Now that your sweet baby/preemie is strong enough to leave the NICU at the hospital, you may have endless questions like, “How do I properly care for my preemie?” It’s a scary thing to think about but it is also quite normal. If you are in need of some tips and support you have come to the right place. After I give you some tips that are straight from experienced parents and professionals I will lead you to a community for parents with preemies so that you may connect and share your stories, cares, concerns, etc.

Caring for your Preemie

• Be sure you have chosen the right pediatrician for your family and make medical appointments.
• Receive specialized training in CPR.
• If your preemie is a boy, you will most likely need to make a decision about circumcision. This may be done before your preemie leaves the hospital just like a full term baby boy.
• Make sure you have the appropriate car seat placed in the back seat of your vehicle facing the rear. Three-point or five-point harness systems are the best.
• Success in feeding and sleeping is so very important for a preemie.
• If your home is very warm, make sure your preemie only wears a diaper.
• Moms, make sure you take care of yourself too. Enough rest, eating properly, and exercise is very important.

For more benefical tips on how to care for your preemie, check out “taking home your preemie” on kidshealth.org.

If you would like to join a community of moms who are currently caring for a preemie, join “moms of preemies” on circleofmoms.com.

Source: Kids Health

Image: Wikimedia Commons

This has been an ongoing controversy for as long as I can remember. I think that the extent of the argument plays a role in what it means to “breastfeed in public.” I have seen moms in various places such as restaurants or malls simply whip it out for all to see with no thought whatsoever. Then I have seen other moms struggle to use a blanket to at least cover up and show some decency, keeping in mind this doesn’t always work. Then there are the moms who try so very hard to put their babies underneath their shirts to hide everything possible – and trust me, this just doesn’t work either.

I must say that for the moms who are not willing to hide their food source body parts, this is most definitely inappropriate not only to yourself, your baby, and possible siblings, but also to people who are around, especially those who also have children present. There are a lot of moms that would beg to differ on this opinion since they believe “all natural” is the way to go, and it’s how children learn the meaning of life. Okay, I believe that this is a little to far, but if you are one of those moms, then I can’t stop you and you are entitled to your opinion on the matter.

I don’t have a problem with breastfeeding in public as long as some sort of secure nursing cover is present. This is what I used while nursing my babies and the nice thing about those nursing covers is that they are so discreet and it almost looks like you don’t have a baby under there, but are just covering yourself up with a blanket because you are cold. I had someone comment on that.

What do you think?  Is it appropriate to breastfeed in public whether you are just whipping it out for all to see or using a blanket or nursing cover? Please share your thoughts and opinions, we would love to hear from you.

Image c/o Testing It Up

When used correctly, car seats can save lives. Choosing a car seat is only half the battle; knowing how to fasten your child into his or her seat is also vital. Make sure everyone in the family is aware of the new updates, including grandparents and caregivers.

The American Academy of Pediatrics have updated their recommendations:

1. Choose a seat that is appropriate for your child’s size.

Children must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are 2 years old and have exceeded the height and weight requirements of the seat. Keep in mind that when you move up car seats, for example a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat, you lose a bit of protection, so it’s best to keep your child in the safest seat for as long as possible.

2. The car seat must be installed properly.

Infants should ride in the rear seat, at a 45 degree angle that avoids slumping and breathing problems. Never place a car seat in the front seat. Follow the manual’s instructions for installation and if unsure, have the seat checked at your local fire station. Improperly installed car seats are common and lowers the effectiveness of the seat.

3. Your infant must be buckled in properly.

Another area where parents unknowingly go wrong is buckling their children into their seats. Make sure the straps are placed in the slots below the shoulders and the harness is snug. The retainer clip should be secured next to the child’s armpit, never down by the belly.

Visit the AAP for more information.

Image: lafayettecountyhealth.org