Meconium – What Is It? Everything You Need To Know

A few days after birth, babies pass their first bowel movement which is called meconium. This sticky, tar-like substance is green-black in colour, and is simply waste produced in your baby’s intestine during pregnancy. Sometimes babies pass meconium before or during labour. If the mother’s waters break and meconium is noticed, it can cause care providers to become concerned about the baby’s wellbeing. 

Meconium may pass shortly after birth, even if baby has yet to feed. For many babies though, it will pass after they begin breastfeeding. The nutrient dense colostrum has a laxative effect and helps baby to pass the first few sticky bowel movements. 

What Is Meconium?

 Babies regularly swallow amniotic fluid from around 14 weeks of pregnancy. The amniotic fluid is important for fetal development, containing mucus, baby’s hair (lanugo), intestinal cells, bile and water. The fluid passes through to the baby’s small intestine, which removes and absorbs the water. Any debris left behind is passed to the large bowel.

 This begins to build up, forming a sludgy tar-like substance called meconium. By the time the baby is full term, the meconium has filled most of the intestine. In the first days after birth, your breasts produce colostrum. This substance has many positive benefits and has a natural laxative effect, helping to move the meconium from your baby’s bowel. Usually this happens within the first 12 hours following birth of a full term baby.

 If meconium hasn’t been passed within 48 hours of birth, caregivers may suspect intestinal obstruction. Meconium Before Birth If a baby passes meconium before birth, the amniotic fluid is stained and appears greenish in colour. The baby will also become covered in meconium, especially if there is a lot of vernix (waxy coating on skin). The baby may also swallow (not to be confused with aspirate) the meconium, which will not do any harm. Babies who pass meconium before birth can do so because their digestive system has matured. They’re more likely to pass meconium before birth the longer they go past their due dates. 

It can also be caused by a sudden and short compression of the cord or head. The momentary lack of oxygen can cause the sphincter muscles to relax, allowing the meconium to be pushed out. Often the heads of babies are quite compressed in the final moments of birth and some are found to have a trail of meconium when their bodies are born. Meconium stained waters occurs in about 20% of full term births. 

Is Meconium Dangerous?

 If a woman’s waters break and meconium staining is noticed, it can cause a great deal of concern. If the colour of the water is greenish, usually this is an indication the meconium has only recently been passed. A brownish, yellow colour would indicate the meconium was passed some time earlier and is old. The main concern with meconium stained fluid is the possibility of the baby having meconium on the lungs. This is known as meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). 

What Is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome? 

During pregnancy, babies’ lungs are filled with amniotic fluid and if there is meconium it can get into the airways. During labour, if a baby is severely distressed and lacks oxygen for long enough, it’s possible for the baby to gasp and inhale any meconium present. When inhaled, it can partially or completely block the baby’s airways, making breathing very difficult and reducing the amount of oxygen the baby receives. MAS can also cause a chemical irritation of the airways increasing breathing difficulty. Infection of the lungs is possible, as is inactivation of surfactant by the meconium. Surfactant is a substance that helps the lungs expand properly. Of 20% of babies with meconium stained waters, around 2-5% will go on to develop MAS. Signs of MAS include: Rapid breathing (tachypnea) Laboured breathing or grunting Suspended breathing (apnea) Low APGAR scores (colour, muscle tone, reflexes) Cyanosis (blue colour on skin) Over distended chest.

 What Is The Treatment For Meconium Aspiration? 

Current guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics state babies who have inhaled meconium should no longer be suctioned intrapartum (during birth). Previous practice would be to suction the baby once the head was born. This is longer standard practice. If a baby has inhaled meconium and is active, appears well and has a good heart rate (above 100 beats per minute), care providers should monitor for signs of MAS that may appear in the first 24 hours. Babies who have inhaled meconium and are not active, have low heart rates (under 100 beats per minute), limp with poor muscle tone, are likely to need immediate suctioning. Care providers will aim to clear the baby’s airway as much as possible to limit how much meconium is inhaled. A tube is inserted into the baby’s windpipe through the mouth or nose. Babies with MAS are likely to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit or special care nursery. They will be monitored for signs of infection, have frequent blood tests and may need oxygen treatment. Some babies with severe MAS may develop pneumonia. Most babies with severe MAS will experience wheezing and lung infections in the first 12 months of life but this should improve as their lungs develop new air sacs.

 How Can I Avoid MAS? 

The most obvious way to avoid a stressed baby is to have a calm and supportive birth environment and birth support. If a woman is disturbed and stressed during labour, this can have cause contractions to slow or stall. This can lead to the cascade of interventions to hurry it along, which further contributes to fetal distress. Read our 8 tips to help slow or stalled labours. Interventions such as artificial rupture of membranes (breaking the waters), constant fetal monitoring, and induction or augmentation with artificial oxytocin can all cause your baby to become distressed. If your waters break and meconium is present, this will usually lead to monitoring, which reduces your ability to move. If the meconium is thin and your care provider has determined your baby’s heart rate is fine, choose an upright birth position which allows the contractions to push fluid from the baby’s lungs and down out of the mouth and nose. Allowing the cord to continue pulsating to provide oxygen to your baby while transitioning to breathing air into the lungs. …

 It’s important to remember that meconium staining can occur in the absence of fetal distress and not all babies who become stressed pass meconium. It’s very rarely a problem and care providers can help prevent this event from happening by avoiding the use of interventions which increase the likelihood of fetal distress. Most babies who pass meconium before the birth are post dates (beyond their estimated due date) and it’s simply a sign of a functioning digestive system. It’s no longer recommended to suction babies at birth but to monitor as necessary. Parents should be aware of the signs of MAS and seek professional attention if they become concerned about their baby’s breathing.

Baby Milestones - Smiling and Laughing

There are many milestones that you and your baby will reach and experience in the first year of your baby's life. Perhaps one of the most rewarding milestones is your baby's first conscious smile accompanied with a tiny giggle when seeing your face or recognizing your voice. Smiling and laughing show that your baby not only can express emotion but also proves that your baby understands emotion and empathy.

Since all babies are different, there isn't a definite time when you can expect your child to start smiling and laughing. When your baby is first born, it will respond to various stimuli in their environment. For the first few weeks of your baby's life, don't expect even a meaningful eye contact, let alone a laugh or a smile. A smile at this age is only a gas reflex and not an expression of emotion.

 After about one month, you can expect your child to start recognizing you and looking you in the eye, which is a milestone all in itself. This signifies that your child begins 'seeing' your face and knows where to look for you. As early as five weeks of age you can see your baby's first smile as a reaction to you playing with him or smiling at him or in a response to another human, to a sound or to a certain movement and gesture.

In addition to smiling, your child will also start making endearing silly faces at you. Your baby will enjoy watching your face as if trying to read it and will mimic your facial expressions and gestures as well. After three months, your baby will still be spending most of their time observing the world and watching what goes on around them. Around this time, your baby will give their first real smile, not because they were mimicking yours, but because they were genuinely happy. Your baby will continue to "smile talk" for a few months.

After four months, your child will finally have mastered the art of laughing. Whenever babies meet a new person that they like, expect a sound of joy to come from their mouth. New sounds, colors, interesting shapes can also trigger a hearty giggle. However, your baby will reserve his best smiles for the familiar faces and sounds of mom and dad. This is one of the first signs of parent-child bonding and is a truly rewarding one.

At around five months of age, your baby will have genuine laughs because he finds something funny or entertaining. Tickles and facial expressions when perceived as funny can cause a marathon of laughter. The same goes for the presence of other babies, rhymes and certain songs - they can be very amusing and can bring an avalanche of giggles and smiles.

Create positive excitement and joy for your baby; he will appreciate it and reward you with a smile to light up your heart.

Valentina Kaltchev is the founder of TheQuiltFairy.com, an online boutique for handmade baby quilts, baby crib bedding, nursery rugs and custom accessories in wide range of colors and themes to satisfy the most discriminating tastes.

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Children And Babies Health Support - How to Raise a Healthy Child, in Spite of Your Doctor?

Today, parents are more aware of specialized nutrition for specific problems that arise from infant and children's health issues. Television influences the visual stimuli and since the children are not born with a preference for salty or overly sweet foods, they have to acquire a taste for them. Despite attempts to provide 3 nutritional meals a day, who says they will eat it. Kids are finicky and won't sit still even though, the food is prepared with the best of intentions.

Now Foods has complete Vitamins and Minerals in Orange Splash and Berry Chewables.

Child Life Essentials has a great tasting Vitamin and Mineral in 8 oz liquid. Chewables and Liquids have come a long way since first introduced in the 60's (I was there). Yummi Bears by Hero Nutritional Products has Whole Food Nutrients in a value size, so if you have several little ones, this has 200 Bears with certified organic veggies and fruits, all the good ones, even brussel sprouts, cabbage and spinach, various berries too. For the older ones that can swallow, they also have a Vegetable And Fruit Blend in caps that have an enormous array of nutrients including Green Tea, Digestive Enzymes etc. Of course breast milk is the very best for infants, however your Doctor might even suggest a multi in liquid for little ones. I find prescription ones not entirely full of the right nutrients, and may also have other ingredients from the pharmaceutical companies, that may not sit well with a parent, who would like a more wholesome multi. Country Life has Maxi Babycare with iron in a Raspberry flavor, with all the essentials including Vitamin K for bone development. Twinlab has Infant Care, fruit flavored with Fish Liver and Cod Liver Oil. Bringing up baby means a lot of diapers. With all the new kinds of diapers out in the market including the plastic ones, California Baby has a Calm Diaper Cream, with food grade nutrients from Zinc, Tea Tree and Aloe, with an Essential Oil Blend.

Boiron Homeopathics has Calendula Ointment to sooth sore tuchies. California Baby has a Bubble Bath for the sensitive ones, this should be for all young ones, so they don't have to deal with artificial ingredients and the bad stuff from other sources. It comes unscented in 13 ozs and no irritation. They specialize in chemical sensitive children, and have quite a range of products. Now, you pre -moms, that needs some help with nausea and feeling icky. Babys Bliss has a Peach and Ginger flavored Liquid, supporting those endearing moments. Babys Bliss also has Gripe Water in 4 ozs of Liquid. An amazing formula that works for those teething stressful times of discomfort (they say if grown-ups had to go through that, we couldn't do it). Hylands has Teething tabs for babies and a Homeopathic Kids Kit with 7 items for the little ones to keep on hand for any issue that walks in. This Kit addresses all the various ailments that we all have experienced while growing up.

Ear Infection, pain and hurting!

A Hot Topic in every parenthood, because it's so prevalent. Recent studies of children who have had a tympanostomy, an incision in the ear drums, to place plastic drainage tubes show that up to 52% of young ones develop hard scar tissue, according to Dr. Robert Mendelsohn MD, author of "How to raise a healthy child, in spite of your Doctor". Dr. Michael A Schmidt, author of "Childhood Ear Infection", wrote the great majority of all ear infections involve no bacteria, they are inflammation and fluid back up, usually related to allergies, mostly to milk products and nutritional deficiencies including not enough Vitamin C. Hyland's has Eardrops and Tabs for ear pain and burning. Eclectic Institute also has Ear Drops For Kids, just warm and drop in the ear. Wallys Natural Products has Ear Oil, Almond, Tea Tree, Garlic Eucalyptus, and Mullein (good for glands). You may look into Ear Candling, an old fashioned remedy that cleans wax out of the ears. The American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, says that a child has more than 25 percent chance of developing allergies if one parent has it.

If both have, it's a 66 percent chance. Most are unaware that allergic and chemical sensitivities can trigger ear infections, a higher rate even in the antibiotic group, so be sure to give Natren's Life Start for Infants 2.5 ozs. It provides the beneficial bacteria to restore what has been destroyed in the gut. American Health has the Acidophilus in Liquid Culture 16 ozs in flavors of Banana, Blueberry and Strawberry. Child Life Essentials has Life Colostrum Plus with the Probiotics. Colostrum will rebuild anti-bodies and children may do a complete turn about. In powder form you can sprinkle on foods, or even take separately. Also drop in some Garlic Oil, odor free by Wakunoga/Kyolic, it helps keeps away vampires and possibly infections and parasites. For those that need more concentration and more focusing, less squirming and fidgeting, Source Naturals has Focus Child which includes all forms of Phosphatidylcholine (brain food) DHA and Grape Seed. Jarrow has a Liquid Max Dha, which can be added to shakes and food. Natures Way has the Efa Blend Attention Focus, essentials for intelligence and vision. Since Calcium is antagonistic to lead build up in children's bodies and those that have a Lactose Intolerance with dairy, Country Life has Tall Tree Chewable Calcium in Tutti-frutti Flavors. Peter Gillhams Natural Vitality has Kid Calm and Baby Calm, in a special proprietary formulation of Magnesium and Vitamin C, relaxing nerves and more concentration. In Schools and Daycares, respiratory problems always arise.

So when the Immune System need attention Bio Strath Liquid is perfect for children immunity, all with herbs, nutrients and aminos. Herbs For Kids has VI Protection Blend for all Viral Infections, very tasty with Echinacea, Hyssop and Lemon Balm. For more builder-uppers, there is Barley Essence Berry Blend by Green Foods Corporation in Raspberry and Straw berry flavors. It's Young Barley Grass, a complete Phytonutrients (veggies). For problems with mucus and coughing, Boerickle And Tafel has the 8 oz Childrens Cough And Bronchial Syrup for that deep growling bark. (We used to call it croup) Eclectic Institute has Echinacea/ Goldenseal, a natural antibiotic in a Strawberry Tincture, and Herbs For Kids has several blends helpful for allergies, cold and flu. Don't forget the Vitamin C in Liquid by Natrol Ester C With Elderberry and Source Naturals has the very hip Mega Kid (a new one) in a variety of flavors includes the antioxidants Spinach, Broccoli and Carrots (just what they love to eat) What about Constipation and Diarrhea? Yerba Prima Powder in Apple Cinnamon 12 ozs, with Oat Bran and Barley Bran, put some in Rainbow Light's Protein Energizer. Rice Protein, no dairy, no soy, or sugar, low fat, low carb, Chocolate flavor with a Whole Food Base, and easy to digest. Even grown-ups can do this. Also good to fill you up, since obesity concerns are running rampant.

Throw in Real Berry/Real Green Bars, has all the Berries, and Apple Fibers, makes a wholesome Snack, between meals or part of one. No High Fructose Corn Syrup or Trans Fat Oils, lethal for children with special needs or low immunity. In today's world pediatricians are now recognizing and acknowledging the importance of Supplementation. There's even more awareness in the medical community as many over the counters are filled with dyes, sugars and alcohol. Parents now have the ability to ensure their offspring will be alright and healthy Naturally!

Click here for more products for Children and Babies Health Support

Written exclusively for Herbspro.com by Suma G Nathan, Certified Registered Holistic Nutritionist/Chinese Herbalist.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/626427

Baby Health - Understanding SIDS

Perhaps the most frightening time for a new parent is the first few months as you discover about general baby health and understanding SIDS. Mainstream health professionals do tend to paint a bleak picture if you don't follow their advice. But how good is their advice?

SIDS, sudden infant death syndrome, is a comparatively new problem and it's worth doing some investigation yourself to discover the possible causes. It only started to become common after mass vaccination was fully established.

In Japan, when the minimum age to vaccinate a child was raised from two months to two years, SIDS disappeared. So let's examine this.

Babies are born without an immune system. They get passive immunity from their mother's milk. When babies are weaned, their immune system starts to develop. But this only happens when they are exposed to pathogens - virus', bacteria and the like.

This means that they are likely to succumb to the pathogen, to a lesser or greater extent. This is how their immune system learns. So, on the surface, it looks as if your baby is unhealthy. But, in fact, they are creating a potentially healthy immune system that will stand them in good stead all their life. An analogy would be learning to ride a bicycle - you fall off a few times before you get the hang of it.

The idea behind vaccination is to stimulate the immune system. If there is no immune system as yet, at two months, then the vaccine can't act.

Statistically many, perhaps most, cases of SIDS occur soon after a vaccine, as Japan discovered. Vaccines don't come without their side effects. The ingredients would be considered highly toxic in any other, less emotionally charged, area of health - aluminium, mercury, other species tissue, adjuvants to mention just a few.

The medical profession consider this 'wastage' acceptable because they feel that the benefits far outweigh the downside. As a parent, you may beg to differ.

So what can you do to support the healthy development of your baby's immune system without risk?

1. As a pregnant and breast feeding mother, make sure your diet is healthy, natural, balanced, without processed food and limit animal protein. This will increase your level of immunity, which is then passed to your baby.


2. Only consume plant based supplements, rather than the common isolated and synthetic ones that currently flood the marketplace.


3. Make quality time for your baby, showing patience and devotion. Let other aspects of your life that prevent this go, at least for the time being.


4. Mentally stimulate your baby with trips in nature - the park, the beach, woodlands, etc.


5. Limit exposure to synthetic stimulation, such as TV.


6. Use homeopathy as the main treatment for your baby. Homeopathy is natural, risk free, without side effects and above all, gentle. Homeopathic treatment is energetic, elegant, effective and economical.

Madeleine Innocent is a full time consultant homeopath based in Perth, Western Australia. She also coaches people, both on- and off-line, on how to use some of the common home prescribing remedies. For more information, visit: Homeopathy

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6349732

Baby Care Tips For You And For Baby

What baby care tips are essential for you and your newborn??

The mother of a baby is the busiest person on earth, and these baby care tips are designed to put a little order and routine back into your day to day routine. In no time at all, these baby care tips will become second nature for you and your baby helping you to get back to a somewhat 'normal' life.

Breastfeeding Baby Care

There is, has and always will be a lot of controversy on breastfeeding depending on where you live in the world. In some countries it's the norm and most people would not bat an eyelid if they saw a mother sit down in a restaurant and start to breastfeed her baby. In other countries such as the UK and the US, surprisingly and quite sadly, breastfeeding is frowned upon by many. I personally breastfed both my children and though I made a point of being discreet, I valued my right to feed my child where, when and how I chose to.

However, I also appreciated the fact that I was lucky to be able to breastfeed as I know many mothers want to but can't for whatever reason. Even those that choose not to breast feed should not be maligned. The majority of us live in a society where we have a freedom of choice and whatever our feelings or opinions on a matter, we should allow everyone the right to choose what is best for them and their baby.

That said it is common knowledge that there are huge health benefits to breastfeeding for both mom and baby so that's why this is key to baby care. Baby's first drink of breast milk is colostrum which is full of antibodies which help babies immune system and is full of fat and protein to help baby put on weight in their first few days. Breastfeeding also helps mom's uterus to contract more quickly. A weird sensation when it happens but utterly amazing when you think about it.

Then consider the other positives of breastfeeding to baby care. Milk is on tap, ready to go at the right temperature whatever the time of day and if baby emptied one 'bottle' or boob, there was another ready and waiting to go. I did co-sleeping with my second baby as I was concerned about waking the house up in the middle of the night for feeds which worked out well for all as most times throughout the night, she would latch on herself and feed without me being barely aware. Baby care doesn't really get any easier than that.

I did express so that my husband could also be involved and there were times that he did the night feeds with both children so that I could get a complete nights rest.

Bottle Feeding Baby Care

If you are bottle-feeding your baby then make sure that the bottles are well sterilized and clean. There are many makes of bottle sterilizers that are available. There are some that you can put in the microwave and some that will continually sterilize throughout the day so that you always have clean bottles and teats available to go when you need them.

Also consider your formula well. Check the ingredients and look for those that have the friendly bacteria for the gut. Make sure that you buy the formula appropriate for your baby's age. To rich and it may cause constipation, too thin and lacking in vitamins etc, and your baby may not gain weight as they should.

Baby Sleeping Baby Care

With your first child, you will have probably read numerous books about how to put your baby to bed and have bought a moses basket, then a cot or cot bed. Come your subsequent children, you then realise though nice to have, the most important thing is whether your baby is comfortable, safe and warm or cool enough. My first child went into his own cot bed when he was 3 weeks old as we couldn't stand anymore of his warthog snoring. He was also in a baby sleeping bag. Our daughter slept with me in our bed until she slept through most of the night before moving to her own bed. Especially as I was breast feeding both, I made sure that I didn't drink a lot (the odd glass of wine at a weekend is fine), I don't do drugs, they weren't too hot or cold and the room was well ventilated. Use your common sense here regarding baby care and use and do what's best for you.

Clothing Baby Care

Summer clothes should be light cotton ones. When baby is taken out, make sure that his head does not get the direct sun. Make the most of parasols or stroller sun covers. The covers in particular also help against wasps. An important baby care tip to remember for all - sun cream is essential even if your baby is dark skinned. My children are mixed race and even with factor 50, they still tan.

In winter, there may be sweaters, trousers and other woollens. Just bear in mind that if they are in nappies or diapers still, you need quick and easy access to change them especially when you are out and about. Some changing facilities are tiny or cramped and you don't really want to spend more time there than you should. Remember a change of clothes too. My son was the worst but they both had explosive poos the force of which sent their poo right up their backs and it was far easier to take the whole lot off than to try and clean around it!

Changing Baby Care

Changing of nappies or diapers whether disposable or not should take place regularly. Sometimes babies will let you know in their own particular way but it's best to get into the habit of checking their bottoms at least every 3 hours. That way you'll soon get to know baby's toilet habits and can adjust it accordingly.

Bathing Baby Care

I hope that I don't sound too patronising but the best advice here is common sense. Make sure that you have everything that you need BEFORE you start bathing. Have baby's towel ready on his changing mat, his nappy and night clothes all in place before you start.

Please ensure that the bath water is not too hot and not too cold - 9of or 32c is ideal. It should only be a couple of inches deep if it is in a family bath. At this age baby doesn't need bubble bath, just gentle no-tears formula soap should suffice.

Ensure that you support baby's head safely. Once washed and dried, massage a little moisturizing cream into baby's skin and get him dressed for bed.

Immunisation Baby Care

The baby should be immunized against Small Pox & Measles with BCG within 3 months of its age. The first DPT (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Psertussis, Polio, HIB, Meningitis C) is due within the first 2 months followed by the 2nd and the 3rd one at one month intervals. The MMR vaccination against Measles, Mumps and Rubella should be done within 1 years of age. The boosters should be taken after the baby is 4 years old.

Training and Education Baby Care

Babies learn by watching and listening. Yes I babble baby talk to my two but I also talked sensibly to them like an adult. When getting them dressed I would put their left arm in its sleeve and say to them, 'let's put your left arm in your sleeve'. By 18 months both children knew their right from their left, could say things like open door, shut door, roof, bus, sky drink, biscuit etc because I constantly read or pointed things like this out to them. Learning can and at this age, should be fun.

The most important baby care tip of all

The parents should find enough time to spend quality with the baby but also together and by themselves. Find time for baby time, couple time and me time!

Erin Costello was an industry executive but is now a mother of two.

She researches and writes from personal experience as well as on topics and issues that affect women such as breast, ovarian and cervical cancer, pregnancy and baby care, women's health and beauty, relationships amongst others.

She has had numerous articles syndicated worldwide but writes mainly for WomensTroubles.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5223675