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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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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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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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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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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2009 welcomed many babies into the world. Some of the most famous of them include:
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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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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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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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?” “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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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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