Weight Loss after Pregnancy

                                                           Gestational Diabetes
 

It is estimated that 18% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes. The actual cause of gestational diabetes is unclear, but it seems that placental hormones prevent the mother’s insulin from being able to remove blood sugar (glucose) from her bloodstream. Consequently, high levels of glucose in the mother’s blood stream means that for her baby, too!

At 24 weeks of pregnancy, a blood test is done to check for gestational diabetes. If the mother is found to have it, she is to be placed on a special diet, exercise program, and taught how to test and regulate her blood sugar levels. Recently, a new blood test came out that can be done earlier in pregnancy to detect this disorder.

If gestational diabetes is not treated and controlled properly during pregnancy, the baby is at risk for delivery complications from large birth weight, low blood sugar & breathing difficulties at birth, and later for childhood obesity & adult onset diabetes. 

It can be frightening to have gestational diabetes, but by working closely with a health care team to  keep blood sugar levels stable, a healthy pregnancy is possible. Although gestational diabetes usually goes away after birth, it is common for it to return in subsequent pregnancies and seems to be associated with the development of adult onset diabetes (Type 2) later in life. However, by maintaining a healthy weight and diet, along with regular exercise, most are able to lower their risk of this occurring significantly!


Written by: Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN


References:
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/gestational/how-to-treat-gestational.html

A man can feel uncomfortable carrying a diaper bag, especially when he is a new dad! Since dads share in taking care of their children, whether it be taking them to run errands or for a fun adventure at the park, they prefer masculine print messenger baby bags or backpack diaper bags.  These styles, made by Kalencom, have the following features:

Messenger Diaper Bags:

•  2 magnetic clips keep the top flap closed
•  Roomy interior with 3 pockets and 2 elastic bottle holder loops
•  Adjustable shoulder strap
•  2 outside pockets
•  Matching Thinsulate™ insulated bottle bag
•  Coordinating zippered pouch
•  Large fold-out padded changing pad
• AZO free & No Phthalates/DEHP, DBP, or BOP in PVC.
• Dimensions: 16"L x 6"W x 11"H

Backpack Diaper Bags:

• Insulated Exterior Bottle Pocket
• Zippered Feeding Compartment
• Access to Interior from Top and Side
• Zip Down Changing Station with Large Diaper Changer Pad
• Outside Gathered Pocket
• Comfortable, Adjustable Backpack Straps
• Dirty Duds Pouch
• Dimensions: 13.50”L x 7.50”W x 16"H

Tip: Diaper bags make fun & practical baby shower gifts for new dads!

                                                                      Baby Sleep

After reading about techniques to promote good baby sleeping habits, a few nuggets of wisdom stood out that were consistent with what I have discovered from my experience as a mother of three children, aunt of 15 nieces and nephews, and registered nurse. Lack of sleep is a frustrating experience for all new parents and learning some helpful tips about how to promote better sleep for you and your baby is crucial for your and your baby's health.


1. Be Flexible In Choosing Baby Sleeping Techniques- Perhaps the biggest lesson I have learned in the past 25 years is that each child is different, so flexibility is a key factor in parenting! What works with one child may not work for another. Our first child was very active, even in the womb, and easily stimulated by the environment. Not realizing how to help him sleep, I tried several different baby sleep training techniques that I had read about and learned from talking with other mothers, like letting him "cry it out," using a pacifier, placing him in a car seat near the washing machine, and driving him around the block several times. I also tried carrying him in a front pack while vacuuming the house and limiting day naps. These methods were unsuccessful, but after trial and error and considering his tendency to become over stimulated, I found that providing a quiet, calm, dim environment, and using soothing words would best settle him to sleep.



2. Develop A Bedtime Ritual- I have found that children of all ages respond well to routine. In an article by "Baby Center," parents reported that establishing a consistent bedtime routine was the number one way they helped promote newborn sleep. Since each baby is different, try different methods and decide which works best for you and your baby. Click on this link for a list of sleep training techniques: http://www.babycenter.com/0_baby-sleep-training-the-basics_1505715.bc?page=2
After you learn what sleeping method your baby responds to best, make it a ritual. Also, I have found that a bedtime routine provides a sense of familiarity during times of travel when baby sleep is easily disturbed by being in an unfamiliar environment.


3. Be Consistent- Over the years, I've seen how being consistent, whether it is establishing and being consistent with a bedtime routine or later with discipline, gives a child a sense of security from knowing what to expect. In research, consistency of a sleeping method seems to be more important than the actual method itself. Consistency is important, but remember to keep flexible during times that your baby is ill, teething, going through a new stage in development, or your schedule changes. Being too rigid will create stress for you and your baby, which may then negatively affect both of your sleep.


Establishing healthy sleeping habits will help you deal better with the many challenges of becoming a new parent and help your baby in getting the sleep necessary for proper growth and development. For questions or concerns about your baby's sleeping, always seek the advice of your baby's doctor, as there may be other contributing factors involved.



References:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/baby-sleep/FL00118
http://www.babycenter.com/0_parents-favorite-sleep-strategies_7528.bc
http://www.babycenter.com/0_establishing-a-bedtime-routine-with-your-baby_1507759.bc

Written by: Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN







 

                                   Modern Maternity Clothes|Accessorizing with High Waist Belts

During pregnancy, you can add style to simple maternity dresses by accessorizing with high waist belts. Made of stretchy elastic, high waist belts will grow with your changing body throughout your pregnancy! The pretty rose pattern is a beautiful, feminine touch for baby shower dresses and other special occasion dresses. A great addition to your modern maternity clothes wardrobe!

                           Baby Shower Dresses for the Fall Season Transformed for the Holidays!

If you are expecting a baby in the fall, you can easily wear your maternity dresses for baby showers in the coming holiday season. Consider this off the shoulder, peasant style maternity dress,  feminine when accented with a pretty high waist belt, which can later be transformed into a maternity evening dress  for holiday gatherings or other special occasions, by simply cinching your maternity dress with the elastic belt to fit your post-pregnancy waist. Finally, accessorize with festive jewelry & classy pumps to complete your new outfit for the holidays!

                                               Ideas for getting your Kids to Eat Healthy

During pregnancy, you were probably conscientious about eating healthy foods for your baby's proper development and health. However, as your children grow older, getting them to eat healthy foods can be a challenge! Consider the following tips to encourage fun and healthy eating habits:

1. Take your children grocery shopping with you and make it a scavenger hunt!

    a. Ask them to find 2 veggies in each color of green, red, and yellow.

    b. Encourage them to choose one new fruit each week.

2. Find creative ways to display food, making animals and birdhouses by cutting and arranging foods. Check Pinterest for some great ideas.

3. Let your children help you in the kitchen with food preparation, while making some healthy recipes.

4. Plan a cooking class with other moms and children. Or, find a cooking class at your local community center. To make sure they will learn to prepare healthy foods, talk with the instructor first.

By associating positive emotions with healthy food choices, your children will grow to love & eat food that will keep them healthy and strong!

Written by: Shelley Scheibel RN, BSN