Just Ask: How do I keep my newborn from catching the flu?
How do I keep my newborn from catching the flu?
Winter months bring the threat of viruses, but there are things you can do to help prevent your newborn from catching the flu:
- Your newborn is too young to be vaccinated, but you can vaccinate the rest of the family.
- Breastfeeding is a natural way to boost your baby’s immune system and help your baby fight the cold or flu should your baby become ill.
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Just Ask: What safe, natural remedies can pregnant women use for heat rash?
During a hot, humid summer, pregnant women may experience heat rash, a red or pink rash that can be itchy and uncomfortable. Commonly, dots or tiny pimples will appear beneath or between the breasts, on the neck and under the arms. To prevent or relieve heat rash:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics, like cotton.
- Stay cool. When outside, find a cool, breezy, shady spot.
- Take a...
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Just Ask: What is a Birth Doula?
by Ann Grauer, CD(DONA), IBCLC
A birth doula is an experienced, trained birth companion who provides non-medical support to women and their partners during childbirth. The doula’s role is to give emotional, physical and informational support to the family. She does not tell the family what to do or make decisions on their behalf. At Columbia Center, we are very fortunate to have excellent nurses and physicians to care for...
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Just Ask: Will eating certain foods give my nursing baby gas?
by Deanne Lawson, RN, IBCLC, RLC
Maybe, but it may not be what you think. There is a lot of myth about what foods make babies gassy. Broccoli and onions are often suspected as culprits. Some women are afraid they’ll need to give up caffeine and chocolate. The fact is that most mothers can eat any food without causing fussiness in their babies.
Babies, like all people, pass gas. It is a natural...
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Just Ask: Should I avoid coffee and caffeinated drinks while pregnant?
Most doctors agree that pregnant women should avoid or decrease the amount of caffeine consumed because of potential risks.
Unlike alcohol, there have not been any studies able to make a clear association between caffeine intake and the affect on a developing child. However, caffeine during pregnancy raises important concerns. Caffeine increases urinary flow, allowing calcium needed for both mom...
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Just Ask: Will I be able to make enough milk to breastfeed my baby?
Yes! A new mother’s body is designed to provide milk for her baby. Although there are conditions and situations that may require additional support from a lactation consultant, for most new mothers, staying with your baby to allow the breastfeeding relationship to develop as nature has intended is all that is needed.
A mother’s body naturally regulates the flow of milk according to her...
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Just Ask: How will I know when labor begins?
Waiting for labor to begin can be a time of excitement and anticipation for everyone. But, you may also feel exhausted from restless sleep and carrying your growing baby with you all day, a little anxious, wondering what to expect and impatient for pregnancy to end, to finally meet your new baby. Due to the intricate mom and baby systems that must work in harmony, some not yet understood, healthy...
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