by Audrey Hegarty

Now that we are into November \ December, we can expect to see some grisly weather coming our way. There are stories being thrown about that this winter is set to be one of the coldest in history with night time temperatures to allegedly hit lows of -16. Not a typo I actually did say -16!! Who knows maybe Mr. Crosby's dreams will come true and we will have a white Christmas. This is all very well, but what about those little babies who have just left the warmth and security of their mother's womb, only to arrive in the cold winter world of torrid rain and biting winds and if we are to believe the gossip never before experienced cold snaps!

To prepare your baby for the cold days that are coming, I thought up of some tips for keeping your baby all cosy and warm this Christmas. The main thing we need to take into account is that we don't actually over heat the baby while trying to protect them. Babies can be very resilient in many different ways. They make look very vulnerable but we must be wary of over protecting them.

It's widely believed that its not cold weather that gives baby a cold, rather contact with people who have virus or infection. That doesn't mean that you have to hibernate until spring, rather avoid tightly crowded places for the first 3 months or so until baby has had a chance to strengthen his or her immune system.

It's probably best to avoid unnecessary close contact with persons who have a runny nose or appear to be snuffling greatly! It is best to keep baby's vaccines up to date also. Babies with underlying conditions or premature babies may need extra care, we recommend consulting with your health care practitioner in this case!

In terms of baby clothing your baby will need a pair of soft soled leather shoes or fur lined bootees. These baby shoes will keep a babies' foot warm and they will also prevent baby socks from falling off.

Visit Tiptoe Tots for great prices on baby shoes this winter. You can also purchase baby leggings and baby socks too.

Footnote: It is interesting to note that the UK and Europe are already receiving the heaviest snows in over a decade, and we're still not done with November just yet. Pundits are probably correct, this may well become a very cold winter. On this side of the world, we have the opposite to deal with. A hot summer and how to keep your baby in cool. Coughs and Colds in new born babies is still a worry, even in summer.

by Baron Scott

Bruxism - AKA - Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is not a rare condition and it is one that is more talked about now than ever before. Bruxism is a condition that can range from being so mild that it is hardly noticeable to so severe it causes problems in the person's regular everyday life. However, over time doctors have learned more about the condition and have determined that there is a strong association between bruxism and stress and anxiety. When a person is overstressed it can affect them in numerous ways and even cause a condition like bruxism to develop.

Stress is always unhealthy for the body and can show up in various ways, including through grinding of the teeth. This can be more than just a nuisance it can be potentially dangerous. Bruxism can cause chipped teeth, missing teeth, gum infections and more. As soon as the signs of bruxism are noticed that person needs to get in and talk to their doctor right away.

There are a few options for treatment that doctors may suggest depending on the severity of the condition. The first step is to get started with stress management and try to relieve stress from the patient's life. Relaxation exercises like yoga and meditation work well and can be done easily in the morning or right before going to bed at night. These help to ease and calm the mind and even just doing them a few times a week can really help.

For people who have experienced dental problems as a result of their bruxism, mouth guards are often recommended. This will be custom fitted to the patient's mouth and put in before going to bed at night. Even anti anxiety medications are often prescribed to help people relax. Medication is rarely prescribed but can be used in more serious cases.

Muscle relaxants are often prescribed as these will help to loosen the muscle of the jaw before bed. Everyone is different so for anyone with bruxism it is important to seek the advice of a medical professional and have them work with you to figure out the best solution. They will be able to find the best treatment for you and your particular condition. It is important to get checked out and make sure there is no more serious health condition at play.

by Tanner Messy

When people imagine a sleeping infant, they think of a baby sound asleep without the slightest hint of stirring. While babies do sometimes sleep this peacefully, they often don't. Their slumber is punctuated by periodic snorts, rocking, pauses between breaths, and even knocking their heads repeatedly against their cribs. Many new moms and dads are understandably concerned when they witness such things.

These and other activities are common with sleeping infants, and seldom signal a reason to worry. That said, it's worth learning why they occur, and when you should call your doctor. Below, we'll describe a few behaviors your baby might display while sleeping, and help you identify whether they indicate a problem.

Moving Back And Forth

Some infants rock when they sleep. You'll notice them swaying moving back and forth, as if keeping time with a metronome. Babies often do this because the motion is soothing to them. When they sleep, it occurs naturally.

There's no need for concern unless your little one begins to rock back and forth aggressively; even then, it's rarely a problem. Tighten the screws on her crib each morning, however, since her constant movement may loosen them.

Light, Steady Snoring

Infants often snore for the same reasons adults snore, including a restricted passageway through their noses. If you hear your little one snoring lightly, and doing so steadily, the cause is likely a congested nose. On the other hand, if your baby's snoring is erratic, or she does it aggressively, have your doctor examine her air passages. She could be battling obstructive sleep apnea.

Grinding Teeth

Known as bruxism, a lot of babies grind their teeth while sleeping once their first few teeth come in. This typically occurs at six months. The grinding can persist for years. It sounds worse than it is. Teeth, even those of a baby, are incredibly strong. A few years of grinding will rarely damage them, or cause them to become worn (though it can happen). Nor does the activity cause pain for babies.

When you take your little one to her first dental appointment (usually by twelve months), mention the grinding to the dentist. He or she can examine your baby's teeth for signs of damage.

Hitting Their Heads Against Their Cribs

Of all sleep behaviors, this is the one that most startles new moms and dads. While their babies are sleeping, many of them hit their foreheads or the backs of their heads against the sides of their cribs. They do so gently, so there is seldom need for concern. This does little to console new parents, however.

It is estimated that one in five infants routinely hit their heads while they sleep. Boys are much more likely to engage in the behavior than girls. If you notice your little one banging her head while she sleeps, have your doctor examine her. While problems are rare, and the behavior is usually harmless, it's better to make certain.

Heavily Perspiring

Many babies sweat while they slumber. They don't form a light sheen of perspiration - their sweating is copious. It's common and usually happens when they're sleeping at their deepest point during the night.

Keep watch over your little one to identify additional signs that may indicate a health problem. For example, if she is sweating and having difficulty breathing, she may have an infection. If the temperature in her room is relatively low, yet she still sweats heavily, her sweating might indicate a problem that could lead to SIDS. Sweating rarely implies anything is wrong with your infant. However, as with a baby who hits her head while sleeping, it is better to make sure.

Don't be alarmed if your little one displays any of the behaviors described above while she sleeps. Keep a wary eye on her, and call your doctor if you suspect a lingering problem. Realize, however, that babies often sleep fitfully.

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by Diego Armando

Although it is rare for breast cancer to strike younger women, the fact remains that all women are at risk. And for those of childbearing age, the first sign and symptoms of breast cancer leading to a diagnosis can not only be upsetting and unexpected, but complicated as well.

Developing breast cancer at a younger age-in a woman's 40s, 30s, even 20s-will mean making important and difficult decisions about one's life and future perhaps much sooner than originally expected.

One concern is developing breast cancer during pregnancy, which although rare, can still occur. In this case, the treatment chosen will not only affect the patient and her body, but the growing baby inside her as well. It will depend on what stage of pregnancy she is in (first, second or third trimester) and what stage her cancer is in-such as whether or not it's advanced.

Most pregnant women can have treatment for their breast cancer without affecting the baby. But some might be advised by their obstetrician or health-care practitioner-or even decide themselves-to terminate the pregnancy, more so if the pregnancy is in its earlier stages, in order to receive certain treatments that would be too risky otherwise. But it is essential to remember that it is a woman's own decision-it is not medically necessary to terminate a pregnancy if the expectant mother is diagnosed with breast cancer. All it does is limit treatment options. Breast cancer itself will not affect the fetus-only certain tests and treatments will.

Generally speaking, tamoxifen, chemotherapy, radiation, and other drug-related therapies are avoided if the woman is pregnant because of their associated risks with birth defects. Tamoxifen, especially, is considered very unsafe because it is a hormonal therapy and is never recommended if the woman is pregnant or planning on conceiving.

Surgery-either a lumpectomy or mastectomy-is the most common and preferred method of treatment for breast cancer in pregnant women.

Another concern is whether or not breast cancer survivors can or should go on to have children after treatment and recovery. It's a very controversial issue with firm advocates on both sides of the debate.

There are two main questions here, for both the medical and health community and breast cancer survivors wanting their own children:

1) Do certain breast cancer treatments affect fertility?; and
2) Is it actually considered safe to conceive and carry a baby to term following breast cancer and breast cancer treatments?

As far as fertility goes, there is no definite answer here. For chemotherapy, it depends on the age and what specific drug was used-some affect fertility more than others. And taking tamoxifen after chemotherapy to prevent recurrence is not recommended if the woman desires to become pregnant right away. Although tamoxifen is sometimes used as a fertility treatment, there is evidence to suggest that it damages developing embryos, and therefore is not considered safe to use.

Many doctors caution these women to wait several years to ensure receiving the best breast cancer treatment possible and to go past the point of the biggest threat of breast cancer recurrence. But some women decide to go ahead and have babies anyway, since it's so important to them.

Footnote: Always check with your health professionals before making any decisions. As time passes medical breakthroughs may make the information in this article irrelevant.

by Colby Brister

Nutrition is a vital part of the development of humans, plants, and animals alike. There is a delicate balance that must be met in order for a person, especially a child, to develop properly. When children are younger, parents encourage them to eat fruits and vegetables, but it is generally up to the child what is eaten. It is up to you as a parent to ensure that your baby or toddler is getting the right nutrients each day to grow strong and healthy. There are many questions in the modern age when it comes to health, but by following some simple rules, you will ensure that your baby or toddler will grow into a self reliant adult that makes healthy eating decisions. It starts from the very first bite of food.

Beginning good eating habits begins with your pregnancy. Proper consumption of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins leads to an uncomplicated birth, a healthy mother, and a healthy baby. You should continue your great eating trends into the breast feeding part of your infant's life. You are passing your nutrients directly to your child, so it is essential that you have plenty of nutrients. Mother to be and new mothers should eat lots of fresh, raw vegetables and fruits. You should try to eat different colors of the rainbow when it comes to produce, and limit sodium and Trans fat intake. It is best to eliminate Trans fat and caffeine altogether. As your child begins eating foods, make sure that it is organic, pure, and free of chemical add in's or fillers.

You need to understand the right kinds of foods that should be eaten by babies and toddlers. Babies do not need solid foods until they are a year old, but your doctor may suggest it sooner or later for your child. You should begin with one fruit or vegetable at a time and stay away from peanuts and strawberries, as they can cause allergies when introduced too early. Once your child begins eating regular foods, you should encourage many different fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and juices. Your child should discover the foods that he likes, and try them different ways. These steps can ensure that your child enters adolescence with healthy eating habits and tastes.

You should try to eat lots of different things with your children to provide them with an open mind about new foods, and this also gives them the most nutrients possible. If you have a picky child, try disguising the vegetables and fruits that they don't like with the foods that they love. For example, chocolate milk has long been a way for mother's to get young children to get more calcium. Try vanilla soy milk for the same effect with less processed sugar. Eating organic foods can also be great.

You can ensure that your child is developing great eating habits by setting an example and doing your research. Keep improving your own habits as well. Your entire family will be better off for it.

by James Lunden

When you and your partner get the exciting news that you're expecting a baby, there are many things to consider. This will be an emotional time, filled with exciting milestones and decisions. Getting everything ready for baby will be fun and exciting for both parents. From baby showers to birth plans, there is much to consider when it comes to getting ready for your new bundle of joy.

Once you get the official word that you are expecting a baby, it's time to start preparing for her arrival. Picking out a name, choosing a design theme for the nursery, and buying adorable clothes for baby are just a few of the thrilling things that you'll be doing in the months leading up to baby's arrival.

For many parents, picking out the name can be one of the most fun experiences. From family names to funky and unusual names, there are so many options to consider. It is also a thrill to start preparing the nursery for baby. Choosing the perfect theme, buying all the furniture, and decorating the nursery are important parts of getting ready for baby.

It's also fun to start buying clothes when expecting a baby. Finding the perfect outfit for her to wear home from the hospital is one of the many important decisions to be made as the due date approaches. The birthing plan is also a major preparation in getting ready for baby. Making sure there is a baby shower to take care of all the things you need for your new bundle of joy can be helpful as well.

As you get closer to meeting your baby for the first time, it can be a very emotional time. Expecting a baby is one of the most important times in your life, so it's a good idea to cherish all the moments leading up to her arrival.

by James Lunden

Having a new baby is an exciting and overwhelming experience. From sleepless nights to midnight feedings, most parents don't get much sleep. With most newborns sleeping up to 20 hours a day, parents are faced with frequent feedings and short periods of rest. This is only made worse in the case of their baby not sleeping. There are many things that can cause baby to have trouble sleeping, so it's important to know the causes so you can take care of the problem of sleeplessness.

There are certain ailments that can cause sleeplessness in babies. Ear infections are common causes of discomfort in babies and can lead to baby not sleeping. Getting to a doctor right away is important if you suspect an ear infection. There are other infections that might be a problem for a new baby.

Urinary tract infections are relatively common in babies as well. Being aware of the symptoms of problems like this can help baby sleep better and be healthier. Milk allergies are also common problems that can cause discomfort in babies and therefore sleeplessness.

Other problems that might lead to babies not sleeping could be things like acid reflux, fever, respiratory infections, and snoring or breathing problems. Being aware of the amount of sleep a baby should get at various stages of growth is a good way to be aware of abnormal sleep patterns. Making sure to resolve any sleep problems as soon as you notice them is important to baby's health and overall well being.

From ear infections to acid reflux, there are many things that can lead to baby not sleeping. Being aware of any irregularities and seeing your physician are important parts of keeping your baby happy and healthy. Most sleep disturbances are nothing to be alarmed about and will be resolved on their own, but it's a good idea to be aware of any changes in the sleeping habits of your baby.

by Laura Frey

Congratulations on becoming a new mother, it is a great experience and moment in your life but it can be extremely hard work and terrifying at the same time.

You want to be a great mother who is not stressed out but is enjoying the time with your new baby, to be a chilled out mother you will need to get into a routine as soon as possible.

If you can plan the day and adopt a routine then you should be able to fit in some chilling time while the baby sleeps. At the start it's quite difficult to do this as there's so much to do but that's why planning is the key. Without a plan you won't get 5 minutes rest which is not good for you nor the baby.

Right what sort of things should you buy that you can't be without? Here's my top ten products to buy that you won't regret.

1. There are many baby bottles on the market that have advanced so much that they help relieve the symptoms of colic due to a clever design. If you are bottle feeding your baby I would definitely recommend these.
2. A swaddling blanket is a must to help your baby feel safe and secure to sleep well. It also aids to stop their strong reflexes from waking them up as their arms will be snug.
3. There are great new bibs for sale called bandanna bibs they are amazing as they are designed to keep your baby dry when they drool. They are really funky with the most popular range being from Bibs Bandanna.
4. You will need to buy therma bottle bags as they will keep food,jars etc at the same temperature safely for over 4 hours which is ideal if you go out and about a lot and want to continue to do so with minimal fuss.
5. When weaning I found Annabel Karmels range of books invaluable for simple yet tasty and nutritious treats.
6. A buggy is a must have item as they are so much easier than hefty travel systems. They also fit into your car easily without any effort. You can now get strollers from 0 months so they can be used for your newborn just make sure they go back almost flat.
7. A sleep bag will help your baby transfer from the swaddle with ease as they are still tucked in.
8. A sterilizer that goes into the microwave oven purely to save time and easy to use!
9. A UV tent is a must in the hot months.
10. Buy Gina Ford's Contented Little Baby Book she is the Queen of routine if all else fails!

I hope these tips help, they are mainly from my trail and error as a 1st time mum. Good luck and most importantly of all, enjoy your baby they are so precious.

Last thought - go to a mum and baby group, there will be mums there that you can swap ideas with or just chat and have a coffee with while your baby plays and explores with other children.

by Kelly Nixon

Midwifery has been a popular job that provides health care to pregnant women makes it a rewarding experience and a widely sought career. The salaries vary depending on the experience and is very competitive. Midwives are hired by pregnant women who opt to have their baby born at home in comfort and privacy. Let's learn more about the roles of a midwife.

Midwives in general takes care of pregnant women. Midwives are there to assist pregnant women all through out the pregnancy and even after the baby is born. This means the midwife must attend to her patient when she is in labor until she delivers a child.

The prenatal period is also a part of the pregnancy that midwives help women. As the woman waits for her time to deliver a baby, one major task of a midwife is to provide the necessary assistance and care to her patient. She must make sure her patient learns how to take of herself to avoid miscarriage and other problems.

A midwife does not only take care of the pregnant woman but also to the newborn child. Before and after the birth, a midwife is expected to monitor the condition of the baby so she can give necessary medications for the pregnant mother or the baby. She should also help educate the parents about how to breast feed and baby sit and all the other stuff that parents need to know.

After the birthing process, the least task of every midwife is to give advice and information to both parents. It is mostly information regarding nutrition and how to take care of the baby that she offers to the parents in order for the newborn to be taken well cared for.

You have just read the different roles that a midwife has. A midwife not just helps during the delivery but in educating the parents and the people about what to do before and after the delivery as well. Midwives can be trusted in their expert professional skills for assisting you during labor and delivery

by James Lunden

As your baby develops, it's a good idea to engage her senses with games at various stages. Keeping her involved and aware of these senses will help them develop normally. It also is a great way for you to bond with your baby by spending one on one time with her. There are so many ways to play a baby game with your new little one and you can have hours of fun with her.

From birth to 3 months, it's especially important to engage all of her senses as she gets used to this overwhelming new world. Although her sight isn't fully developed (babies are very nearsighted at first), you should incorporate all senses to the games you play with her.

For baby, something as simple as playing music can be hours of fun. Having a baby game that involves sight, sound, smell, and hearing is the best way to encourage normal development in your baby.

Between 4 and 6 months, your baby can lift her head on her own and should have normal sight. This allows for many more options in the way of game playing with baby. If you're in the kitchen, baby will love being exposed to the scent of certain spices like cinnamon to engage her sense of smell.

Putting a dusting of spice in her hand will engage her sense of touch as well. You can also begin the fun game of making baby fly by hoisting her in the air. This will make baby laugh for hours.

From 7 to 9 months, there are even more baby games you can introduce. Peek a boo is a favorite of babies and parents. This provides endless entertainment for everyone involved. Baby will also enjoy banging things on tables and other surfaces as she can easily grab things.