If your baby was born prematurely, the first weeks and months ahead can be difficult. That is why it is so important that both parents are actively involved in the baby’s progress, even if you feel helpless. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways for you to be a hands-on dad, taking an active part in your child’s life and development. Remember that men and women cope differently, so be sure to be open and honest with your partner during this difficult time.

Accept your emotions. For the first time, you may be experiencing extreme emotions, such as anxiety, grief, resentment and fear. All of these feelings are normal and as your baby progresses, you’ll feel less of these emotions. You may also feel hope toward your baby’s future, as well as love, pride and amazement at how far your infant has come.

Spend time with your baby. Even though the NICU can seem unsettling at first, it won’t be long before you feel comfortable in the environment. Your baby’s stay will be made more positive if you form a good rapport with the staff, ask questions and be a part of the decision-making process. Hold and touch your baby as much as possible, and be sure to share news and updates with friends and family, just as you would with a full term infant.

Balance your responsibilities. Although you’re probably feeling very overwhelmed, it’s important to balance your work and family life. It won’t be long before you have to return to the office and you may have other children at home. Ask for help, accept help and try to maintain a good sense of humor.

Support your partner. Mom is scared too, and she may be spending more time at the hospital than you. Be sure to offer a supportive ear and listen when needed. This is also a good opportunity to be open and honest, sharing your own feelings with your partner. You two are the most powerful team for your infant and will continue to be his or her advocates throughout life.

Image c/o Wikimedia Commons

OK, so your little one came a bit earlier expected, and she is now out of the NICU. What now?

Temperature is key. Your baby is out in normal air temperature, but that doesn’t mean that she is safe. the temperature of a preemie can dip, and you could even think your thermometer is broken. It is important to learn to take your baby’s rectal temperature right. In the first 2 weeks, check baby’s temp about every 6 hours just to be safe. The best way to protect is to wrap your preemie in layers.

Because your preemie is not fully developed like she should be at her age, you may need to wake her up every 4 or 5 hours (especially during the night) to feed her.

Mother’s breast milk is full of vitamins, extra calories and nutrients that are imperative to your baby’s growth in the first few months. This is especially true for babies who come early. Premature babies have a higher risk of becoming sick because their immune systems are somewhat underdeveloped in the beginning.

Monitor your preemie at all times. If you have any strange feeling that something is not right, contact your pediatrician immediately.

Image c/o BumpBabyandBeyond.com

Finding childcare for any infant is challenging, and preemies have additional challenges to face. Although you may find your little one is a bit more delicate than his or her peers, it won’t be long before your infant catches up – in size and motor skills. But before you reach that point, there are important factors to consider when choosing childcare.

First, discuss your plans with your doctor. As long as your baby is now healthy and thriving, placing him or her in daycare shouldn’t be a problem. Yet if your baby had a difficult time and still struggles with respiratory problems, it may be better to wait it out. After all, all children pick up germs from daycare and are more at risk for such sicknesses as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

If you’re given the green light, go ahead and start looking at local daycare centers. Make sure the center you choose has a strict hand washing policy in place. There should be signs posted, a sink in each classroom and a full supply of soap and paper towels. When you ask about a hand washing policy, teachers should be able to tell you that children wash for at least 20 seconds before and after meals and after playing outside.

Also ask about a sick policy and how the daycare enforces it. Many centers accept kids with mild fevers, which can become a problem for your child. Although this is hard to control, the daycare shouldn’t allow sick kids to come to school – ever. Finally, ensure that your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date, giving him or her the greatest line of defense.

Remember, if your child isn’t ready for the daycare route, try reaching out to a family member, neighbor or even a home daycare. Your child can still thrive in an environment with a smaller group of children, at least for right now.

Image c/o BotMultichillT

Are you a fan of Anne Geddes? If you are a mother of an infant I am guessing you most likely are. Photographers all over the U.S are trying to emulate the gifted photography style of Anne Geddes. You know what I’m talking about, the cute little babies, especially sweet little preemies, inside of flower pots, etc. What mom wouldn’t want their little baby in one of these photos? Well, I would be lying if I said this comes at a very inexpensive price but if the truth be told, this kind of professional photography runs pretty steep.

Would you ever consider whipping out your camera and doing your own? Believe it or not this can be done and at a much cheaper price. Just call this the Anne Geddes knock off version. At this point you may be thinking; “how can this be done?” Well, if you are also a fan of Photoshop then keep reading. Your talents in Photoshop will turn your photos into something truly amazing.

There are two ways you can turn your photos into something as seen by Anne Geddes:

1. You can dress your sweet baby up in adorable costumes and use your own creative props.
2. Or, you can use your Photoshop smarts and recreate a scene from Anne Geddes.

Seems like two great options doesn’t it? Whichever option you choose, I am sure you will get absolutely darling results. Your friends and family will most definitely want to share in the fun as well. And don’t be surprised if they beg you for multiple photos.

How about you? Have you ever gotten your baby’s photo done by someone like Anne Geddes? Maybe you have gotten creative and created your own Anne Geddes scenes? Please share with us your experiences, we would love to hear from you.

Source: Digital Camera Photography News

Image: Free Digital Photos

Whether you are weaning your baby off of breast milk or just simply searching for the right baby formula to supplement with breast milk, which brand is the best and most gentle on your baby’s digestive system?

Because there are so many types of baby formulas out there, I have narrowed down the list to the top 5 baby formula brands that are on the market today.

Top 5 Formula Brands

Enfamil Premium Lipil- This is by far the best brand on the market, though it’s the priciest. It’s the only formula that actually promotes growth and development. It also supports eye and brain development and supports the immune system. It’s the closest formula to resemble mother’s breast milk because it contains DHA and ARA.

Similac Advance Early Shield- This particular formula has prebiotics to aid in proper digestion. It also helps build immunity.

Nestle Good Start- This formula contains comfort proteins also known as whey proteins. It is very gentle on a baby’s digestive system.

Parent’s Choice Milk Infant Formula- This is a Walmart brand and is the closet to the Enfamil brand.

Bright Beginnings Milk Based Infant Formula- This formula contains vegetarian blends and nutrition levels which are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

It’s best to consult your baby’s pediatrician before deciding on the best formula for your baby’s health and well being. Remember, breast milk is the best milk that your baby could ever consume so consider this before shopping for baby formula. If you are unable to nurse at this time for whatever reason, hopefully this list of baby formulas will give you a head start in searching for the proper nutrition for your sweet baby.

Do you give your baby formula or do you nurse? Maybe both? Please feel free to share your experiences with us.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Sources: Enfamil, Similac, Brightbeginnings, Parent Choice Formula

This is an ongoing debate and controversy amongst parents. Some parents choose to wait until their little one is older to get her ears pierced, and other parents choose to get them done as infants because it is said that they can’t feel the pain because their nerve endings are still developing. If that’s true why do babies cry after getting them pierced? I have been told by my pediatrician that it’s the sound of the earring gun. Okay, makes sense doesn’t it? But is that really the truth?

I have three little girls and all three of them got their ears pierced as babies between the ages of 3 months and 6 months old. My children’s pediatrician’s office currently performs ear piercings so it was all safe and sanitary and very comforting to have a nurse perform the piercings. Don’t get me wrong, I was very skeptical of the thought but when their doctor and the nurses assured me that it was safe for them, I got them done. Let me tell you I am so glad that I did.

I have little girls with pierced ears and they don’t even remember a thing. I don’t have to worry about hearing; “Mommy, I want my ears pierced.” Why am I glad I don’t have to hear those words? Well, I remember going to the mall a while back and a little girl was getting her ears pierced. Let me just say it wasn’t a happy experience for her. You could tell it absolutely hurt. I got my ears pierced when I was 4 years old, and goodness gracious I so remember how much it actually hurt. Did my girls cry whey they got theirs pierced? Honestly, for my babies, very few tears where shed. They screamed and cried when it came to vaccinations but not with the piercings.

Whatever your decision as a parent, don’t let others judge you based on that decision. You will get parents that think you are crazy and cruel for getting them done so early but if the truth be told, if you don’t want your little one to feel it or remember it, I would do it ASAP. But if you prefer to wait until your child is much older because of fears, then this is okay too. Whatever decision is made doesn’t make you an unfit parent.

If you do choose to get your baby’s ears pierced, be advised that there are risks of infection, etc. Just keeping the ears cleaned on a daily basis will prevent those risks.

What are your thoughts and views on this subject? Will you get your baby’s ears pierced early on or will you wait until she is older? Please share with us, we would love to hear from you.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Source: Baby Center

Whether you just found out that you’re pregnant or your expected due date is right around the corner, you’ve probably heard plenty of talk about a birth plan. A birth plan is a communication tool that explains how you would like everything handled during your labor and delivery. Since this time will be overwhelming and prevent you from thinking (or acting) rationally, your birth plan acts as your voice.

So what are some things to include in your birth plan?

- How do you want pain managed during labor?

- What types of pain medication are you willing to take?

- How do you feel about induction?

- What if a C-section is necessary?

- Do you want the labor or delivery captured on camera or video?

- Do you want to avoid an episiotomy?

- How do you want your baby to be handled after delivery?

These are just some of the questions you want to have answered in your birth plan, making your intentions clear to everyone in a non-confrontational way. Of course, this is just a plan and one that cannot always be followed. As you’ve already discovered, babies have a schedule of their own and ultimately, what’s best for mom and baby will be done, regardless of your preferences.

To help you make a formal plan, use the free tools online that generate a detailed birth plan for you to fill out. Print out several copies for you, your partner and those involved with the labor. Be sure to tuck one in your hospital bag and update the plan if necessary.

Image c/o similac.com

Have you ever been shopping for a humidifier whether for your own sweet baby or for someone else’s and discovered they are either labeled “cool mist” or  “warm mist”. What’s the difference and which one should you choose?  This question I asked myself just recently and I ended up doing some pretty extensive research on the subject since I wanted the best for my baby girl.  Here is what I found over at eHow.

Cool Mist Humidifiers

Cool mist humidifiers are recommended for young children.  “It helps treat asthma and allergy type symptoms.”  Cool air is easier to breathe than warm air.  If we think about this in detail this is so the truth.  It is definitely more difficult to breathe warmer air causing discomfort, so this can be a potential danger for newborns and infants with breathing issues if you choose the warm air humidifiers.

Cool mist humidifiers are known to be easier to clean and trap less bacteria, etc.  Rinsing this particular humidifier every few days cuts down on germs in the environment.  They are also known as environmentally friendly since it tends to use less electricity than warm mist humidifiers.

Warm Mist Humidifiers

Warm mist humidifiers are ideal for treating cold and flu symptoms.  If you experience congestion, stuffed up nose, and aches, the warm mist helps relieve those miserable symptoms.  Warm mist humidifiers also kill any mold present in the home.  If it a cold time of year it is best to consider a warm mist humidifier.  This helps warm up a room especially at night.

Many people prefer warm mist humidifiers because they don’t make any noise like cool mist humidifiers do.  Again, if you have a small child or baby residing in your home, consider the cool mist.  You want the best for your little one, especially during those “sicky” times of year.

I just recently noticed that there are humidifiers that have both cool mist and warm mist settings.  This is the one we went with since it was so hard to decide what was worth purchasing.  Basically, you may spend about the same amount on a dual setting rather than just one setting.

Hopefully this cleared some things up for you regarding the differences between “cool mist” and “warm mist’ humidifiers as it definitely helped me as confused as I was.  How about you?  Which humidifier do you find works best in your home?  Maybe you have a dual mist humidifier.  Feel free to share your experiences with both.  We would love to hear from you.

Image: Wikipedia Commons

The short answer is no!

With so many products available for pregnancy, infants, and beyond, it can be challenging to keep them all straight. You have probably heard a lot about baby pillows and nursing pillows, but here is one thing you may be surprised to find out – they can be the same thing!

What makes a baby pillow?

If you have seen the beautiful cribs in many baby catalogs, you might be confused to hear that babies really shouldn’t have pillows in their cribs until they are over a year old. Pillows can lead to suffocation or other dangers, which is why baby pillow is often a misnomer. However, babies enjoy resting on pillows, particularly during tummy time as this makes the position more comfortable.

What makes a nursing pillow?

Nursing pillows are a great way to make it more comfortable to breastfeed your baby. It can be difficult to find the ideal position for your baby to latch onto the breast, and once you find that position, it can be difficult or painful to hold it for the many hours spent nursing each day. A nursing pillow solves this problem by proving a secure and safe place for the baby to rest while you nurse, allowing both of you to be more comfortable during these special shared moments. Nursing pillows can be used as baby pillows during tummy time, which means you get two great products in one!

After nearly 40 weeks of being pregnant, it’s not uncommon for women to want to try to induce labor on their own. While most of these fun tactics are simply that, it can’t hurt to put them to the test! Remember that you should only try to naturally induce labor after 38 weeks when your baby is considered full term. So get to work and see if one of these will work for you!

Balsamic Vinegar. Add a splash to your evening salad!

Acupressure. Pressure points in your back and shoulder well can be stimulated using your thumb and forefinger.

Massage. Work only with someone who is trained in pregnancy massages. He or she will know the right pressure points that can induce labor.

Nipple Stimulation. This really does work, as the hormones produced can cause contractions! However, it needs to be done for an hour at a time, which may lead little time for other things.

Spices. Licorice, basil, oregano and motherwort are all spices that have been linked to inducing labor.

Foods. Juicy pineapple, eggplant, spicy foods and Chinese foods have all been said to induce labor. Fortunately, these foods will be tasty during your final weeks of pregnancy whether they induce labor or not!

Sex. The sperm help to soften the cervix and also have prostaglandins, which induce contractions. And, orgasms cause contractions, which may set you off into labor after having a bit of fun.

Castor Oil. There is some debate over this, so be sure to use with caution. While castor oil is known to stimulate contractions, it can also cause diarrhea and vomiting. However, it is these cramps in the bowels that often set off contractions.

Exercise. Whether it’s swimming, taking a long stroll or swinging on a swing, all of these exercises have been known to stimulate contractions.

Bouncing on an Exercise Ball. Consider it great practice for the real thing. This bouncing causes the baby to move up and down, hopefully getting him or her ready to make the grand exit.  Luna Lullaby offers a great Bounce-a-Bye Baby Ball that is helpful before birth during your pregnancy, during birth to ease any pressure or discomfort and after you give birth as a workout for mommy and a great way to soothe a fussy baby.

Tea. Raspberry leaf or thyme tea are great ones to try. With raspberry leaf, it should be incorporated into the diet around 34 weeks. Not only can it lead to a natural induction, but it can shorten labor, a real win-win situation.

While the medical community is mixed on whether or not these natural induction methods actually work, they are safe to try after 38 weeks. Has one of them worked for you? Share your story with us!

Image c/o squidoo.com