*Baby Corner*

[Anna C. 4]

There is a big difference between ear thermos (not accurate) and temporal artery thermos (proven in children's hospitals). They wouldn't use the artery ones in the hospital if it hadn't been for studies that they are nearly as accurate as rectal temp. I can't take temp rectally anymore, he is way too squirmy, even with our instant read flexible tip thermo. I have read several studies that show that it is - if used correctly (and you really have to learn to use it correctly - I had a pediatric nurse show it to me during a WBV).

@ Nessa: I heard about that monitor but thought it was quite pricy. How much did you pay? I remember seeing it for around $200.

[Eveline 9]

I think the movememt monitor is rather something that reassures parents that it does prevent SIDS. It might detect SIDS (or just give a false alarm) but it won't prevent it. If I was to do it over again I'd get a vibrating thingy for the crib to keep baby aroused so it won't drift off to that deep sleep. Also, cosleeping and generally attachment parenting helps preventing SIDS. Just recently studies have shown that a fan or an open window in the bedroom where baby sleeps can reduce SIDS by 72%.

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/T131000.asp

Edited February 24, 2009 by Eveline

[Nessa 23]

i didn't buy yet. the one i'm getting i think is around 120

[Staashi 371]

I think the movememt monitor is rather something that reassures parents that it does prevent SIDS. It might detect SIDS (or just give a false alarm) but it won't prevent it. If I was to do it over again I'd get a vibrating thingy for the crib to keep baby aroused so it won't drift off to that deep sleep. Also, cosleeping and generally attachment parenting helps preventing SIDS. Just recently studies have shown that a fan or an open window in the bedroom where baby sleeps can reduce SIDS by 72%.http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/T131000.asp

I read that, too. I will be using our ceiling fan. They say SIDS normally is caused by carbon dioxide poisoning.

[keltic 1]

Our hospital uses digital thermometers that check axillary temps. Rectal temps are discouraged where I work & our pediatrician's office, because of the risk of perforation. Some peds still ask for them sometimes, so we do go over how to do it correctly during discharge teaching.

I agree with the previous poster that says having a pacifier is a good idea. Some kids don't want them, but some do. Those studies that say pacifiers help prevent SIDS say that it also helps keep them from sleeping so deeply that they forget to breathe.

A side note: The number of children that die of SIDS is MUCH higher than the number of children who die during co-sleeping. That is one of the reasons that I felt that it was right for us. Back when my daughter was born, the stats were something like 64 kids that year had died during co-sleeping, but a few THOUSAND died of SIDS. But they said not to co-sleep. Just didn't compute for me. So, I co-slept with both of my children. I wouldn't drink or take any medications that would have made me sleepy while either of them were in the bed with me. My kids are happy & healthy.

[Staashi 371]

Here's a very sensitive question...any of you all do the perineal massage before childbirth??? I'm very nervous about tearing or having an episiotomy. I guess my biggest issue is with my stitches healing, since I had such a hard time with it 2 years ago from surgery. Just was wondering if you've tried it as the studies show it can be very effective with your first born and subsequent children, but you can't not do it for your first and then do it for your subsequent children - it will have no effectiveness.

Thanks!

[Eveline 9]

I did not do the massage and I got a 3rd degree cut BUT that was only because Allie's heartrate went so far down for way too long and it had to go fast. The nurses said that she was probably pushing on the cord which cut her off the oxygen. I didn't feel the cut at all, the stiches were ok. I healed pretty quickly and the pain was more tolerable than the c/s pain.

Anyway, I would suggest it though if you are really scared of tearing/cutting.

[Mommy2ZaidnSalma 11]

I had an episiotomy.I had LOTS of stitches and healing was good. I had a 9lb kid tho so I think an episiotomy was for the best lol. I personally dont think I could let someone massage my peri lol, but thats just me.

[NickD 203]

At a little over four months old son took MY granddaughter to the doctor yesterday for shots and a check up. Guess that also have statistics now.

Amber's weight is 50%, height is 65% and head size is 85% for her sex and age. Found this on the web after hearing about this.

http://www.avera.org/avera/tools/calculato...rowthchart.aspx

Like a computer where the basic data is entered. Was most curious about her head size, so plugged in a bunch of numbers for a four month old female. And quickly learned the limits were from 0% to a 100%, so if she had a head circumference of say one inch, would show O%, but the same for 15" so progressed until I saw 1% that was 15.2". Same at the high end, anything above 17.2" was 100%, even a head circumference of 100" showed only 100%.

So used the 1% to 99% range of 15.2 to 17.2 inches, the mean of 16.2 inches was right around 50%. But this is circumference, realize the head is elliptical shape, but this roughly converts into a head diameter of roughly plus or minus 3/8" or the head may appear to be about 3/16" wider or narrower from the front view.

Does this mean she has more brains is a slightly larger head? Since she has my genes, like to think so, LOL. I like to hold her on my lap face to face and have a conversation with her, if I show her my mean face, she will look sour and begin to cry, but a happy face gives me a great big smile. She tries to answer me with ah's, but can't get a da da from her yet. Ha, was told to say ma ma instead, but said to my wife, that is your job, not mine.

But what a bundle of joy she has given to us, fun to watch her grow. She really gets happy when I tell her how to give her parents a difficult time, ha, I am getting even with her parents.

[Eveline 9]

@Nick...Too many numbers for me. I can't follow your post. My brain shuts off when I see more than 3 numbers . Just a couple of questions:

Did the ped say, everything is fine?

Is she thriving?

Is she a happy baby with plenty of feedings, dirty and wet diapers?

If you answer all those questions with YES...SHE IS TOTALLY NORMAL

All kids develop differently up to about 5 years..then they are all at about the same level so whatever happens....she will come out just normal

Don't forget...she's only 4 months old. Try not to pressure the ABCs on her yet *justkidding*.

Adam and Allie have their 24 months and 6 montch Well baby visit next tuesday.

[sara535 15]

I had an episiotomy with my first ginormous son too and it was alright. painful for the first few days but nothing compared to the c-section. personally I think those first couple of weeks with a new baby are such a blur in general that when I look back, the physical discomfort including the episiotomy is just all part of the whole thing. it wasnt HIDEOUS, just unpleasant.

[caybee 21]

Here's a very sensitive question...any of you all do the perineal massage before childbirth??? I'm very nervous about tearing or having an episiotomy. I guess my biggest issue is with my stitches healing, since I had such a hard time with it 2 years ago from surgery. Just was wondering if you've tried it as the studies show it can be very effective with your first born and subsequent children, but you can't not do it for your first and then do it for your subsequent children - it will have no effectiveness.

Thanks!

I was actually reading about it a couple of days ago. I'm not yet to the window where the article said it's most effective, but I plan to give it a try. The idea of tearing makes me nervous too.

[Nessa 23]

i don't even know what episiotomy is or how perineal massage works. i'll read about it.

[Enlighten one :) 5]

I just found out this morning that I will be participating in this forum. Have not confirmed with my doctor yet. I have an appointmetn on Friday.

[Nessa 23]

congratulations. how far along are you?