Parenting success relies on understanding developmental benchmarks, managing maternal health during and after pregnancy, and implementing effective behavioral strategies for toddlers and teenagers.
Nutrition before, during and after pregnancy impacts your baby's health. It is essential for pregnant women to eat a balanced diet that supplies their developing fetus and changing body with the right nutritional support.
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Hives, or urticaria, are uncomfortable skin symptoms that may occur during pregnancy. The condition may arise for reasons such as an allergic reaction to a food or medication, or as an immune-system phenomenon.
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ParaGard® is a brand of contraceptive intrauterine device, or IUD. It is shaped like a “T” and is composed of several lengths of copper wire that make the environment inside the uterus inhospitable to sperm, therefore blocking egg fertilization.
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A build up of phlegm, thick mucus produced by your infant's lungs and upper airways, can cause significant distress for your infant. There are numerous causes of increased phlegm production, such as respiratory infection, irritation, lung disease and cystic fibrosis.
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Swelling, or edema, is one of a plethora of symptoms many pregnant women experience. It’s caused by increased pressure in your veins and water retention and is exacerbated by hot weather and fatigue. Edema typically occurs in your ankles, fingers, face and lower back.
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Proper nutrition plays an essential role in the development of your child’s cardiovascular system. Like adults, babies require adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, along with essential vitamins and minerals to develop properly.
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Pickle juice is sometimes touted as an effective home remedy for getting rid of stomach bacteria or soothing an upset stomach.
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Not only can oatmeal be delicious, it also makes an ideal grain for infants with its beneficial nutritional content. The whole grain of oatmeal, combined with its high fiber and low fat make it a delicious breakfast menu item for your baby and the rest of the family, as well.
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It's rare that a baby needs formal exercise and stretching. In fact, if you watch your baby's movements, you'll notice that he stretches and contracts his body naturally while sleeping and during his alert times throughout the day.
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Your baby may not be able to speak yet, but as her parent, you are the expert on what her voice sounds like. If her cries and babbles begin to sound strained and raspy and you can hear gurgles and wetness in her chest, don't hesitate to call the pediatrician.
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If you experience food cravings during pregnancy, you fit in with about half of all pregnant women, reports Judith Brown, author of "What to Eat Before, During, and After Pregnancy." Many women crave unhealthy sweets and salty snacks, but others may crave healthy vegetables and fruits.
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Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, affecting as many as 50 percent of all children before their first birthday, Boston University School of Medicine professor of pediatrics Jerome Klein reports on the UpToDate website.
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If you're breastfeeding, you probably prefer to avoid taking unnecessary medications that could pass through your breast milk to your baby. If you develop an earache, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you have an ear infection. Ear pain doesn't always indicate an ear infection, however.
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The benefits of breastfeeding have been documented in thousands of studies. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that parents exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months of their child's life and that they continue breastfeeding after introducing solid foods to their children.
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Preemie babies have more trouble with constipation than full-term babies for several reasons. Decreased muscle tone, preemie formulas and a history of bowel infections can all contribute to problems with stools in premature babies, even after they come out of the hospital.
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Breast-feeding has numerous proven health benefits for your baby, but in some cases you can't -- or don't want to -- continue breast-feeding.
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Pregnancy causes a variety of new sensations, including pinching, pressure and pain in the abdomen. Because your baby's head is the largest part of her body, it's also the area most likely to cause noticeable pain.
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If you've tried cuddling, feeding, rocking and other methods of baby soothing, but your newborn still complains, she might have stomach cramps. If your baby has a fever, stops gaining weight at a healthy rate or if she seems like she's in pain, consult your pediatrician to discuss possible causes.
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Without a fully developed immune system, you newborn runs the risk of catching whatever bug is currently ailing you. Although spreading an illness to your infant is likely during close encounters such as feeding, bathing changing or simply rocking your little one, you can reduce the risk by taking a few basic steps.
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As your baby gets older, you might be surprised to see her in constant motion, even before she can roll over or crawl. Babies learn about the world around them by moving their body and interacting with their environment. Your baby's arm movements can tell you important things about what she is experiencing.
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