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Thursday, December 11, 2008
December Series Meeting
Our Series meeting this month was Nutrition and Weaning led by Jen. We started out talking about our favorite winter/holiday treats which varied from clementines to toffee to pies and soups. Jen led us in talking about holiday simplifying. Comments ranged from spending holidays at home, cutting out travel, opting out of gift giving, and spreading out the celebrations.
We also discussed starting solids and went over LLLI's new tear off sheet about when and how to start solids. Jen encouraged us to openly share this information with our pediatricians. Here, from http://www.llli.org/FAQ/solids.html is what LLL says about starting solids.
When should my baby start solids?
Human milk is the only food that healthy, full-term babies need for about the first six months of life. The composition of human milk varies according to the time of day and the age of the baby, so that each mother provides the milk that meets her own baby's unique needs. Human milk provides immunity factors for as long as the baby nurses, and many of the health benefits of breastfeeding continue well into childhood and beyond.
Most solid foods are lower in calories than human milk, of lower nutritional value, and can be difficult for young babies to digest. Introduced early, they can cause unpleasant reactions and even trigger allergies. These problems can be avoided by waiting until your baby is ready for solids. Some parents have found introducing solids before baby is ready to be a waste of time, energy and money.
Breastfed babies do not need to have complementary food introduced until about the middle of the first year. Before that time, you will notice some signs that your baby is changing developmentally, in preparation for beginning solids in a few months. You will notice that:
* he becomes more sociable, playing and holding "conversations" with you during a nursing session
* he has a growth spurt and nurses more frequently for a while
* he imitates the chewing motions you make whilst eating -- he is practicing!
You will know that he is really ready to start solids when:
* he is about six months old
* he can sit up without any support
* he continues to be hungry despite more frequent nursing which is unrelated to illness or teething
* he has lost the tongue-thrusting reflex and does not push solids out of his mouth
* he can pick up things with his finger and thumb (pincer grasp)
Babies who are ready for solids can usually feed themselves. Mothers often report that they knew their babies were ready when they picked up food from a plate, chewed it, swallowed it, and wanted more.
Listen to your baby! Babies with a tendency to allergies may refuse solids until later in their first year. As long as they are growing well and are happy and healthy, there is no need for concern.
We also discussed starting solids and went over LLLI's new tear off sheet about when and how to start solids. Jen encouraged us to openly share this information with our pediatricians. Here, from http://www.llli.org/FAQ/solids.html is what LLL says about starting solids.
When should my baby start solids?
Human milk is the only food that healthy, full-term babies need for about the first six months of life. The composition of human milk varies according to the time of day and the age of the baby, so that each mother provides the milk that meets her own baby's unique needs. Human milk provides immunity factors for as long as the baby nurses, and many of the health benefits of breastfeeding continue well into childhood and beyond.
Most solid foods are lower in calories than human milk, of lower nutritional value, and can be difficult for young babies to digest. Introduced early, they can cause unpleasant reactions and even trigger allergies. These problems can be avoided by waiting until your baby is ready for solids. Some parents have found introducing solids before baby is ready to be a waste of time, energy and money.
Breastfed babies do not need to have complementary food introduced until about the middle of the first year. Before that time, you will notice some signs that your baby is changing developmentally, in preparation for beginning solids in a few months. You will notice that:
* he becomes more sociable, playing and holding "conversations" with you during a nursing session
* he has a growth spurt and nurses more frequently for a while
* he imitates the chewing motions you make whilst eating -- he is practicing!
You will know that he is really ready to start solids when:
* he is about six months old
* he can sit up without any support
* he continues to be hungry despite more frequent nursing which is unrelated to illness or teething
* he has lost the tongue-thrusting reflex and does not push solids out of his mouth
* he can pick up things with his finger and thumb (pincer grasp)
Babies who are ready for solids can usually feed themselves. Mothers often report that they knew their babies were ready when they picked up food from a plate, chewed it, swallowed it, and wanted more.
Listen to your baby! Babies with a tendency to allergies may refuse solids until later in their first year. As long as they are growing well and are happy and healthy, there is no need for concern.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
See you at the series meeting!
Tuesday, December 9 @ 10am
Nutrition and Weaning
Starting solids, family nutrition, extended nursing, approaches to weaning, loving guidance
Nutrition and Weaning
Starting solids, family nutrition, extended nursing, approaches to weaning, loving guidance
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
NEW! NUEVO! La Importancia de Amamantar
Please spread the word! On April 28, 2009 Rocio Altamirano will lead our first meeting in Spanish, La Importancia de Amamantar (The Importance of Breastfeeding.)
Conversation with an IBCLC-certified Occupational Therapist
Vicki Brunstetter talked about her work as an IBCLC-certified Occupational Therapist with preemie babies and their families at University Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Some of her points were the following:
* It's important to help moms learn to hand express, but many don't want to touch their breasts.
* A major goal is to get babies colostrum.
* Finger feeding can cause some of the same problems as bottle feeding: hard surfaces, plastic smell, etc.
* Insurance dictates many options for pumps and length of NICU stays
* A major NICU goal is to get babies eating be it at breast or bottle.
* The U Hospital is VERY close (like maybe today or tomorrow) to being designated "Baby Friendly." This means no more free formula, no more formula-produced information sheets, and that moms have to sign forms to receive pacifiers that are locked up. They'll be the only hospital in Utah to be so designated.
* In Vicki's 16 years at this job, she's seen some major culture shifts favoring breastfeeding.
* Babies come to the U's NICU from Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and sometimes Arizona.
* The U Hospital has three nurseries: the 48-bed NICU, the Well Baby Nursery, and the "Step-up" nursery.
* The world needs more in-hospital lactation consultants.
* Moms can only stay with preemies in a chair next to their preemie in the NICU. There are a couple of beds in a separate room, but they tend to be reserved for moms getting ready to take their babies home.
* About 95% of the moms with preemies at U hospital deliver saying they're going to breastfeed, but they often have little or no information.
* Approximately half of the NICU preemies are delivered by WIC moms.
One thing this information teaches us is that getting breastfeeding support and information while pregnant is a MUST! Thank you to Vicki for coming and talking with us!
* It's important to help moms learn to hand express, but many don't want to touch their breasts.
* A major goal is to get babies colostrum.
* Finger feeding can cause some of the same problems as bottle feeding: hard surfaces, plastic smell, etc.
* Insurance dictates many options for pumps and length of NICU stays
* A major NICU goal is to get babies eating be it at breast or bottle.
* The U Hospital is VERY close (like maybe today or tomorrow) to being designated "Baby Friendly." This means no more free formula, no more formula-produced information sheets, and that moms have to sign forms to receive pacifiers that are locked up. They'll be the only hospital in Utah to be so designated.
* In Vicki's 16 years at this job, she's seen some major culture shifts favoring breastfeeding.
* Babies come to the U's NICU from Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and sometimes Arizona.
* The U Hospital has three nurseries: the 48-bed NICU, the Well Baby Nursery, and the "Step-up" nursery.
* The world needs more in-hospital lactation consultants.
* Moms can only stay with preemies in a chair next to their preemie in the NICU. There are a couple of beds in a separate room, but they tend to be reserved for moms getting ready to take their babies home.
* About 95% of the moms with preemies at U hospital deliver saying they're going to breastfeed, but they often have little or no information.
* Approximately half of the NICU preemies are delivered by WIC moms.
One thing this information teaches us is that getting breastfeeding support and information while pregnant is a MUST! Thank you to Vicki for coming and talking with us!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Upcoming Enrichment Meeting!
Come & join our conversation with Vicki Brunstetter, University Hospital NICU nurse! November 25th @ 10am
Thursday, November 13, 2008
What Surprised You?
Jessica led this month's series meeting, The Art of Breast Feeding and Avoiding Difficulties. We started off going around the room and sharing things that had surprised us most about having a new baby. The first answer was frequency of nursing. This led to a discussion about a newborn's stomach capacity. Many mothers were able to share their experiences. Topics ranged from co-sleeping, nursing positions, breast health, and even birth practices. Jessica shared a descriptive narrative about taking a laboring dog to a store, putting her on display for the birth, giving her medications during delivery, and then limiting the time new puppies had to nurse, before taking them away from mom, washing them up and keeping them in another room, likening this to our current system of delivery and post birth practices.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Art of Breastfeeding and Avoiding Difficulties
Don't miss our next series meeting! Tuesday, November 11th at 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Learning to parent with loving guidance
Leading her first meeting as a LLL leader, Timbra led this month's enrichment meeting. This was part two of How to Talk so Kids Will Listen & Listen so Kids Will Talk. We discussed alternatives to "no," labels, autonomy and ways to deal with & prevent temper tantrums. Here are a few excerpts from the outline Timbra put together and passed out.
Helping Children Deal with Their Feelings
The following are some quotes I believe will give an idea of the approach of this book
“When kids FEEL right, they behave right. How do we help them feel right? By accepting their feelings!”
“A steady denial of feelings can confuse and enrage children, teaching them not to know or trust their own feelings” (A great reference for why this emotional skill is SO important is Gavin DeBecker’s Protecting the Gift)
“Parents and children become increasingly hostile towards one another when feelings are denied”
Must I ALWAYS empathize? NO! don’t over dramatize a casual exchange, it’s negative emotions that require these skills
“Children don’t need to have their feelings agreed with, they need them acknowledged”
Is this approach too permissive? (acknowledgement of feelings) No, we’re only giving permission to have the feeling or emotion
Alternatives to Engage Cooperation (usual response v. alternative)
Scenario: Child leaves a wet towel on the bed (for the umpteenth time)
(What you usually say/do) “You always do this, and I have to sleep on wet sheets “
1. Describe what you see or the problem
Your WET towel is on my DRY sheets
2. Give info
When a wet towel is left on the bed, mommy has to sleep on damp sheets
3. Say it with A word
Alani, towel
4. Talk about YOUR feelings
I don’t like sleeping on wet sheets or cleaning up after you
5. Write a note
This can be very creative, poetic, from the perspective of the towel, but keep it simple
One boy said he liked notes best because “they don’t get any louder”
It’s important to be authentic (noticing a trend?)
Just because you don’t “get through” the first time, doesn’t mean you should revert to old ways
These are suggestions of PREVENTION, it’s better to head off the problem if you can foresee it will occur
“Prevention is better than the cure” it’s said
1. Point out ways to be helpful
2. Express STRONG disappointment (without character attacks)
3. State expectations (example: you know your child goes crazy every time you go to the grocery store)
4. Show child how to make amends
5. Give a choice
6. Take action
7. Allow child to experience natural consequence
8. 101 scenarios and responses
Alternatives to “NO!”
1. Give information
Can I go to Suzies?
No v. We’re having dinner in five minutes
2. Accept feelings
I don’t want to leave the zoo, can we stay longer?
No, we’re leaving RIGHT NOW v. It’s hard to leave a place when you’ve had such a great time, I can see that you’d really like to stay longer (as you gently lead the child out of the zoo)
~resistance may be lessened if you show understanding (this even works with toddlers. . I know, I’ve tried)
3. Describe the problem
Can you take me to the library now?
No, you have to wait v. I’d like to help, but I’ve got to wait on the cable guy, I can take you after
4. If possible, say YES instead of NO
Can we go to the park?
No, we’re eating lunch v. Yes, we can go right after we finish our lunch
5. Give yourself time to think
Can I sleep over and Sarah’s?
No, you slept there last weekend v. Let me think about it
It’s true “no” seems like a shorter response than the alternative, but considering the usual fallout with “no,” the “long way often ends up being the short way!
Helping Children Deal with Their Feelings
The following are some quotes I believe will give an idea of the approach of this book
“When kids FEEL right, they behave right. How do we help them feel right? By accepting their feelings!”
“A steady denial of feelings can confuse and enrage children, teaching them not to know or trust their own feelings” (A great reference for why this emotional skill is SO important is Gavin DeBecker’s Protecting the Gift)
“Parents and children become increasingly hostile towards one another when feelings are denied”
Must I ALWAYS empathize? NO! don’t over dramatize a casual exchange, it’s negative emotions that require these skills
“Children don’t need to have their feelings agreed with, they need them acknowledged”
Is this approach too permissive? (acknowledgement of feelings) No, we’re only giving permission to have the feeling or emotion
Alternatives to Engage Cooperation (usual response v. alternative)
Scenario: Child leaves a wet towel on the bed (for the umpteenth time)
(What you usually say/do) “You always do this, and I have to sleep on wet sheets “
1. Describe what you see or the problem
Your WET towel is on my DRY sheets
2. Give info
When a wet towel is left on the bed, mommy has to sleep on damp sheets
3. Say it with A word
Alani, towel
4. Talk about YOUR feelings
I don’t like sleeping on wet sheets or cleaning up after you
5. Write a note
This can be very creative, poetic, from the perspective of the towel, but keep it simple
One boy said he liked notes best because “they don’t get any louder”
It’s important to be authentic (noticing a trend?)
Just because you don’t “get through” the first time, doesn’t mean you should revert to old ways
These are suggestions of PREVENTION, it’s better to head off the problem if you can foresee it will occur
“Prevention is better than the cure” it’s said
1. Point out ways to be helpful
2. Express STRONG disappointment (without character attacks)
3. State expectations (example: you know your child goes crazy every time you go to the grocery store)
4. Show child how to make amends
5. Give a choice
6. Take action
7. Allow child to experience natural consequence
8. 101 scenarios and responses
Alternatives to “NO!”
1. Give information
Can I go to Suzies?
No v. We’re having dinner in five minutes
2. Accept feelings
I don’t want to leave the zoo, can we stay longer?
No, we’re leaving RIGHT NOW v. It’s hard to leave a place when you’ve had such a great time, I can see that you’d really like to stay longer (as you gently lead the child out of the zoo)
~resistance may be lessened if you show understanding (this even works with toddlers. . I know, I’ve tried)
3. Describe the problem
Can you take me to the library now?
No, you have to wait v. I’d like to help, but I’ve got to wait on the cable guy, I can take you after
4. If possible, say YES instead of NO
Can we go to the park?
No, we’re eating lunch v. Yes, we can go right after we finish our lunch
5. Give yourself time to think
Can I sleep over and Sarah’s?
No, you slept there last weekend v. Let me think about it
It’s true “no” seems like a shorter response than the alternative, but considering the usual fallout with “no,” the “long way often ends up being the short way!
Media Release: La Leche League International Encourages Mothers to Recognize Importance of Vitamin D
Contact Information: Jane Crouse, PRManager at llli.org (847) 519-7730, Ext. 271.
(October 16, 2008) Schaumburg, IL - La Leche League International encourages all mothers to recognize the importance of vitamin D to the health of their children. Recent research shows that due to current lifestyles, breastfeeding mothers may not have enough vitamin D in their own bodies to pass to their infants through breastmilk.
In October 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that infants receive 400 IU a day of vitamin D, beginning in the first few days of life. Children who do not receive enough vitamin D are at risk for rickets and increased risk for infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
Vitamin D is mainly acquired through exposure to sunlight and secondarily through food. Research shows that the adoption of indoor lifestyles and the use of sunscreen have seriously depleted vitamin D in most women. The ability to acquire adequate amounts of vitamin D through sunlight depends on skin color and geographic location. Dark-skinned people can require up to six times the amount of sunlight as light-skinned people. People living near the equator can obtain vitamin D for 12 months of the year while those living in northern and southern climates may only absorb vitamin D for six or fewer months of the year.
For many years, La Leche League International has offered the research-based recommendation that exclusively breastfed babies received all the vitamin D necessary through mother’s milk. Health care professionals now have a better understanding of the function of vitamin D and the amounts required, and the newest research shows this is only true when mothers themselves have enough vitamin D. Statistics indicate that a large percentage of women do not have adequate amounts of vitamin D in their bodies.
La Leche League International acknowledges that breastfeeding mothers who have adequate amounts of vitamin D in their bodies can successfully provide enough vitamin D to their children through breastmilk. It is recommended that pregnant and nursing mothers obtain adequate vitamin D or supplement as necessary. Health care providers may recommend that women who are unsure of their vitamin D status undergo a simple blood test before choosing not to supplement.
Parents or health care providers who want more information on rickets, vitamin D in human milk, or other information on breastfeeding issues may call La Leche League International at (847) 519-7730 or visit our Web site at www.llli.org.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
Thanks to Alicia for bringing these yummy cookies to our last series meeting, and for supplying the recipe!
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
1 stick butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup pureed pumpkin (fresh or canned)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 cups rolled oats
Heat oven to 350. Beat together butter and sugars. Add pumpkin, eggs
and vanilla; beat. Mix in combined flours, baking soda, and spices,
then stir in oats.
This is the basic recipe. I added chocolate chips and sometimes
butterscotch chips. It says bake for 10 to 12 minutes, however I
needed to bake mine longer...I found 14 minutes was perfect.
ENJOY!!!
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
1 stick butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup pureed pumpkin (fresh or canned)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 cups rolled oats
Heat oven to 350. Beat together butter and sugars. Add pumpkin, eggs
and vanilla; beat. Mix in combined flours, baking soda, and spices,
then stir in oats.
This is the basic recipe. I added chocolate chips and sometimes
butterscotch chips. It says bake for 10 to 12 minutes, however I
needed to bake mine longer...I found 14 minutes was perfect.
ENJOY!!!
Friday, October 17, 2008
How to Talk so Kids Will Listen
& Listen so Kids will talk! Don't miss our next enrichment meeting on Tuesday, October 28th @ 10am!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
What Have We Learned?
Today's meeting was Series Meeting #2, Bringing Home Baby, The Family and the Breastfed Baby. Today along with "normal" infant behavior and breastfeeding patterns we explored the knowledge we have gained as mothers. In a group discussion led by Renee, we went over five areas of learning, changing and surprises. Here are the five questions that were asked and some of the responses from moms.
1.) What did you do in preparation for your 1st baby?
Crib preparation, classes, reading, internet, remodeling houses and talking to friends for advice.
2.) What adjustments/changes/surprises did you experience after the birth of your 1st baby?
Needing a lot of help, wanting different diapers, too much unnecessary baby paraphernalia, frequency of feedings, nursing cues and learning baby's cries.
3.) What did you/would you do differently with subsequent babies?
Have people bring dinner, buy a larger bed, get rid of crib, getting more help, feeling less stressed, read less, listen to baby more
4.) What adjustments/changes/surprises did you experience with subsequent babies?
Dealing with older children wanting mommy, extra curricular activities of siblings, older children wanting to "help"
5.) What have we learned?
Trust your instincts, You are the expert on your baby, Be willing to change your expectations, Be flexible, and This too shall pass!
1.) What did you do in preparation for your 1st baby?
Crib preparation, classes, reading, internet, remodeling houses and talking to friends for advice.
2.) What adjustments/changes/surprises did you experience after the birth of your 1st baby?
Needing a lot of help, wanting different diapers, too much unnecessary baby paraphernalia, frequency of feedings, nursing cues and learning baby's cries.
3.) What did you/would you do differently with subsequent babies?
Have people bring dinner, buy a larger bed, get rid of crib, getting more help, feeling less stressed, read less, listen to baby more
4.) What adjustments/changes/surprises did you experience with subsequent babies?
Dealing with older children wanting mommy, extra curricular activities of siblings, older children wanting to "help"
5.) What have we learned?
Trust your instincts, You are the expert on your baby, Be willing to change your expectations, Be flexible, and This too shall pass!
Monday, October 13, 2008
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