Pregnancy must-have items

When it comes to pregnancy items there are a wide variety of items to choose from. Now that I'm on my second pregnancy, I've discovered my two favorite items that I can’t imagine living without. You are probably wondering what they are. Drum roll please....

My first favorite item prevented me from getting dreadful stretch marks during my pregnancy with Ethan. The magical potion comes in the form of a 4 oz. tub and is called, Bella B Tummy Honey Butter. The $20 price tag can be costly, but it’s worth every penny. I lather it on my belly first thing in the morning and right before I go to bed. It also comes in a stick form, which is less gooey and convenient for on-the-go during the day. My one suggestion is to find a retailer that sells it, rather than purchasing it online. I learned my lesson the day I received the tub blistering hot and melted in my mailbox.

I recently purchased my next favorite item (not up for bid). It’s the lightweight Boppy Total Body Pillow. I purchased mine at Target, but it’s also available at Babies R Us and other retailers. I regret not having one throughout my first pregnancy. It easily puts your body in a comfortable side-lying position to allow for a good night’s rest (between bathroom runs). I especially love the washable and removable slipcover that comes with it. It takes up minimal space, so my husband can still sleep with his body pillow. The $55 I spent on it was again, worth every penny.

I give these two items an A+ rating. What rating do you give them? What are your favorite pregnancy items?

Sleep is Key

Adequate sleep is very important for children during their early years. It allows them to have the rest they need to refuel their developing bodies for the remainder of the day. Following lots of physical activity, having consistent and predictable nap times every day helps children stay healthy.

It is not always easy for children to settle down during the day to rest. This is why it is up to a parent, caregiver, teacher, or other adult to make nap times an easy transition from other activities. They should engage in quiet activities to help them rest before taking a nap.

There are several activities that will help calm children before their nap time when they ‘re away from home. One is to tell them imaginative stories with their eyes closed or read them books. Another activity is to play quiet and relaxing music with the lights dimmed or turned off. In order for children to feel comfortable they should be welcome to bring items from home, such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal.

Parents can help to improve their children’s compliance with bedtimes by also making nap times an easy transition from previous activities. It is very important that they have a scheduled bedtime, so the child is aware when it’s time to settle down. If they eat a nutritious dinner that isn’t too close to their bedtime they should be able to have a good night’s sleep. A warm bath, massage, patting, rocking, cuddling, singing, and reading are some ways to help put a child in a state of relaxation to prepare them for bed.

For more sleep-related tips visit: http://www.babycenter.com/baby-sleep-basics.

Parenting Style

Ethan showing the sign for "pain".

After taking the “Parenting Style Quiz” at: http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/quizzes/l/bl_prnt_style.htm my results said that I am 100 percent most likely an authoritative parent. It described my parenting style as: “An authoritative parent 'operates on the belief that both the child and the parent have certain rights and that the needs of both are important. The parent is sure that she is in control and doesn't need to assert physical force to keep the child on the right track. Rather, an authoritative parent is more likely to control her child by setting rules and explaining why these rules are important and why they must be followed'.”

I agree with the results of this quiz for the most part. Before I took it I was very aware of what my parenting style is. I feel my job, as a parent is to set an example for my child by being consistent in my disciplining, teaching, and nurturing.

In order to raise him to the best of my ability in a spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy environment I established do’s and don’ts from the start. When my son does something wrong I attempt many times to handle the situation in a calm and assertive manner. I try to avoid using the word “no”, but say it if he does something potentially harmful to himself or others. I look him in the eye, explain what he did was wrong, and tell him to be gentle and nice. Since he knows sign language I also explain to him that he caused pain, while showing him the sign. If that doesn’t work I put him in his crib for a brief time out and again, explain why he is there. If that still doesn’t work then I spank him over his diaper, explain the disciplinary action, then give him a hug and kiss, and tell him “I love you.”

I only believe in using the method of punishment as a last resort, and then make sure my son knows that I am doing it because I love him and care about him deeply. I noticed that as long as I nurture my son and am attentive to his needs then he does not act up very often, since he has my full attention. This makes both of our lives easier.

My parents and parent-in-laws used the same parenting style while raising me and my husband. They have been our role models in helping us develop the same parenting style, since we feel we were raised in a healthy environment.

What's your parenting style? Do you have any parenting advice you want to share?

The World According to Me

I consider myself to be a Christian and thus the foundation of my morals and values is based on God’s word, the Bible. My relationship with Jesus Christ directs my life, thoughts, and actions. In order of importance, I value and honor my relationship with God first, followed by my husband Ryan whom I dated for nine years and have been happily married to for two years. I also cherish my baby Ethan who is 16 months old. He is what keeps me motivated to finish my last year of college. In addition, I value all of my relationships I have with the rest of my family since I love them all very much.

The good and bad circumstances that I encounter with my family do not impact my character. I wholeheartedly believe that “I can do all things through Christ who is my strength” (Philippians 4:13).

All of my past experiences have shaped who I am today and affect the things and people I value. For instance, if I had been raised in a poor family rather than a middle class family I would not have had the opportunity to attend a private Christian school when I was young. I may not have done as well academically when I switched to public school in the fifth grade. In addition, I became well educated about the Bible and Christianity in private school and would not have had that foundation if it were not for my parents.

When I was 12 years old my parents got divorced, which had a huge impact on my life. Being a pre-teen was a rough age to experience such a major change. It affected my view on relationships and marriage. I often wonder if their divorce is what steered me towards many bad relationships at such a young age. I had such a strong need for affection to fill my void of loneliness and despair, which caused me to find love in the wrong places. I wonder if my parents were still married today what my life would be like. I know it would be completely different than it is now.

Looking back now that I am older I realize that everything in life happens for a reason and my experiences have definitely molded me into the person I am today. Having a baby has changed my outlook on life. It now makes sense to me why my parents did the things they did. I now realize how important it is to try to set an example for your child and raise them with morals and values.

My relationship to the world around me seems like a whirlwind because I currently have a busy lifestyle. Being a full-time wife, mother, and student I have to be extra careful how I manage my time and whom I devote time to. I have a responsibility to my husband and son to be a good wife and mother. In order to better our family I know I must obtain my bachelor’s degree, which is why I currently have the responsibility to finish school.

I feel my responsibility to the planet is to protect it and take care of God’s handiwork by keeping it clean and by being environmentally friendly. The way we treat the planet today will affect my son’s future. There is no planet that is as phenomenal as planet earth. Within my time and financial restraints I comply with “earth-friendly” directives.

I rely on my faith with absolute certainty to give me answers on life. By trusting God, I accept my life why I was born when I was and as an American citizen, why I was born into my particular family, why I got pregnant when I did, and why I met my husband at such a young age. Some of the things I also know for sure are why I decided to attend the University of La Verne, why I decided to get married, and why I put my baby’s needs before mine.

I wanted to attend the University of La Verne because of their outstanding communications department. I knew without a doubt that I was ready for marriage because I dated my husband for many years and was ready for the next level of commitment. I put my baby’s needs before mine because he is a part of me and I love him unconditionally. I know the strong impact parents can have in raising a baby, especially during the first couple of years as their brain develops and absorbs everything like a sponge.

At a young age my parents and teachers told me that Christ died for my sins and rose again, so I will live in heaven with Him for eternity. The ethics and morals in my household were modeled after Jesus Christ and I was taught the importance of glorifying Him. My belief meets my need for love, peace and contentment. No matter how rocky things get in my life I have comfort in knowing that I can turn to God through prayer when I feel like I have nowhere else to turn. He is what keeps me motivated to better myself and try to live each day to the fullest.

According to my beliefs that God created the world, when I die I will go to heaven to see Him and other believers. This information definitely influences how I live each day because it gives my life a purpose and a meaning. During the tough times I have encountered I would have wanted to give up a long time ago if I had not believed in God.

I know what right and wrong is because of what I was taught at a young age by my parents and teachers. My understanding of right and wrong was different when I was a teenager than it is now. I thought it was wrong and not fair that I had a curfew, could not go on dates alone and had to attend school everyday.

Now that I am a parent I realize the importance of standards of behavior and the necessity of implementation. I try to refrain from doing wrong because I do not want to sin and disappoint God, my family and myself. The opposite holds true for what compels me to do right. I want God and my family to approve of my actions. When I have to make difficult decisions or choose goals I consider the consequences of my actions. Even though it is not always easy, I try to think before I act.

I choose to get up every morning because I treasure each day because each and every day is a gift of God. At this stage in my life I have many roles and responsibilities. First of all, I am a young woman of God, a wife, mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and college student. My goal is to find a proper balance and meet the needs of these varied relationships.

Guiding principles for me are from the word of God – “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).” “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9).

His Temperature’s Rising and I’m Feeling the Heat

The clock strikes midnight and I decide to get a good night’s sleep before my long day at school tomorrow. After all, I’m exhausted from a busy week.

I’m sound asleep when I hear my 15-month-old son, Ethan let out a frantic cry. I quickly put on my glasses so I can make out the numbers on my alarm clock. For a minute I think I’m dreaming until he lets out an even louder cry. I realize it’s barely 2:00 a.m. and I’ve only been asleep for two hours. Why is he awake now? He usually sleeps through the night. I wait a couple of seconds to see if he’ll go back to sleep, but it becomes obvious that he wants me and he wants me now!

My motherly instinct is telling me that something is not right. I go into his room and can immediately tell by taking one look at him that he’s sick. His eyes are dark and heavy and his forehead feels blistering hot. After struggling to have him hold still to take his temperature I discover he has a 104-degree fever, which is the highest it has ever been. A dose of Tylenol, a cold washcloth on his forehead, and some cuddling should put him right back to sleep. Well, that’s what I think but evidently I am wrong. We painfully stay up all night long together.

How can I be upset that my little guy is sick and wants his “mama” to comfort him all night long? Smiling, I reminisce back to when I was a little girl and feel blessed to have had a mom that was always there for me when I was sick.

I decide to go to school late because Ethan is still in bad shape. He has another fever and will be devastated if I leave. Fortunately, my husband is off work and will have to be Mr. Mom until I get home.

The next day Ethan is still fighting a fever, along with teething pain and a terrible diaper rash. Everything happens the week after I wean him, which I have correctly predicted. The doctor prescribes him antibiotics for the first time to treat his ear infection, as well as cream for his sore bottom. I try to be optimistic since he’s a healthy boy and things could be much worse. People whose babies are sick all the time would love to trade places with me.

Caring for a sick child is not easy and requires patience and understanding. It was agonizing to see my baby in pain and not the happy little guy he normally is. I felt like my life was put on hold until he got better. When I had to leave him I felt horrible and struggled to hold back tears on my long commute to school. Luckily, my professors were very sympathetic. My whole world revolved around Ethan, which caused conflict between my role as a mother and role as a student. My role as a mother superseded all of my previous commitments.

This experience has taught me lifelong valuable lessons on how to balance my different roles, which is a common scenario for many mothers. It has also taught me how to overcome the difficulties in life, which will ultimately make me a better person. At least the next time my son gets sick I will know what to expect...maybe?

Printable Safety Guide

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Indoor Air Pollution: Hazardous to Your Health

Would you still use your face wash if you knew it caused cancer? Would you still use your shampoo if you knew it caused developmental and reproductive toxicity? Would you still use your aerosol hairspray if you knew it has caused many deaths? These questions are not casual concerns. These are factors contributing to indoor air pollution, which is affecting every human around the world to varying degrees.

Air pollution is not limited to the outdoors. Since people spend the majority of their time indoors they are more at risk to the harmful effects of indoor air pollutants. In fact, studies show that “concentrations of some toxic, cancer-causing and mutagenic pollutants found indoors are up to 100 times greater indoors than they are outdoors” (Stammer).

Health conscious people watch what their bodies consume inward by eating nutritious foods and taking vitamins, but are not always conscious of their outward intake. Living a healthy lifestyle should be a high priority for everyone, especially if you have children. As parents, it is important to set a good example and raise healthy children to the best of your ability.

Indoor air pollutants can enter the body by inhalation and through skin absorption. This causes people to consume chemicals unknowingly, which results in short or long-term effects that can show up immediately or later in life. The scary thing is that most people have not been informed that indoor air pollution even exists and how dangerous it can be.

“Concern over indoor air has now risen to such an extent that the United States for Disease Control has classified indoor air pollution as a factor of high environmental risk” (Rumchev).

Sadly, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that each year over five million children under 14 years of age die “from illnesses and other conditions caused by the environments in which they live, learn and play” (qtd. in Capdevila). This news is likely to cause parents to feel overwhelmed and frustrated, hopefully sparking a desire to implement lifestyle changes.

It is nearly impossible for the average person to refrain from using toxic products since most of us have a daily routine that requires the use of them. Unlike strict regulations on food in the United States, there are minimal regulations on chemicals. Just because a product is sold on the market does not mean it is safe.

Women and young children are especially vulnerable when it comes to the effects of indoor toxins because of their time spent indoors. Pregnant women are at a high risk due to toxins harming a developing fetus; breastfeeding mothers and babies are at risk due to toxins entering the milk supply; and children are at risk due to their smaller lungs and body size, and need to crawl on the floor and put things in their mouths. They have “higher resting metabolic and oxygen consumption rates than adults (Rumchev).” The sick and elderly are also at a high risk due to their compromised immune systems.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) some major indoor air pollutants in the home are: radon, environmental tobacco smoke, biologicals, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, organic gases, formaldehyde, pesticides, asbestos, and lead (The Inside Story, 19-23).

Radon
Radon is described as “a naturally occurring gas formed by the decay of radium [that] can cause lung cancer” (Shabecoff). Sources of radon include: a house built on earth and rock, well water, and building materials (The Inside Story, 19).

Paul Mikolaycik, PhD in safety engineering, is the North American Regional Safety Manager for the AES Corporation. His previous job involved managing environmental power plants, where he made sure people operated the facilities in an environmentally sound and safe manner (abiding by the EPA).

He mentioned that one of the problems of radon is that the U.S. government does not have the manpower to enforce; therefore they have to leave it up to local agencies and police departments. On a positive note, he said many homes with basements in the Midwest are required to have a radon test when you purchase them.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Three sources of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) are: cigarette, pipe, and cigar smoking (The Inside Story, 19). This is one of the most fatal indoor air pollutants, especially for children. It is also a contributor to many of the indoor air pollutants below.

There are many terrible side effects as a result of ETS, such as developing respiratory tract infections and even lung cancer. Through second-hand smoke children are also at risk for developing asthma and lung problems (The Inside Story, 19).

Biologicals
Some biological pollutants include: mold, mildew, bacteria, dust, bedding, unclean humidifiers and dehumidifiers (The Inside Story, 20). These pollutants can cause breathing difficulties, tiredness, fever, headaches, and digestive problems. Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat are also side effects. (The Inside Story, 20).

In one article dust was referred to as a “sink for semivolatile organic compounds, particulate organic matter, and metals ” (qtd. in Elliott et al). This contributes to allergies and asthma, among other things.

“Asthma, attention deficit disorder, autism, increasing infertility in women and declining testosterone levels and sperm counts in men all may be caused or aggravated by household toxic exposure” (Davis).

Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is known to be a “silent killer” since this harmful gas does not have a “color, odor, or taste” (Etzel). Stoves, heating systems, fireplaces, leaking chimneys and furnaces can produce this, as well as exhaust from automobiles in attached garages. Some health effects caused by carbon monoxide are: fatigue or chest pain, impaired vision and coordination, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

Nitrogen Dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can be a culprit of kerosene heaters, as well as unvented gas stoves and heaters. It can irritate people’s eyes, nose, and throat (The Inside Story, 20). It can also cause children to experience lung and respiratory illnesses (20).

Organic Gases
The sources of dangerous organic gases are: household products, wood preservatives, moth repellents, air fresheners, automotive products, dry-cleaned clothes, and aerosol sprays. The most common side effect from some organic gases is cancer. They can also cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, and nervous system damage (The Inside Story, 21).

According to Dr. Bertram Carnow, Head Occupational and Environmental Medicine from the University of Illinois School of Medicine, “Some women may create an alarming indoor pollution crisis every morning in their bathrooms by using a hair spray, or foot spray. The clouds of particles emitted from these sprays may enter the lungs. There may be no sign of damage for 10 to 20 years” (qtd. in Fritsch et al).

Respirable Particles
Fireplaces, woodstoves, kerosene heaters, and environmental smoke are all sources of respirable particles (The Inside Story, 21). These particles can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, respiratory tract infections, and lung cancer.

Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is “a probable human cancer-causing agent, wafts from foam insulation, plywood and particle board” (Stammer). It is also a by-product of environmental tobacco smoke, durable press fabrics and draperies, certain textiles, and glues. The CPSC describes it as a “colorless, strong-smelling gas”.

Pesticides
A commonly known pollutant used to control and kill unwanted household pests, such as: insecticides, termiticides, and disinfectants are pesticides (The Inside Story, 22). “These products are found in sprays, sticks, powders, crystals, balls, and foggers” (CDC). Approximately 84 percent of households in the U.S. use pesticides in their home without being aware of the consequences (Stammer). Pesticides from the outdoors can also be easily tracked indoors.

Asbestos
Asbestos is found in cement, insulation, floor tiles, fireproofing, and acoustic materials that are deteriorating, damaged, or disturbed (The Inside Story, 22). This can lead to abdominal and lung cancer (22). Fortunately, “numerous asbestos-abatement programs are under way in schools and public buildings. In July, the EPA banned most remaining uses of asbestos” (Stammer).

Lead
Lead can be found in paint, drinking water, contaminated soil, and house dust (The Indoor Story, 22). Large quantities of lead can be life threatening since it affects the entire body.

Dr. Mikolaycik said when lead is ingested it metabolizes and is stored in your fat. When it gets released into your blood stream and collects in your brain it causes mental problems. He also said that we started to remove lead from paint in the early to mid 1970s. Any house built before that could be a cause for concern, especially if a child is chewing on the window ceils and furniture. Another place where lead can end up over the years is in the dirt, where most children play.

According to Parents magazine, “When it comes to lead, there is just no safe blood level for children.” They recommend getting your child tested with the recently approved FDA lead test that takes place in some pediatrician’s offices with results given within minutes. This is a good idea given all of the recent toy recalls.

Dilemma
After retaining and trying to sort out all of this overwhelming information you might ask: What can I do to prevent indoor air pollution, how much is too much, and how much is not enough?

First of all, preventing every form of indoor air pollution is very unlikely. However, becoming more informed about this issue and reacting upon it in a calm and reasonable manner seems like the best approach.

Solutions

• Before throwing out your household products, visit a valuable and convenient resource, the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. Check out the printable EWG’s Safety Guide to Children’s Personal Care Products, which lists the following four important tips: use fewer products and use them less frequently, don’t trust the claims and check ingredients, buy fragrance-free products, and visit http://cosmeticdatabase.com/ to review the products you are using. The group is committed to make every effort to protect the public from unsafe chemicals in personal care products, especially since “no special protections exist regarding ingredients in personal care products marketed for babies and children” (EWG). Sign the EWG’s petition to Congress to change current policies to ensure safe personal care products.

• Become familiar with ingredients in products and know what is considered to be safe.

• Clean up your act (literally) with environmentally friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable household products such as: Clorox Green Works, Method, and Seventh Generation.

• Protect your children by staying up-to-date on the latest recalls and product safety news by visiting the following web site: http://www.cpsc.gov/index.html.

• Avoid using air fresheners and use candles in moderation, since the chemicals in them are not proven to be safe.
  

• One study concluded that certain indoor plants are able to soak up formaldehyde, certain flowers are able to reduce levels of benzene (caused by solvent cleaners), and certain indoor trees are natural air purifiers (Stammer).

• Purchase a High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) air cleaner and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. This is very important if you have allergies.

• Clean, dust, and vacuum regularly.

• Be aware that “new carpeting may emit chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOC) that could irritate your baby’s skin, eyes, sinuses, and upper respiratory tract” (Johnston). Fortunately, a safer carpet with lower chemicals is available and should be installed in a well-ventilated area.

• Get your carpet and upholstery cleaned at least once a year and hire an environmentally safe company, such as Chem-Dry. The “patented process generates millions of effervescent bubbles in hot solution which does not contain soaps, detergents or surfactants, leaving a carpet free of mold and mildew” (Business Wire).

• Choose a non-toxic, environmentally safe dry cleaners. If you go to a regular one, make sure to air out your items by removing the plastic as soon as possible to get rid of excess chemicals before bringing them into your home.

• Air out your home often by opening windows and screen doors for better ventilation.

• Install exhaust fans and ventilation systems, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. This is important for newer homes since they are being built air tight for energy efficiency.

• If you insist on using harsh chemicals it is very important to turn on an exhaust fan or open a window.

• Vent your home when burning candles, stoves, and fireplaces.

• Avoid using open wood stoves and fireplaces. A better option is to use an enclosed, glass firebox. If you own a wood stove or fireplace good maintenance is imperative. Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood that has been split properly (EPA).

• Maintain the heating systems in your home and have a professional maintain your furnace and chimney yearly.

• Look for safer, alternative methods rather than using pesticides, such as vinegar and water or boric acid. It is best to hire a professional or get their recommendation.

• Remove shoes before coming indoors to prevent from bringing in outdoor pollutants.

• The EPA recommends installing and maintaining a carbon monoxide detector, and testing your home for radon.

• Never smoke indoors. It is extremely dangerous to everyone's health.
  

References

1. Business Editors. “This Place is Making Me Sick; Leave a Carpet Dry and Lead a HealthierLife.” Business Wire 15 March 1999 1. ABI/INFORM Dateline. ProQuest. University of La Verne Library, La Verne, CA. 2 Apr. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com//>.
   
2. Capdevila, Gustavo. “HEALTH: CHILDREN FALL ILL IN WORLD DEGRADED BY PRIOR GENERATIONS.” Global Information Network 7 April 2003 1. Research Library. ProQuest. University of La Verne Library, La Verne, CA. 2 Apr. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 16 Apr. 2008 <http://www.cdc.gov/>.
4. Davis, Tony. "Worst pollution risks increasingly indoors: Not so sweet home: Toxins lurk in air, dust, even cleaning supplies." McClatchy - Tribune Business News 30 Nov. 2007 ABI/FORM Dateline. ProQuest. University of La Verne Library, La Verne, CA. 2 Apr. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
5. Elliott, Leslie, Samuel J Arbes Dr, Eric S Harvey, Robert C Lee, et al. “Dust Weight and Asthma Prevelance in the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing (NSLAH).” Environmental Health Perspectives 115.2 (2007): 215-20. Research Library. ProQuest. University of La Verne Library, La Verne, CA. 2 Apr. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
6. Environmental Working Group (EWG). 2007 <http://www.ewg.org/>.
7. Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. Environmental Working Group (EWG). 2007 <http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/>.
8. Etzel, Ruth A. “The “fatal four” indoor air pollutants.” Pediatric Annals 29.6 (2000): 344-50. Research Library. ProQuest. University of La Verne Library, La Verne, CA. 2 Apr. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
9. Fritsch, Albert, Barbara Hogan, and Susan Guhl. How Aerosol Sprays Can Affect Your Safety and Health. Washingon, DC: Center for Science in the Public Interest, 1973.
10. Johnston, Carden. “Keep your home healthy..” Baby Talk 69.1 (Feb. 2004): 21-21. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCO. University of La Verne Library, La Verne, CA. 4 Apr. 2008 <http://www.ebscohost.com/>.
11. "Lead Update." Parents Magazine Apr. 2008: 35.
12. Mikolaycik, Paul. Personal interview. 11 April 2008.
13. Rumchev, Krassi. “The Effect of Indoor Air Pollution on CHILDREN’S HEALTH.” Australasian Science 1 Jun 2005: 14-17. ProQuest Education Journals. ProQuest. University of La Verne Library, La Verne, CA. 2 Apr. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
14. Shabecoff, Philip, Special to the New York Times. “CONGRESS IS TOLD INDOOR AIR POLLUTION IS GRAVE THREAT.” New York Times [New York, N.Y.] 25 Apr. 1987, Late Edition (East Coast): 1.6. ProQuest National Newspapers Core. ProQuest. University of La Verne Library, La Verne, CA. 2 Apr. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
15. Stammer, Larry B. "COLUMN ONE Clean Air Quest - an Inside Job When it comes to human health, pollution in homes and offices may be the greatest threat :[Home Edition]." Los Angeles Times (pre-1997 Fulltext) [Los Angeles, Calif.] 26 Dec. 1989, 1. Los Angeles Times. ProQuest. University of La Verne Library, La Verne, CA. 2 Apr. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/.
16. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). 18 Apr. 2008 <http://www.cpsc.gov/>.
17. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 18 Apr. 2008 <http://www.epa.gov/>.
18. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality. Washington, DC: Supt. of Docs., G.P.O., distributor, 1993.

*Symptoms Related to Indoor Air Pollutants (chart)
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*Indoor Air Pollutants in a Home (photo)
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Is Television Toxic?

Is television really as harmful as the experts say it is? Ever since my 15-month-old son was born I have had this question in the back of my mind. I have taken appropriate measures to ensure the safety of my child’s television consumption, but in reality it is very difficult to completely avoid it.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to not let children watch television until after the age of two. They recommend that children over two years of age should limit their television consumption to no more than one to two hours each day.

I figured since I seemed to have turned out okay, I would ask my family their opinions regarding television viewing. Until recently, this is one topic that we have never had an in depth discussion about.

My parents
When my father, Tom and mother, Denielle were raising me and my sister they never used the TV to stimulate or occupy us. We were constantly on the move and had no interest in it.

“I didn’t want to take a mobile and naturally active child and immobilize them by exposing them to video games or the television,” said Denielle.

In addition, she has never liked the zombie look in kid’s eyes when they are mesmerized and glued to the television.

Television rules were never enforced because it was never an issue for us. On Saturday mornings my sister and I would watch one hour of cartoons before doing our chores. Rather than using the TV as a reward for doing chores and homework, our reward was a sleepover or being able to play outside.

“Your dad and I didn’t feel the television was a healthy way to reward you,” she said.

My mother is not against TV, given the right content. She feels that TV has become more of an issue today with my 16-year-old sister because the content keeps getting worse.

Psychologist, Tim Abihider is a stepfather and father of two sons. He feels that it is impossible to keep all human beings away from every form of negative stimulus. One specific form of negative stimulus is violence. He believes children are very impressionable; therefore seeing something of a violent and disturbing nature affects them in the same way adults are affected.

“As human beings we’re geared toward emotion. To say that you see something that is violent in nature that doesn’t have an effect on you doesn’t seem human or normal,” said Dr. Abihider.

He said that when observing an infant you see the full gamut of emotion, such as joy and sadness. One moment they are screaming in joyful ecstasy and the next moment they are screaming in excruciating pain. This is why it is crucial to discern with each individual what kind of filter he or she has with emotion.

According to Dr. Abihider, one person can have very sensitive filters and when they see violence have an incredible reaction to it. Another person can see that same act of violence and their philosophy of life and experiences give them a different reaction to it, which makes this whole topic very complex.

“The variance of reaction can depend on a genetic predisposition, an environmental stimuli or experience, and under that environment it can be emotional experiences, including family experiences,” he said.

I asked him, “If you can’t keep a child from seeing forms of violence, to what degree do you protect a child from some forms of violence or the amount of violence, and how do you interact with the child about those various kinds of experiences?”

He said that parents have to make some kind of discernment to the degree of violence their child is involved in, which includes the violence they will view.

Dr. Abihider emphasizes that it is impossible for a legalistic uniform standard, since every child is different.

“As a parent I want to be sensitive to my child’s difference, act accordingly, shape them accordingly, and not give them a universal standard of what is considered to be violent,” he said.

One example of this is when two children are watching TV and see a cartoon character step on an ant. One child might be affected in a negative way and the other not at all.

The standard of violence in this situation would be that since each child can interpret it in a different way, you would address the child that was affected.

My in-laws
Allan, Resource Specialist (RSP) is a language arts and math special education teacher at Dartmouth Middle School. My father-in-law has raised three sons and now has three grandsons.

“One problem that I have seen in the classroom is that the junior high students do not know how to discern reality versus fiction in TV and movies,” said Allan.

Two years ago he had twin boys in his language arts class that had very limited social skills and were seeing a speech pathologist. All of their writing assignments were related to video games.

“Sadly, their parents did not see it as a significant problem since they were getting a “C” average in the class when they could be doing better,” he said.

Mary, Hemet Unified School District Nurse joined her husband, Allan by limiting and monitoring TV and video games, especially as their boys got older. Brent, Ryan, and Kurt were very active and preferred to play outside and read books rather than watch TV. When they did want to watch TV or play video games they had to ask permission.

“TV and video games were a reward for doing chores and homework, but it was not part of their daily lives,” said Mary.

While raising their three boys they belonged to Feature Films for Families, which allowed them to purchase quality family videos with morals and values.

Mary said that one of the biggest challenges of parenting is when younger children are exposed to the viewing preferences of the older children.

“You really have to monitor little eyes,” she said.

My sister
My sister, Teresa does not think her 15-month-old daughter, Memphis should be watching TV when she could be outside playing.

Fortunately, for Teresa and her husband the TV has not been an issue since Memphis is usually oblivious to it. When the television is on they play and interact with her, rather than sitting her in front of it.

“I want TV to be a reward for finishing homework or doing chores once she’s older. I don’t want her to be like kids today that veg out on the couch, playing video games and watching TV all day,” said Teresa.

Like the rest of my family, Teresa does not think that television is toxic as long as you apply good parenting skills and do not make it an important part of your daily life. Like many other things in life, moderation is key.

For more resources and information regarding this topic, check out the following web sites:

www.aap.org
www.drgreene.org
www.kidshealth.org
www.maketvwork.com

Ethan playing outside instead of watching TV.

Bargain Hunting in 2008

More people are hunting for bargains this year due to increased gas prices, decreased home values, and other economic concerns. Parents in particular, are trying to see just how far they can make a dollar stretch to cover household expenses.

Even though the rewards and blessings of raising children are endless, there is literally a price to pay. Fortunately, there are ways to save money if you diligently integrate them into your daily life. One way to track baby or child costs is to do it online at: www.babycenter.com, click on “tools” (located on the left-hand side), and enter your information.

One downside to bargain hunting is that it can be addicting if you don’t set limits and boundaries. You shouldn’t always buy something just because it’s on sale. It’s best to live within your personal budget and determine needs versus wants. Just like many other things in life…moderation is key.

Keep in mind that while some people consider bargain hunting a hobby, it is not for everyone. It requires time, planning, and organization.

The must-have book every parent should own is Baby Bargains, by Denise and Alan Fields. The authors are consumer advocated who have been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Dateline NBC. Toddler Bargains is another one of their best-selling books.

According to the Fields, Baby Bargains “actually answers the big question about having a baby: How am I going to afford all this? With the average cost of a baby topping $6000 for just the first year alone, you need creative solutions and innovative ideas to navigate the consumer maze that confronts all parents-to-be.”

New York Times called it “The Bible for new parents!” For more information visit their web site at: www.windsorpeak.com.

Here are some ways that I incorporate bargaining into my lifestyle, places I like to shop, and some of my favorite baby items. I will not list them all, so if you have an inquiry please feel free to post a comment. I will respond the best I can, based on my own experience.

Crib
My husband and I searched in many stores and online for a good quality, reasonably priced crib to be used for Ethan and our future babies. After reading many reviews and talking to other parents we discovered the brand, Million Dollar Baby (www.milliondollarbaby.com). They also have toddler beds, dressers, changing tables, and cradles in many styles and colors. We bought the 3-in-1 convertible crib - brand new from a local consignment store and love it! My only complaint is that the teething rail has minimal coverage. Luckily, the paint Ethan managed to consume is non-toxic. I highly suggest buying the Leachco Easy Teether Crib Rail Cover online, which is available in several different colors to solve the problem. It’s worth every penny.

Dresser/Changing Table
One way to save money is to purchase an all-in-one dresser and changing table. An even better way to save money is to purchase a regular dresser, at the appropriate height and put the changing pad on top. Again, after searching numerous stores I came across a sofa table at a local furniture store. I would have never guessed it could transform into such a wonderful dresser/changing table. It is called Coastal Way Black by Broyhill and also comes in white. If you’re interested you can view it under living room tables at: www.broyhillfurniture.com.

Rocker
If there is one thing you should splurge on it should be a nice comfy chair, since this is where you will spend most of your time with your baby. Even though Ethan is over a year old we still use it all the time for reading, cuddling, nursing, and rocking. We used a regular old rocking chair until one day my husband said, “Hunny, we need to think about getting a glider-rocker since Ethan and I barely fit in the one we have.” I immediately opened my trusty Baby Bargains book and looked up the ratings. We spent several days checking them out in different stores and settled on one that met our needs and was within our budget. We purchased a Best Chair glider-rocker and a matching ottoman, which received an “A” rating. We chose from over 100 fabrics and several colors of wood to match our baby furniture. Delivery took about 4-6 weeks. For a store near you visit: www.bestchair.com or www.usababy.com. This is definitely one of our favorite baby items!

Clothing
My tip for clothing is to buy baby items as needed, since sizes fluctuate and seasons change. Keep tags on and wash once the clothes fit and keep all receipts together. It’s nice to trade clothes with friends, family or a church group since babies grow like weeds.

Here are some of my favorite places to buy baby clothing (and other items):

• Department stores – Macys, Sears, JCPenney, Nordstrom

• Specialty chains – Old Navy, Gap, The Children’s Place

• Discount stores – Wal-Mart, Target

• Baby Superstore – Babies R Us

• Warehouse Club – Costco

• Outlets – Gap, Carter’s, Oshkosh

• The Web – www.amazon.com, www.babycenter.com, and some of the stores listed above

• Consignment stores – Most of these stores carry name brand clothes in great condition. I’ve even found clothes at my local store that were brand new with tags on them for much cheaper than the retail price.

Shoes
My son has always had chubby feet and difficulty fitting in most shoes. In my quest for finding some that fit I’ve discovered my two favorite brands - Pedipeds and Stride Rite. To purchase or find a store near you, check out the following web sites: www.pedipeds.com, www.babyshoesource.com, www.shoebuy.com, and www.striderite.com. There are also Stride Rite outlets that sell shoes for a fraction of the retail price. I recently found coupon codes online by doing a Google search for “shoebuy coupon codes”, which allowed me to get 20 percent off, plus another 10 percent off when I registered on their web site. I practically got two pairs of Stride-Rites for the price of one. What a deal!

Diapers/Wipes
I’ve tried many different brands of diapers, including Costco’s brand. My favorite brand is Pampers. When it comes down to cheap diapers and leaking versus higher quality and no leaking, I’d rather spend the extra money on Pampers. I use coupons and buy them on sale as much as possible. I have found Costco’s Kirkland brand to have the best deal for high quality diaper wipes.

Breastfeeding Essentials
I purchased the handheld Medela Single Deluxe Electric Breastpump. It is lightweight, compact, portable, reasonably priced, and perfect for occasional pumping. I purchased mine from Mama Rhythms at: www.mamarhythms.com. I used it for a whole year and never had any problems, but did have to purchase a larger shield for added comfort. I purchased a brand new Medela Cooler Carrier with ice pack, collection containers, and lids on eBay. After struggling to keep blankets on my shoulder when nursing in public, I discovered the Hooter Hider/Bebe Au Lait nursing cover. I purchased mine online at: www.mom4life.com because they seemed to have the best selection, but you can also get them on other web sites (including eBay). If you sign up for the Mom 4 Life newsletter you will get five percent off your order. This is one breastfeeding essential that made my life a whole lot easier!


Baby Food
A great way to save money is to make your own baby food. I don’t cook and don’t have the time or patience to make my own, so I will admit that I buy mine. I occasionally grind up bananas in a food grinder; boil, steam and freeze vegetables for finger food; and puree and freeze avocados, but that’s as far as I go. I purchase baby food at Henry’s, Target, and Wal-Mart. My favorite brand is Earth’s Best Organic Infant Foods because the vegetables and grains are organically grown, without potentially harmful pesticides or herbicides. It received an “A” rating in Baby Bargains. I occasionally buy Gerber’s Organic baby food when it’s on sale, but it’s not my first choice. I always use coupons for baby food. Go to: www.earthbest.com for more information and to print free coupons.

High Chair
My husband and I bought the Fisher-Price Space Saver High Chair from Target. It easily straps onto dining room or kitchen chairs. It also reclines and conveniently coverts to a toddler booster seat. We’ve even used it at other people’s houses. For only $50 we couldn’t be happier with it.

Car seat/Stroller
After reading the excellent reviews in Baby Bargains and talking to other mothers I decided to check out the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio travel system. It includes an infant car seat that snaps into the frame of the matching stroller. It was half of the regular retail price on eBay when it was purchased for us as a gift in 2006 by buying the 2005 model. I was proud of finding such a great bargain!

Carrier
Baby carriers are a “must-have” item for moms, especially if you have a big baby. They free up your hands, allow you to get exercise, calm a fussy baby, and help distribute your baby’s weight properly. My brother and sister-in-law bought me the Moby Wrap (www.mobywrap.com) and I used it until Ethan was 7-months-old. Once he outgrew it they told me about The ERGO Baby Carrier (www.ergobabycarrier.com). I bought it online and will continue to use it for as long as possible. These two products have definitely been money well spent.

What are some ways that you incorporate bargaining into your lifestyle, places you like to shop, and some of your favorite baby items? I would love for you to tell me by posting a comment. Thank you!

Breastfeeding: Is It Right For You?

One of the most important decisions expectant parents have to make is whether or not to breastfeed their baby. Every perspective mother with her significant partner should make a decision based on what is best for them and their baby, after becoming educated about both breastfeeding and formula feeding.

According to Director-General Lee Jong-wook of the World Health Organization (WHO)1,“On a population-basis, exclusive breastfeeding for six months is the recommended feeding mode for the vast majority of children, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods for up to two years or beyond.”

The goal of UNICEF2, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is to “create an environment globally that empowers women to begin skin-to-skin with her baby and breastfeed after birth, to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and to continue to breastfeed for two years of more with age appropriate responsive complimentary feeding.”

While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not mention breastfeeding for at least two years, they do say that babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and continue to be breastfed for at “at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child.”

They advise that healthy, breastfeeding newborn infants should not consume additional supplements, such as water, formula, and other fluids during the first six months.

One benefit of breastfeeding is that a mother’s milk is a precious gift that is intended for a baby’s nourishment and designed for each individual baby. There have been many scientific studies done, which show the health benefits related to breastfeeding.

There are many advantages and some challenges of breastfeeding.

Some breastfeeding advantages are:

Health benefits for mothers
Nursing mothers return to their pre-pregnancy shape faster than non-nursing mothers, since it burns an average of 500 calories per day and shrinks the uterus. Mothers significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer and possibly uterine and ovarian cancer.

Infection-fighting
Specific nutrients and antibodies change daily, based on the baby’s needs during development. Breastfed babies significantly reduce their risk of becoming ill.

Nutrition and easily digestible
There are over 100 ingredients that are not found in formula and cannot be duplicated. The main ingredients are lactose, protein, and fat. All of the ingredients in both breast milk and formula can be found online at: www.compleatmother.com/canned_vs_breast.htm.

Obesity prevention
All babies have an instinctive survival need to suck. Therefore, when given a bottle they have a tendency to suck until the bottle is empty, not when they are full. Nursing babies suck until full. The practice of eating until all food is gone versus, eating until full is a common contributor to obesity.

Reduced costs
There is no cost for breast milk, compared to $1500 or more for the cost of formula for the first year. There are less medical expenses and less time off for working parents, due to the baby’s increased immune system.

Convenience
The beauty of breastfeeding is that it can be done anywhere, at any time. It is more socially acceptable to nurse in public places with a certain amount of modesty and respect for other people. With some practice, breastfeeding can be easily integrated into a mother’s daily routine.

Environmentally friendly
There is less waste, less energy consumption, and no preparation with breastfeeding (unless pumping and bottle feeding).

Higher IQ scores
Studies have been done linking babies who exclusively breastfed for at least six months or more to a higher brain and nervous system development. Breastfeeding also increases the emotional bond between a mother and baby.

Introduces babies to a variety of tastes
The well-balanced diet a nursing mother is supposed to eat is passed to a baby through her breast milk.

Some breastfeeding challenges are:

Comfort level
Most mothers do not have a high comfort level when breastfeeding at first, which is normal. Some will encounter difficulty and soreness, but with lots of practice, proper education, and support, feeling comfortable will come with time and patience.

Consumption
Some babies experience mild or serious side effects from breast milk, caused by something a mother has consumed. Fortunately, a mother can try to avoid this by eliminating certain foods and beverages from her diet. Eliminating coffee and other caffeinated beverages might be difficult for some, but most babies are not affected when the dose consumed is in small quantities.

Time and energy
Infants nurse every couple of hours and are very dependent on mothers. Breastfeeding definitely requires a lot of time and energy, both emotionally and physically. It consists of nursing or pumping when separated from the baby. Some mothers find it an inconvenience to pump while they are away, although the convenience is that other caregivers can give a bottle. As babies get older it gets easier, since they nurse less often.

Maternal complications or other circumstances
Most mothers are able to successfully breastfeed, although medical conditions, medication, and breast surgery may or may not have an effect. If a mother has any questions or concerns about breastfeeding it is best to talk to their doctor or a lactation consultant.

Breastfeeding education and support should begin before a child’s birth if a mother chooses to breastfeed or is undecided.

Some ways to prepare are:

• Attend a breastfeeding class in your local community or local hospital.

• Locate a professional lactation consultant online at www.ilca.org.

• Locate a local La Leche League group or online at www.llli.org.

• Call the Loving Support Breastfeeding Help Line at 1-888-451-2499.

• Find a Baby-Friendly Hospital or Birth Center online at www.babyfriendlyusa.org.

There are many additional resources available and people that are dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mothers and their partners if you take the time to reach out. This is also true once breastfeeding has already been established.

WHO and UNICEF are the global sponsors of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), which “encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for lactation.”

Real life story – Teresa Gann

Teresa Gann gave birth to her daughter, Memphis at Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center, which received the Baby-Friendly Award this February.

Despite some of the difficulty she first had with nursing, she had lots of support and encouragement from her hospital and did not give up. She nursed her daughter until she was 13-months-old.

Real life story – Nicole Rafferty

Nicole Rafferty is a Certified Childbirth/Lactation Educator and Doula who breastfed her three boys. She feels that nursing needs to be a personal decision, and no matter how long a mother decides to nurse her baby will be beneficial.

“There is not one study that shows any harm from long-term breastfeeding,” she said. “The bonding, immunities, and extra nutrition you get with nursing definitely outweigh the sacrifice.”

She believes that nursing is a baby’s first social interaction and a way to learn to connect, which plays a major part in their growth development.

Nicole is a wonderful resource to help mothers find success in breastfeeding. For more information, please visit her website at: www.mamarhythms.com.

Real life story – Jennifer Fernandez

Jennifer Fernandez had good intentions to breastfeed her son, Brandon until he was 18-months-old. Unfortunately, she did not find success with it. She did not produce enough milk, even after trying different herbal medications, prescriptions, and pumping after every feeding.

When Brandon was four weeks old and not gaining adequate weight, Jennifer began supplementing with a formula feeding system. When he was six weeks old, she switched to a bottle and stopped nursing completely.

“The reason I stopped was because I was doing all this work and not seeing any reward for it,” she said. “No matter what I did my milk supply wouldn’t increase, which was very disappointing.”

Sometimes Jennifer wonders if she had tried a little longer to continue breastfeeding, if it would have worked out. She said with her next child she will put in even more of an effort.

Breastfeeding is definitely the best choice, although there are some mothers that cannot breastfeed for one reason or another and have no other choice than to give their baby formula. Those who have truly tried breastfeeding, gave it their best, and did not find success should not feel guilty. The key is doing what is best for both mother and baby.

_______________________________

1 WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends. For more information, please visit: www.who.int.

2 UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. For more information, please visit: www.unicef.org.

*Note: Photo above is of me nursing Ethan shortly after his birth. He is now 14-months-old and still nursing.

Breastfeeding Journal

Feb. 17, 2008

Tonight for the first time, as I was nursing Ethan before bed I pondered the thought of weaning him completely. Not even thinking about today’s date, I remembered that initially my goal was to nurse him for 14 months.

Once it dawned on me that he would be 14 months in two weeks, I must admit that I got a little nervous. I had to ask myself, “Am I really ready to end this chapter in my life that means so much to me and begin a new one?” The other question I asked myself is, “Am I the only one that is sad for this chapter to end or does Ethan feel the same way?”

I began the difficult process of weaning him off his nap feedings when he was 12 ½ months old, and since then have only been nursing him in the morning and evening. I must admit that it wasn’t as painful as I thought it would be. I was misty eyed off and on for a day or two, but survived. To my surprise, Ethan had a more difficult time adjusting than I did. I had been hearing just the opposite, that usually mothers have a harder time.


Feb. 28, 2008
For the past week I have only been nursing Ethan in the evening. My goal was to have him weaned by the end of this month, but I’ve had a change of heart. Both of us are definitely not ready to end this chapter in our lives. When Ethan shows me the sign for milk, which makes me aware that he wants to nurse during the day, I feel guilty for only nursing him at night. I have to remind myself the reason I began the weaning process in the first place.

Last semester when I was nursing exclusively, I was on a time restraint to pump on campus between classes. Now that this is my last semester and I am taking more classes than I did in the fall, my schedule does not allow for me to pump anymore. At least I feel good knowing that he’s getting extra nutrients by only nursing in the evenings, rather than not nursing at all.

I feel confident that when the time comes to completely wean Ethan, that he and I will both know. Ever since I started to only nurse him before bed he has been sleeping 10 – 11 hours, which leads me to believe that he has adapted to this new change very well.

Being a full-time college student I don’t have the time or energy, physically and emotionally to invest if he were to get sick. This motivates me to take a little extra time out of my schedule to nurse him before he goes to bed. I have been blessed so far that he has not gotten sick and hope the added nutrients from my breast milk will continue to protect him until I graduate. Otherwise, how could I possibly be away from my little guy at school while he’s sick? It would be devastating.

Sisters Deliver Babies 49 Minutes Apart

I have a very close relationship with my two younger sisters, Teresa, 23 and Kaitlyn, 16. Being almost three years apart in age, Teresa and I have always had a close bond. Just when I thought our bond could not be any closer I was taken by surprise.

On April 6, 2006 at 9 a.m. I called my family from El Centro, Calif. where I was living at the time as a newlywed, and announced that Ryan and I were expecting.

I was reluctant to tell Teresa since I knew she was hoping to be expecting herself. Even though I was overjoyed I felt somewhat sad for her, although she was ecstatic to hear my exciting news.

My emotions became even more mixed as soon as I got a phone call from her at 8 p.m. My sister and her husband, Tommy surprisingly announced that they too were expecting.

I asked myself, “Is this really possible to find out on the same day that we’re both expecting our first child?”

My family jokingly asked if we called each other to plan it, which of course did not happen.

One month later, as we were experiencing morning sickness, restless nights, leg cramps, and other pregnancy symptoms together, reality finally kicked in. I instantly felt a strong connection with my sister that I had never felt before.

We would call each other all day and all night long, especially at times when we just needed to vent. Since we were experiencing the same emotions and symptoms, we were able to attentively listen to each other and not try to offer solutions.

On Wednesday, Dec. 27th I went to my scheduled prenatal appointment in the morning. My doctor was concerned about the size of my baby boy and scheduled me for an induction at Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar on Friday, Dec. 29th at 6 a.m.

My sister had her scheduled prenatal check-up with her doctor on Wednesday that same afternoon. She was informed that her baby girl was breech and scheduled for a cesarean at Kaiser Riverside Medical Center, also on Friday at 1 p.m.

When she called and told me the coincidence, we were very astonished. We found out we were pregnant on the same day and now we were going to give birth on the same day. When we told our parents the shocking news they almost passed out, caused by the excitement.

My sister could only have one person in the delivery room with her, which she decided would be her husband. Fortunately for my mom’s sake, she was relieved she didn’t have to choose which daughter’s birth to attend.

The next day seemed like it was never-ending, and then Friday morning finally arrived. After a night of tossing and turning I anxiously got out of bed at 5 a.m. and forced myself to eat a bagel, even though I felt like vomiting.

When I finally arrived at the hospital with my three coaches - my husband, mom, and mother-in-law I was so nervous I couldn’t keep my hands from shaking. It felt like I was in a dream. It was a strange, yet miraculous feeling knowing that I was about to bring a new life into this world. It was also strange knowing my sister was going to as well.

I was admitted at 6 a.m. and actually had contractions about three minutes apart, even before the induction took place. Teresa, Tommy, and Kaitlyn stopped by to see me at 10 a.m. to take pictures and my sister and I wished each other well. The three of them were off to Riverside for my niece’s birth.

Due to other emergency c-sections, Teresa’s surgery was bumped from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kaitlyn called my mom at 2:30 p.m. and advised her that Teresa was taken in for preparation. In the mean time, I was becoming more uncomfortable.

At 3 p.m. Kaitlyn called my mom again and said, “You better get here. They are taking Teresa into surgery.”

My mom replied, “I can’t leave…Amber is in transition.”

The next phone was Kaitlyn announcing the delivery of Memphis Gann at 3:14 p.m. She weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 19 inches long.

As I was pushing, my mom told me the good news and ended her phone call. Ethan was born shortly after at 4:05 p.m. He weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and was 19 inches long.

My sister, Teresa and I were blessed with safe deliveries and healthy babies. We always prayed that we would have our first child around the same time and God definitely answered our prayers. We experienced many ups and downs throughout our pregnancy and delivery, which are memories we will always hold near and dear to our hearts.

Ways I prevent my child from getting colds and the flu:

• Wash his hands often.
• Wash my hands often and use hand sanitizer.
• Wash his sheets, changing table, high chair, clothes, and toys regularly.
• Occasionally air out the house and regularly clean it.
• Get him the flu shot in the fall.
• Avoid other people with colds and/or the flu.
• Run a small, portable heater in his room during the night when it's cold.
• Frequently run a humidifier in his room during the night, especially during wintertime when running the heater.
• Clean the humidifier regularly and disinfect it at least once a year.
• Continue to nurse him through cold and flu season for extra nutrients.
• Feed him nutritious food.
• Make sure he has adequate sleep.
• Dress him warmly.
• Keep him active.
• Use shopping cart/high chair cover.
• Use table placemat when dining out.

The Big Debate: Are Cold Medicines Safe?

The Food and Drug Administration began questioning the current recommendations of cold medicine dosage for children less than 6 years of age this past October. Some parents blamed cold medication companies for complications and deaths of their children.

During the controversy pediatricians made a statement that children’s cold medicines were no different than sugar pills, also known as placebos.

A panel of experts from the FDA voted in favor of the pediatrician’s statement on Friday, October 19th to ban the popular over-the-counter cold medicines, such as Triaminic, Robitussin, and more for children 6 years old and younger.

However, there are people who disagree with the medication recall and feel the parents are the only ones to blame.

“This is not a problem with the medicine. It has to do with a human error,” said Dr. John Hunter, a General Practitioner from Hemet, Calif. He feels slightly lukewarm about the whole issue.

When used correctly, he feels that all cold medicine for children 12 and under has added benefits. “People don’t realize the medication for infants must be weight-based and not age-based. There’s so much variability in infants and their weights,” he said.

He is unsure how the FDA figured out that the medications were not working.

“Being a nurse I believe medications are very helpful, but must be used very wisely,” said Mary Mikolaycik, Hemet Unified School District Nurse.

Any time she reads an article about a major health change she determines where the facts were obtained. She agrees with pediatricians that there are many good home remedies that should be used first. If they fail to work, then she feels a doctor should be contacted, after assessing the cold symptoms.

“So many people in today’s society want a quick fix, ‘a magic pill’ instead of practicing a healthy lifestyle, which involves taking time to educate yourself,” she said.

Thomas Gann, a registered nurse and his wife, Teresa Gann are parents of their 13-month-old daughter, Memphis. Although they both agree that the FDA should not have banned the cold medicines, they disagree on other aspects.

“First of all, you have to look at the reasons why the children took the medication in the first place,” said Thomas, adding that there is no scientific evidence that link the deaths of the children and complications caused by the cold medications.

Thomas feels that it is cheaper for pharmacies to recall cold medicines than it is to pay out settlements.

Memphis has never had a cold, but when she gets one Thomas said he would not give her cold medications until she is older. He would continue to only treat her for a fever with Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

Thomas and Teresa would both treat their child’s cold by using a humidifier, although Teresa would ask her pediatrician what medication and dosage he would recommend if the cold were to persist.

“Personally, I think all parents should do that with all types of medication. It clearly states on medicine bottles to call a doctor for children under the age of 6,” said Teresa.

“Little Colds by Little Remedies Multi-Symptom Cold Formula” warn consumers about serious health problems that it could cause if the product exceeds the recommended dosage.

The FDA web site also gives information “How to Give Medicine to Children” and clearly states, “If you're not sure about the medicine or how to give it to your child, ask your pharmacist or doctor. Or ask the FDA.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics web site advises, “While there is no "cure" for infections caused by a virus, there are things you can do to help your child feel better until the virus runs its course.”

Currently, it seems as though the majority of consumers are willing to take the responsibility of obtaining information of proper dosing of medication, for their children from their pediatrician.

For more information about this topic, please visit the following web sites: www.fda.gov and www.aap.org.