Mom e-news: August 2009

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Mom e-news from Columbia Center
Mom e-news from Columbia Center
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. School Days .
School Readiness
By Sarah Friedman
Of course you want the best for your child, and you know that eventually he or she will have to leave your side for preschool, but everywhere you look there are pressures to put your child ahead of the pack, to start him or her on the path to school as early as possible. It can be a bit overwhelming.
. How do you know if your child is ready for school? What can you do to put them on the right foot for their life of learning? ...

Read more.
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. What Do You Think?

How do you get your child excited about school?

1. Play school at home
2. Talk about all the exciting things he or she will get to do
3. He or she is already excited; I think I'm more nervous
4. Other

This issue’s poll is closed.

Last month, we asked at what age will you start swim classes for your baby.

· 64% said 6–12 months
· 29% said 1–2 years
· 7% said whenever baby seems ready
· No one said as soon as baby can hold his or her head up (3–4 months)

Thanks to everyone who participated in the July poll.


The Complete Illustrated Pregnancy Companion
“The Complete Illustrated Pregnancy Companion”
by Robin Elise Weiss

Reviewed by Ann Grauer, LCCE, FACCE, CD(DONA)

Robin Elise Weiss' latest effort is a beauty---a true beauty. Just thumbing through it is a delight for the eyes and draws the reader into wanting to know more. The information is solid and evidence-based without being preachy or overwhelming. Her style is honest and real and gives the reader every reason to keep on reading.

Reading "TCIPC" is like sitting down with the author on a lazy day, knitting and drinking a bit of tea. You are hanging out with a good friend who just happens to be an expert on labor and birth and you finally have the chance to ask the questions that have been on your mind. And the best part is that the author has a great sense of humor and a desire to help you feel more confident as you get closer to birthing your own baby.

Order Robin Elise Weiss’ “Complete Illustrated Pregnancy Companion” from Amazon.

Ann Grauer, LCCE, FACCE, CD(DONA) is Columbia Center’s Doula Services Coordinator and a childbirth educator.
The Doctor Is In
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The Doctor

Skin changes during pregnancy
By Dr. Jack Maloney, Dermatology

During pregnancy it may seem like everything is changing, your emotions, needs, thoughts and more. But the change that might make you the most uncomfortable is the one you feel everyone can see: your skin.

Skin changes in pregnancy are caused mostly by shifts in hormones, and there are certain differences that a new mom should expect:
  • A ‘mask like’ increase in pigmentation on the face, known as melasma
  • Stretch marks, known as striae, occur in up to 90% of pregnant women, on areas such as the abdomen, hips and buttocks
  • Redness of the face (‘pregnancy glow’), palms and soles of the feet
  • Spider veins (capillaries that become visible during pregnancy)
  • Acne (Many women experience worsened acne during pregnancy, but as many as 1/3 of women see their acne actually improve.)
  • Darkening of certain areas of skin, such as the nipples, areolae and genitalia
Skin changes do vary from woman to woman, but most changes are relatively mild and normal. However, it is still important to stay in communication with your doctor about any changes, particularly ones that concern you. A rash or significant itching should be evaluated by your doctor to rule out the possibility of a more serious problem.

With all of these changes, it is important to make sure you are taking care of your skin properly and with your baby in mind. I don’t generally recommend any specific skin routine changes. Certain prescription skin products should be avoided during pregnancy. ‘Retinoid’ medications, such as isotretinoin (Accutane) used for acne, should be avoided during pregnancy due to their risk for causing birth defects.

Pregnancy can cause your skin to become somewhat more itchy. Sarna lotion is a good over-the-counter product for itching in general. Itching can also occur if your skin becomes overly dry. In this case, a good moisturizer such as Eucerin or Cetaphil cream is what you need.

While a pregnant woman’s skin is not any more sensitive to sun and burning than when not pregnant, it is still incredibly important that you use sunscreen regularly if you are going to be outside. Why risk the added discomfort of sunburn?

The good news is that most of these changes that occur during pregnancy will resolve or improve substantially after your child is born. The skin darkening in most places will lighten, and stretch marks will gradually fade.

Dr. Jack Maloney practices dermatology at Columbia St. Mary’s- Seton Professional Building in Mequon.
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Calendar of Events
Click here for an extended list of our Calendar of Events

September

1 Beyond the Baby Blues Support Group, Tuesday 10:00 – 11:30 am (Registration required. Call 262.241.7778 and speak with Rose.)
1 Childbirth and Early Parenting Series (final in a series of six Tuesdays; began July 28), Tuesdays 6:30–8:45 pm*
2 Parent Talk: Parenthood, Fantasy to Reality, Wednesday 10:00 – 11:30 am#
2 Childbirth and Early Parenting Series (final in a series of six Wednesdays; began July 29), Wednesdays 6:30–8:45 pm*

*Registration required.
#Drop in.

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News

Port Fish Day Winner
Thanks to all who entered into the raffle drawing at Port Fish Day on July 18th. A lucky Port Washington resident won a $50 Gift Certificate to Remington’s River Inn in Thiensville!

Meet the Doulas
Join us on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 6-7 pm to meet the Columbia Center doulas. Learn more.

Meet the Baby Docs at Columbia Center
Mark your calendar for Thurs., Sept. 17 for this informal gathering for expectant and new parents, pediatricians and family physicians. Learn more and register online.

Wine and Harvest Festival
Columbia Center will offer their Diaper Changing and Infant Feeding Tent at the Wine and Harvest Festival in downtown Cedarburg on September 19-20! Stop by and say hello!

Sling Fling Event
Get ready for Sling Fling. Columbia Center and PSue’s Maternity and Children's Boutique is teaming up to show new moms the latest and greatest in baby wear on September 26th from 10am- 12pm! Bring your baby and try the coziest and most convenient way of toting your little treasure.

Mark Your Calendar
On October 22nd, Columbia Center will welcome Dr. Gary Marshall to speak about child immunizations. Stay tuned for more information.
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