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Recognizing postpartum depression
By Rose Eichenhofer, M.A., LCSW |
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In the first months after childbirth, a mother’s body goes through significant physical and hormonal changes. At the same time, she has new responsibilities, with all the thrills and stresses involved in having a new infant. And during it all, she is probably sleep deprived. So it is perfectly normal for her to feel the gamut of emotions—from total joy to panic. In fact, most women experience the “baby blues,” mild depression lasting for a few days or weeks after childbirth.
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However, an estimated 10 - 20 percent of mothers with new infants experience postpartum depression, a more severe form of emotional distress. For those mothers, early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve their suffering, making it possible for them to feel like themselves again and to enjoy their new baby ...
See the full article. |
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Do you make your own baby food?
This issue's poll is closed. |
Answer to last issue’s question
Q: What are you going to encourage your children to call their grandparents?
A: The majority (66%) of those who answered the poll said "Grandma and Grandpa." The second most popular answer (25%) was "Nana and Papa," and 9% chose "Other." Thanks to everyone who answered the poll! |
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25 Things Every New Mother Should Know
By Martha Sears, RN
Father's First Steps: 25 Things Every New Dad Should Know
By Robert W. Sears, MD, and James M. Sears, MD
Reviewed by Ann Grauer, LCCE, FACCE, CD(DONA)
These two books may be little but they are mighty. Each is packed with comforting, reassuring information that the authors (all well-known experts on the care and well-being of infants and their parents) want to pass along. You will find ideas on the more practical aspects of parenting a new baby (how often does a newborn need a bath) and more philosophical (what if you and your mother-in-law disagree on your way of parenting). These little gems would make a great gift for anyone you know who is expecting.
Order this book online. |
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Minimizing back pain in pregnancy
By Claudia Koch, M.D.
Back pain is common during pregnancy. Research shows 50% - 80% of women experience it. Fortunately, there are plenty of things women can do both before and during pregnancy to minimize back pain.
Back pain happens in pregnancy because a woman’s body is changing. The pregnancy hormone relaxes joints and ligaments to prepare a woman’s body for childbirth – at the same time leaving her more prone to strains and injuries. The pregnant woman is gaining weight and her center of gravity is shifting as her belly extends. Women can prepare their bodies for the change before pregnancy through exercise, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle ...
See the full article
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Making your own baby food
By Diane Oakland, ICCE, IBCLC
Making your own baby food is a wholesome alternative to purchasing processed foods. While processed baby foods are not unhealthy for your baby, homemade foods eliminate additives and preservatives, as well as added sugar and salt, found in processed foods.
You can easily prepare meals that nutritious and customized to baby’s needs and desires, providing an enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. Also, it is not as time consuming as you may imagine.
You will want to consult with your pediatrician before preparing and introducing your baby to homemade foods, in order to be aware of health and safety issues involved.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent starting points for homemade baby food. Ideal starting foods include bananas, pears, apples, peaches, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, and butternut squash ...
See the full article |
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Checking in: First baby is one |
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When Beau Charles Peiffer of Belgium was born Sept. 20, 2007, he became Michelle and Sean’s fourth child and Columbia Center’s first, in our new hospital, that is. So we thought we would check in on the birthday boy.
“Beau is just starting to get into everything,” says Michelle of her busy toddler. Just the other day he was toilet papering the bathroom.
He’s well on his way to fitting in with an active athletic household. This season, his siblings, Bryce, 14, Karli, 10, and Jack, 5, keep Mom and Dad busy running between football and soccer games. It’s a busy life, but “I love babies,” says Michelle. “I’d have another one if I could.” |
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Calendar of Events
Click here for an extended list of our Calendar of Events
October
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Parent Talk: Parenthood, Fantasy to Reality, 10:00–11:30 am# |
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Meet The Doulas (held in the Columbia Center Lounge), 6:00–7:00 pm# |
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Parent Talk: Nursing Your Baby, Nurturing Yourself — A Gathering for Breastfeeding Families, 10:00–11:30 am# |
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Breastfeeding Your Baby, 6:30–8:45 pm* |
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*Registration required.
#Drop in. |
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News
Columbia Center Educational Panel: Motherhood: In Mind, Body and Spirit
In the first months after childbirth, a mother’s body goes through significant physical and hormonal changes. At the same time, she takes on new motherhood responsibilities, and all the thrills and stress they entail.
Please join us for a panel discussion about the emotional life of mothers of infants, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m., at Columbia Center. Physician Frederick G. Westreich, MD, FACOG; Columbia Center Doula Program Coordinator, Childbirth Educator and practicing doula Ann Grauer, LCCE, FACCE, CD(DONA) and pregnancy/postpartum mood disorder specialist and psychotherapist Rose Eichenhofer, MA, LCSW will explore the emotional life of mothers of infants and suggest strategies for managing the multitude of feelings women experience after birth. WTMJ4 reporter and TV personality Jessie Garcia will moderate.
Visit our Baby Oasis at Pumpkin Fest |
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Columbia Center’s Baby Oasis continues to make its rounds at festivals this fall, providing parents a comfortable place to feed and change their babies, or simply take a break from the crowds. There will be nurses on hand from Columbia Center, eager to answer parents’ questions about babies and more.
The Baby Oasis, trimmed in purple with sides showcasing photos of beautiful babies, is hard to miss. You may have seen us recently at the Wine & Harvest Fest in Cedarburg. Please stop by at Pumpkin Fest in Grafton, Oct. 11. |
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