Thursday, October 18, 2012

Got Breastmilk?


Got Breastmilk?
 
By Becky Jermeay, MA, RD

Breastmilk is the perfect food for babies and offers babies the healthiest start in life.   The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding through the entire first year of life or for as long as mutually desirable.  In summary, the academy states that human milk is superior to formula due it its many health benefits that cannot be replicated.
 
Just in case you’re not convinced yet that breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby, check out the following benefits:
  • Decreased risk for ear infections
  • Decreased risk for diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders
  • Decreased risk for diabetes
  • Decreased risk for overweight and obesity as an adult
  • Decreased risk for childhood cancers such as leukemia
  • Increased immune response to childhood vaccinations
  • Decreased risk for hypertension as an adult
  •  Decreased risk for high cholesterol as an adult
Even though research shows that breastmilk is best, a recent survey from the American Academy of Pediatrics found that while 85% of new mothers plan to breastfeed exclusively for 3 months or more, only 32.4% of mothers actually achieve this goal.  Some of the reasons that new mothers may not reach their breastfeeding goals include:    

  • Poor family and social support
  • Lack of knowledge about breastfeeding and how to make it successful
  • Early lactation problems that are often avoidable if identified and treated early
  • Social norms that support a formula feeding culture
  • Embarrassment, especially about breastfeeding in public
There are many activities and resources in our community working to help moms breastfeed successfully. Allegiance Health recently announced that they are in the process of becoming a Baby Friendly Hospital.  Baby Friendly Hospitals implement the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding as outlined by the World Health Organization and UNICEF.  Studies show that Baby Friendly Hospitals have significantly higher breastfeeding rates.    

If you would like more information about breastfeeding or need a little support, please contact any of the following agencies or individuals:

  • Allegiance Health Lactation Support Department – 788-4940
  • La Leche League – A mother-to-mother breastfeeding support group that meets on the 2nd Monday of every month.  Leaders are also available to do telephone consultations.
    • Jennifer – 517-592-4750
    • Melissa  – 784-6965
    • Nancy  – 787-2814
    • Shaun – 784-3572
    • Facebook - La Leche League of Jackson, MI
    • Website – http://jacksonmilll.weebly.com
  • WIC – 788-4484
  • MSU Extension – 788-4292
  • Center for Family Health – 748-5500
 

Friday, March 2, 2012

Identifying and Labeling Your Child's Emotions

Emotions are new and can be somewhat overwhelming for very young children.  Infants and toddlers can be easily overwhelmed by their emotions in different situations.  A first step in helping babies to learn to manage their emotions includes helping them to learn and recognize their own feelings.  When we, as parents label and/or identify emotions, a child can turn a scary or uncomfortable feeling into something that is normal and identifiable. 

One very important way babies learn about emotions, is by watching their parents facial expressions.  For instance, often when a baby sees mom or dad smile, he will also smile.  Likewise, showing a baby an angry or sad face can be upsetting to them.  So, when we have an argument with a family member, we know that it is important to be careful about how we show strong feelings in front of babies.  This does not mean that we should not show a range of emotions to babies, but it helps us to recognize that babies are always watching us as parents, and, in turn, learning how to organize their own emotions. 

About our guest blogger:

Shelley Hawver has been Manager of the Early Head Start Program at Community Action Agency in Jackson and Hillsdale Counties, (Michigan) for the past fifteen years.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan, as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Spring Arbor University.  She has an endorsement through the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health as a level IV mentor. 

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Tooth Tips for Parents

While many parents understand that “baby teeth” start to come in around 6 months of age, few understand that the last baby tooth is not lost until around age 12.  This explains why dental visits should begin around 12 months of age. Cavities can form quickly on baby teeth, so it is important to clean the teeth after each feeding and never put a child to bed with juice or milk in a bottle.

Teething can pose special problems, too. Teething babies love to chew on stuff, and a pacifier or wet cold washcloth can come in handy.  Teething pain is usually worse at night and many pediatricians advise ibuprofen (but not for babies under 6 months of age). Other pain relievers such as clove oil, and even Orajel are not recommended.

All the baby teeth are usually erupted by age 2. By this age, the children love to brush by themselves, but really can’t do a great job at it.  Parents should help kids with their brushing up to age 7-8 to make sure the plaque that builds up on teeth (and can cause cavities) is removed.  The way to keep those cavities away is to watch the in-between meal sipping and snacking.  Good snacks are low in sugar, such as carrots and apples. Fruit snacks can be sticky and lead to cavities, so it is good to limit their use.

Keeping teeth healthy for kids really means having a good diet and good brushing habits.  Parents can really help kids develop good oral health habits early, which can be very important as the adult teeth come in.  Health teeth can last a lifetime!
-Dr. Jane Grover, DDS, Dental Director for the Center for Family Health

Monday, January 30, 2012

Flu Season Starts Again!

Unfortunately, we are starting cold and flu season again.  It is the time of year with lots of coughing, runny nose, and fevers.  While scientists have not found a way to help prevent the common cold, they have developed a yearly flu vaccine which can greatly reduce the chance of getting the flu.

Flu is usually a sudden onset of fever, body aches, and headaches.  A sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and cough generally follow. The flu vaccine can help prevent these symptoms.  The vaccine is safe for any child 6 months or older and adults.  There are a few exceptions and these should be discussed with your doctor.  You can not get the flu from getting the flu shot.  We start giving the flu shot at such an early age because younger children have an increased risk of being hospitalized and having more complications from the flu.  There are also more complications for people with chronic health problems such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and kidney disease.  Pregnant women also have more complications if they get the flu while pregnant. If you or someone in your family has any of these or other long term health problems, please talk with your doctor about your flu shot.

Even if your family members get the flu shot, you still need to make sure everyone washes their hands and avoids touching their face.  These two things will decrease the chance of spreading the viruses.  Hopefully, with these and the flu vaccine, we can all have a healthier flu season.

-Dr. Sharon Rouse, D.O. is a Pediatrician at the Center for Family Health