Baby and Child Expo in Houston. Now, for those of you who know me from my blog or website, you know that as a NICU nurse, my mission is simple….to promote the health, safety and well-being of babies. There were many vendors at the expo whose products/services were truly designed to promote infant health and safety. Let’s take a look at some of these companies:
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Healthy Baby and Child Expo

2010-02-03T13:27:00.001-06:00

This past weekend, I got to attend the Healthy Baby and Child Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas (the same venue my nursing graduation walk was held over a decade ago!). Presented by H-E-B (a supermarket for those of you not in TX) and Huggies, this event was jam packed with vendors, educational seminars, kid’s activities, mommy make-overs and fabulous prizes.
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Celeb Babies of 2009

2010-01-11T13:05:00.001-06:00

2009 welcomed many babies into the world. Some of the most famous of them include:
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Welcome 2010!

2010-01-04T15:12:00.001-06:00

Can you believe 2009 is finished? It seems like the year just flew by! As a new year begins, I find myself reminiscing over the last year and am amazed at the many changes that have occurred over the last 12 months.

For us here at Babies 411, 2009 has been challenging, inspiring and full of accomplishments. Here’s a recap:
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Simple Tips to Green Your Christmas

2009-12-08T11:21:00.001-06:00

Are you dreaming of a White Christmas? Well for those of us trying to live a healthier and more earth-conscious lifestyle, we’re dreaming of a green Christmas! Anna Getty, along with Healthy Child, Healthy World and the 3 Angels hosted a Twitter party focusing on having a green Christmas (want to learn more about Twitter parties? Read our blog: There’s No Party Like a Twitter Party). Anna’s new book, I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas gives us creative ideas on having a healthier and greener holiday season. During this Twitter party we discussed various ways to make better choices in choosing trees, decorations, gifts and much more. Here’s what we learned: RSGCSYFECYWS
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Launch of Healing Hearts Baby Loss Comfort Website

2009-11-30T17:01:00.001-06:00

Since November (hence Prematurity Awareness Month) is at an end, I wanted to highlight a twitter party that focused on a very difficult topic to discuss: Losing a Baby (need more info on twitter parties? Read our blog: There’s No Party like a Twitter Party). This party was hosted by the 3 Green Angels and sponsored by Earth Mama Angel Baby who just launched their new Healing Hearts Baby Loss Comfort website. First Candle also joined the party to provide information for moms and dads who have suffered loss through miscarriages, stillbirths and other types of neonatal loss.

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There's No Party Like a Twitter Party

2009-11-30T16:45:00.001-06:00

You must be wondering…“What on Earth is a Twitter party?” A Twitter party is a real-time chat where twitter members can come together and discuss a specific topic. Usually there is a host, a sponsor and a panel of experts available to educate the participants and answer questions. The party is free for the attendees, who benefit from valuable expert education and the chance to win cool prizes provided by the sponsored company. To win prizes, some hosts require attendees to RSVP for the party. For those of you who tweet, there are tons of these parties popping up all over Twitter.
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Helping Prepare for a Potential Preterm Birth

2009-11-23T15:57:00.001-06:00

This article comes to us from Full Term™, the Fetal Fibronectin Test. Utilized by hospitals and healthcare providers in office settings, this non-invasive test helps to identify the possibility of premature birth by detecting the presence of a protein known as fetal fibronectin. Read this informative article by Dr. Naylor to learn more about this test.
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For Preemies and Their Families

2009-11-17T13:17:00.001-06:00

As all of us bloggers unite throughout the land, it makes me think how very different each of our lives are, yet how we all have something special in common: we’ve come here today to help those babies who can’t help themselves. In my previous post, Prematurity Awareness Month, I highlighted prematurity and how we can all help the March of Dimes fight for preemies. Today, I write for preemies; not for just one baby, but for the thousands that I have cared for in the past decade, for their families and for all preemies around the world.

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Mamas on Bedrest & Beyond

2009-11-16T11:05:00.001-06:00

Since November is Prematurity Awareness month, we have invited guest writers to give us their unique perspective on prematurity. This week our guest is Darline Turner-Lee, mother of two and owner of Mamas On Bedrest & Beyond in Austin, Texas. Her company is a concierge service for moms who have been placed on bedrest. Whatever mama needs, mama gets… from light housework to massage therapy. Darline and her staff not only assist moms with errands, but provide much needed emotional support and pampering. In addition, Darline’s Bedrest Fitness video will help mamas maintain their muscle strength and tone which will be much needed when delivery day comes.

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Prematurity Awareness Month

2009-11-07T15:42:00.001-06:00

The delivery of a premature infant (<37 weeks gestation) and the often emotional roller coaster ride that parents ensue during their child’s hospitalization is very difficult for all involved. Extended hospitalization of a preemie can cause family and marital strains, financial burdens, and emotional distress. And for some families, these hardships continue well after their baby (babies) has come home from the hospital. Preemies are at higher risk for developmental delays, respiratory issues, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy and feeding difficulties. Some premature infants remain in the NICU for many, many months while others lose their battle.Read More...

Signing with Your Baby

2009-11-04T15:36:00.001-06:00

Want to know what your little one wants? Baby sign language can help! Teaching sign language can facilitate communication between the two of you and promote language development. Not only does sign language improve language skills, but it is also thought to enhance social and emotional behaviors and improve thought processes.

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Products For Baby

2009-11-03T16:26:00.000-06:00

Do You Dapple, Baby?

2009-10-28T19:14:00.001-05:00

Finding healthier, safer products for babies is something we are passionate about here at Babies 411. The enormous amount of toxic chemicals our kids are exposed to on a daily basis is very concerning. Our air, food, water and consumer products are loaded with cancer-causing, hormone-disrupting and reproductive system-altering chemicals. Reducing the amount of toxins our kids are exposed to will hopefully decrease the currently alarming cancer, autism, infertility and birth defect rates.
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Simply Breastfeeding is Right!

2009-10-20T20:03:00.001-05:00

As a NICU nurse, I am constantly assisting moms with breastfeeding. Not only do I have my personal experience with this, but since the start of my company, I have been reading, watching videos and speaking with many lactation consultants, doctors and nurses on the subject of breastfeeding. The more I expand my knowledge, the more I can help guide parents on this subject.
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Toxic Baby Products?

2009-09-16T23:57:00.001-05:00

“Toxic baby products?” “How’s that possible?” “I’ve been using what on babies?”
This was my reaction when I was researching baby products (during the development phase of Babies 411) and found out the news that most of the baby products that we know, love, and have used for years contain cancer-causing (carcinogenic) chemicals. What an eye opener.
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Ready, Set... Launch

2009-07-07T22:13:00.002-05:00

What an exciting time this is for us here at Babies 411. We have officially launched our site and have begun our journey of promoting the health, safety, and well-being of all the precious little babies that we can. We strive to use our baby expertise to bring all mommies and daddies (and soon-to-be mommies and daddies) up-to-date and accurate information to help assist you in caring for your sweet little baby. Babies 411 brings baby information and resources right to your computer.
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