Baby Chick

When Do Babies Sit Up? What You Need To Know

Kirsten White — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:05:39 +0000

Sitting up is a monumental rite of passage for baby and their parents. For many, it’s a sign of independence and growing up. My babies were much more content once they could sit on their own. They could look around and observe their surroundings or have their hands free to play with toys. As one of the first major gross motor milestones of development, sitting up is something to encourage and look forward to with baby.¹ You may be eager to get baby sitting up but are unsure when to expect this milestone, specifically what age babies sit up. You might also wonder how to help them achieve it and what to do if they are not quite there when you think they should be. Here, we will dive into all that and more as we answer the question, “When do babies start sitting up on their own?”

So, at what age do babies sit up by themselves? Your baby should be able to sit in a supported seat by 6 months. This may be in a tripod sitting position, in which they hold themselves sitting up by leaning forward on their hands. This could also mean you are supporting them from behind or the sides by holding them up or making sure they do not fall over.²

According to the CDC, your baby should be sitting without support by 9 months. At this age, your baby should also be able to get seated without help.³

In one large study of gross motor development, all the babies achieved sitting without support at around 9 months. The youngest baby to sit without support was just under 4 months old, and the oldest baby to sit was 9 months. The average age of babies in this study who sat without support was 6 months old.¹

Before being able to sit, your baby needs head control and core strength to hold themselves upright. Signs of improving head control and core strength include actions such as:⁴

Lifting head during tummy time
Using arms to hold up their upper body during tummy time
Rolling over

If your baby has mastered these skills, these may be signs that they are ready to start trying to sit up.

Infant strength develops from the top downward, moving from head to feet. The first form of a baby sitting is the tripod sitting position. In this position, their hands prop them up between their outstretched legs.⁴

Eventually, as posture and strength develop, babies learn to sit without the support of their hands, but they are still working on balance and stability. They often need to catch themselves and may still topple over often.⁴

The final stage of sitting is the most stable — at this point, babies can balance even when twisting, turning the head, and moving the arms.⁴ I remember realizing I was no longer worried about my toddler knocking over my baby from a seated position because she had finally mastered balancing while sitting!

Here are some tips and tricks to help your little one practice sitting.

At my daughter’s four-month appointment, since she was rolling and lifting her head in tummy time, our pediatrician encouraged me to help my baby start sitting. She suggested sitting on the floor behind her with my legs in the shape of a V so she was supported from behind and on the sides. I also placed her hands on the floor so she could learn to support herself in the tripod sitting position.

To provide support, you can also place your baby in a seated position and keep your hands around their torso or ribs to hold them up. They will eventually learn to balance with their core or lean on one or both hands while looking around and playing with toys.²

Before my daughter could sit up without support, I used to sit her up with a C-shaped nursing pillow behind her. I would sit across from her or place toys in front of her, encouraging her to play with me while sitting up and balancing. This encouraged her to sit and gave me peace of mind that she would not fall backward and bump her head on the floor.

I suspect, in some ways, this might have backfired. The pillow began to serve as a safety net — she knew it was there and would intentionally throw herself straight backward onto it from a seated position. I am sure she developed core strength from essentially doing sit-ups off the Boppy pillow, but she had to learn the hard way (by falling backward) that the pillow would not always be there once she learned how to sit and balance without support!

Several studies have demonstrated a positive association between tummy time and faster gross motor development. Babies who practiced more tummy time achieved sitting (both supported and independent), crawling, and pulling to stand at earlier ages.⁵

In cultures that practice infant exercise and massage, babies sit at younger ages on average. Parents are so trusting of their stability that they walk away from their baby when they’re sitting up.⁴

While support from parents can help, baby sit-up seats do not help a baby learn to sit independently. It may seem counterintuitive, but these baby containers poorly distribute a baby’s weight and place undue pressure on their back and hips. These seats also restrict a baby’s movements and teach them to rely on the support of these “chairs.” Furthermore, being confined to a baby sit-up seat immobilizes a baby’s joints and prevents their muscles from strengthening.⁶

So you have limited your baby’s time in containers, practiced lots of tummy time, provided endless support (literally!), and worked hard to encourage your baby to sit up. Once they have mastered this skill, you probably wonder what might come next. Sitting is usually the next major gross motor milestone after rolling.⁴ It starts the cascade of strength, development, and movement in the first 12 to 18 months of your baby’s life. Once they start sitting, other motor milestones may quickly follow.¹

One study of infant motor development showed that gross motor milestones follow a predictable sequence about 90% of the time. The following milestones to look out for after sitting include:¹

Crawling on hands and knees
Standing with support
Walking with assistance
Standing independently
Walking alone

Infant motor milestones after sitting most often occur in the order listed above, but sometimes, crawling and standing with support can be swapped.¹

If your baby is not meeting these milestones or you are concerned, do not hesitate to ask for help. No one knows your baby better than you! Go with your gut and always seek an exam from a trusted provider if you are concerned your baby may not meet gross motor milestones. If your baby was previously meeting a milestone but stopped performing that action, this is also worth investigating.²

Your pediatrician should be able to perform a developmental screening and refer you to a specialist if needed. It is okay to seek a second opinion if your pediatrician is not concerned, but you are still worried. You can also often make an appointment with an infant physical therapist without a referral from a doctor. Finally, you could call your state’s early intervention program for an evaluation and eligibility. Therapy can make a substantial difference, especially when initiated early.²

My second daughter was on the later end of “normal” for sitting and crawling. Her pediatrician assured me she was not concerned but gave me a physical therapy referral anyway. She reminded me that I know my baby best. I was not worried she would never meet these milestones; however, I was interested in pursuing therapy to learn how to better help her achieve these goals and catch up to her peers.

In the time leading up to the appointment, we started practicing more supported sitting and motivation through play. Ironically, she started sitting independently and army crawling just days before her physical therapy appointment, so I canceled it. However, I still remember our pediatrician making me feel heard, supported, and validated.

It can be emotional when your baby starts to sit! They always seem like less of a baby once they start sitting. As bittersweet as your baby learning to sit up may be, it is also an exciting milestone. It enables them to play with toys and see more of the world around them. There is much you can do to encourage sitting, and if you are ever concerned about a developmental delay, your pediatrician is an excellent resource for further assessment. With the right encouragement and interventions, your baby will be sitting (crawling, standing, and walking!) in no time.

What to Watch in February for Kids and Adults

Stefanie Miller — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:00:57 +0000

This February, we will see many new releases perfect for adults, kids, and families. If your kiddos will be home on a break from school, there are several series and movies for you all to enjoy together — even if it’s from the comfort of your couch. Below, we have what to watch in February, information about each option, and their release date. If you anxiously anticipate one of these titles, you can mark it in your calendar.

This month, there is only one movie coming to theaters for kids. If you have a “Peppa Pig” fan in your house, this is worth checking out! You will also find a couple of brand-new series, movies, and returning seasons of old favorites available to stream.

Image via IMDb

This experience contains 10 never-before-seen episodes of “Peppa Pig,” including a three-part wedding special.

Here are new family-friendly movies and shows being released on various streaming platforms.

Image via Netflix, Inc.

This is a live-action remake of the animated children’s series of the same name. It follows the same young boy, Aang, who must help save the world.

Image via IMDb

The third season of a young Spiderman fighting villains and saving the world with Miles Morales and Ghost Spider comes to Disney Plus.

Image via Disney Plus

This futuristic animated series follows a wealthy young girl in Lagos, Nigeria.

Image via Paramount+ / Paramount Pictures Corporation

A young, Chinese-American boy becomes the apprentice of a tiger named Mr. Hu. This film is based on the 2003 novel of the same name written by Laurence Yep.

Get ready because there are several new titles to look for. Plus, February means Valentine’s Day, so why not treat your special someone to a night out at the movie theater or a romantic night in?

Image via Universal Pictures

When an author discovers her stories mimic a real-life spy, she finds her world entangled with an underground crime syndicate.

Image via Focus Features

This story is based on the classic “Frankenstein” with a twist. A teenage girl is journeying to find love, and her crush is a reanimated corpse.

Image via Illusion Islands

An unlicensed private investigator is hired by a familiar woman for the most important and unusual case of his life.

Image via Sony Pictures

A paramedic in NYC gains the power of clairvoyance and must protect three young women from an unknown foe.

Image via Paramount Pictures

This film celebrates the life of reggae musician Bob Marley by following his rise to fame as he overcame adversity.

Image via IMDb

After finding a letter containing names and addresses, a teenage boy sets out to find his birth father.

Image via The Avenue

A rookie Air Force officer must join forces with a drone pilot to save a Delta Force team whose mission turned into a rescue.

Image via Lionsgate

A hairdresser pulls together the help of her community to help a widowed father save his critically ill daughter.

If you and your Valentine plan to stay in for date night, there are plenty of shows and movies to binge-watch together:

Image via Netflix / Drama Republic

After spending a night together, this decades-spanning love story of a young man and woman who reunite on the same day every year has become a new series.

Image via Netflix Media Center

This is a brand-new stand-up special featuring seasoned comedian Taylor Tomlinson.

Image via Netflix

The fan-favorite dating experiment where singles try to find their match without seeing each other returns for a sixth season.

Image via Netflix

This is a new series about a rich, up-and-coming rapper and his life living in a town called The Beach.

Image via Deadline

This new comedy special features a performance by stand-up comedian Mike Epps.

Image via A24 / IMDb

A Chinese immigrant discovers new powers and must explore other universes to save existence in this Academy Award-winning film that will be available to stream this February.

Image via Screen Actors Guild Awards

This year’s Screen Actors Guild Award ceremony will be live-streaming on Netflix.

Image via Hulu Press

This reality series follows a wrestling duo and couple on their journey to Wrestlemania.

Image via IMDb

A husband and wife team continues their real estate flipping business in North Carolina in the second season of this reality show.

Image via Searchlight Pictures

This film is based on a true story about a young girl navigating life as a teenager while learning to deal with her brother’s severe illness.

Image via IMDb

The second season of this comedy series continues to follow Beth as she decides what kind of life she would like to lead.

Image via Amazon Studios / New Regency Productions / Wells Street Films

Two strangers land jobs with a spy agency and find themselves in an arranged marriage and partners in espionage.

Image via Amazon Prime Video

A young woman meets a handsome stranger when she is invited by her boss on a work trip to London.

This Is Me…Now: A Love Story: February 16, 2024

Image via Prime / Amazon Content Services LLC

This Jennifer Lopez documentary shows her journey to love and will be released with her new studio album.

Image via Deadline

Comedian Jenny Slate returns to stand-up with an all-new comedy special.

Image via IMDb

This animated TV series for adults centers around two female alien doctors specializing in rare galactic illnesses.

Image via IMDb

This series follows the lives of fashion designers Christian Dior and Coco Chanel as they navigate the Paris fashion industry during World War II.

Image via IMDb

A docuseries of the lives of the New England Patriots during their 20-year journey in the NFL.

Image via IMDb

An astronaut makes her journey home to Earth after a fatal accident on the International Space Station, only to discover that pieces of her life are missing.

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Marvel Studios

When their powers become entangled, Carol Danvers must join forces with Ms. Marvel and Captain Monica Rambeau to save the universe.

Image via Lucasfilm Ltd.

This is the premiere of the third season of this Star Wars animated series about a squad of clones after the Clone Wars.

Image via Paramount+

This is the premiere of the series’ second season based on the video game of the same name created by Microsoft.

Image via Paramount+

The docuseries that follows the life and family of actor Sylvester Stallone is back for another season.

King From Queens: The Run DMC Story: February 1, 2024

Image via Peacock

This new docuseries shows never-before-seen stories about the famous rap group Run DMC.

Image via Peacock

Based on the story of “Bosco” Adams, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison on a marijuana charge and later escaped to see his daughter.

Image via Universal Pictures

This Golden Globe Award-winning film is based on the true story of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer during World War II.

Whether you are a fan of dramas or comedies, there are plenty of titles to satisfy any taste. We hope you find something new to watch or jump back into new episodes of an old favorite this February.

Healthier Postpartum Hair with Viviscal

Nina Spears — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 11:00:39 +0000

After having my two kids, I wasn’t as prepared for the amount of hair loss I would experience. I knew about postpartum hair loss and that it would likely happen to me, but I wasn’t expecting how much or how long it would take for my hair to grow back. It’s been two years since I had my last child, my daughter. Now that I’m finally feeling more like myself again, I’m ready to prioritize my health, needs, and wants. It’s time to make time for me. Last year, I committed to a full body/mind health and wellness journey. Now, this year, I’m including my hair.

Why my hair?

Currently, I have very thin, fine hair. My hair has always been fine, even when I was younger. But back then, I had a lot more of it. I even remember sitting at the hair salon when I was in middle school and high school, and the hairdresser told me on more than one occasion that I had “so much hair.” But as I’ve gotten older, it has thinned out. And once I had kids, it’s as if the thinning-out process went into hyperspeed! I feel like I barely have much left.

The hair loss wasn’t too bad after the birth of my first child. However, after having my second, it was way more noticeable to me. I’ve tried not to put too much thought or emphasis on it because I remember that I need to be kinder to myself. I’ve grown, birthed, and am caring for two beautiful children. I always tell mothers that they are beautiful just the way they are, and I am beautiful, too. Hair is just hair, right?

But as the months and now years have passed of me putting myself last on my priority list, my confidence also went away. When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t recognize the woman I was anymore. I learned it’s okay to want better for myself and do things that make me feel more confident. Last year, my goal was to get stronger, and I did! I lost 15 pounds and gained muscle. This year, I am continuing to focus on my health and wellness. I’m now including my hair in my health journey, too. Here’s what I’m doing for my “New Hair, New You” Renewal Plan. I’m starting it with Viviscal.

My “New Hair, New You” Renewal Plan

This May, my family and I are going to Maui! Maui has a very special place in our hearts because that is where my husband and I married nine years ago. I want to look and feel better than I did on my wedding day, so I am continuing to do my workouts five days a week, keep track of my diet/macros, and I’m now starting to use Viviscal to help me get fuller, thicker hair from the inside out. My hair has been one of my least favorite features, especially after experiencing postpartum hair loss, so now I’m doing something about it. Here’s what I’m using and doing for my new hair renewal for healthier postpartum hair.

Hair Supplements

I am taking my hair renewal plan seriously and am doing more than just focusing on what I’m doing to my hair and putting on my hair. Healthy hair starts from within. I’m not only improving my diet, drinking more water, and taking my vitamins, but I’m also taking Viviscal™ Hair Growth Supplements.

Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements

I recently learned Viviscal is the #1 selling hair growth supplement in the U.S.+ After researching, I like that they are 100% drug-free and have been proven to improve hair thickness and reduce shedding within 3-6 months.* In a clinical study, 92% of women saw thicker hair, a 32% increase in terminal hairs, and a nearly 39% decrease in hair shedding/loss in just three months. Amazing! Three months is the perfect amount of time for me to get the results I want before our trip in May. I also like that Viviscal™ Hair Growth Supplements are suitable for all types of hair, so I don’t have to worry about whether or not it’s right for me. (Of course, consult your doctor or health professional if you have questions before starting a new supplement or medication.)

Other supplements I am taking are:

Viviscal Hair Self-Care Supplements – nutrition formulated with collagen, keratin, and amino acids to support healthy hair structure and deliver nutritional building blocks, which are essential for healthy-looking hair
Viviscal Scalp Nourish Supplements – nutrition formulated with hyaluronic acid, biotin, and antioxidants to support a healthy scalp environment by delivering essential nutrients to nourish and fortify root follicles, providing a strong foundation for beautiful, healthy hair to grow

Hair Products

Now that I know Viviscal understands the science of healthy hair growth and is 100% drug-free, I’ve decided also to use their entire line of hair products to help me reach my goal of having fuller, thicker-looking hair. Here’s my new hair routine:

Viviscal Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Massaging and stimulating our scalp is good for encouraging healthy hair growth. Viviscal Exfoliating Scalp Scrub gently exfoliates and removes dead cells, buildup, and dirt from the scalp. This helps support a healthy scalp environment, resulting in less breakage and fuller-looking hair. I’m using this scrub once a week on my scalp before shampooing and conditioning to have a healthy hair foundation.

Viviscal Thickening Shampoo

Selecting a shampoo formulated to nourish and volumize your hair is helpful. I’m using Viviscal’s Thickening Shampoo because it strengthens and reduces breakage* while gently cleansing and stimulating the scalp. I like that it is safe on color-treated hair because I have fine, thin hair with highlights and lowlights. I’m massaging this from my scalp to the ends of my hair. I used to wash my hair every other day, but I want to ensure I don’t dry out my scalp or hair. This is why I’m now stretching out my hair wash days to twice a week. (*Use in conjunction with Viviscal Strengthening Conditioner.)

Viviscal Strengthening Conditioner

I’m using Viviscal’s Strengthening Conditioner with their Thickening Shampoo. This conditioner nourishes and hydrates your hair without weighing it down. This is what I need with my thin, fine hair. It’s easy for my hair to get weighed down, but using a little bit of this does the trick! I use this every time I wash my hair after shampooing, but I only apply this on the ends of my hair. It helps strengthen the ends and reduces breakage.* (*Use in conjunction with Viviscal Thickening Shampoo.)

Viviscal Thickening Serum

After showering, I softly dry my hair with my towel and gently brush through my damp hair. Then I apply 2-3 pumps of Viviscal Thickening Serum and coat my hair from mid-length to the ends. I like this leave-in treatment because it eliminates frizz* and is lightweight, so it doesn’t leave my hair greasy. You can also apply it to dry hair! This is great since I use this on my hair almost every day. (*Use in conjunction with Viviscal Thickening Shampoo and Strengthening Conditioner.)

Viviscal Volumizing Dry Shampoo

Now that I’m stretching my hair-washing days to twice a week, a good dry shampoo is essential. I’m using Viviscal Volumizing Dry Shampoo as a texturizing spray and heat protectant after I dry my hair. I use it daily to remove oil from my scalp and hair and refresh and restore its volume. This helps me go longer between washes, leaves my hair looking fuller, and gives it long-lasting freshness. I also love that it’s fortified with Keratin and Marine Collagen. These will protect my hair from heat damage caused by the sun and heated hair tools.

18 Hair Practices & Tips

Now that you know what products I’ll be using for my new hair renewal, here are some practices I’ll also implement. I recommend these for healthier postpartum hair:

Brush your hair before showering – distribute the natural oils from your hair to the ends and remove tangles before getting it wet.
Wash hair less often – over-shampooing can strip natural oils from your hair and scalp and leave it dry. This can make it more prone to breakage.
Don’t take extremely hot showers – the heat from the hot water can irritate your scalp and weaken your hair.
Do a quick cold-water rinse in the shower – turn the water to cold after shampooing and conditioning to seal the cuticles shut and maintain healthy hair.
Condition the ends of your hair – when conditioning, apply it on mid-shaft to the ends of your hair to limit weighing down your hair.
Don’t rub your hair with a towel – rubbing your hair with a towel can cause tangles and breakage. Instead, squeeze it dry and let the towel absorb the water.
Don’t go to bed with wet hair – hair is more vulnerable to breakage when wet, so dry your hair before bed.
Massage your scalp daily and exfoliate your scalp weekly – this can help keep your scalp healthy, which creates a healthy environment for your hair.
Limit the use of heated hair tools – a lot of damage is done to hair when heated tools are used frequently.
Reduce heat setting on heated tools – instead of 400+ degrees, use hair tools that allow you to select the temperature and select 320 degrees or less.
Use a heat protectant before styling – always apply a heat protectant on your hair before blow drying or using heat to style your hair.
Don’t do too tight of hairstyles – wearing tight hairstyles and wearing it up frequently can cause hair to break.
If you have fine hair, don’t use elastics – this can cause hair breakage.
Eat a well-balanced diet – a healthy diet with B vitamins, protein, zinc, and essential fatty acids helps grow healthier hair.
Drink plenty of water – staying hydrated helps keep your body and hair hydrated.
Sleep on a silk – swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk pillowcase. Silk reduces the amount of friction between your hair and the fabric, which helps reduce breakage. Put your hair up in a loose top knot with a silk scrunchie.
Trim your hair every 2 months – you want your hair to stay healthy and not break off at the ends. Trim the damaged ends and keep the length to continue growing strong, healthy hair.
Fewer hair processing appointments – limit the number of times you process your hair with dyes, perms, and relaxers.

Improve Your Hair with Viviscal

With this hair regimen using Viviscal products and these hair practices, I should achieve fuller, thicker, and healthy-looking hair by summer! I’m incorporating healthy habits into my life, and Viviscal naturally fits in with my wellness goals and New Year’s resolutions to take better care of myself. If you are postpartum or a mom with littles and want to work on your health, join me on this healthy hair journey to get results when warmer weather hits!

+ Based on Circana MULO unit sales for L52 wks ending 6/23/23.

* The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sponsored partner: Viviscal

Baby Constipation Remedies: How To Help a Newborn Poop

Joanna Schroyer — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:18:18 +0000

Most babies who appear to have newborn constipation have functional constipation.¹ This is temporary constipation caused by a diet change, growth spurt, or just being a newborn. Infants are born with weak abdominal muscles and immature sphincters, so straining to have a bowel movement can be normal, especially if they have a soft stool after a few minutes of straining.² Organic constipation is caused by a medical problem such as a disease or deformity.³

Baby constipation is common, with 3%-5% of doctor visits for children related to constipation issues.¹ As a parent, you must know your baby’s bowel movement (BM) patterns to notice changes. Then, monitor the changes to see if you need to contact your provider. Most parents worry about newborn constipation issues, but it is usually functional, and you can treat it at home.¹

How do you know if your baby is constipated? There are several signs to watch for:^2,3,4,5

A smaller number of bowel movements than normal
Stools that are hard or shaped like pellets
Large, round stool or watery stool
They’re straining more than usual
Fussiness or crying when baby is making a bowel movement, followed by hard stool
Swollen or bloated belly
Decreased intake/refusal to eat
Vomiting
Blood in the stools (often from an anal fissure)

Each baby develops bowel movement patterns once they consistently eat the same food, formula, or breast milk. So, you will notice if there is a difference in your baby’s pattern. Of course, their pattern can naturally change with age and the types of food introduced into their diet. For example, it is normal for exclusively breast-fed babies to pass gas frequently but only have a bowel movement every four to seven days.⁵ However, some breastfed babies poop after every feed!

Most formula-fed infants have anywhere from one to four BMs per day. Some infants will have a BM with every feeding, while others may go every one to three days.^3,6 Just be aware of your baby’s BM pattern and watch for changes.

Baby constipation is most common when there is a diet change for the baby. This includes changes from breast milk to formula, from one formula to another, and when solid foods are introduced. If you see a difference in your baby’s pooping pattern, or if the stool (poop) is hard and not easy to pass, your baby could be constipated.⁴

Some other causes of newborn constipation could be:^3,4,8

Not drinking enough fluid
Low fiber in the diet
Immature digestive system in newborns
Weak abdominal muscles in newborns
After an illness
A medical disease or anatomical malformation, such as Hirschprung’s disease

Regardless of the cause of your baby’s constipation, if it doesn’t resolve after two weeks with home remedies, you should contact your provider.⁷

There are many ways to help your baby poop. One of the easiest ways to relieve baby constipation is a diet adjustment.^2,4,5 Remember to experiment with the amounts of added food or liquid items. It is best to only change one thing at a time and no more than one thing per 24-hour period. You do not want to give your baby diarrhea. Also, always check with your doctor before adding water, juice, or cereal to your baby’s diet. Here are some simple ways to help your baby’s constipation:^2,4,5

Add water to their daily routine: Start with 1-2 oz daily, but not at regular feeding time. This is not recommended for young infants as people often misunderstand and add too much water, resulting in hyponatremia.
Add 100% apple, pear, or prune juice for babies, which are good for constipation: You might start with 2 oz of juice, one to two times a day, but not at regular feeding time. Go slow and follow your doctor’s orders.
Increase fiber in the diet: You can do this by adding wheat, oatmeal, or barley cereal. Avoid rice cereal, as it might cause constipation, and there are concerns it contains inorganic arsenic.⁹Limiting this is also essential as these increase calories that are not particularly beneficial to growth.

There are also other ways to help with baby constipation that don’t include a diet change to help your baby pass their stool (poop). For example, you could try body positions to help the newborn poop, the belly press trick, and rectal/anal stimulation:^4,5

Give the baby a warm bath: It can relax them and make it easier to pass the stool.
Exercise the baby’s legs like they are pedaling a bicycle: This can help stimulate the bowels.
Position or push the baby’s knees up to the chest: This puts the body in a squatting position (even though they are lying down), which helps release stool from the anus.
Gently massage or press on the belly: Start at the lower right corner of the abdomen. Move upward in a straight line, then across the belly at the belly button level toward the left side and down to the left corner.
Use a rectal thermometer to stimulate the anus: Put the thermometer in the anus as if you were taking their temperature. You can also do this with a cotton swab by adding some Vaseline to the swab and inserting it into the anus — only insert the tip of the swab.

You must contact your provider if none of the above home remedies relieve your baby’s constipation. They may suggest using a baby glycerin suppository or an enema.

If you decide to use a home remedy to help with your baby’s constipation, you should always follow your provider’s advice. If the home remedies don’t produce results after two weeks, contact your provider for further instructions. But if you see any of the following signs or symptoms in your baby, call your doctor immediately:^1,4

Blood in the stool, which could indicate an infection in babies
Black-colored stools which can mean there is blood in the digestive system
Large bloated and distended belly, along with not wanting to feed and signs of constipation
Vomiting develops after symptoms of constipation and belly bloating

Preventing baby constipation isn’t the best way to look at the situation. You never know when your baby may get constipated and need some help with passing stool. You should consistently monitor the stool for signs of constipation but can’t prevent it. And if you try too hard to prevent constipation, you may end up with the opposite problem — diarrhea.

The best way to prevent baby constipation is by following a proper diet, following your provider’s instructions about the baby’s diet, and remembering how to treat baby constipation. Here is a list of some general guidelines you can follow to try and help prevent baby constipation:⁷

Ensure plenty of fluid intake: Ensure your baby is feeding the proper number of times per day for their age. Your provider can give you this information.
Use proper amounts of fiber in the diet: Different baby foods contain different amounts of fiber. Pears, peaches, plums, and prunes (or any of their juices) contain high fiber.
Frequent monitoring of stools: It’s easy to monitor your baby’s stool since you and your family are the most frequent diaper changers. If there are fewer dirty diapers than usual or the stool seems hard and pellet-like, that’s the time to help your baby with constipation.
Regular exercise and tummy: Exercise for babies includes tummy time. This is where you lay them on their belly for a small amount of time a few times a day, moving their legs in a circular motion as if peddling a bike. Do this while playing with them or during a diaper change, and some of the swings and bouncy seats give your baby a chance to exercise.

As a pediatric registered nurse, over the years, I have heard many parents mention the fastest or most effective way that helped their baby to poop. Here are some of the “winners” of the “I got my baby to poop” category:^2,4,5

If your newborn is passing gas but not pooping, they will be pooping soon. The gas indicates the intestines are working and moving the stool along. Be patient.
The general rule for fruit juice is to give a baby 1 oz for every month of life. So, a 2-month-old can have 2 oz of fruit juice per day.
Rectal stimulation with a rectal thermometer or a cotton swab two to three times daily is one of the easiest and most effective home remedies for constipation.
Make sure the baby gets regular exercise and tummy time.
Never give a baby stool softener, laxatives, or an enema without contacting your provider.

All babies have their systems and respond to constipation home remedies differently. And since babies grow and change rapidly, you might find it frustrating to keep trying multiple remedies until you find the one that works for your baby. This is normal. Try to be patient. You will become aware of your baby’s BM pattern. Once familiar with their pattern, it will be easy to recognize signs of constipation. You can help them easily with all the tips and tricks when that happens. Then you, like many other parents and caretakers, can start your baby on the road to smooth and easy BMs. Happy diaper changing!

Postpartum Birth Control: Contraception After a Baby

Claire Crompton — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 11:00:44 +0000

Having a baby comes with a wide range of experiences, from pure joy and wonder to overwhelm and exhaustion and everything in between. After giving birth, the thought of having another baby may be the furthest thing from your mind. On the other hand, you may already be thinking about baby names for your little one’s future siblings. Whatever your desires for your family are, it is helpful to be aware of when your menstrual cycle may resume, as well as the possibility of pregnancy after delivery. Read on to learn about when you can become pregnant again after having a baby and available options for postpartum birth control.

Why Should You Use Birth Control After a Baby?

After delivery, your menstrual cycle may restart without skipping a beat, so your body may ovulate. This happens before your first period. Typically, ovulation occurs when one of your ovaries releases an egg. The egg then waits for a sperm to fertilize it. Having unprotected sex during this time can result in another pregnancy within weeks of delivery.^1,12

If you are breastfeeding, then menstruation is often delayed, but most women start menstruating again by six months. On the other hand, if you are not breastfeeding, your period can return as soon as a few weeks after giving birth.¹² Unless you have decided you want to get pregnant again immediately after giving birth, abstinence or an effective form of postpartum birth control can help you avoid this.²

There are health benefits for moms and babies that have been correlated with waiting at least 12 to 24 months between giving birth and becoming pregnant again.^3,4 The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that women avoid interpregnancy intervals of less than six months and recommend waiting at least 18 months to achieve another pregnancy.¹³ Spacing pregnancies can decrease your risks for preterm birth, maternal anemia, and postpartum depression with your next pregnancy.^4,5,6 Allowing your body time to heal allows it to recover and replenish nutrient stores, such as folic acid. This can help ensure you are ready for pregnancy if or when you decide to have another baby.⁵

There is an exception to this recommendation in the case of miscarriage. If you are healthy and ready to conceive again, waiting does not benefit you.⁴

How Long After Giving Birth Can You Have Sex?

There isn’t a universally agreed-upon amount of time you need to wait before having sex after giving birth. However, after delivery, your body requires time to heal. If you delivered vaginally, your cervix had to open or dilate to 10 centimeters and is gradually shrinking to its pre-pregnancy size.⁶ Sexual intercourse with penetration before this has happened puts you at an increased risk for uterine infection.¹⁴

Many healthcare providers advise waiting at least until after your six-week follow-up appointment to resume sex, particularly if you require stitches for a tear or had a C-section.⁷ If you delivered vaginally and intact, which means there were no perineal tears, you may be cleared for sex as early as two weeks after delivery.^6,14

What Might Be Your Most Effective Options After Having a Baby?

When choosing a birth control method after pregnancy, you’ll want to consider when or if you would like to get pregnant again and how conveniently the method fits into your new lifestyle.⁷ It is essential to keep in mind that even methods of birth control that are considered to be the most effective do not come with a 100% no-pregnancy guarantee. Only refraining from sexual intercourse can make that claim.²

Here are some postpartum birth control options listed from most to least effective:^3,6,12

Tubal ligation for mom or vasectomy for dad: These are one-time surgical procedures.
Long-acting contraceptives: For instance, intrauterine devices (IUDs) or hormonal implants. Your OB healthcare provider can insert these while you are in the hospital, and they last for years.
Short-acting hormonal methods: Examples include the mini pill, oral combined contraceptive pills, patches or vaginal rings, and injections every three months. These must be taken as prescribed to be most effective.
Barrier methods: These include condoms and diaphragms. They must be used every time you have sex.

Talk with your OBGYN care provider about these options to decide what will work best for you and when to start birth control after delivery.⁶ Until you have chosen and established a reliable postpartum birth control method, talk to your partner about condoms to help prevent another pregnancy.⁷

Birth Control While Breastfeeding: What Are My Options?

There is some debate about whether birth control pills that contain estrogen reduce milk production. Some women have experienced this once starting estrogen-containing birth control pills, even after their milk supply has been established. If you are concerned about this possibility or have had milk production challenges with previous pregnancies, alternative options include pills that only include progesterone (the mini-pill) and certain IUDs.¹⁰ If you choose to breastfeed your baby, be sure to discuss which contraceptive method you are most comfortable using with your OB care provider.

Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?

It depends. Under specific circumstances, breastfeeding may delay ovulation.⁶ Without an egg, pregnancy cannot happen. The lactation amenorrhea method (LAM) uses breastfeeding as birth control. If any of the conditions are not met, however, you can get pregnant even though you are breastfeeding. Here are the criteria required for the lactation amenorrhea method to prevent ovulation:^6,12

Your period must not have resumed yet.
Your baby must be less than six months old.
Your baby is breastfeeding exclusively, meaning you are not giving formula or solid food.

The reliability and duration of the LAM can vary. Be sure to discuss using breastfeeding as your postpartum birth control method with your OBGYN care provider.^4,9

Can You Take Plan B While Breastfeeding?

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) can be used as an emergency contraceptive if you either have unprotected sex or you suspect there may have been a lapse in effectiveness from the method of birth control you used. If you take Levonorgestrel and you are breastfeeding, some of the medication may cross over into your breastmilk, but the small amount should not harm your baby.¹¹

Levonorgestrel is a lactation category 2 medication, indicating there is limited data. However, it is probably compatible with breastfeeding. There is no absolute indication to pump and dump. There is a theoretical risk that it could impact your milk supply. Waiting three to four hours after taking a dose before breastfeeding is recommended.¹¹

Because your body may resume ovulation soon after giving birth, it is essential to consider your birth control options. If you are ready to be sexually active and would rather not get pregnant again, talk to your OB care provider about available contraceptive methods.

25 Birth Affirmations To Help You Through Your Labor

Karen Johnson — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 21:07:36 +0000

Through any challenging time, using affirmations is an effective strategy to control our mindset, reduce anxiety, and improve our overall ability to believe in ourselves. Mothers could use affirmations to help get them through the hardest days, as this job is the toughest one in the world. And it starts at the beginning — the very beginning. Birth affirmations are a way women can coach themselves and find the inner strength to endure labor and delivery.

Birth affirmations are personal statements you choose to help you endure the intense and painful labor and delivery experience. They are a mindfulness technique — you are training your brain to focus on your strength.¹ And how capable you are. And how you are, in fact, ready for this and that you will get through it.

Positive birth affirmations might include statements like “My body is strong” and “Every contraction brings me closer to my baby.” But it’s truly up to the mother to decide what types of messaging will resonate with her and effectively reduce negative and sabotaging thoughts.

Birth can be grueling, and mothers often feel defeated when things don’t go as planned. (Because babies don’t always follow birth plans as they make their way into this world. They are already letting us know that they run the show!) That’s why having a few positive words of encouragement for labor and delivery in your proverbial “back pocket” (likely just written down somewhere where you can see them easily or even saved in your phone) might be just the trick you need to get through that final push.

The true benefits of birth affirmations will vary from mother to mother, but in general, they serve to calm the mind and recenter your focus so you can find the inner strength you need to keep going.¹ Here are some potential advantages of using birth affirmations:

1. They Can Foster a Connection With Your Body and Your Baby

By training your mind via birth affirmations, the mother will continuously center herself around what her body is doing and how two lives are coming together to achieve something that is heroic and miraculous.

Sometimes, especially when we’re really far into the labor and delivery process, moms need a boost of confidence, as we can feel defeated by exhaustion and pain. Positive birth mantras empower us to believe that we are stronger than we realize and still have the energy to continue. The emotional support provided by affirmations helps solidify a feeling of competence in the mother.²

Pain management, in general, can often be managed via mindfulness techniques like repeating birth affirmations to oneself.^1,3 Labor and delivery is definitely a painful experience in which such mindfulness training can be very effective because the pain during childbirth serves a function — it lets us know what our body is doing — and we must be in tune with the pain. However, taking slow, deep breaths, picturing certain images in the mind, and repeating positive birth affirmations over and over can help us cope and work through the pain.^3,5

Affirmations “are not intended to ‘fix’ or solve your pain,” Psychology Today explains. “The practice keeps your attention in a powerful place and your brain can create new circuits in response. However, it is also important to allow yourself to feel the mental or physical pain before you redirect.”⁴

One of the hardest parts of labor and delivery for me was the lack of control and not knowing how it would all go. And while, yes, it’s true that there are some things we have to leave up to the powers that be (and let baby run the show!), positive birth affirmations can help us remember that we can control our mindset.

Stress tenses the body, prolonging labor and releasing stress hormones called catecholamines. Stress hormones suppress oxytocin, the hormone that gets your uterus contracting. Less oxytocin means a slower, longer labor that might need to be augmented with Pitocin, a synthetic oxytocin.⁶ It is hard to relax when the body is in pain, but training the mind to be calm is one way to help fight those stress responses as painful contractions hit.

But mindfulness techniques (like telling yourself positive affirmations over and over or seeing them written on the wall where you can read them throughout the labor and delivery process) can help reduce stress and increase the likelihood that birth will go according to plan.

With my first child, I was scared of what would happen to my body through labor and delivery and if my baby would be okay. Like stress, fear can cause the body to tighten and tense, making for longer labor, and anxiety or nervousness in pregnant women increases the risk of dystocia (difficult or obstructed birth).⁷

Birth affirmations remind the fearful mother, especially if this is her first experience through labor and delivery, that she is strong, capable, and can handle whatever is coming her way.

Many pregnant mothers desire a birth with limited or no medical interventions, and positive birth affirmations can help achieve that by keeping the mind and body more calm and the mother more focused on what she needs to do. Having delivered three babies, I know first-hand that the longer labor takes, the more likelihood of medical interventions. Doctors want to get that baby out to minimize the stress labor can put on both the mother and baby. Relaxing your body and mind might help your labor move along more quickly and reduce the chances of medical interventions.²

One way to use positive birth affirmations during labor is to memorize key phrases you believe will help you endure the process best. Repeat them and consider asking your support person(s) in the room with you to say them as well.

You also might consider writing them down onto affirmation cards or hanging them on the wall where you can see them easily through all phases of your labor. Another option is to have your birth affirmations on a recording of some kind where you can hear them through a speaker in the room or even headphones if you prefer a softer, more personal connection.

But most importantly, as the mother, you need to be all-in. In my experience, birth mantras will only work if you’ve chosen statements that resonate with you, that you’ve practiced through your pregnancy, and that you embrace with your whole being. Jotting down a few motivational sentences on your way to the hospital isn’t going to cut it — utilizing birth affirmations means figuring out what works for you, knowing what you need to hear when things are really, really hard, and practicing saying them to yourself over and over until you believe them.

Labor affirmations come in all forms, and finding a list that truly resonates with you is important. I need to hear that I am strong and can do hard things. What do you need to hear when things are challenging for you? Here are some examples of labor affirmations and birth mantras:

1. My body knows how to give birth.

2. I trust my body.

3. My body is strong.

4. I can do this.

5. I am ready for this.

6. I trust that my baby’s birth will happen when needed.

7. I accept that my baby’s path to being born is right.

8. I relax my body so that my baby can relax.

9. I breathe deeply and calm my mind and body.

10. My body is doing its job.

11. I find more strength with each inhale and release pain with each exhale.

12. I will meet my baby soon.

13. Each contraction brings me closer to my baby.

14. This pain is temporary.

15. I am stronger than the pain.

16. I have the power and strength to birth this baby.

17. I am proud of how strong I am.

18. I am brave.

19. I am safe. My baby is safe.

20. I can do hard things.

21. I can let my body take over and do what it needs to do.

22. I am doing my best and doing an amazing job.

23. I know I can do this because I’m already doing it.

24. This is our journey together — mine and my baby’s. And we’re doing it.

25. Women all over the world are doing this right now too. We’re all in this together.

There are endless options for birth affirmations that might resonate with you. Learn what works for you through other stressful moments in your life and start compiling mantras to consider as you near labor and delivery. Soon, you’ll have your list ready, packed neatly in your hospital bag, or taped to the wall in your delivery room. You got this, Mama. You are strong and brave.

5-Month-Old Baby: Feeding, Sleep, and Milestones by Month

Rande Ludwig — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 11:00:37 +0000

The whirlwind adventure of your baby’s development continues to move forward at breakneck speed. Your 5-month-old baby is continuing to learn new skills, and their personality is truly starting to shine through. In this article, we will continue to explore the new developmental milestones they will achieve and how their feeding and sleeping schedules may change. We will also discuss any health concerns to be aware of and fun new activities you can do with your little one.

Strap on your hats because the next month of your baby’s development is filled with more movement and sound than ever before. This month of milestones is also filled with more social growth for your 5-month-old when their personalities will start to shine. These new milestones include:^1,2

Rolling from their tummy to back
Reaching for toys using both hands
Using their whole hand to grasp a toy
Finding toys hidden under blankets
Sitting with support
Making sounds to get your attention
May hold out their arms to be held
Recognizing familiar faces
Showing displeasure when you leave their sight

With all these new skills your baby is learning, their feeding schedule may also change. Most parents wonder when their babies can start eating baby food, and 5 months old is a great time to see if your little one is ready. Before starting solid foods, please consult your baby’s doctor to determine if they are ready. Some signs to look for that show your baby may be ready to try solid foods include:²

Can they support their head and body while sitting or being held?
Are they showing interest in your food, with actions such as grabbing for your food?
If your baby shows these signs and your doctor has confirmed they are ready to start solid foods, it is best to start small. Start with small amounts of finely pureed single-ingredient foods, such as baby cereal or a single veggie puree.

It is important to remember that while your baby may be ready to start trying solid food, the bulk of their diet will still come from breast milk or formula. So, how much of this should a 5-month-old eat? Your baby should still have 3-5 ounces of breast milk or formula every two to four hours.¹⁰

As your baby enters their fifth month, their sleeping patterns will become more predictable. 5-month-old babies require 12-16 hours of sleep per day. At this age, your baby typically sleeps about three to four hours during the day, divided into two or three naps. Some babies continue to take shorter, more frequent naps. If you have concerns about your baby’s sleep, contact your pediatrician.²

Now is the perfect time to start if you have not started a bedtime routine with your little one. The best time to begin your routine is about 30 minutes before you are ready to put them down to sleep for the night. Your routine should consist of three to four quiet activities: feeding, bath time, storytime, and song time. You can start the bedtime routine with a feeding to help get your little one used to falling asleep without feeding first.⁴

Now that you have made it out of the newborn stage, a daily routine is possible and can be more easily maintained. Your 5-month-old’s feeding times will be much more consistent, and their wake times will be lengthened, allowing for more play time and outings. Consistent nap times will help you maintain structure in your baby’s day while ensuring your little one gets enough sleep.

It is recommended that a 5-month-old baby takes at least two naps, usually three, per day or sleeps for a total of three to four hours during the day. A sample schedule might look like a first nap around two hours after they have awoken for the day, lasting about one and a half to two hours. Then, once they wake, perhaps a feeding and some playtime can follow. A second nap might happen around two hours after waking from their morning nap and last another one and a half to two hours. Another feeding and some more playtime might follow that. You could aim for a bedtime of 7-8 p.m., so starting their bedtime routine around 6:30-7 p.m. can give your little one plenty of time to wind down for the night.⁴

Your baby will not have a standard well-child checkup at five months, as those typically happen at 4 and 6 months. Not having a well-child checkup makes some parents wonder if their baby is growing enough. On average, many babies at 5 months old double their birth weight. It is best to remember that not all babies grow at the same rate. This can happen due to family history, whether your baby has any underlying medical conditions, and how much they eat.⁵ Your baby may have more frequent doctor visits than is standard if their doctor needs to monitor their weight.

While there may not be a standard well-child checkup at 5 months old, you must be aware of some common illnesses your little one can catch. These include the following:⁶

Colds with a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, cough, and fussiness
Diarrhea and vomiting caused by a virus
Ear infections
Hand, foot, and mouth disease – Causing sores around or inside the mouth and typically a rash on the palms of their hands and soles of their feet

Most infants can overcome these common illnesses, but it is essential to seek medical help if your baby starts to show any of these symptoms:⁶

A fever lasting longer than three days
Ear pain
Signs of dehydration, such as dry or cracked lips, decreased amount of wet diapers, and a decrease in tears
Difficulty breathing
Increased fussiness
Decreased energy

Now that your baby is more active and mobile, their playtime will also become more active. Here are some activities you can do with your baby to help engage them with playtime and achieve their 5-month milestones:^7,8

Stack blocks and knock them down
Have toys of a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors for your baby to choose from, feel, and look at
Read books with simple pictures and faces
Place a toy slightly out of reach to encourage them to move toward it
Repeat any sounds they make and have a back-and-forth conversation with them
Hide a toy under a blanket and encourage them to find it
Help your baby learn cause and effect by giving them back the toys they have dropped
Play peek-a-boo

With more mobility comes an added need to ensure your baby remains safe in your home. Assessing your home and looking for ways your baby could become injured is important. Some things to keep in mind include:⁹

Placing baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Read our baby-proofing checklist and see the top baby safety products for baby-proofing your home.
Removing any small objects such as coins, balloons, or batteries from their reach
Use the correct size car seat and ensure you’ve installed it correctly by ensuring the straps are at the correct height and it is facing backward
Never leave them unattended, especially with young children or pets
Using a slip-resistant tub for bathing and only filling it 2-3 inches with warm water
Placing your baby on their back to sleep with no blankets, pillows, bumper pads, or toys in their crib
Using a firm crib mattress with a snugly fit bottom sheet
Removing all mobiles from their crib before leaving them unattended to sleep

Your little one’s adventure of growth and development is an exciting process to witness. As you move through this journey of new milestones and changing schedules, remember that every baby is unique and will reach these new milestones at a different pace. Cherish these moments, and savor the incredible bond you are building with your baby.

Diastasis Recti: What It Is, What It Means, and How To Fix It

Kirsten White — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 16:42:01 +0000

The infamous “mom pooch” can make moms feel as if they look pregnant long after they have delivered their babies. While it may sound superficial to be worried about a small bulging belly postpartum, it is a legitimate medical condition called diastasis recti.

Diastasis recti affects more than just your self-image and confidence; it can cause symptoms from pain to balance issues and more. Fortunately, it is usually diagnosed and treated easily. We will examine the condition, its causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

Your “six pack” comprises two columns of abdominal muscles called the rectus abdominis. They run vertically from your ribs to your pubic bone. The linea alba is a band of tissue that separates the left and right sides. When these two columns of abs separate and the linea alba widens, this is called diastasis recti. This usually happens due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as during pregnancy.¹

While there is always some degree of separation between the rectus abdominis muscles, diastasis refers to an abnormal degree of separation.² Many experts consider separation of more than two centimeters abnormal. However, diagnosing diastasis recti depends just as much on symptoms as the numerical distance.¹

Diastasis recti can usually be diagnosed with a simple test. You might even identify it on your own. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor, lift your shoulders off the ground, and notice the shape of your belly. If you have abdominal separation, you might see the vertical center line between your abs bulges. You might also be able to feel a significant gap between your abs.³

If you suspect you have diastasis recti, your provider can examine you. They may palpate or feel your abdomen in different locations — above, at, and below your belly button. They may use their fingers to measure the gap, or they may use a tool called a caliper to get a more precise measurement. Sometimes, they may use an ultrasound to observe the abdominal gap.^2,3

Diastasis recti is very common during pregnancy and postpartum. Some sources report that around 60% of women are affected by it.³ However, exact percentages can be hard to identify because experts and practitioners use different diagnostic and cutoff values.²

For example, even if two centimeters is the universal threshold, is this in a flexed or relaxed state? And is the separation measured above, at, or below the belly button? It is also important to remember that abdominal separation is common even in women without true diastasis recti, especially above the umbilicus.¹

One study had physiotherapists assess diastasis recti in pregnant and postpartum women. They classified diastasis recti into mild, moderate, and severe cases based on fingerbreadths between the recti muscles at, above, or below the navel while performing a crunch.⁴

If the therapist could see the linea alba protruding during the crunch, this was considered diastasis recti, even if the width of the gap was less than two fingerbreadths.⁴ Based on these criteria, this study found that 60% of women had the condition at six weeks postpartum, and 33% of women still had diastasis at one year postpartum.⁴

Little is known for sure about the risk factors, but these are some theories on contributing influences:

Older maternal age⁴
How many babies you have had and how close together they are^2,3
Body mass index²
Frequent heavy lifting⁴
Having a large baby or multiple babies⁴
Multiples, like twins or triplets⁴

Although some of these risk factors may contribute to the development of diastasis recti, it is a common condition and can occur even without any of these risk factors.³

Abdominal separation happens during pregnancy because of increased volume and pressure in the abdomen. Your growing baby and uterus stretch the abdominal muscles, so the linea alba widens, thins, and protrudes. The linea alba is elastic and typically shrinks back together after delivery. If the linea alba stretches too much and does not retract after pregnancy, this causes diastasis recti, in which the ab muscles remain separated postpartum.³

Diastasis recti often begins during pregnancy as your abs separate to make room for your baby.³ This separation can cause some of the following symptoms:

Diastasis can weaken your abdominal muscles, and your core aids a lot in balance. With a weak core from diastasis recti, you may feel unstable.^1,3

When the ab muscles are separated, your abdominal center line may bulge, especially under increased abdominal pressure.¹ This pouch can sometimes feel soft or jelly-like.³

In cases of diastasis recti during pregnancy, your bump may form a point where your abs meet instead of appearing perfectly round. This means that, besides the gap between your abdominal muscles, the linea alba protrudes, especially under pressure. Coning may begin in pregnancy but can persist postpartum, and you should watch for this triangular shape in your abdomen when engaging your core.⁵

Your core muscles and pelvic floor muscles are interconnected, so separation and weakness in the abdominal muscles can cause the leaking of urine during pregnancy and postpartum.³

While the abdominal separation should not be painful, the weakening it causes of the abdominal muscles can contribute to pain elsewhere. Core and pelvic floor weakness and instability can lead to pain during sex, back pain, and chronic pelvic and hip pain.^1,3

If you are experiencing these symptoms or have found a wide gap between your abdominal muscles even without other symptoms, you are probably wondering how to fix diastasis recti and bring your core back together. Most of the time, treatment consists of physical therapy exercises for diastasis recti combined with increased bodily awareness. Some people choose to wear abdominal binding devices or pursue surgery, though surgery is rarely necessary.³ Different treatments for diastasis recti are outlined here:

If you wonder about working out with diastasis recti, you may find conflicting information about the best way to rebuild core stability. However, certain movements and exercises are essential to regaining core strength and stability. Many sources say that when you have diastasis recti, you should avoid traditional core workouts and poses, such as crunches, plank, downward dog, and boat pose. These can increase abdominal pressure, push ab muscles out, and worsen separation. Many sources also recommend avoiding heavy lifting, and a good rule of thumb is not to lift anything heavier than your baby.³

However, one study demonstrated that curl-ups could strengthen and thicken abdominal muscles without increasing separation.⁶ The key is to ensure you are performing these diastasis recti exercises properly and with awareness — watch your belly as you do the curl-up to ensure no noticeable protrusion or coning is occurring.⁶

Another study implemented a deep core stability exercise program that significantly decreased abdominal separation and increased quality of life. The program involved diaphragmatic breathing, Kegel exercises, plank poses, and isometric abdominal contraction.⁷

A physical therapist who specializes in core and pelvic floor concerns of pregnancy and postpartum may be able to help tailor a core rehabilitation program for you. While diastasis recti physical therapy can sometimes improve the appearance of a midline bulge, it is more effective at regaining the proper function of the ab muscles, regardless of how they appear.¹

This means that while you may be looking for a dramatic difference between diastasis recti before and after photos, the more important thing is you regain proper function of your abdominal muscles to improve symptoms such as instability, incontinence, and back and pelvic pain.

Buy Here

Some women wear abdominal binders postpartum to hold their abdomen in place and provide low back support. Wearing a binder can remind you to use good posture and engage your core muscles properly; however, these binders do not strengthen the core or heal diastasis recti.³

Surgery can reconstruct, repair, or strengthen the linea alba to decrease bulging.¹ It can be performed laparoscopically or open, but it is usually reserved for severe cases that do not respond to therapy.¹ Some consider this surgery controversial because it is mostly performed for cosmetic purposes. Diastasis recti may be improved in a “tummy tuck” procedure.⁸

Those who have had repair surgery may feel dissatisfied if their symptoms or appearance do not improve as they expected. Surgery can also cause complications such as infection, bruising, scarring, and other abdominal damage, and a relapse of the diastasis is also possible.¹ If you choose to pursue surgery, you should wait at least two years following childbirth, and you should not be planning for any future pregnancies.⁸ Surgery is necessary in the case of an umbilical hernia, in which part of an organ pops through the linea alba.³

You may not be able to completely prevent abdominal separation during pregnancy, as this naturally happens to accommodate your growing baby. However, you can do things to decrease the severity of the separation and lower your risk of diastasis persisting postpartum:³

Core-specific exercises like sit-ups and planks can increase belly pressure and cause abdominal separation. These are best avoided after the first trimester of pregnancy. Similarly, heavy lifting of weights or even groceries or toddlers can cause strain. Limit heavy lifting to prevent excessive abdominal pressure. When heavy lifting cannot be avoided, engage your deep core muscles to support your rectus abdominis muscles. Watch your belly for linea alba protrusion during lifting, and modify your motions to decrease coning.³

One way to avoid undue pressure in your abdomen during pregnancy and postpartum is to log roll when getting out of bed. Instead of doing a sit-up or crunch to rise from a reclined position, roll to one side, then use your arms to press yourself up. Decreasing abdominal pressure in everyday activities like this may help prevent diastasis recti from developing or worsening.³

Belly breathing engages your core with each breath, releasing pressure and tension. This can help prevent abdominal separation. To practice belly breathing, place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Inhale. Your belly should press out while your chest remains stationary.^3,9

Multiple studies have shown that prenatal and postpartum exercise can reduce the width and severity of the ab gap. This may be because exercise helps you maintain core strength during pregnancy and postpartum and also helps with weight management.¹⁰

One study found that body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy are related to the development of diastasis recti. Awareness of weight gain during pregnancy and keeping your weight gain healthy may help prevent diastasis recti.²

Fortunately, it is never too late to fix diastasis recti. If it has been years since you have had a baby and you are still dealing with diastasis recti, you might be wondering how to fix it years later. You can almost always repair abdominal separation with the right physical therapy exercises. The same exercises, core engagement, and bodily awareness that can repair diastasis recti in the early postpartum days can improve your diastasis years later.³

After all your body has been through in pregnancy and postpartum, it can be frustrating and disheartening to experience lasting effects on your abdominal muscles. While it can be tempting to jump back into core workouts to sculpt your body and regain strength, this may be counterintuitive. Fortunately, diastasis recti can drastically improve with the right therapy and some time.

12 Signs of a High-Needs Baby and What You Can Do

Danielle Rush — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 11:00:19 +0000

Having a newborn is life-changing. This new little one relies on you to fulfill their every need — a demanding job. Personalities become quickly apparent, and preferences are made known. First-time and seasoned parents are greeted with fresh challenges as they navigate this new person. And sometimes, parents must navigate life with a high-needs baby.

What does it mean when your baby is more demanding, intense, and draining than others? A high-needs baby requires more attention, more intuitiveness, and a lot of grace. While it may seem like no end is in sight, you will make it through with the right strategies and support.

It should be no secret — babies cry. Crying is a normal form of communication that infants rely on to make their needs known. Babies who have issues with early behaviors of crying, sleeping, and feeding will often receive the title of “a difficult” baby.¹

“High-needs baby” is not a medical diagnosis, and because of this, there is limited research available. Instead, this term describes a behavior pattern that affects approximately 20% of newborns.² Most of what we know of high-needs newborns results from parent experience and hallmark characteristics.

It is essential to identify a high-needs baby so you can have a better understanding and plan to meet your child’s needs while maintaining your sanity.

You may have a high-needs baby if their behaviors are consistently more extreme than other children. Medical experts identify 12 trademark features of a high-needs baby. They are:³

High-needs babies seemingly overreact to everything with demanding cries, loud protestations, and ravenous feedings. The baby’s feelings are evident in their everyday activities and tense body language.

The intensity of a high-needs newborn’s reaction is incredibly demanding on the caregiver. They want now, not in a few minutes. You may feel as though your newborn’s behavior is controlling what you do.

Being “hyperactive” is a trait with a negative connotation. But for a baby, hyperactivity describes the muscles and mind always being ready to go and rarely willing to sit still or be calm.

A super sensitive, high-needs baby is highly aware of the environment around them. This leads to an easily startled baby who prefers the safety of their environment and is resistant to other caregivers. In addition, they react in a big way when something bothers them.

High-needs babies are described as clingy, consistently preferring the comfort of their primary caregiver. New people and new places cause anxiety for the baby. Screaming often ensues when they find themselves in another’s arms.

A high-needs baby only wants to be held and cries when they’re put down. They crave your touch and movement as their safe place. Baby-wearing may become your specialty.

Instead of using a pacifier, thumb, or other object to self-soothe, a high-needs baby prefers their caregivers to help them be calm. They need lots of help falling asleep. These babies must learn to trust that their parents will teach them to relax.

The intensity and hyperactivity of a high-needs infant carry through to the nighttime. Their restlessness is a product of their ultra-sensitive nature and ability to overreact to stimuli. Because they generally crave physical contact and have difficulty self-soothing, high-needs babies don’t transition well into dreamland when they are put down.⁴

Despite your best efforts, your high-needs baby never seems satisfied, content, or comfortable. As a parent, this can be incredibly frustrating and defeating.

High-needs newborns are constantly fluid in their likes and dislikes. What worked yesterday does not work today. This is the same for their emotional intensity. Frequent mood swings leave no middle ground between happy and angry.

High-needs babies often seek comfort with feeding. Breastfeeding is incredibly comforting. You may find that your baby asks to be fed frequently but only breastfeeds for a few minutes.

Because of the other characteristics, it might feel like high-needs babies require every bit of energy from you, and it never feels like enough. With all the love and energy you pour into your little one, it can feel draining.

It is important to remember that having a high-needs baby is not your fault. We do not know why some babies have more sensitive and reactive temperaments. As with the personalities of children and adults, infants also have different dispositions, with some requiring much more attention than others.

Some limited research suggests that babies with regulatory behavior problems — excessive crying and issues with sleep and feeding — are at higher risk for developing behavioral problems as they grow.^2,5Some research has shown an association between an older infant’s 12 month-behavior and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers.⁶

Many high-needs newborns have changes in their temperament as they age, which can be shaped by their environment, early prevention, and interventions for significant issues.⁵

A high-needs baby does not mean your child has autism or is on the spectrum. Subtle signs of autism can be observed before age 2. These signs generally relate to language development, play with peers and alone, eye contact, response to their name, and repetitive behaviors.⁷

If you are concerned about the signs of autism or your child is at a genetically higher risk for autism, do not hesitate to speak with your pediatrician.

Caring for a high-needs infant can be emotionally and physically taxing for parents and caregivers. Infant feeding and crying difficulties are associated with parental anxiety, depression, and bonding issues.¹ Here are some suggestions for coping with your high-needs infant.

More than likely, your infant’s demands are temporary. As they grow and develop emotionally and physically, they will become more consistent, independent, and communicative. It is hard to recognize this when you are in the thick of it, but relief is on the way.

Set low expectations for daily tasks. Your baby’s needs will be the priority. Accept that you will have good days and bad days, days when you feel like a failure, and other days that are great successes. Forgive yourself for feelings of guilt, frustration, annoyance, and resentment.

Our perception that a baby should be independent and proficient at self-soothing is an adult desire but not the baby’s reality. They know nothing of this. The child-parent attachment is strong, and infants do not see themselves as separate from their parents.

Your high-needs baby is unpredictable and inconsistent. So, you must be flexible and fluid with your attempts to comfort and satisfy. Be willing to play a continual game of trial and error. Accept that one technique will work some days, but the next day may require something new.

You will quickly learn that your baby has a language of its own. Focus on the differences in your baby’s fussiness and cries to identify their needs. Try to find some consistency in their likes and dislikes. This will help you react appropriately to their needs sooner.

Because of your baby’s vast array of daily likes and dislikes, you must develop various strategies to fulfill their needs or help them relax. Take notes if it helps.

Recognize your role as a parent to provide comfort, ensure safety, and guide them even on the most challenging days. While you’ll have tough days, resist the urge to feel like a victim or that your child is doing anything on purpose. Despite their behavior, your baby is only doing what it knows how to do to be comforted or fed.

It is essential to discuss your concerns about your infant’s behavior and advocate for your mental health. Gaining support from your partner, family, or friends can help you get through the most challenging days. Joining a parent community, even a virtual one, will give you an outlet to share your frustrations and commonalities with others.

A high-needs baby can make parenting feel like a black hole, and relief can feel light years away. It is vital for your well-being that you develop stress-coping skills and strategies for meeting your little one’s needs.

Introducing New Foods to Baby With Yogurt Feeding Hacks

Jamie Adams — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:00:32 +0000

Ready to start feeding your little one, or is the intimidation kicking in? The journey of introducing new foods to a baby can be both exciting and challenging. While providing a diverse and nutritious diet is essential, as a mom of two under three, I know firsthand it’s not always easy to get our little ones to embrace unfamiliar flavors. Here, I will share some creative feeding hacks I learned along the way. I hope these yogurt hacks help make the feeding process enjoyable for you and your baby, too!

Before we dive into some fun feeding hacks using yogurt, you might wonder why we recommend yogurt for babies. Let’s explore why yogurt is an excellent choice for introducing new foods to your baby and why Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt is our favorite option.

Stonyfield YoBaby Organic yogurt has essential nutrients for your baby’s growth and development. Its calcium, vitamin D, and protein support healthy bone development and overall well-being.^1,2,7,8 It’s made without the use of harmful additives, artificial flavors, and preservatives, making it a wholesome and safe choice.

One of the standout features of YoBaby yogurt is the inclusion of probiotics. These beneficial bacteria promote a healthy digestive system, supporting your baby’s gut health.^3,9 Introducing yogurt early can reduce the risk of digestive issues.^4,9

3. Texture and Taste

Babies and toddlers are notoriously picky eaters, but YoBaby yogurt has a smooth texture and delicious taste. The mild and creamy consistency often appeals to young taste buds, making it a favorite among little ones (and parents). The subtle sweetness of yogurt helps ensure that introducing new foods becomes a delightful experience.

Now that you know all the benefits of yogurt for babies, let’s dive into how you can use yogurt to help introduce new foods to your baby as you embark on your feeding journey.

Starting with cereal is a common step in a baby’s culinary journey. And rightly so, given its high iron content and ease of preparation.⁵ To make it more appealing, consider mixing baby food cereal with yogurt. Mix one tablespoon of baby food cereal directly into a cup of yogurt. The creamy texture of the yogurt adds a delightful twist, making it more palatable for your little one. Experiment with various YoBaby yogurt flavors to discover your baby’s favorite.

Research shows that introducing peanuts early may help reduce allergy risk.⁶ Experts recommend introducing nuts and peanuts between 4 and 11 months of age. However, whole nuts come with choking hazards, and the stickiness of nut butters poses a challenge when attempting to introduce them to your little one. Mixing a teaspoon of nut butter with a cup of YoBaby yogurt can help thin out the nut butter, making it easier for your little one to enjoy. This is a great way to introduce nut butters to your baby for allergy prevention and boosts flavor!

Incorporating fruits into your baby’s diet provides many vitamins and minerals. Dice or mash fruits and mix them directly into your YoBaby yogurt cup. Some fruits that you can easily mash up and stir into yogurt include:

Strawberries
Bananas
Blueberries
Raspberries
Peaches
Plums
Apricots
Mangoes

For a refreshing treat, try creating yogurt fruit popsicles (see our instructions below). These frozen delights not only introduce new flavors but also soothe teething discomfort.

Getting your baby to enjoy vegetables can be daunting. However, blending veggies into a creamy yogurt puree might do the trick. You can also make veggie yogurt bites — a convenient and mess-free way to offer a yummy snack.

Author: Jamie Adams

Print Recipe

Description

Veggie yogurt bites are a mess-free way to offer your baby a tasty snack, combining a variety of vegetables with YoBaby yogurt in one go!

1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, broccoli, etc.), steamed and finely chopped
1/2 cup YoBaby yogurt
2 tablespoons finely grated cheese (optional)
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for greasing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a mini muffin tin with a small amount of olive oil.
Combine the finely chopped mixed vegetables in a mixing bowl with YoBaby yogurt. If you’re using grated cheese, add it to the mixture, and mix well.
Stir in the whole wheat flour and crack in the egg. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until you have a well-combined batter.
Add garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings based on your baby’s preferences.
Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-18 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and set in the center.
Allow the veggie yogurt bites to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, these bites can be served directly to your baby. They are a convenient and mess-free way to introduce vegetables and yogurt in a tasty package.

Feel free to customize the recipe based on your baby’s preferences and dietary needs. These veggie yogurt bites are a great way to encourage your baby to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a fun and manageable form.

The versatility of yogurt allows for a variety of ways in which you can introduce foods to a baby. You can try spoon-feeding, dipping, drizzling, and so much more!

A visually appealing bowl can make mealtime more exciting for your baby. Arrange different foods colorfully and invitingly. Combine textures like crunchy waffle sticks and soft fruits to create a sensory-rich experience. Allow your baby to dip their favorite foods into the bowl of yogurt, offer them a spoon to dive right in, or drizzle it on top of their food. The versatility of yogurt allows you to experiment with various combinations, ensuring your baby gets a well-rounded meal.

Tiny popsicle molds are not just for warm weather. Use them to create yogurt popsicles with added food items for variety. These frozen treats can be a lifesaver during teething episodes, relieving your baby’s sore gums. The cooling effect and the delicious taste of YoBaby yogurt make this feeding hack a win-win.

All you need is a popsicle mold and a combination of whole fruit and yogurt. Mash up some whole fruit (or puree it in a blender), mix it with a cup of yogurt, pour this into a popsicle mold, and let it sit in your freezer overnight. Play with fruit and yogurt combinations to find your baby’s favorite. Some of our favorites include:

Mixed berries
Pineapple mango
Strawberry banana
Blueberry peach

For a mess-free feeding experience, try freezing yogurt in mesh pacifiers. This introduces a new method of consumption and serves as a soothing remedy for teething discomfort. The mesh pacifiers ensure your baby enjoys the yogurt without the risk of choking or making a mess.

As you embark on this journey of introducing new foods to your baby, consider these tips for a smooth and enjoyable experience:

Take it slow and introduce one new food at a time. This allows your baby to adjust to flavors and textures without feeling overwhelmed. Watch their reactions and proceed accordingly.

Every baby is unique, and their preferences may vary. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and expressions during mealtime. This will help you understand their likes and dislikes, allowing you to tailor their meals accordingly.

3. Maintain a Balance

Strive for a balance of flavors and textures in your baby’s meals. Mixing and matching different food groups enhances nutritional value and keeps mealtime interesting for your little one.

Introducing new foods to your baby can be a delightful adventure with the right feeding hacks and the goodness of YoBaby yogurt. Experiment with these creative ideas, pay attention to your baby’s cues and relish the joy of watching them explore the world of flavors. Enjoy this bonding time over meals and create positive associations with nutritious foods.

As you embark on this journey, remember that each baby is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Share your experiences, learn from other parents, and savor the precious moments of discovering your baby’s favorite foods. Happy feeding!

Baby Chick

When Do Babies Sit Up? What You Need To Know

When Do Babies Sit Up?

Signs Your Baby Is Almost Ready To Start Sitting Up

How Do Babies Learn To Sit Up?

How To Help Baby Sit Up

Provide Support

Tummy Time

Exercise and Massage

Limit Container Time

Baby Sitting Up: What Milestone Comes Next?

What To Do if You Suspect a Developmental Delay

What to Watch in February for Kids and Adults

What to Watch for Kids

What to Watch in the Theater

Peppa’s Cinema Party: February 9, 2024

What to Watch on Streaming

What to Watch on Netflix

Avatar: The Last Airbender: February 22, 2024

What to Watch on Disney Plus

Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends: Season 3: February 9, 2024

Iwaju: February 28, 2024

What to Watch on Paramount Plus

The Tiger’s Apprentice: February 2, 2024

What to Watch for Adults

What to Watch in the Theater

Argylle: February 2, 2024

Lisa Frankenstein: February 9, 2024

The Private Eye: February 9, 2024

Madame Web: February 14, 2024

Bob Marley: One Love: February 14, 2024

Adam the First: February 14, 2024

Land of Bad: February 16, 2024

Ordinary Angels: February 23, 2024

What to Watch on Streaming

What to Watch on Netflix

One Day: February 8, 2024

Taylor Tomlinson: Have It All: February 13, 2024

Love Is Blind: Season 6: February 14, 2024

The Vince Staples Show: February 15, 2024

Mike Epps: Ready To Sell Out: February 20, 2024

Everything Everywhere All at Once: February 23, 2024

The 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards: February 24, 2024

What to Watch on Hulu

Love & WWE: Bianca and Montez: February 2, 2024

50/50 Flip: Season 2: February 7, 2024

Suncoast: February 9, 2024

Life & Beth: Season 2: February 16, 2024

What to Watch on Amazon Prime

Mr. and Mrs. Smith: February 2, 2024

Upgraded: February 9, 2024

This Is Me…Now: A Love Story: February 16, 2024

Jenny Slate: Seasoned Professional: February 23, 2024

The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy: February 23, 2024

What to Watch on Apple TV Plus

The New Look: February 14, 2024

The Dynasty: New England Patriots: February 16, 2024

Constellation: February 21, 2024

What to Watch on Disney Plus

The Marvels: February 7, 2024

Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Season 3: February 21, 2024

What to Watch on Paramount Plus

Halo: Season 2: February 8, 2024

The Family Stallone: Season 2: February 21, 2024

What to Watch on Peacock

King From Queens: The Run DMC Story: February 1, 2024

Bosco: February 2, 2024

Oppenheimer: February 16, 2024

Healthier Postpartum Hair with Viviscal

Why my hair?

My “New Hair, New You” Renewal Plan

Hair Supplements

Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements

Other supplements I am taking are:

Hair Products

Viviscal Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

Viviscal Thickening Shampoo

Viviscal Strengthening Conditioner

Viviscal Thickening Serum

Viviscal Volumizing Dry Shampoo