MommyCon 2017

Last year was my first time at MommyCon and I had no idea what to expect. I imagined a few speakers talking about general topics and scattered vendors making up a tiny event. Boy was I wrong! 

MommyCon is the largest parenting convention in the country. With over a dozen different lectures covering many areas of parenting from pregnancy and loving your postpartum body to toddler potty training! Between lectures there is a huge gathering of vendors from all the best baby brands talking about their gear. 

Yet the best part of MommyCon is the community it fosters. Last year I had the pleasure of meeting my good friend Carmen and am so thankful for it. Parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears, but it can also be incredibly isolating. When your newborn won't let you sleep, or your toddler insists on throwing tantrums in the middle of grocery shopping, it's exhausting and having a group whom shares the same struggles makes it all bearable. 

I encourage you to come join us at your local MommyCon, attend some lectures, buy some amazing baby gear, and most importantly make new friends to turn to in the though times.

MommyCon.com use code DrMommyRx17 for a discount, and if you're in Orange County be sure to say hi to Luke and I!

Today I lost my unborn baby…

Today I became the member of a club I hoped never to join… my heart aches and I am filled with a mix of emotions: confusion, pain, anger, and longing cover me. Today it was confirmed I had a miscarriage. My body has betrayed me! Instead of nourishing my sweet baby to grow and thrive, I have spent the past 10 days suffering from cramping and weakness while I helplessly waited for my fears to become reality. 

On the 4th of July I excitedly surprised my husband with the news of my pregnancy, I had bought a book entitled “I’m Going to be a Big Brother” and my toddler eagerly carried it to daddy to read. We were overjoyed and wanted to share our happiness with everyone! However, we decided Aaron’s paren’t should be the first to know, so we planned a way to surprise them during their visit just two weeks later. Unfortunately, only 48hrs before their arrival I started spotting. Knowing how common spotting is I tried not to panic and I called my OB, I was quickly reassured but cautioned to call back if it worsened. That evening my bleeding increased and I made an urgent appointment for the following day. Ultrasound confirmed my baby was still there, but too young to see a heartbeat! My OB ordered labs to ensure my hormones were increasing appropriately and scheduled a repeat ultrasound for the following week. I waited in agony. Two days later we learned my hormones were increasing, but not as well as hoped. My fears were prolonged, still nobody could confirm if the baby was healthy! 

My in-laws arrived as planned and I used their presence to rest as much as possible. Despite being on bedrest my symptoms continued to worsen and I couldn’t imagine my baby surviving the flood racking through my body. Every night I cried out to God to save our baby, I have experienced so much loss in the last 5 years please don’t take my unborn baby too! That is when he sent my little light to give mommy exactly what she needed. On the day my symptoms were their worst Luke must have sensed something wrong because he did something he has never done before and hasn’t done since. While I laid on the couch watching him play he gave me repeatedly gave me hugs and kisses. Then he walked down toward my feet, lifted my shirt, snuggled my tummy, and kissed my lower belly! It was as though he was trying to comfort the baby! At just 17 months old we hadn’t even tried to explain to Luke that mommy had a baby in her belly. It was such a clear God moment assuring me that all would be okay. Today, just over a week after seeing our baby on ultrasound we returned to the doctor to hear if our baby had grown. Unfortunately, what we found instead was that my fears were reality, my uterus is empty.

While I am a firm believer in being open with your pain because God never wastes a hurt and my story may help someone else, I have come to dread the “words of encouragement offered.” Doctors, friends, family, and even those whom have also suffered this loss all say the same things: ‘Everything happens for a reason,’ ‘It’s probably for the best,’ ‘there was probably something wrong with the baby anyway,’ ‘ you can try again’. NONE OF THESE EASE MY PAIN, in fact they make me angry. While I know these are all statements made to comfort, and some are even thoughts I have had myself, all of these “condolences” minimize the life of my child! My baby wasn’t just a ‘ball of cells’ or a ‘fetus’, it was a BABY. A child whom I will never nurse, never rock to sleep, who’s first words I will never hear, and first steps I won’t witness. I don’t even know if our baby was a boy or girl.

So my dear baby know you are loved, even in your loss. I will never forget you and I will make sure your life, even if it was short, will not be wasted. For your life has a purpose and God chose us to be your parent’s for a reason. 

General Tips to Avoid Having a Picky Eater

• Variety is key, in flavor, temperatures, and textures. 
• Don't be afraid of a little seasoning. Add a little Garlic, Tumeric, or Cinnamon to your recipes and help expand their palate. 
• As soon as you see your baby has mastered the purée, start providing thicker and more textured foods. The goal is go offer solid table foods (Ex. shredded chicken or diced pears) by 9 months of age. 
• Let them see you eating a well varied diet. Watching mom and dad is key to their learning.
• Just because they refuse something once doesn’t mean they don’t like it. Continue offering foods in a variety of temperatures, mixtures, and preparations. Sometimes they just don’t want it one day and love it the next— just like you.
• Don’t cater to a toddler shrinking preferences. We all have foods we love. Just because your toddler demands yogurt or mac n’ cheese every day doesn’t mean they should eat it. Instead, offer a variety of fruits, veggies, meats, and grains during the week. Include both their current favorites and some new choices. 
• Remember that it takes tryings a new food 7-9 times before you even know if you really dislike it. 
• If your toddler refuses to eat at a meal, please DO NOT make them something new. This re-inforces that they don’t have to eat what is offered and can control their meal choices. Instead remind them that what you have made is their only choice and their tummy will be hungry if they don’t eat it. Initially, this can be difficult and may even lead to some tantrums, but your toddler will quickly catch on. 
• Get you child involved in the shopping and cooking. Kids are more adventurous eaters when they created what they are eating. 
• RENAME foods! If your child likes dogs, call carrots "puppy treats" and tomato soup "puppy soup”. Suddenly they will be excited to eat what their favorite animal or cartoon character loves. 

Staying Safe in the Sun

Some tips for staying safe in the sun this Summer:

 - Avoid Sun exposure during the hours when sun is at it's most intense, 10am-4pm. If unable to limit exposure then seek shade and try to keep baby's delicate skin out of direct sunlight.

- Don't expect a darker skin tone to protect you. Everyone can develop sunburn and become vulnerable to skin cancer.

 - Wear tightly woven clothing that covers arms and legs. Clothing specifically designed for sun exposure is best because it provides UV protection. A broad rimmed hat and sun glasses are also recommended to protect the eyes, face, and head.

 - Sunscreen is recommended for use in infants and children over 6 months of age. Under 6mo it is best to use other forms of protection such as protective clothing and shade.

 - When sunscreen is used a mineral based sunscreen is preferred over a chemically based product because it minimizes absorption into the skin.

- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. Apply a minimum of 15mins BEFORE sun exposure and reapply frequently, no more then 2 hours between applications.
LINK for best Sunscreens

Baby Luke is wearing SwimZip, great brand for swim protection (swimzip.com) They also make some super soft everyday clothing called Shedolane (Shedolane.com). You can find complete reviews on both brands Shedolane and SwimZip. 

Toddler Luke is wearing June and January swim trunks (JuneandJanuary.com) and a hat by GeorgeHats (GeorgeHats.com), two more of our favorite brands!

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Top 5+ Common Questions that parents ask about introducing food to baby

1. What is the first food I should give my baby?
1. We are past the age of plain rice cereal, it offers very little nutritional value and can cause significant constipation. Instead consider avocado or squash as a first food. The key is soft purees that they can easily swallow. I do not recommend going directly to hard solid foods such as chunks of fruit or veggies because they can lead to choking and stunt your baby’s sense of adventure when trying new foods. 
2. What age should I first introduce solid food?
1. Age is no longer the key to determining if your baby is ready for solids. Instead we focus on physical and behavioral cues. Baby should have good head and neck control, allowing them to sit well with assistance. Additionally, baby should show an interest in your food. When your baby watches you like a hawk during dinner— it’s time to think about letting them join in on the fun!
3. How much food should my baby eat each day?
1. Food before one is just about fun. This means that if some days if your baby eats only a small amount of solid foods, don’t stress out, as long as they are getting adequate breastmilk/ formula then they are adequately nourished. However, as your baby gets closer and closer to one year of age, they should be eating 3 solid meals of baby food plus snacks each day. 
4. How do I prevent allergies?
1. The old theory was delaying the introduction of potential allergens would decrease the development of food allergies, however this is now known to be false. In fact, earlier exposure has been demonstrated to be more effective. Meaning once baby has gotten a few basic foods down, at 6+ months, go ahead and offer pureed eggs or a small amount of peanut butter in yogurt or cereal. Just remember it can take 2-3 exposures to a new food before you see a reaction. The only exception is if your family has a history of severe food allergies, in that case speak to your pediatrician first.
5. Are there any foods my baby cannot eat?  
1. No honey until 1 year of age. Beware of foods that are choking hazards  such as: solid nuts, grapes, hotdogs,  and popcorn. 

Calming Mom's Anxiety when it comes to transitioning from breast/ bottle to food

Any big transition in your baby’s life can be stressful just as it is exciting. Moving from a purely liquid diet to one that includes solid foods is one of these times! As a physician and mother I would like to take this opportunity to calm your fears and reassure you through this transition. 

Just like any new thing, sometimes it takes a few tries before your baby will be open to embracing the eating experience. Up until now they are use to a single flavor being offered each time they are hungry and they expect it to be offered via breast/ bottle. So don't be surprised if they don't automatically open wide when you eagerly offer their first tastes of solid food. A look of confusion and disgust may come over their face; tears and gagging may also occur. Don't panic, new flavors and textures take time to get use to. Baby's are also very ineffective at swallowing solids initially. They may also need multiple attempts before even a few teaspoons are consumed, and that is perfectly normal. Introducing new foods should be a fun and exciting venture for the whole family. Watching your baby make confused and silly faces is a great photo opportunity and a chance to make lifelong memories as your tiny one joins the rest of their family at the table. 

Pick a first food you are comfortable with, avocado, sweet potatoes, bananas, apple sauce, or baby oatmeal. Pick up a soft silicone spoon (Beaba makes our favorite) and slowly offer small tastes. As they become a more skilled eater, you can give them larger bites. Congratulations! Your baby has successfully had their first solid foods! 

Every 3-5 days you can introduce a new food (wait longer for high allergen foods such as eggs), so that you can easily identify any allergies your child may develop. Remember it often takes 2-3 exposures to a food before the allergy is apparent, so make sure to give baby the new food several times before offering the next culinary delight. 

To ensure you baby continues to consume an adequate volume of breast milk or formula, offer the milk first and then the solid foods a little while later. That way you can rest assured that your child has enough calories and nutrients in their system, even if they refuse the green beans you made.

Most importantly, try to enjoy this milestone!


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6-12mo toys: Life in Motion

6-12mo toys—

 So much happens in this age range. Baby discovers the joys of banging objects together to make a sound and pushing fun things across the floor. 

Push cars: 

As mobility sky rockets, toys that encourage movement and safe exploration of their environment are ideal. Hand-held toys with wheels, such as push cars are perfect.

Little Sapling Cars with tunnels and bridges

Beautifully crafted of smooth wood, the cars are the perfect size for small hands to grasp and push across the floor while remaining safe for curious little mouths to munch on. Complete with two arches that can serve as tunnels or bridges, this set is perfect for growing minds and expanding imaginations from infancy into childhood. 

LittleSaplingToys.com

Music: 

Sound and their ability to create sound is the hallmark of brain development at this age. Your baby is thrilled by the vocal sounds they can make as well as the objects they can manipulate to create stimulating noises. From shaking a rattle to playing an instrument, exploring the world of sound is key. 

Bebe Co Maracas

Beautifully crafted, the miniature maracas from Bebe Co are not only the perfect addition to any nursery, they are the perfect instrument to foster a sense of rhythm in your growing babe. Bebe Co is an Australian based online company that decorates their pastel dipped baby maracas with a completely safe non-toxic water based paint, the perfect heirloom for passing down to generations to come. Designed for babies as young as 6 months to enjoy, please keep in mind that they are not a teething toy and should not be chewed on. 

www.Bebecoaustralia.com

Kleynimals

Every time we leave the house my son reaches for my keys, he just LOVES the clinking sound they make and how the metal catches the light.  Household keys are sharp, dirty and do not belong in a child's hand or mouth, however, plastic toy keys just don't come close to simulating the joy and wonder adults keys do. Finally there is a solution! Kleynimals is an American based company that we love more with each passing month. With high quality stainless steel materials and superior craftsmanship, Kleynimals is sure to be a favorite in your home as well. Kleynimals is also the creators of our favorite rattle and toddler silverware!

Kleynimals.com

Blocks and Letters: 

It is never too early to foster a love for learning and discovery. While they may not be able to independently spell their name yet, it is never too early to introduce baby to the letters that join together. Additionally, the joys of building and knocking down blocks is a love that transcends all ages. 

Smiling Tree Toys

Luke received building blocks for Christmas this year. Arriving in a set of 24 beautifully crafted blocks, complete with various shapes and sizes, they are ideal for learning and perfect for fostering his growing imagination. 

Another favorite of ours is their name puzzle! When Luke was tiny, this puzzle sat on his dresser as a beautiful custom decoration. Now it is the first toy he reaches for! It is never too early to foster a love for learning and discovery. While he may not be able to spell his name yet, it is never too early to start teaching letters and sounds. 

SmilingTreeToys.com

Stroller/Tike:

Imagination and exploration needs time outside the home in addition to playtime inside. The sounds, sights, and smells encountered on walks are powerful stimulators of brain development. 

Joovy

As your baby grows they will demonstrate an increasing desire to demonstrate independence. Bikes such as the Joovy Tricycoo are perfect for this. Children as young as 10 months of age can use it, with support around the waist and total parental control of the speed and steering. Then as your child grows the  trike adjusts to allow them to petal independently!

The Joovy Tricycoo has the ability to advance from being totally under parental control with baby securely strapped in, to becoming a traditional tricycle that your toddler can ride independently. Such a great way to get outside for fresh air with a removable suncover to protect delicate skin from sun exposure. 

I love that this product solves the age old toddler problem of wanting to ride their bike on the walk, but a few blocks in they are wanting to get carried home. With the Joovy Tricycoo, you can leave the parental handle connected so that once they run out of toddler steam you can give them a push home!

Joovy.com

BOOKS:

Animal sounds- With your baby learning how to make exhilarating sounds of their own creation, take this opportunity to model and encourage the association of animals with their respective sounds. 

Touch and feel- As baby's tactile sense grows now is the perfect time for books such as "Pat the Bunny" that allow baby to interact with the story and learn about different textures.


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