"Nurse Nancy" Miller on Baby Safety for Expectant Moms
I remember the Spring of 1983, when I found out I was pregnant with my son. Elated, I rushed home and called my parents, and then my in-laws (there were no cell phones back then, and my husband was on a jobsite with no way to contact him), to share my joy. Although I did not have a difficult pregnancy, the last two months were filled with preparations for the new baby, and also a fair amount of personal trepidation. It was not just about the actual labor and delivery - which was a real concern for me, being a pain weenie - but more importantly, there was my sweet new baby-to-be and his health and well-being to consider. Although I'd been a registered nurse for 8 years by then, there was so much I didn't know. Like many women today, I had no close family to rely on, and my friends were all about as clueless as I. For that reason, I was delighted when The Shower Diva asked me to write an article for expectant Moms. There is so much information out there now, that it's hard to reduce it down to a size that allows a girl to focus on what is really important for *her*. I hope this article, and those in the future, will be of some help to all of you in navigating the galaxies of good and bad advice floating around in cyber-space.
As an introduction, I thought I'd just give some overviews in seven different areas. As we go forward, I'll develop them in depth in later articles, and add to the subject matter depending on your responses and questions.
1 – Environmental Hazards for You and Your Baby
Our modern environment has become a potentially toxic place for babies. Their immune systems are immature and not able to deal with many of the environmental off-gases, additives and chemicals we encounter every day. That's why becoming conscious of non-toxic paint (for baby's room and/or the whole house), chlorine-free and organic cotton bed linens as well as clothing can help ease your little one gently into the modern world.
2 – Food Myths and Truths
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website is a terrific resource. One example is their information on honey. Most of us think of honey as a safe, wholesome food, which it is, unless you are an infant under one year old. In newborns, and up to 12 months old, honey is the most often-sited source of infant botulism.
Health on the Internet (HON) gives excellent advice for newborns up through childhood and beyond.
Dr. Greene's website is a virtual treasure-trove of information for everyone from expecting parents to those 'trying' teenagers.
3 – Healthcare Needs
Please, no glass/mercury thermometers (you should take these to a place that recycles toxic waste, if you still own any). And those ear-canal thermometers can be terribly inaccurate. All it takes is an ear infection, or wax build-up, to render them irrelevant. A simple, battery-operated thermometer with disposable covers will do nicely.
Never give an infant over-the-counter (or prescription) medicines or treatments without your pediatrician's OK.
STOP smoking/drinking while pregnant and do NOT resume smoking or drinking if you are going to breastfeed!
And finally - remember, much of what you eat will pass through into your breast milk. Don't worry, if you forget, baby will let you know, either with diarrhea, vomiting, gas, colic, or some other sign. But why put your precious bundle through that in the first place? If a food causes gas, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, etc. in you, it will do the same to your baby.
I think very highly of Andrew Weil, MD
4 – Toys To Avoid
Need I say it? If the label says "Made in China" DON'T BUY IT! If you aren't sure, ask. If no one can tell you, avoid it. The latest findings of lead, etc. in baby bibs, toys, food, etc is just the tip of that iceberg. Avoid them all.
Also, anything that has moving or glued-on parts equal to or smaller than your baby's fist pose a potential choking hazard. Crib mobiles must be high enough above the crib to prevent little fingers from becoming tangled in them – and don't forget to move them up higher when your little love learns to stand.
5 – Diaper Dilemma – Cloth or Disposable?
My personal preference is cloth, for these reasons:
- when baby wets, the diaper is wet, you know it, and can change him/her before the bacteria/fungi that cause diaper rash, urinary tract infections, and/or fungal infections, can get a foothold.
- they are less environmentally unfriendly.
- they are softer and feel better on that delicate little bottom.
On the other hand, there is a time and place for plastic disposables, such as when traveling with baby.
6 – Mental and Emotional Concerns
Many scientific studies are now demonstrating what most of us have suspected all along: Mommy's stress, depression, joy, happiness, etc. is transferred to and felt by her baby – even in utero.
We secrete many complex enzymes as a part of our physiologic response to events. Those enzymes move into the bloodstream and circulate around the body, and that includes any little fetal bodies growing in our wombs. Now, now – don't go heaping guilt on yourself for having emotions! We all have them, and the body's response is 'autonomic' – meaning you can't consciously control it.
If you meditate, you can soften the effect of negative emotions, but if you aren't the meditative type, simple physical exercise, even a walk around the block or through your local mall, can help lift you out of the blues. Read a humorous or uplifting book or magazine, or watch something funny or pleasant on TV, or call a friend (but please try to keep the conversation on a positive note).
If you are a dedicated CSI/Law & Order fan, you might want to have someone tape them, so you can watch after your beloved is born, or catch them on reruns. Our brains do not recognize the difference between stressful events on TV and those in real life. The brain will tell the glands to secrete those enzymes regardless. Scary movies, etc. are not the best. But a good comedy can be a terrific release for both of you.
7 – Websites, Magazines and More
Mothering magazine is an excellent resource for birthing options, breastfeeding advice, etc.
MANA – the Midwives Alliance of North America (usually lay midwives, but not exclusively).
ACNM – American College of Nurse-Midwives (these are RN's who have had further education as midwives).
La Leche League – the best information on breast-feeding from a venerable source.
Well, that ought to be enough to get you started for now. Write in and ask questions.
No question is silly or stupid. After all, if YOU need to know the answer, chances are many other expectant or new Moms need the same information.
Happy Mothering!
Nancy Miller, RN, BA Psych, CHyT
Nancy Miller got her RN degree in 1975 and went on to earn a BA in Humanistic Psychology from Goucher College in 2002. She's also a certified hypnotherapist and an ordained minister. Nancy is the mother of one child, her 24 year old son Eric, of whom she is extremely proud.
If you have a question you'd like Nurse Nancy to answer in her monthly column, email your question here!
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