Uncategorized Articles- American Pregnancy Association

Getting Your Baby to Sleep

Benjamin Neupert — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 18:50:39 +0000

Sleep is crucial to the development of your baby’s brain just as nutrition is essential to the development of your baby’s body. Let’s look at the best ways to get your child to go to sleep.

Your Baby’s Sleep

Babies do not have regular sleep cycles until about 6 months of age. While newborns sleep about 16 to 17 hours per day, they may only sleep 1 or 2 hours at a time. As babies get older, they need less sleep. However, different babies have different sleep needs. It is normal for a 6-month-old to wake up during the night but go back to sleep after a few minutes.

Here are some suggestions that may help your baby (and you) sleep better at night.

Keep your baby calm and quiet when you feed or change her during the night. Try not to stimulate or wake her too much.
Make daytime playtime. Talking and playing with your baby during the day will help lengthen her awake times. This will help her sleep for longer periods during the night.
Put your baby to bed when drowsy but still awake. This will help your baby learn to fall asleep on her own in her own bed. Holding or rocking her until she is completely asleep may make it hard for her to go back to sleep if she wakes up during the night.
Wait a few minutes before responding to your child’s fussing. See if she can fall back to sleep on her own. If she continues to cry, check on her, but don’t turn on the light, play with her, or pick her up. If she gets frantic or is unable to settle herself, consider what else might be bothering her. She may be hungry, wet or soiled, feverish, or otherwise not feeling well.

Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Time

Many parents find their toddler’s bedtime to be the hardest part of the day. Children this age often resist going to sleep, especially if they have older siblings who are still awake.

Use the following tips to help your toddler develop good sleep habits:

Set up a quiet routine before bedtime to help your child understand that it will soon be time to go to sleep. Use this time to read him a story, listen to quiet music, or give him a bath. It may be tempting to play with your child before bed. However, active play may make your child too excited to sleep.
Be consistent. Make bedtime the same time every night. This helps your child know what to expect and helps him establish healthy sleep patterns.
Allow your child to take a favorite thing to bed each night. It’s OK to let your child sleep with a teddy bear, special blanket, or some other favorite toy. These often help children fall asleep—especially if they wake up during the night. Make sure the object is safe. Look for ribbons, buttons, or other parts that may be choking hazards. Stuffing or pellets inside stuffed toys can also be dangerous.
Make sure your child is comfortable. He may like to have a drink of water, a light left on, or the door left slightly open. Try to handle your child’s needs before bedtime so that he doesn’t use them to avoid going to sleep.
Do not let your child sleep in the same bed with you. This can make it harder for him to fall asleep when he is alone.
Do not return to your child’s room every time he complains or calls out. Instead, try the following:
- Wait several seconds before answering and make your response time longer each time he calls. This will give him a chance to fall asleep on his own.
- Reassure your child that you are there. If you need to go into the room, do not turn on the light, play with him, or stay too long.
- Move farther from your child’s bed every time you go in, until you can reassure him verbally without entering his room.
- Remind him each time he calls that it’s time to go to sleep.

Give it time. Helping your child develop good sleep habits can be a challenge, and it is normal to get upset when a child keeps you awake at night. Try to be understanding. A negative response by a parent can sometimes make a sleep problem worse.

Sources:

American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthChildren.org: Source Sleep Problems in Children

Sleep is crucial to the development of your baby’s brain just as nutrition is essential to the development of your baby’s body. Let’s look at the best ways to get your child to go to sleep.

Babies

Here are some suggestions that may help your baby (and you) sleep better at night.

Keep your baby calm and quiet when you feed or change her during the night. Try not to stimulate or wake her too much.
Make daytime playtime. Talking and playing with your baby during the day will help lengthen her awake times. This will help her sleep for longer periods during the night.
Put your baby to bed when drowsy but still awake. This will help your baby learn to fall asleep on her own in her own bed. Holding or rocking her until she is completely asleep may make it hard for her to go back to sleep if she wakes up during the night.
Wait a few minutes before responding to your child’s fussing. See if she can fall back to sleep on her own. If she continues to cry, check on her, but don’t turn on the light, play with her, or pick her up. If she gets frantic or is unable to settle herself, consider what else might be bothering her. She may be hungry, wet or soiled, feverish, or otherwise not feeling well.

Toddlers and preschoolers

Many parents find their toddler’s bedtime to be the hardest part of the day. Children this age often resist going to sleep, especially if they have older siblings who are still awake.

Use the following tips to help your toddler develop good sleep habits:

Set up a quiet routine before bedtime to help your child understand that it will soon be time to go to sleep. Use this time to read him a story, listen to quiet music, or give him a bath. It may be tempting to play with your child before bed. However, active play may make your child too excited to sleep.

Be consistent. Make bedtime the same time every night. This helps your child know what to expect and helps him establish healthy sleep patterns.

Allow your child to take a favorite thing to bed each night. It’s OK to let your child sleep with a teddy bear, special blanket, or some other favorite toy. These often help children fall asleep—especially if they wake up during the night. Make sure the object is safe. Look for ribbons, buttons, or other parts that may be choking hazards. Stuffing or pellets inside stuffed toys can also be dangerous.

Make sure your child is comfortable. He may like to have a drink of water, a light left on, or the door left slightly open. Try to handle your child’s needs before bedtime so that he doesn’t use them to avoid going to sleep.

Do not let your child sleep in the same bed with you. This can make it harder for him to fall asleep when he is alone.

Do not return to your child’s room every time he complains or calls out. Instead, try the following:

Wait several seconds before answering and make your response time longer each time he calls. This will give him a chance to fall asleep on his own.
Reassure your child that you are there. If you need to go into the room, do not turn on the light, play with him, or stay too long.
Move farther from your child’s bed every time you go in, until you can reassure him verbally without entering his room.
Remind him each time he calls that it’s time to go to sleep.

Give it time. Helping your child develop good sleep habits can be a challenge, and it is normal to get upset when a child keeps you awake at night. Try to be understanding. A negative response by a parent can sometimes make a sleep problem worse.

Sources:

American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthChildren.org: Source Sleep Problems in Children

Sleep is crucial to the development of your baby’s brain just as nutrition is essential to the development of your baby’s body. Let’s look at the best ways to get your child to go to sleep.

Babies

Here are some suggestions that may help your baby (and you) sleep better at night.

Keep your baby calm and quiet when you feed or change her during the night. Try not to stimulate or wake her too much.
Make daytime playtime. Talking and playing with your baby during the day will help lengthen her awake times. This will help her sleep for longer periods during the night.
Put your baby to bed when drowsy but still awake. This will help your baby learn to fall asleep on her own in her own bed. Holding or rocking her until she is completely asleep may make it hard for her to go back to sleep if she wakes up during the night.
Wait a few minutes before responding to your child’s fussing. See if she can fall back to sleep on her own. If she continues to cry, check on her, but don’t turn on the light, play with her, or pick her up. If she gets frantic or is unable to settle herself, consider what else might be bothering her. She may be hungry, wet or soiled, feverish, or otherwise not feeling well.

Toddlers and preschoolers

Many parents find their toddler’s bedtime to be the hardest part of the day. Children this age often resist going to sleep, especially if they have older siblings who are still awake.

Use the following tips to help your toddler develop good sleep habits:

Set up a quiet routine before bedtime to help your child understand that it will soon be time to go to sleep. Use this time to read him a story, listen to quiet music, or give him a bath. It may be tempting to play with your child before bed. However, active play may make your child too excited to sleep.

Be consistent. Make bedtime the same time every night. This helps your child know what to expect and helps him establish healthy sleep patterns.

Allow your child to take a favorite thing to bed each night. It’s OK to let your child sleep with a teddy bear, special blanket, or some other favorite toy. These often help children fall asleep—especially if they wake up during the night. Make sure the object is safe. Look for ribbons, buttons, or other parts that may be choking hazards. Stuffing or pellets inside stuffed toys can also be dangerous.

Make sure your child is comfortable. He may like to have a drink of water, a light left on, or the door left slightly open. Try to handle your child’s needs before bedtime so that he doesn’t use them to avoid going to sleep.

Do not let your child sleep in the same bed with you. This can make it harder for him to fall asleep when he is alone.

Do not return to your child’s room every time he complains or calls out. Instead, try the following:

Wait several seconds before answering and make your response time longer each time he calls. This will give him a chance to fall asleep on his own.
Reassure your child that you are there. If you need to go into the room, do not turn on the light, play with him, or stay too long.
Move farther from your child’s bed every time you go in, until you can reassure him verbally without entering his room.
Remind him each time he calls that it’s time to go to sleep.

Give it time. Helping your child develop good sleep habits can be a challenge, and it is normal to get upset when a child keeps you awake at night. Try to be understanding. A negative response by a parent can sometimes make a sleep problem worse.

Sources:

American Academy of Pediatrics: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, 2014, Your Child’s Sleep

American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthChildren.org: Source Sleep Problems in Children

The post Getting Your Baby to Sleep appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

What to Feed Your Toddler

editor — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 17:29:40 +0000

Good nutrition gives your toddler what they need for growth, health, and energy for playing, moving, and learning. As they grow, toddlers can enjoy a wide range of foods. It’s good to feed your toddler a variety of foods from each food group with different tastes, textures and colors.

Food Groups for Toddlers

Grain Group: at least 6 servings each day

1/4 – 1/2 slice of bread

2-3 crackers

1/4- 1/3 cup cooked rice, pasta, or cereal

1/4 – 1/2 bun, muffin, or bagel

Fruit and Vegetable Group: at least 5 servings each day

1/4 – 1/3 cup cooked, canned, or chopped raw

1/4 – 1/2 small fruit/vegetable

1/4 – 1/3 cup juice (limit fruit juice intake to no more than 4 ounces per day)

Milk Group: at least 3 servings each day

1/2 cup milk or yogurt

1/2 – 1 ounce of cheese

Note: You do not need to give your toddler low-fat foods.

Meat Group: 2 servings each day

1-2 ounces lean meat, chicken, fish

2-4 tablespoons dry beans and peas

1/2 – 1 egg

Fat Group: 3-4 servings each day

1 teaspoon margarine, butter, oils

These guidelines can help you determine what and how much to feed your toddler. If you worry about whether your child is getting enough calories, follow the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that children get about 40 calories a day for every inch of height.

What to feed a 1-year-old toddler

Developmental milestones: Can use a spoon (though proficiency will take a while!)

What to feed

Whole milk
Other dairy products (soft pasteurized cheese, full-fat yogurt and cottage cheese)
Iron-fortified cereals (oats, barley, wheat, mixed cereals)
Other grains (whole wheat bread, pasta, rice)
Fruits (melon, papaya, apricot, grapefruit)
Vegetables (broccoli and cauliflower “trees,” cooked until soft)
Protein (eggs, beans, thinly spread peanut butter, small pieces of meat, poultry, boneless fish, or tofu)
Honey

How much per day

2 cups milk, or 2 cups yogurt, or 1 1/2 to 2 ounces cheese
3 ounces grains, at least half whole grains (1 ounce = 1 cup cold cereal, 1/2 cup pasta or rice, one slice of bread)
1 cup fruit (fresh, frozen, or canned. Cut fresh fruits into very small pieces.)
1 cup vegetables (a variety cut in small pieces and cooked well)
2 ounces protein (1 ounce = one slice of sandwich meat, about 1/3 of a chicken breast, 1/4 can of tuna, 1/4 cup cooked dry beans, or one egg)

Feeding tips

Experts used to say you shouldn’t give a young child eggs, fish, or peanut products because the child might develop a food allergy. But the latest research from the American Academy of Pediatrics found no evidence to support this claim. Talk to your child’s doctor if you have a family history of food allergies.

Limit added sugars. Toddlers’ added-sugar intake should be no more than 10 percent of their total daily calories. Keep in mind that these sugars and syrups creep into common foods toddlers love, from breakfast bars to mac n’ cheese to flavored drinks. Check the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods, and try to steer clear of foods that list 1 gram or more of “Added Sugars.”

What to feed a 2-year-old toddler

Developmental milestones: Self-feeding and eager to make their own food choices

What to feed

Low-fat milk (It’s okay to switch to low-fat or nonfat milk once your child is older than 2, but check with your child’s doctor if you have questions.)
Other dairy products (diced or grated cheese, low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, pudding)
Iron-fortified cereals (oats, barley, wheat, mixed cereals)
Other grains (whole wheat bread and crackers, bagel pieces, pretzels, ready-to-eat cereal, pasta, rice)
Fruits (sliced fresh or canned)
Dried fruit, soaked until soft to prevent choking (apples, apricots, peaches, pears, dates, pitted prunes)
Vegetables (a variety cut in small pieces and cooked well)
Protein (eggs, beans, thinly spread peanut butter, small pieces of meat, poultry, boneless fish, or tofu)
Combo foods like macaroni and cheese, casseroles

How much per day

2 cups milk, or 2 cups yogurt, or 1 1/2 to 2 ounces cheese
3 ounces grains, at least half whole grains (1 ounce = one slice of bread, 1 cup ready-to-eat cereal, or 1/2 cup of cooked rice, cooked whole wheat pasta, or cooked oatmeal)
1 cup fruit (fresh, frozen, canned, or dried. Cut fresh fruits into very small pieces.)
1 cup vegetables (a variety cut in small pieces and cooked well)
2 ounces protein (1 ounce = 1/4 cup cooked dry beans or peas, one egg, 1 ounce of meat, poultry, or fish)

Feeding tips

At this age, children can have strong opinions about food. Let your child have a say in what to eat, while you provide the balance, boundaries, and encouragement to make healthy choices.

Is a Vegan Food Okay for Toddlers?

If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you can still provide your infant or toddler with everything she needs. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Academy of Pediatrics agree that well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are fine for infants and toddlers. Just make sure your child gets plenty of these nutrients:

Vitamin B12: Vegetarians can get this nutrient from milk products and eggs. Vegans can use fortified soy beverages, cereals, and meat substitutes.

Vitamin D: Breastfed babies should get an additional 400 IU per day from fortified cow’s milk or soy milk.

Calcium: Vegan babies may need calcium-fortified foods, beverages, or supplements. Check with your doctor or a dietitian.

Zinc: This important nutrient helps the immune system and can be found in beans, fortified cereal, milk, and wheat germ.

Iron: You can find this mineral in iron-fortified cereal or supplements. Serve with foods high in vitamin C – like oranges, tomatoes, and strawberries – to improve iron absorption.

Protein: Vegetarians can get added protein from yogurt and eggs. Vegans can get plant proteins from beans, cereals, and fortified soy milk.

Fiber: Good sources of fiber include whole grain breads, fortified cereals and pastas, and high-fat plant foods like sunflower butter and avocados.

Is there anything I shouldn’t feed my toddler?

It is important to avoid foods that can cause choking. Plus, always cut up foods into small pieces and watch your child while they are eating.

Slippery foods such as whole grapes; large pieces of meats, poultry, and hot dogs; candy and cough drops.
Small, hard foods such as nuts, seeds, popcorn, chips, pretzels, raw carrots, and raisins.
Sticky foods such as peanut butter and marshmallows.

What if my child is a picky eater?

Offer new foods one at a time, and remember that children may need to try a new food 10 or more times before they accept it.

Avoid “short order cooking.” Serve at least 1 food you know your child will like, but then expect him or her to eat the same foods as the rest of the family.

Make food simple, plain, and recognizable. Some kids don’t like food that is mixed together or food that is touching like a casserole

Never force your child to eat a food he or she doesn’t like. Offer multiple choices so they can choose something they do like.

Additional feeding tips:

Set a good example of healthy eating for your child.
Plan regular meals and snacks and give kids enough time to eat.
Plan a quiet time before meals and snacks because children eat better when they are relaxed.
Involve your children in making the food.
Use child-size plates, cups, forks and spoons.

Want to Know More:

Sources:

American Academy of Pediatrics: Serving Sizes for Toddlers

American Academy of Pediatrics: Feeding and Nutrition Tips: Your 2-Year-Old

U.S. Department of Agriculture: MyPlate, Life Stages.

U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: DietaryGuidelines.gov

Cleveland Clinic: Feeding Your Toddler-Ages 1 to 3 Years

The post What to Feed Your Toddler appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

Prenatal Class 3: Postnatal With Midwife Holliday Tyson

admin — Tue, 16 May 2017 03:26:07 +0000

The post Prenatal Class 3: Postnatal With Midwife Holliday Tyson appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

Depression During Pregnancy

editor — Tue, 01 May 2012 03:24:39 +0000

Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Pregnancy is supposed to be one of the happiest times of a woman’s life, but for many women, this is a time of confusion, fear, stress, and even depression. According to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), between 14-23% of women will struggle with some symptoms of depression during pregnancy.
Depression is a mood disorder that affects 1 in 4 women at some point during their lifetime, so it should be no surprise that this illness can also touch women who are pregnant. But all too often, depression is not diagnosed properly during pregnancy because people think it is just another type of hormonal imbalance.
This assumption can be dangerous for the mother and the unborn baby. Depression in pregnancy is an illness that can be treated and managed; however, it is important to seek out help and support first.

What is depression in pregnancy?

Depression during pregnancy, or antepartum depression, is a mood disorder just like clinical depression. Mood disorders are biological illnesses that involve changes in brain chemistry.
During pregnancy, hormone changes can affect the chemicals in your brain, which are directly related to depression and anxiety. These can be exacerbated by difficult life situations, which can result in depression during pregnancy.

What are the signs of depression during pregnancy?

Women with depression usually experience some of the following symptoms for 2 weeks or more:

Persistent sadness
Difficulty concentrating
Sleeping too little or too much
Loss of interest in activities that you usually enjoy
Recurring thoughts of death, suicide, or hopelessness
Anxiety
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Change in eating habits

What are the possible triggers of depression during pregnancy?

Relationship problems
Family or personal history of depression
Infertility treatments
Previous pregnancy loss
Stressful life events
Complications in pregnancy
History of abuse or trauma

Can depression during pregnancy cause harm to my baby?

Depression that is not treated can have potential dangerous risks to the mother and baby. Untreated depression can lead to poor nutrition, drinking, smoking, and suicidal behavior, which can then cause premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems. A woman who is depressed often does not have the strength or desire to adequately care for herself or her developing baby.
Babies born to mothers who are depressed may be less active, show less attention and be more agitated than babies born to moms who are not depressed. This is why getting the right help is important for both mom and baby.

: The Pregnant Woman’s Companion: Nine Strategies That Work to Keep Your Peace of Mind Through Pregnancy and Into Parenthood; Christine D’Amico

Your purchase supports the APA.

What is the treatment for depression during pregnancy?

If you feel you may be struggling with depression, the most important step is to seek help. Talk with your health care provider about your symptoms and struggles. Your health care provider wants the best for you and your baby and may discuss options with you for treatment.
Treatment options for women who are pregnant can include:

Support groups
Private psychotherapy
Medication
Light therapy

Are there any safe medications to treat depression during pregnancy?
There is a lot of debate over the safety and long-term effects of antidepressant medications taken during pregnancy. Some research now shows that certain medications used to treat depression may be linked to problems in newborns such as physical malformations, heart problems, pulmonary hypertension and low birth weight.
A woman with mild to moderate depression may be able to manage her symptoms with support groups, psychotherapy, and light therapy. But if a pregnant woman is dealing with severe depression, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is usually recommended.
Women need to know that all medications will cross the placenta and reach their babies. There is not enough information about which drugs are entirely safe and which ones pose risks.
But when treating major depression, the risks and benefits need to be examined closely. The medication that can offer the most help, with the smallest risk to baby, should be considered carefully.
If medication seems like the best treatment for your depression, forming a collaborative treatment team is the best course of action. This would include your prenatal care provider and your mental health provider.
Ask both health care professions about what treatments will be best for you and your baby. Find out if you have options for medications and do research on them.
What long term effects do they have? Is your baby likely to deal with withdrawal symptoms after birth? Is this medication linked to health problems in the newborn or developmental delays in the future? Also, always remember that you need to weigh the possibilities of problems in the future versus the problems that can occur right now if your depression is not treated appropriately.

Are there any natural treatments?

With the controversy regarding the use of some antidepressants during pregnancy, many women are interested in other ways to help treat depression. As mentioned above, support groups, psychotherapy, and light therapy are alternatives to using medication when treating mild to moderate depression.
In addition to these, you may want to talk with your health care providers about some of the other natural ways to help relieve the symptoms of depression.

Exercise – Exercise naturally increases serotonin levels and decreases cortisol levels.
Get adequate rest – Lack of sleep greatly affects the body and mind’s ability to handle stress and day to day challenges. Work on establishing a routine sleep schedule that has you going to sleep and getting up at the same time.
Diet and Nutrition – Many foods have been linked to mood changes, the ability to handle stress and mental clarity. Diets high in caffeine, sugar, processed carbohydrates, artificial additives, and low protein can all lead to issues regarding your mental and physical health. Make a conscious decision to start fueling your body with the foods that can help you feel better.
Acupuncture – New studies report acupuncture to be a viable option in treating depression in pregnant women.
Omega-3 fatty acids – For years it’s been known that omega-3 can help with a number of health issues, but the newest studies are showing that taking a daily supplement of omega-3/fish oils can decrease symptoms of depression. Pregnant women would want to make sure to take a mercury-free version of fish oil and check with their care provider or nutritionist on a recommended amount.
Herbal remedies – There are a number of herbal and vitamin supplements known to affect moods and the hormone serotonin. Talk with your health care provider and nutritionist/herbalist about whether to use St John’s Wort, SAM-e, 5-HTP, magnesium, vitamin B6 and flower remedies. Many of these can not be used in conjunction with antidepressants and should be evaluated on the dosage for pregnant women.

If you do not feel comfortable talking with your health care provider about your feelings of depression, find someone else to talk with. It is important that someone knows what you are dealing with and can try to help you. Never try to face depression alone. Your baby needs you to seek help and get treatment.

Want to Know More?

Compiled using information from the following sources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.womenshealth.gov/
March of Dimes,
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG), https://www.acog.org
MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, https://www.womensmentalhealth.org
Acupuncture for depression during pregnancy:a randomized control study. Obstet Gynecol, 2010 Mar;115(3):511-20.PMID:20177281

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