FDA TAKES A BABY STEP TO LIMIT ARSENIC IN RICE CEREAL

The Food and Drug Administration has for the first time proposed a limit to the amount of inorganic arsenic that manufacturers can allow in infants’ rice cereal. The question is whether the new “action level” – 100 parts per billion – is low enough to protect children’s health?

Before taking action, the agency tested 76 samples of infants’ rice cereals and found that nearly half met the proposed action level. Most were at or below 110 parts per billion of inorganic arsenic, just 10 percent above the proposed limit. You can read the FDA’s full risk assessment report here.

Rice and other plants take up arsenic from soil and irrigation water, but rice absorbs much more than other crops, potentially endangering people who eat a lot of rice or rice-based foods. Arsenic exposure can lead to serious health problems, including cardiovascular and lung disease, diabetes and cancer, especially of the bladder, lungs and skin.

The FDA is particularly concerned with children’s exposure, which can be two-to-three times higher than adults’ and typically peaks when a baby is around eight months old. Studies suggest that in addition to increasing the risk of cancer, arsenic exposure during pregnancy and childhood can lower a child’s IQ.

At the 100 ppb limit in rice cereal intended for infants and young children, the FDA’s proposal mirrors the one set by the European Union in June of last year. The EU also mandated limits for white rice (200 ppb), parboiled rice and brown rice (250 ppb) and processed foods made with rice, including pasta, crackers and rice cakes (300 ppb).

Experts in arsenic and its health effects have criticized the EU limits as too high to offer meaningful protection. Healthy Child Healthy World also questions their effectiveness. At 100 ppb, the FDA’s proposed maximum is only slightly lower than the current average for baby cereals on the U.S. market. Most companies won’t need to do anything to comply.

A lower level would do more to protect infants. At 90 parts per billion, manufacturers would have to buy rice grown in less contaminated areas or mix it with other grains in order to drive down the amount of arsenic in baby cereal.

Even then, Healthy Child Healthy World recommends that parents limit the amount of rice cereal they feed babies. Here are steps parents and pregnant women can take to protect their little ones from arsenic exposure.

The FDA will accept and consider public comments on its draft proposal through July 5. Click here to tell FDA to take stronger steps to limit babies’ exposure to arsenic.

And though the FDA action focuses on baby cereal, its report highlights the serious risks of cancer for anyone who eats rice frequently. There’s no easy fix for this, but the agency’s report does confirm some good news: Cooking rice in extra water and then draining it is an effective way to lower the amount of arsenic your family consumes.

INFANTS’ EXPOSURE TO TOXIC FIRE RETARDANT LINKED TO BABY ITEMS

Evidence of a chemical linked to cancer and hormone disruption was found in the urine of all babies tested for a new study from Duke University. The sources, researchers say, could be nursery gliders, car seats, bassinets and other baby products that might be treated with toxic fire retardant chemicals. The remains of a second chemical also linked to endocrine disruption were found in 93 percent of the infants tested.

The chemicals are TDCIPP (tris(1,3-dichloro-isopropyl)phosphate) and TPHP (triphenyl phosphate). Four years ago, Duke researchers found TDCIPP in 36 percent of the baby products they tested that were purchased between 2000 and 2010. In the new study, the same research group tested the urine collected from 43 babies for evidence of TDCIPP and TPHP, and the results were alarming.

Each of the babies tested had detectable levels of a chemical produced when the body processes TDCIPP, known as a metabolite. A metabolite of TPHP was detected in all but three infants.

Adding to the concern, more infants in this study had extreme levels of the TDCIPP metabolite in their urine, compared to toddlers tested in a separate study conducted last year by Duke and EWG. What’s more, the levels of both chemicals were on average higher than amounts previously found in adults.

The State of California lists TDCIPP as a known carcinogen and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission considers it a probable human carcinogen. It may also disrupt endocrine signaling – the chemical messages hormones send throughout the body – which is vital during the early stages of a baby’s development. TPHP is also linked to hormone disruption that may cause developmental or reproductive harm.

In the new study, the level of the TDCIPP metabolite in the babies’ urine was closely related to the number of infant products their parents owned. Babies whose parents reported owning more than 16 such products had on average almost seven times more of the metabolite in their urine than babies in families who owned fewer than 13 products. Children who attended daycare centers also had higher levels of the metabolite, suggesting that products there added to their exposure.

This study is not intended to be a warning to parents to avoid buying the things needed to keep their babies safe and comfortable. However, it does mean parents should consider doing their homework before shopping. Not all baby items have added fire retardants, and parents can choose items free of these chemicals.

Read this Guide to Fire Retardants in Children’s Products to learn what you need to know to minimize your family’s exposure to these toxic chemicals.

But smarter shopping may not be enough. The United States’ weak and outdated regulations fail to adequately protect babies or others who are most vulnerable from the effects of toxic chemicals. The system needs reform, so that parents can be confident that the products they buy for their newborns are safe. To learn more, visit EWG’s website on the Toxic Substances Control Act.

HOW TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AT YOUR CHILDREN’S SCHOOL

A healthy, resting adult takes 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

Children, from school-age to preschoolers and younger, take many more. It’s normal for a toddler to take twice as many breaths as an adult, and an infant may take a full three times more.

Every breath matters, especially for their developing lungs, and approximately 75 million Americans live in communities with unhealthy air. In addition, the EPA reports that half of the 115,000 schools in the United States have problems linked to indoor air quality. So it’s not too surprising that 6.8 million American children have asthma, and the number is climbing.

How can parents and teachers help children breathe easier? Here’s what you need to know about air quality in and around schools and what you can do to improve it.

Indoors

Almost 55 million students and 7 million staff members spend their days in school facilities across the country. If you and your loved ones are among them, you might be inhaling a host of indoor pollutants including building materials (such as asbestos), cleaning products, radon and even mold. In addition to triggering health problems such as headaches and asthma, indoor air quality can affect children’s academic performance and increase absenteeism.

The good news: Administrators, teachers and families have tools to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools. Many are similar to those you may use in your own home.

EPA offers an IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit that provides guidelines, best practices, sample policies and a sample management plan. Areas to focus on include improving HVAC systems, maintaining filters and carbon monoxide detectors, controlling moisture and mold, managing pests and carefully selecting cleaning and building materials.

EPA does not require schools to monitor their air quality, submit information about it or use these voluntary tools, so it’s important for parents to speak up. Share the action kit with your school and talk to decision makers about what they’re doing to improve indoor air quality. Here are additional recommendations for parents, particularly those whose children suffer from asthma.

Some states and school districts have specific policies or regulations to improve indoor air quality. To learn about your area, visit the Environmental Law Institute’s database of state indoor air quality laws or contact your state’s IAQ or IAQ Tools for Schools coordinator.

Outdoors

When students step outside school buildings for fresh air, that air might not be so fresh. Pollutants such as smoke, road dust, car exhaust and factory emissions can all add up to poor quality air. And some days are better than others.

How can you tell the difference? Check your local Air Quality Index. The daily index reports how polluted your air is and what it means for your health. Among other pollutants, the index tests for ground-level ozone (smog) and airborne particles, the two most hazardous types of air pollution.

Children are particularly sensitive to air pollution, so when air quality is rated orange – “unhealthy for sensitive groups” – it might be wise to limit prolonged periods outdoors and avoid heavy exertion, including outdoor sports.

Some school districts adjust recess and outdoor play based on air quality. Ask your children’s school about its air quality policies and share the EPA’s Air Quality Index Toolkit for Teachers. To find your Air Quality Index, search by zip code on AirNow.com, sign up for email alerts on EnviroFlash.info or check local weather reports on television or in the newspaper.

Do you see buses idling outside your children’s school? Diesel exhaust can damage lungs, irritate eyes and throats and trigger asthma or allergies, so check out these tips and tools for reducing bus idling. These resources are designed not just for schools, but for students, parents and community members as well. Talk to your kids about why air quality matters and encourage them to get involved, too.

Author,

Megan Boyle

The ABC’s of Circumcision

If a little boy is in your future, chances are you will hear the question, “Will you have him circumcised?” In addition to understanding both the pros and cons of this procedure, you will want to consider your family’s personal preferences, as well as any cultural or religious views regarding this.

Confused already? Here is some information to help you sort through all of the above.

As a result of a circumcision, the foreskin (the skin that covers the penis – also called the prepuce) is removed. This is most often done within the first or second day of a baby’s birth. An anesthetic can be used to numb the area, and generally the procedure is completed within 5 to 10 minutes. Health risks are relatively low, especially when performed on a newborn. Risk factors increase to babies older than two months of age, as well as to grown men. The most common complications include bleeding and/or infection in this area.

Why Circumcise?

There has been much debate as to the value of having a circumcision performed. The pros of having this procedure include a:

• lower risk of urinary tract infections, especially in infants;
• lower risk of penile cancers in adult men (however, it should also be noted that this type of cancer is typically rare)
• reduced risk of penile infection and/or swelling; and,
• reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

With all of the above information on the benefits, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has still maintained a position that there are not enough benefits to warrant this procedure as mandatory, because it is not “medically necessary.”

Even with the AAP’s official statement, circumcision remains a common procedure that many parents elect to have done.

If you do decide to circumcise your baby, what should you expect?

• Your baby may experience mild irritation to this area. Most often a petroleum product, such as Vaseline, will minimize this irritation.
• You will need to carefully monitor this area by; cleaning it with water each day and following each diaper change.
• You may see some swelling in this area that will subside after approximately one week.

Of course, if you have any concerns regarding this procedure, use your resources such as your pediatrician or family doctor.

 Author,

 Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Pediatric Chiropractic Treatment: An Interview

The benefits of visiting a chiropractor have been experienced by adults for over a century. Now, chiropractic care for infants and children is becoming more common than one would think. Its use can aid in treating many childhood conditions and can be performed safely, no matter the child's age, thus making it a popular choice of treatment for many parents.

We asked Dr. Amanda Stevens (DC) (MSACN) (BScKin) some questions regarding the safety and effectiveness of this children's health care regimen. Dr. Stevens holds a Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition as well as a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and a Doctor of Chiropractic.

As always, it's good to discuss any treatment you undertake with your child's primary care provider, in order to fully consider all aspects of their care.

Why seek chiropractic care for your child?

Dr. Stevens:

Your central nervous system is kind of a big deal. On the most basic level, it must maintain a balance between sympathetic (fight or flight) reactions and parasympathetic (rest and digest) reactions. When there is an imbalance toward sympathetic nervous system dominance, our body is in survival mode all the time.

This is great if you are trying to run away from a bear, but it is not good for long-term health! By helping the nervous system restore balance and encouraging a parasympathetic dominance, chiropractors are able to facilitate a shift from "survive" mode to "thrive" mode.

The bottom line is this: minor spinal dysfunction (even the width of a dime) causes a major tax on the nervous system. When the nervous system can't function at its best, neither can you or your growing child. If we compound these issues with other life stresses, like a bad diet, poor posture, sports injuries, or heightened social stress, then the ability of the nervous system to adapt to these struggles is challenged.

All of the chemical, physical, and emotional challenges that you face can affect these dynamics, so it really requires a whole-health, whole-person approach to encourage a child's growing body to thrive.

What are some "clues" to help determine whether an infant or child could benefit from a chiropractor?

Dr. Stevens:

The vast majority of the time, children will not present with pain. The best "clues" to know that a child needs a checkup are any subtle signs that their body is not working at its best. Mom might notice that baby has a persistent head tilt or that they are crawling or running asymmetrically. Frequent sickness, wipe outs, and any struggles to thrive are good cues that something needs to be supported.

Because it can be very tricky to know what is normal and what needs attention, it is a really great idea to schedule Well Child Checkups. Just like going to the dentist twice a year to get your teeth checked even if you don't have any pain complaints so that you can stay on top of your oral hygiene and catch problems early, the pediatric chiropractor can assess and address problems before they present symptomatically and make sure that your child's spine and nervous system are capable of their optimal development.

Is pediatric chiropractic care safe?

Dr. Stevens:

Chiropractic care for children is safe and effective. This has been researched and investigated, and chiropractors have been treating children for over 100 years now. Pediatric Chiropractors take special advanced training to learn specific, gentle techniques to use with infants as young as hours old, and they know how to modify techniques based a child's developmental stage and health status.

What techniques are used for infants and children?

Dr. Stevens:

In general, chiropractors working with children will use low-force, gentle techniques appropriate to that child. Some of my favorites are Logan Basic Technique, Thompson Drop Technique, and Craniosacral Therapy.

I can't tell you how often infants actually fall asleep in my arms during a chiropractic and craniosacral treatment. Most of the time, I actually have to tell the parent that I am giving an adjustment to their baby because it is so subtle that they may not even notice if they aren't paying attention.

The benefits of visiting a chiropractor have been experienced by adults for over a century. Now, chiropractic care for infants and children is becoming more common than one would think. Its use can aid in treating many childhood conditions and can be performed safely, no matter the child's age, thus making it a popular choice of treatment for many parents.

We asked Dr. Amanda Stevens (DC) (MSACN) (BScKin) some questions regarding the safety and effectiveness of this children's health care regimen. Dr. Stevens holds a Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition as well as a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and a Doctor of Chiropractic.

As always, it's good to discuss any treatment you undertake with your child's primary care provider, in order to fully consider all aspects of their care.

What childhood conditions can be treated?

Dr. Stevens:

Doctors of Chiropractic do not actually directly treat disease conditions. Rather, they facilitate the body's own ability to adapt and respond to any and all situations. That being said, there are several common symptomatic conditions that drive parents to initiate chiropractic care for their children. I think that most parents understand how sporting injuries, wipeouts, and other physical traumas can affect a child's physical health.

Other common conditions that you might not have thought about include frequent colds and ear infections, asthma, bedwetting, hyperactivity and neurodevelopment disorders, cranial asymmetries, colic, and constipation.

Ear infections are a great example. Chiropractors do not treat ear infections, as in we do not have an anti-viral or anti-bacterial effect. What we do is biomechanically and neurologically support the body in its natural fight.

We can help improve lymphatic drainage and support the immune system through improving muscle tone and nervous system communication. Basically, we help the plumbing clear up and make sure the body can give its best fight.

What schedule do you recommend for youngsters and how often should they come back?

Dr. Stevens:

I do not have a cookie-cutter treatment schedule that I plug patients into. Each treatment plan is individual to that child and their current situation. Because their nervous system is still developing and they haven't accumulated all the abuse on their bodies that we adults have, sometimes a problem clears up in one or two visits.

In other cases, it takes on ongoing effort to facilitate permanent change. It depends on the individual child. After the initial exam, I will review everything I found with the caregiver (and child), and we will typically set up an initial treatment phase that lasts between four and twelve visits, after which we will re-evaluate and make a new plan.

For infants, I strongly recommend coming in at least once every three months during the first year or two. This is because their little bodies are going through such incredible, rapid changes, and I want to facilitate their neurological development. Every three months allows us to check in at each developmental milestone and helps keep the baby on track.

Is chiropractic care painful for the child?

Dr. Stevens:

Chiropractic care does not hurt the child. Most spinal and cranial adjustments just feel awesome or are barely perceived on a conscious level. That being said, if there is an area of injury, inflammation, or chronic irritation, that area may be tender to touch already, so we may be poking an already sore spot.

Just like after any manual therapy, there could be some minor muscle soreness in the area that was worked on, but in my experience (and according to the research), this is very rare, especially in children.

It is also possible that because we are teaching the body a new normal and challenging the body's ability to adapt, there can be some bumpy moments on the road to recovery. This is more common when a problem has been around for a long time or there are also some chemical imbalances present.

What this means is that parents should watch for any ups or downs in energy, sleep, bowel habits, mood, or irritability. It's not a good or bad response -- it just tells us more information about what is going on in that little body, so you should always communicate these things with your pediatric chiropractor.

Will Your Only Child Accept The New Baby?

The plan was to have kids far enough apart so that the oldest would be an extra set of hands—happy to run for a diaper when I was up to my elbows in newborn-baby fun. Instead, come April, I’m looking at the prospect of having two kids under three, both of whom are relying on me for their sanitary needs.

That wasn’t the plan.

But I can adjust to changing 18 trillion diapers for the next year (and working really, really hard on potty training my 2-year-old!). It’s doable, and so are the dozens of other small worries I have about having two little ones being so close in age. However, the one thing that has been causing me to lose sleep is the fact that I’m taking my daughter’s “Only Child” crown away from her much sooner than I had planned … and sooner than I think she deserves.

My sister and I are five years apart, and I have always thought that that was a glorious amount of space between kids. We were never in the same school, and yet we were close growing up, and that has continued into adulthood. I was also old enough to understand that we were adding a baby to the family, and I prepared with my parents for my awesome responsibilities as the “Big Sister.”

My daughter, on the other hand, has absolutely no clue what is happening.

I point out every baby I see in books, television, and in real life, and exclaim, “Awww! A baby!” She repeats it mechanically and moves on. Strike one.

I lift my shirt to show her my belly (which is surprisingly large for just entering my seventh month …), point at it, and say, “Baby!” to which she replies by pointing at her own belly and repeating what I just said. Strike two.

Last week, as we were playing in her room, I picked up one of her plastic baby dolls and rocked it in my arms. As I held it out to her, she smiled, cautiously walked over, then proceeded to lean over, put her ear to the baby’s face, and pretend like it was a phone.

Strike three.

This means that, one day, approximately 12 weeks from now, I will leave my daughter with my sister, and my husband and I will return home with something that she was NOT expecting—her tiny, crying, baby brother, who will sleep in the room next to hers. I am really not looking forward to her reaction to this surprise addition.

I do know that, eventually, she will love him. She will realize that, while her bossiness has no effect on her father and me, I’m willing to bet that she will easily get her baby brother to bend to her will, and he will become her little sidekick.

She will love having a playmate. She will love making him laugh. She will love teaching him things and protecting him. I know it. One day.

I just hope we all survive those first few months.

The Truths About Breastfeeding after One Year

My son is 2 1/2 and still breastfeeding. There are days when I'm utterly exhausted and ready for him to wean. Then there are other moments when I know I am doing the right thing. He is likely my last baby, so I want to savor this time.

Breastfeeding beyond a year in the United States, unfortunately, is not common. Lucky for me, I am part of a very active local Facebook group called the Badass Breastfeeders of Southern Maryland. The group is made up of supportive moms, and many of them now have little toddler nursers. I asked them to share their truths about extended breastfeeding.

 

#Truth 1

“Gymnursetics is real.”

-Alithza Martinez

#Truth  2

“Nineteen months — that's how long I spent nursing my last baby. Through challenges and triumphs, I only wanted to nurse for three months, then six months, and then a year. Then when it was over, there I was sobbing uncontrollably the last time my baby latched.

“No one ever tells you how that weaning period feels. The emotional sadness you feel when it all ends. He unlatched, looked me in the eyes and sighed while saying 'All done.' That was the last time he ever latched.”

-Shannon Heany Crush

#Truth  3

“My son is almost 19 months old. Breastfeeding was hard at first. Really hard. My other two children didn't make it past four months. With a family who calls my son a 'titty baby' because he is clingy and fussy, I have very family little support.

“My husband isn't very supportive either, but through a move across country, sickness, surgery, and two kids in school, I am still breastfeeding.

“Going past a year was new to me. My son is so very demanding and always pinching, too many touched out days for me, but our bond is so strong. I love our time together. I dread our weaning days and am hoping that isn't anytime soon.”

-Amber Enrriques

#Truth   4

“This is the last photo I have of my daughter nursing. She weaned September 2014 at 20 months old. I was roughly 7-months pregnant with her little brother.

“My goal had been to nurse until she was 2, as that is what the World Health Organization recommends. We didn't quite make it, but we nursed until she was ready to wean. Some days it was hard, but mostly, it was an amazing bond that I will never forget.”

-Annie Stauffer

#Truth  5
“Fifteen months and going strong! Truth is that it's difficult eating enough to keep yourself satisfied while providing enough for your baby. Truth is that it's not easy, in any sense, nursing a toddler. Truth is that I get a huge sense of pride and accomplishment out of knowing that I have nourished her and that she will quit when she's ready.”

-Gwyenne Buttrill

#Truth 6

 “My truths about nursing past a year:

“Nursing a toddler doesn't feel any different than nursing a baby. I'll admit, before I had my daughter, the idea of nursing past a year or two weirded me out. But nursing my 2-year-old feels just as natural and normal as it did when she was a newborn.

“Extended nursing in no way limits a child's independence. Or at least, if it does, thank goodness! If my fiercely independent and strong-willed daughter were any more so, I'm not sure I'd survive it!

“Sometimes I love our nursing relationship; sometimes I don't love it. In fact, if I'm being honest, sometimes I resent it. I resent that some days I'm so touched out from nursing that the last thing I want to do when my daughter finally crawls down from my lap is to get down on the floor and play blocks, or cars, or dress up. Although I love how strong our nursing bond is, I sometimes worry that other parts of our relationship might suffer for it.

“The hardest part of nursing a toddler is other people. You would think by now I would be immune to the opinions of other people, but actually, it's the opposite. With the perceptions about extended nursing in our country being what they are, the older my daughter gets, the more self-conscious I feel about nursing. I very rarely nurse in public anymore, and I sometimes cringe when my husband (who cares not at all what other people think) tells people we're still nursing.

“Not everyone who nurses past a year plans on self-weaning. I never planned to nurse until my daughter self-weaned. From the beginning, my goal was to nurse for as long as both she AND I wanted to. And now that she's over 2, I sometimes feel like I'm caught in a limbo between the early weaning crowd and the full-term nursers.

“I am absolutely certain I would not still be nursing without the support of other nursing moms!”
-Amanda Mastran

by Mindi Stavish

7 Ways to Stay Awake During Middle of the Night Nursing Sessions

Nursing mamas, let's get real for a second: the ability to feed your baby by pulling out a boob is pretty convenient, but there's one part that always throws me for a loop: the middle-of-the-night feed. Simply put: getting up to breastfeed in the middle of the night is kind of a drag. Sleeping when you have little ones is highly coveted, so waking up to a crying and hungry baby puts a slight damper on that glorious sleep.

I'm no stranger to the MOTN nursing session; I breastfed my first daughter for 16 months, and I'm currently exclusively breastfeeding my six-month-old baby. I'm not a whiz at math, but I know that combined, that's almost two years of being awake a whole heck of a lot in the middle of the night.

During those early newborn days, especially if you have a baby who likes to nurse forever, staying awake when the rest of the house is fast asleep can be extremely difficult. Sometimes I even have to turn on a light just to keep myself awake, while my precious little one sleeps on the boob, gulping down her midnight (and 2 am, and 4 am) snack in her “dream feed.” (And don't worry, there are plenty of times when she comes into bed with us and I catch some zzz's while nursing her–gotta love the side-laying position!)

I have some tricks up my sleeve that may help you keep your eyes wide open when all they'd rather do is close and go back to sleep.

Here are 7 Ways to Stay Awake During Middle of the Night Nursing Sessions:

#Way 1

Read a Book. It's no secret that moms have very little time to themselves once little ones come around, but one of the things I've missed from my kid-less days is reading. I have a Kindle app on my phone, and during each MOTN feed I pick up right where I've left off. Since the beginning of this year I've already read a dozen books with this method! The books I'm reading aren't super complicated, but they're fun, easy reads that help keep me awake long enough to nurse the baby. The bonus part to this is that I recently joined a book club; so nursing in the middle of the night is essentially helping me make friends! Win/win.

#Way 2 

Clean Out Your Phone Book. In this day and age, it's probably safe to say that your Rolodex is now stored on your phone, and if you're anything like me, you have dozens of numbers stored on there you probably don't need in there anymore. It's also extremely safe to say that you reallydon't have time in your day-to-day life to do something as mundane as looking through your list of contacts for people to delete. Well, now that you're up at oh-dark-thirty, you have plenty of time on your hands to take care of business.

 #Way 3

Play a Game. Nothing can make you doze-off faster than being bored and sleepy. Put that brain to work by playing a game on your phone. Words with Friends, Scrabble, or even that matching game you have on there for your toddler … anything that will make you think. I play games against friends, and you'd be surprised how many other moms are up right around the same time you are. Just don't be surprised if your baby finishes eating and you're still awake trying to get through just one more round. 

 #Way 4

Edit Those Pictures. I typically don't have time to post pictures during the day since I snap around a million photos on my phone just to get that one decent picture of my girls. When I'm breastfeeding I have some extra downtime to scroll through all my pictures, find the ones I like, and get them up on social media or into an email for the grandparents.

 #Way 5

Binge Watch TV. My first daughter was a marathon nurser, meaning she paced herself and was in it for the long haul for each feed. Thankfully, we had a subscription to Netflix, so I binge watched shows in the middle of the night. Consider this an opportunity to catch up on all those shows you've been meaning to watch someday.

 #Way 6

Get Some Food and Pour a Drink. Drinking water is essential to keeping up a good milk supply, so pour a tall glass of water (or keep a water bottle handy on your nightstand), to drink while nursing. During the early days when I was still establishing my supply (and ravenous any time I nursed), I even made some “booby bites” and kept several on my nightstand so I could tame my rumbling tummy during a MOTN feed.

 #Way 7

Get Out of Bed. If you're not keen on cosleeping, and don't want to risk falling asleep with the baby in your bed, get out of your bed and feed her in another room. The act of getting out of bed and walking somewhere else will help wake you up–then use one of the tips above to stay awake.

Author,

Jessica Lynn       

Managing Your Toddler: TANTRUMS!

Tantrums are normal for toddlers, even legendary. Toddlers feel so passionately about everything, and they simply don't have enough frontal cortex capacity yet to control themselves when they're upset.

That said, you'll be glad to know that many tantrums are avoidable. Since many tantrums are an result of feeling powerless, toddlers who feel they have some control over their lives have many fewer tantrums. And since toddlers who are tired and hungry don't have the inner resources to handle frustration, managing your toddler's life so he isn't asked to cope when he's hungry or tired will reduce tantrums. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

Here's how to tame those toddler tantrums:

1. Since most tantrums happen when kids are hungry or tired, think ahead.

Preemptive feeding and napping, firm bedtimes, enforced rests, cozy times, peaceful quiet time without media stimulation -- whatever it takes -- prevent most tantrums, and reground kids who are getting whiny. Learn to just say no -- to yourself! Don't squeeze in that last errand. Don't drag a hungry or tired kid to the store. Make do or do it tomorrow.


“I guess we can’t do a big shop today. We’ll just get the milk and bread and go home. And here’s a cheese stick to eat while we wait in line.”

2. Make sure your child has a full reservoir of your love and attention.

Kids who feel needy are more likely to tantrum. If you've been separated all day, make sure you reconnect before you try to shop for dinner.

3. Try to handle tantrums so they don’t escalate.

It's amazing how acknowledging your child's anger can stop a brewing tantrum in its tracks. Before you set a limit, acknowledge what he wants.


"You wish you could have more juice, you love that juice, right?"

(Look, he's already nodding yes!) Then set the limit:

"You need to eat some eggs, too. We'll have more juice later."

(As you move his cup out of sight.) If he responds with anger, acknowledge it:

"That makes you so mad. You really want the juice."

Keep the number of words you use pared down:

"You are so mad!"
"No hitting."

4.  Sidestep power struggles.

You don't have to prove you're right. Your child is trying to assert that he is a real person, with some real power in the world. That's totally appropriate. Let him say no whenever you can do so without compromise to safety, health, or other peoples' rights.

5. When your child gets angry, remember that all anger is a defense against more uncomfortable feelings -- vulnerability, fear, hurt, grief.

If you can get him to go back to those underlying feelings, his anger will dissipate.

"You wish we could stay at the playground....You're sad and mad that we have to go."

6. Create Safety.

Usually at this point your child will cry. If he'll let you hold him, do so. If he won't, stay close, even if he won't let you touch him. He needs to know you're there, and still love him. Be calm and reassuring. Don’t try to reason with him. Your goal is just to create safety, so he can let all those feelings come up. Once he gets a chance to show you his sad feelings, he'll feel, and act, a lot better.

Think about what you feel like when you’re swept with exhaustion, rage and hopelessness. If you do lose it, you want someone else there holding things together, reassuring you and helping you get yourself under control -- but only after you've had a good cry.

After the tantrum:

First, take some “cozy time” together to reconnect and reassure. (No, you're not "rewarding" the tantrum. She needed this connection with you or she wouldn't have had the tantrum to begin with! And of course, make sure that your child gets enough “cozy time” with you that she doesn’t have to tantrum to get it.)

Second, tell the story of what happened, so that your child can understand and reflect, which builds the pre-frontal cortex:


"You were having such a good time playing at the playground...you didn't want to go home. When I said it was time to go, you were sad and mad...You yelled NO and hit me...I said No Hitting! and you cried and cried....I stayed right here and when you were ready we had a big, big hug....Now you feel better."

Biting In The Toddler Years

Biting is very common among groups of young children, for all types of reasons. But whatever the reason for biting, most parents find it shocking and disturbing, and they want it to stop – quickly! Understanding why the young child bites is the first step in preventing biting as well as teaching the child alternatives to biting.

Most common reasons and solutions for biting

The Experimental Biter: It is not uncommon for an infant or toddler to explore their world, including people, by biting. Infants and toddlers place many items in their mouths to learn more about them. Teach the child that some things can be bitten, like toys and food, and some things cannot be bitten, like people and animals. Another example of the Experimental Biter is the toddler who wants to learn about cause and effect. This child is wondering, 'What will happen when I bite my friend or Mommy?' Provide this child with many other opportunities to learn about cause and effect, with toys and activities.

The Teething Biter: Infants and toddlers experience a lot of discomfort when they're teething. A natural response is to apply pressure to their gums by biting on things. It is not unusual for a teething child to bear down on a person's shoulder or breast to relieve some of their teething pain. Provide appropriate items for the child to teeth on, like frozen bagels, teething biscuits, or teething rings.

The Social Biter: Many times an infant or toddler bites when they are trying to interact with another child. These young children have not yet developed the social skills to indicate 'Hi, I want to play with you.' So sometimes they approach a friend with a bite to say hello. Watch young children very closely to assist them in positive interactions with their friends.

The Frustrated Biter: Young children are often confronted with situations that are frustrating, like when a friend takes their toy or when daddy is unable to respond to their needs as quickly as they would like. These toddlers lack the social and emotional skills to cope with their feelings in an acceptable way. They also lack the language skills to communicate their feelings. At these times, it is not unusual for a toddler to attempt to deal with the frustration by biting whoever is nearby. Notice when a child is struggling with frustration and be ready to intervene. It is also important to provide words for the child, to help him learn how to express his feelings, like "That's mine!" or "No! Don't push me!"

The Threatened Biter: When some young children feel a sense of danger they respond by biting as a self-defense. For some children biting is a way to try to gain a sense of control over their lives, especially when they are feeling overwhelmed by their environment or events in their lives. Provide the toddler with nurturing support, to help him understand that he and his possessions are safe.

The Imitative Biter: Imitation is one of the many ways young children learn. So it is not unusual for a child to observe a friend bite, then try it out for herself. Offer the child many examples of loving, kind behavior. Never bite a child to demonstrate how it feels to be bitten.

The Attention-Seeking Biter: Children love attention, especially from adults. When parents give lots of attention for negative behavior, such as biting, children learn that biting is a good way to get attention. Provide lots of positive attention for young children each day. It is also important to minimize the negative attention to behaviors such as biting.

The Power Biter: Toddlers have a strong need for independence and control. Very often the response children get from biting helps to satisfy this need. Provide many opportunities for the toddler to make simple choices throughout the day. This will help the toddler feel the sense of control they need. It is also important to reinforce all the toddler's attempts at positive social behavior each day.

As with almost all potentially harmful situations involving children, prevention is the key. Adults must be active observers of children to prevent biting. in those times when close supervision doesn't work, the adult must intervene as quickly and as calmly as possible.

When intervening before the potential bite has occurred…….

• Talk for the child by offering words like, "I see that you wanted that toy!"

• Demonstrate patience and understanding for the frustration the child is experiencing.

• Offer solutions like, "We have another red truck right over here. Let's go get it."

• Demonstrate alternate ways of interacting and say something like, "She likes it when you rub her arm." Try to stay focused on the positive behavior you want to see, without reminding the child of the negative behavior.

When your child bites……

• Comfort the child who was bitten.

• Cleanse the wound with mild soap and water. Provide an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.

• Provide comfort for the wounded child by saying something like, "That really hurt! You don't like it when your friend bites your arm!"

• Calmly approach the child who bit. Many times these children feel overwhelmed and afraid after they bite. They need comfort, too.

• Comfort the child who bit by saying something like, "You seem sad that your friend's arm is hurt from the bite."

• Help the child who bit to understand the hurt their friend is feeling by offering to let her talk with her friend. Say something like, "Would you like to see Sally now? You can tell her that you hope she feels better soon." Older toddlers can learn a lot from being allowed to comfort their friend after a bite has occurred. The child who bit may want to see the injury. That's okay if the injured child wants to show it. But do not force either child to have this interaction, unless both are willing.

• Reinforce the rule that we don't hurt people. Help both children understand that your job is to keep everyone safe. Say, "I know you are angry. But I can't let you bite people."

• When the environment is calm again, remind the children what they can do to assert themselves, like say "No! That's mine!" or "Back away!" or if they are preverbal, teach them to 'growl like a tiger' to express themselves. The goal is to teach assertiveness and communication skills to both the child who bites and the child who gets bitten.

Never hit or bite a child who has bitten. That will teach the child that violence is OK.

Young children need lots of practice to learn the fine art of interacting with their friends in a positive way. They need positive guidance and support from parents. When children gain maturity and experience, and become preschoolers (3+ years old), they will likely have developed more appropriate ways of interacting.