New parents and expectant parents often ask me about the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). SIDS is still the leading cause of death for infants between the ages of 1 month and 1 year, but education and control of environmental factors have helped reduce SIDS deaths in the US steadily for decades (the risk is now approximately 1 in 2000 according to the National Institutes of Health). But we still want to do all we can to protect…
Lately there’s been buzz about options for family-centered cesarean or gentle cesarean births. But what does that mean for families pursuing this option? How do you know what your options will be? How is this different from a traditional cesarean birth? In many hospitals, a cesarean birth means that parents will not get to hold their baby right away. In some cases, they may not even get to see the baby immediately; instead, baby may be routinely whisked away for…
Recent data from the US Centers for Disease Control shows that Pennsylvania is behind the national average in terms of breastfeeding, but the numbers are increasing. According to the data, 71% of infants born in PA in 2012 were ever breastfed; 48.9% are still breastfed (whether exclusively or not) at 6 months (national averages were 81% and 52%, respectively). What’s interesting is that while there was a 4% increase in Pennsylvania infants who’d ever breastfed since 2000, there was a 12%…
First baby on the way? First time planning to breastfeed? Want some new techniques for soothing and caring for baby? Want a private class where you can ask all your questions and learn in the comfort of your own home? Want a class that meets your busy schedule? This class is for you. In this two-session class, I come to your home and work with you and your partner on newborn care skills from breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding to newborn…
The baby burrito…there’s nothing so adorable as a sleeping baby all snuggled in a swaddle. And swaddling is a handy tool in a new parent’s arsenal to help soothe a fussy baby, creating a soothing environment more like the womb. But is it safe? After a new study in the journal Pediatrics and a high-profile article in the New York Times, many parents are left wondering if they should ditch the swaddle. So what’s the story? The new information comes from…