Early Motherhood

Every adult, at one time or another, has experienced heartburn and that gnawing mid-chest discomfort after a big meal. Maybe you had one too many hot dogs at the ballpark, or maybe your cousin’s chili was a bit too hot for you.

But when these symptoms are frequent or can’t be attributed to spicy ingredients, it could be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). And it can be a problem not just for adults, but for children as young as newborns. In fact, it’s not uncommon for infants to experience the post-feeding vomiting and fussiness of GERD. Most will outgrow the disease without medication, but there are some who will need more aggressive treatment.

Planning for a baby can be one of the most exciting times of your life, but also one of the most demanding times. Pondering names, redesigning spaces in your home, and getting all of the equipment an infant needs are just a few of the things that will consume many hours during pregnancy. Choosing the right health care provider should be included on your list of things to do before your baby is born.

What Are Your Options?
When it comes to medical care for your child, there are generally three types of qualified providers: pediatricians, family physicians, and pediatric nurse practitioners.

Raising children is one of the toughest and most fulfilling jobs in the world – and the one for which you may feel the least prepared. Here are nine ways to tackle child-rearing responsibilities that can help you feel more fulfilled as a parent – and enjoy your child more, too.

If you’re a first-time parent, breastfeeding your newborn may seem complicated until you’ve had some practice. Before you begin nursing, it’s a good idea to take a look at your surroundings.

Many mothers like to sit in a glider or in a cozy chair with armrests. Footstools and pillows can provide extra support (pillows that some women find helpful are the donut-type nursing pillows or the “husband” back pillows with arms on each side for nursing in bed).

It’s also important to find a comfortable nursing position (or hold) for both you and your baby. Here are some common ones to consider.

Although cutting your little one’s nails can be a bit unnerving, especially at first, keeping nails short is important to your baby’s safety. Because they lack muscle control, infants can easily scratch and cut their own delicate skin while happily waving their hands and feet. It’s especially important to keep babies’ nails trimmed once they start interacting and playing with other children who could be scratched, especially in child care.