Delivery Day

FROM BABY CENTER.COM:

"You're 14 percent more likely to give birth on a Tuesday than on any other day of the week — and least likely to deliver on the weekend."

I did go into labor on a Tuesday. I would love to know more about these stats! I thought I should share this for those of you who are expecting! Did anyone else deliver on a Tuesday?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Are you having an Acne Emergency? Call Soderstrom Skin Institute at 674 – SKIN… we treat acne seriously. With over 35 years of experience, Soderstrom Skin Institute will provide a personalized program to help you get your acne under control. Untreated acne can result in permanent scarring. Don’t suffer any longer! Evening and weekend appointment are available and in most cases you’ll be seen within one week.

The New Baby

"Surprise Mom! I decided to come into the world by scaring you half to death!" My little one was born September 1st at 11:14a.m. My contractions started around 8:30a.m. They were mild, but I got this feeling it was "the real thing." I called my husband-who was about an hour away-and told him to come home. By 9:30a.m. I started panicking because the contractions hurt and I knew I had to get to the hospital to have a safe delivery. The baby was breech and my amniotic fluid was low. Those are bad combinations for a vaginal delivery. We got to the hospital at 10a.m. I was four centimeters dilated. I knew I had less than an hour before the baby was coming. I could feel it.

The nurse at the hospital said I looked pretty convincing and started the normal protocol. I told her she needed to skip some steps and get this c-section going or this baby wouldn't make it. Shortly after that, the room was swarming with people; checking me over, rushing from one end of the room to the other, going in and out, etc. My contractions suddenly got a whole lot worse and I knew transition was just around the corner. Sure enough, a doctor came in and said I was at 7 centimeters. The nurse quickly gave me a shot of terbutaline to hopefully slow down the contractions. It seemed to work. They started spacing out about a minute apart. Thank God! The doctor said he was one of the only people in the area who has delivered a vaginal breech baby. He just happened to be at the hospital at the time. I finally started to relax-in between being in horrible contraction pain-and the anesthesiologist started the spinal. Whew!

My legs went numb in what seemed like seconds, my doctor walked in and the c-section began. So at the point when I planned on being nervous, instead I felt relieved. My uterus had to be cut in a T shape to get his little head out and he had to have oxygen the first few moments of life. But it could have been a whole lot worse. What a little blessing!

What I didn't know about c-sections:
1. They take out your uterus! I was listening to my doctor talk to the resident and he says, "Now we are going to take out the uterus..." I said, "Um, excuse me?" He giggled and said, "We're just stitching it up and we will put it back." "Uh, okay, I guess. Yikes!"

2. The anesthesia can cause you to have this strange, uncomfortable pain in your chest, shoulders and neck. The anesthesiologist gave me a massage during the surgery and that helped a ton!

4. You can get really nauseous during the surgery. Sometimes people even throw up. However, my anesthesiologist had me sniffing alcohol pads and putting pressure on my wrist and the top of my ring finger. That really worked! I wish I had known about the alcohol pads during the first trimester! What a great trick! I couldn't believe how it took away the nausea.

5. After the surgery it burns like crazy when you cough, laugh or sneeze. Try not to do these things for a couple days!

6. The constipation from the pain meds can be worse than the the incision pain. REALLY! Watch out for this!

My little guy is waking up now. He is a really good baby so far. He loves to eat and has already surpassed his birth weight at one week old. He was 6.7 pounds at birth and 6.13 today. Hooray!

Thanks for all the kind words this week and thanks especially to Erin and Laura who rushed over to watch the older kids while my husband and I sped to the hospital. That was a close call!

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Are you having an Acne Emergency? Call Soderstrom Skin Institute at 674 – SKIN… we treat acne seriously. With over 35 years of experience, Soderstrom Skin Institute will provide a personalized program to help you get your acne under control. Untreated acne can result in permanent scarring. Don’t suffer any longer! Evening and weekend appointment are available and in most cases you’ll be seen within one week.

Car Seats as Cribs

FROM NBC: Moms and dads -- you'll want to hear this story if you allow your babies to sleep for long periods of time in their car seats. A new study finds sitting upright in car safety seats can partially compress the chest wall.

That reduces the amount of oxygen babies are able to breathe in. Researchers compared the oxygen levels among healthy, full-term infants when they were in cribs and car seats. In cribs -- oxygen saturation levels were at nearly 98-percent.

But that percentage fell to 95.7-percent when they were in a car seat. This does not mean infants should ever be in a moving vehicle without being strapped into a car seat -- it's the safest way to travel and, of course, the law.

Researchers say the car seat should not be a substitute for a crib. This study used 200 healthy, full-term infants. The study also looked at infant car beds, and found the oxygen saturation level was at 96.3%. It's used for premature babies, low-birth weight babies and babies who need to lie down for medical reasons when traveling.

Oh man, I admit I have used the infant car seat as a crib before. My second son had horrible reflux and if he wasn't sleeping at an angle, he just cried and cried. It was much easier to put him in the car seat and rock him to sleep. He also slept in the bouncy seat-which I highly discourage. He got a flat head and had to wear a helmet because of that!
I am going to try using the baby sleep positioner for the first few months. My mother-in-law bought me one that has a tab on the bottom. It helps you keep track of which way the baby's head is turned when he sleeps. Then the next time you lay him down, you turn his head the other way. I hope it works!

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Are you having an Acne Emergency? Call Soderstrom Skin Institute at 674 – SKIN… we treat acne seriously. With over 35 years of experience, Soderstrom Skin Institute will provide a personalized program to help you get your acne under control. Untreated acne can result in permanent scarring. Don’t suffer any longer! Evening and weekend appointment are available and in most cases you’ll be seen within one week.

Free Developmental Screenings

The state of Illinois recommends everyone gets their child screened for developmental milestones. The screenings are free through Early Intervention. For Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Henry and Stark Counties in Illinois call (309) 999-7030 to set up a time for a therapist to come to your house. The first visit usually lasts about an hour.

I have had both of my kids screened. They both had speech delays. If your child needs therapy, the cost is based on your income. Every child develops at his/her own pace. It is up to you to gather all the information about where they stand and decide whether he/she needs assistance. Below is a list of the developmental milestones. I think it's a great program and I would recommend getting your child screened if you have any concerns at all.

One to Six Months Developmental Skills

The skills listed below are a guideline to keep track of your child’s development. The skills are listed in developmental order. Children develop at different times. If you are ever concerned with your child’s development during the ages of birth to age three and would like to schedule a developmental screening please call (309) 999-7030.

Social Skills	Language Development
Recognizes faces	Reacts to sound
Smiles	Vocalizes with cooing sounds
Recognizes familiar faces	Laughs and squeals
	Looks in direction of sound
	Recognizes own name
	Imitates sounds
Fine Motor Skills	Gross Motor Skills
Follows moving objects with eyes	Lifts head
Notices hands	On tummy, holds head up
Grasps toys	Does mini push-ups
Plays with hands and feet	Supports weight on feet
Brings objects to mouth	Rolls over
	Supported sitting, head steady

Parent Child Activities:

• Hold your baby close while feeding, talk and smile.
• Rocking in a chair can provide comfort, motion, touching and relaxation.
• Don’t discourage taste of safe objects because babies learn about world through their mouth.
• Talk, Talk, Talk throughout the day explaining all of the activities that you do.
• Place child on stomach. Stomach time helps with motor development.
• Babies need to change positions often to help with all areas of development.
• Look at books with texture and colors.
• Babies love seeing themselves. Use a mirror while lying on floor.

Toy Suggestions:

• YOU
• Books
• Mobiles
• Textures
• Sponges in bath

• Teething rings
• Rattles
• Music
• Blanket on floor for tummy time.

Seven to Twelve Months

Developmental Skills

The skills listed below are a guideline to keep track of your child’s development. The skills are listed in developmental order. Children develop at different times. If you are ever concerned with your child’s development during the ages of birth to age three and would like to schedule a developmental screening please call (309) 999-7030.

Social Skills	Language Development
Shy with strangers/ stranger anxiety	Responds to name
Works for toys out of reach	Says mama, dada (jabbering)
Plays pat-a-cake, peek-a-boo	Imitates speech sounds/ babbles
Waves Bye-Bye	Understands familiar words
	Indicates wants and needs with gestures
	First words
Fine Motor Skills	Gross Motor Skills
Pulls objects to self	Sits without support
Passes objects from hand to hand	Rocks on hands and knees
Picks up small objects	Crawls, pulls self to stand
Finger feeds self	Cruises furniture
Bangs objects together	Stands alone momentarily
Use pincer grasp	Take a few steps
Put items in a container
Scribble

Parent Child Activities:

• Imitate sounds your child makes.
• Place toys out of reach to encourage movement.
• Encourage finger feeding with a variety of small foods- cheese, cheerios, crackers, etc.
• Talk about the sounds you hear.
• Baby proof your house so your child can explore.
• Only use playpen as a special place not a babysitter.
• Talk to your child while you do activities.

Toy Suggestions:

• YOU
• Pots and pans- Drums
• Mirrors
• Musical toys

• Soft blocks
• Texture items
• Picture books
• Stacking cups

Thirteen to Eighteen Months

Developmental Skills

The skills listed below are a guideline to keep track of your child’s development. The skills are listed in developmental order. Children develop at different times. If you are ever concerned with your child’s development during the ages of birth to age three and would like to schedule a developmental screening please call (309) 999-7030.

Social Skills	Language Development
Indicates wants and needs without crying	Has a vocabulary starting at 2 words up to 2 word phrases
Likes to see own reflection	Can identify up to five body parts
Imitates others	Responds to directions
Drinks from a cup, Begin to use a spoon	“No” is favorite word
Has temper tantrums	Chooses objects from a group
Shows attachment to objects
Enjoys pretend games
Fine Motor	Gross Motor
Can eat with fingers	Walks alone
Puts objects in a container	Bends over and pick up items
Scribbles with crayon	Plays with a ball
Turns pages in book	Climbs, kneels, and walks backwards
Stacks up to 3 blocks	Likes riding toys

Parent Child Activities:

• During bath time talk about your child’s body parts as you wash them.
• Name items and encourage your child to repeat you.
• Allow your child to feed themselves. The best way to learn is by doing.
• Encourage your child to use their words with rewards.
• Read books together often.
• Be silly, have fun!

Toy Suggestions:

• YOU
• Boxes, coffee canisters, and

buckets to fill and empty.

• Pull toys to help with walking
• Books
• Music
• Dolls

Nineteen to Twenty Four Months

Developmental Skills

The skills listed below are a guideline to keep track of your child’s development. The skills are listed in developmental order. Children develop at different times. If you are ever concerned with your child’s development during the ages of birth to age three and would like to schedule a developmental screening please call (309) 999-7030.

Social Skills	Language Development
Uses a spoon well	Follows simple directions
Helps with simple tasks	Understands 100-200 words
Removes clothing	30-50 word vocabulary
Helps with simple self help skills	Names objects/ pictures
Begins to put on clothes	Asks questions
Interest in other children	Uses 2-3 word sentences
Fine Motor	Gross Motor
Uses silverware	Runs with coordination
Completes simple puzzles	Throws a ball underhand
Imitates crayon strokes	Walks up the stairs
Turns knobs	Kicks a ball
Stacks 5-6 blocks

Parent Child Activities:

• Allow your child the opportunity to complete self help skills- dressing, brush teeth, wash hands, and brush hair.
• Encourage your child to use silverware as much as possible.
• Children learn by listening, do not talk baby talk. Repeat what child says with correct word- goggie-doggie!
• Have your child help with simple household tasks.
• Give your child opportunities to be creative with drawing, painting, and sidewalk chalk.
• Play outdoors. Create obstacle courses, race, kick a ball, and throw a ball.
• Read books.

Toy Suggestions:

• YOU
• Blocks
• Crayons, markers, paint
• Household Items- broom, dustpan, dishes
• Ball
• Matching Objects
• Simple Puzzles
• Toy phone

Twenty Five to Thirty Months

Developmental Skills

The skills listed below are a guideline to keep track of your child’s development. The skills are listed in developmental order. Children develop at different times. If you are ever concerned with your child’s development during the ages of birth to age three and would like to schedule a developmental screening please call (309) 999-7030.

Social Skills	Language Development
Throws temper tantrums	Understands at least 300 words
Washes and dries hands on their own	Has a 50- 100 word vocabulary
Dresses with supervision	Uses pronouns
	Identifies objects through descriptions- big/ little
Fine Motor Skills	Gross Motor Skills
Stacks 5-10 blocks	Walks up and down stair using railing
Imitates vertical lines	Jumps with both feet off floor
Opens doors	Stands on one foot briefly
Draws a circle

Parent Child Activities:

• Allow your child the opportunity to complete self help skills- dressing, brush teeth, wash hands, and brush hair.
• When asked questions answer them even though you may hear a question many times a day.
• Take walks and describe what you see and ask what sounds your child hears.
• Play like an animal and have child guess what animal you are.
• Play hide and seek.
• Sing nursery rhymes.
• Read stories.
• Allow your child choices.
• Play with play dough and make a variety of shapes and objects.
• Give your child opportunities to be creative with drawing, painting, and sidewalk chalk.

Toy Suggestions:

• YOU
• Books
• Beads with strings
• Create a picture book with pictures out of magazines in a photo album
• Play with puppets- create your own with old socks
• Riding toys
• Crayons, pens, paints
• Step stool for independence

Thirty One to Thirty Six Months

Developmental Skills

The skills listed below are a guideline to keep track of your child’s development. The skills are listed in developmental order. Children develop at different times. If you are ever concerned with your child’s development during the ages of birth to age three and would like to schedule a developmental screening please call (309) 999-7030.

Social Skills	Language Development
Plays house	Say their name
Dresses and undresses self	Names one color
Takes turns and learning to share	Names one friend
Shows toilet readiness skills	Can carry on simple conversation
Expresses emotion	Understands in, out, on, under and behind
	Describes object by use and action
Fine Motor Skills	Gross Motor Skills
Copies circle and crosses	Walks up and down stairs
Stacks 8-12 blocks	Balances on each foot
Strings beads	Hops on one foot
Zips items	Pedals a tricycle
Unbuttons objects	Jumps over things

Parent Child Activities:

• Read together.
• Finger paint.
• Point out colors together.
• Play follow the leader.
• Cut out shapes of different sizes and match up the same sizes and shapes.
• Have your child help in simple activities.
• Answer "why" questions.
• Talk about your family and where they live.

Toy Suggestions:

• YOU
• Simple games
• Cars
• Play House
• Doll House
• Books
• Riding toys
• Beads
• Zippers
• Buttons
• Crayons, pens, paints
• Colors, Shapes, and sizes

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Are you having an Acne Emergency? Call Soderstrom Skin Institute at 674 – SKIN… we treat acne seriously. With over 35 years of experience, Soderstrom Skin Institute will provide a personalized program to help you get your acne under control. Untreated acne can result in permanent scarring. Don’t suffer any longer! Evening and weekend appointment are available and in most cases you’ll be seen within one week.