Baby Your Baby

WIC supports lower income families with over four decades of proven success by improving health outcomes for women, infants and children. WIC is a supplemental nutrition program designed to help pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of 5 eat well and stay healthy.Jade Elliott sat down with JoDell Geilmann-Parke, WIC Outreach Coordinator for Salt Lake County Health Department, on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast to discuss the program and upcoming changes.Foods that meet high nutrition standards can be purchased with WIC grocery vouchers at a variety of participating stores. These foods vary depending on an individual's nutrition needs but may include infant formula and cereal, a large selection of fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter and whole grains.In addition to food vouchers, WIC provides nutrition education and extensive breastfeeding support to participating families. WIC strives to reduce health disparities in the community by encouraging healthy eating habits, providing access to healthy foods, and promoting breastfeeding as the optimal source of nutrition for infants.WIC services are currently reaching less than 40% of eligible individuals in Utah.The big news for 2020 is that Utah WIC is converting from paper vouchers to smart cards and will be available throughout the state at all county health departments by the end of the year. E-WIC will streamline the shopping and checkout process and make using WIC easier for participants. WIC has also modernized their website to include a client portal and created a WIC Shopper APP to make WIC services more accessible.There are income eligibility requirements to participate in WIC. You can visit https://wic.utah.gov/ to check eligibility and find out how to apply or call 1-877-WICKIDS.The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's never too early to start reading with your baby. Reading with your baby has multiple benefits.Jade Elliott sat down with Tyson Tidwell, a pediatrician with Intermountain Healthcare, to talk not only about why to read with your baby, but also tips for how and when to do it.Why reading to your baby is so importantWhen parents talk, read, and sing with their babies, connections are formed in their young brains. These connections build language, literacy, and social and emotional skills at an important time in a baby's development. These activities also strengthen the emotional bond between parent and child and helps your child reach social and developmental milestones.Hold your child in your arms and read with emotionInfants as young as a few days or weeks old can know and prefer their parents' voices and faces. Although they may not understand words, they'll respond to the emotion in your voice and the expression on your face. They love to look at pictures with bright colors and feel secure when they're in your arms.Choose colorful and sturdy booksAs babies get older, they'll reach out to hold a book and then put it into their mouths to explore it. Board books and books made of fabric or with thicker pages are more durable for very young children. You can borrow children's books for free from your local library or purchase some of your own. Look for colorful illustrations or photos. Some books have things with texture that can be touched, which makes them even more interesting.Ask your pediatrician about the Reach out and Read program which offers free books starting at your baby's 6 month well visit. You can receive a free book at your child's well check visits through age five, for a total of eight free books. For more information visit https://www.reachoutandread.org/Plan a special reading timeActive young children may lose interest in a book after only 1-2 minutes. Follow their lead, but keep reading, talking, and singing with your baby regularly and his interest and attention span will grow. Make this a special time. Give your baby your full attention. Turn off the TV and computers and put down your phone.Read together every dayAs babies grow into toddlers, reading aloud together can be a very helpful routine, especially when it's part of your regular calming bedtime routine. Young children love having choices. Let them choose the book to read. Toddlers quickly develop favorites and may ask you to read the same story over and over, so offer choices you like too!Talk about the bookToddlers can point to pictures of objects (Show me the tree) and answer questions (Which one says moo?) As their language grows, they may be able to name the pictures you point to or finish the sentences in a book. Sometimes they even pretend to read the book themselves. As they get older they learn to point to letters in the alphabet or to count some of the pictures.Make reading part of your routineBuilding routines for meals, play, and sleep help children know what to expect and what is expected of them. Listen to our podcast on bedtime routines here.Keep reading togetherEven when your child can read by themselves, you can still read stories to them that are at a higher reading level than books they can read on their own. They will look forward to the next chapter and you will make lasting memories.The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You're excited to be pregnant. You're supposed to be glowing, but instead you look kind of green. If you feel nauseous or you just threw up, it's probably morning sickness.Jade Elliott spoke with Hannele Laine, here an OB/Gyn from Intermountain Healthcare To help you know how to make it through morning sickness.Morning sickness is common and may be under-treatedAccording to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 50-80 percent of pregnant women experience nausea and 50 percent experience vomiting or retching.Morning sickness may be undertreated. It often begins prior to the first appointment, so women sometimes wait for the appointment rather than asking for help. In addition, women may not seek treatment because they believe it is common and usually temporary or because they're concerned about the safety of taking medications while pregnant.What causes morning sickness?The specific cause of vomiting during pregnancy is not known. One hypothesis is that it due to the change in hormones levels during pregnancy.Common myths about morning sickness:1.It only occurs in the morning. False: You can have morning sickness any time of day.2.It's resolves after the first trimester. False: A few women have it last into the second and sometimes even into the third trimester.3.It harms the baby. False: Typical morning sickness does not harm the fetus.What increases your risk of severe morning sickness?Severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is called hyperemesis gravidarum. It is more likely to occur with these risk factors:A twin or triplet pregnancy.A previous pregnancy with nausea and vomiting.In women who have family members with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.A history of motion sickness or migraines.Being pregnant with a female fetus.Simple ways to help reduce morning sickness:Eat small meals, every 1-2 hours to avoid a full stomach and to avoid hunger.Eat bland, dry foods like crackers, cereal, toast or baked potatoes.Eat some protein with every meal.Avoid spicy or fatty foods.Eat something before you get out of bed. Keep crackers on your nightstand.Take prenatal vitamins at night after a meal or switch to folic acid alone.Avoid unpleasant smells as they may trigger nausea.Try ginger capsules or candies, ginger ale or tea made with real ginger.Wristbands that put pressure on or electrically stimulate a pressure point on the wrist may help.How to prevent morning sickness from becoming severe:Avoid getting dehydrated. Try taking little sips all day of something like Gatorade.Seek treatment early to prevent severe symptoms requiring hospitalization.Talk to your provider about how to manage your morning sickness and review possible medications that can help.Keep your prenatal visits and call if you are having trouble between visits.When to call or see your provider:If nausea or vomiting is severeYou pass only a small amount of urine or it's dark in colorYou can't keep liquids downYou feel dizzy or faint when you stand upYour heart races or is poundingYou're losing weightIf nausea or vomiting begins after nine weeks of pregnancySevere nausea and vomiting could be caused by something else:Warning signs that your nausea and vomiting may be due to another cause:abdominal pain or tendernessfeverheadachethyroid enlargement or swelling on the front of the necknausea and vomiting that occurs for the first time after nine weeks of pregnancy.If you have severe nausea and vomiting, your provider may want to do additional tests to evaluate other causes of the symptoms. Some medical conditions can cause nausea and vomiting during pregnancy such as an ulcer, food-related illness, thyroid or gallbladder disease.For more information visit: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/women-newborn/For additional information, click here.The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You don't think much about your teeth unless there's a problem. For babies who can't communicate yet with words, teething can be a difficult time. Their gums become inflamed and tender as the teeth get closer to the surface and they take time to erupt or fully break through the gums.Jade Elliott spoke with Pediatrician, Jenna Whitham, MD, Intermountain Healthcare, to discuss some tips for when your baby is teething.When will that first tooth appear?Babies typically don't have teeth when they're born, but on average babies get their first tooth at about six months of age. Typically, they have a complete set of 20 “baby” teeth by 30 months of age. The lower central incisors usually come in first and the molars last.Signs of teethingTeething is a process that all children experience. Prior to tooth eruption the gingiva or gums may appear blue-ish and swollen. The symptoms seen most consistently with children immediately prior to and right after a tooth erupts are: biting or putting their mouth on things, drooling, rubbing their gums and fussiness. Sometime children may show less interest in eating solid foods and have mild elevations in temperature.But teething does not cause thick congestion, severe diarrhea, vomiting, cough, fevers or inability to drink liquids/take formula. If your child is having these types of symptoms, call your baby's doctor to find out if you need to bring your baby in for a visit.Four simple ways to manage teething pain1.Teething toys may be used, but liquid filled teething rings should be chilled in the refrigerator, not the freezer). Be sure to sterilize in boiling water before use.2.Teething biscuits, crackers or cold food items like frozen yogurt or fruit popsicles may be used for children older than nine months who are used to eating solid foods.3.Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) may be used for children over six months if needed, but you should verify correct dosage with your child's doctor.4.Distraction – play with your baby or take them outside or for a ride in the strollerWhitham does not recommend using topical medications containing Benzocaine (Oragel) due to risk of overuse or ingestion.Tips for breastfeeding once your baby has teethMost moms can keep breastfeeding without difficulty through tooth development. If baby bites, the feeding should be over immediately, baby will quickly learn that biting is not ok.What foods are appropriate as teeth emergeBabies as young as four months who have good head control can start pureed baby foods, and at six months we encourage parents to start solid food introduction. In fact, despite not having a full set of teeth, babies as young as nine months can “chew” solid foods by mashing bites with their jaw regardless of the number of teeth that have emerged.When to start brushing baby's teethI recommend parents start brushing baby's teeth with a soft bristled brush when they notice the first tooth emerge. I recommend using a fluoride containing children's toothpaste. Use a grain of rice sized amount or less depending on how many teeth are to be brushed. Make tooth brushing a twice daily habit.For some ideas to make brushing teeth fun, click here.Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth DecayYou can help prevent your baby from developing cavities or what is called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or by beginning an oral hygiene routine within the first few days after birth. Start by cleaning your baby's mouth by wiping the gums with a clean gauze pad. This helps remove plaque that can harm erupting teeth.If you are bottle feeding, only give your baby a bottle with formula, breast milk or after one year of age, cow's milk, and avoid giving them sugary beverages like juice or soda. Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottle before going to bed and not fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth.Do babies need fluoride drops?This depends on where you live. A good resource for this information is your county health department web site.Intermountain Healthcare has pediatric dentists and adult dentists.It's important to establish care with a pediatric dentist by 18-24 month of age. Intermountain has pediatric dentists and family and special needs dentists. For more information about pediatric dentistry, click here.For more information about family dentistry, click here.The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bringing your new baby home is an exciting and stressful time for the whole family, including your family pet. Whether it is a dog, cat, bird, fish, or any other animal, there will be changes for you and for them when a new baby comes home.Jade Elliott sits down with Kaitlin Carpenter, MD, a pediatrician with Intermountain Healthcare, to discuss the best ways to introduce your baby to a family pet on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast.Some studies have shown that children with pets in their home at an early age have less risk of developing asthma by age 7. Another study showed that children with dogs or cats in their home in the first year of life had fewer and less severe respiratory infections. While the precise cause is unclear, these positive outcomes could be a result of good exposures and possibly because the children are building a health microbiome with help from a pet.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you find out you're pregnant you are faced with many choices. One of those choices is whether to have a physician or midwife care for you during your pregnancy and birth. Depending on where you live, you might think that only physicians care for women in pregnancy but, midwives are a safe choice for most women.Jade Elliott sits down with certified nurse midwife, Emily Hart Hayes from Intermountain Healthcare , on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast to discuss the philosophy of midwifery, what to look for and when you are considering who to care for you and your baby during pregnancy and birth.In the U.S., certified nurse midwives and certified midwives attend 8 percent of births and the rate is about 12 percent if you look at just vaginal births. In Utah, midwives attend about 10 percent of births.The philosophy behind midwiferyThe word midwife means “with woman.” The midwifery model of care focuses on individualized care that is a partnership between the pregnant person and the provider. They focus on health, wellness, and prevention; and use interventions at lower rates when complications arise. Midwives approach pregnancy as a normal physiologic event in a woman's life. While complications can arise, they are trained to identify and manage those complications, and refer or consult with physician colleagues when warranted.The advantages of seeing a midwifeTypically, midwives allow more time during prenatal visits and can also provide additional support during labor and birth. Midwives provide the same prenatal screening tests physicians do, including lab tests, ultrasounds, blood pressure checks, and monitoring for complications. Midwives generally have the philosophy to use interventions judiciously. For example, they may not break your bag of waters to speed up the birth process as long as labor is progressing normally.Midwives offer continuous labor support and that has been shown to decrease the chance of Caesarean section. Midwives will typically intervene as needed. They can prescribe medications and use medications to induce labor. They care for women who are laboring with or without epidural anesthesia for pain relief, and they may recommend a c-section be performed. Midwives generally don't do a routine episiotomy or order a routine hydration IV, although an IV may routinely be placed for emergencies. They allow moms to eat and drink during normal labor if they desire.There are many different types of midwivesThere are many ways to become a midwife and the laws are different in different states. In Utah, Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) earn their bachelor's degree and become registered nurses first, and then go on to receive a Master's or Doctorate degree in nurse midwifery. The vast majority of CNMs attend births in the hospital. Some states also license certified midwives (CMs) who pass the same certification exams as CNMs but who have entered the profession from a non-nursing background.In Utah, there are also certified professional midwives (CPMs) who see women at home or in birth centers for pregnancy and birth. Utah also has direct entry and unlicensed midwives who attend deliveries at home. In Utah, only certified nurse midwives have privileges at hospitals, and some CNMs also practice in and out of hospital settings.If you are considering a midwife who practices outside of the hospital, learn about their certification and licensure, and find out what the conditions are for transfer to a hospital.Look for a midwife with formal education that leads to state licensureNationally, 98 percent of certified nurse midwives deliver in hospitals. If you prefer to deliver in a hospital, find out if your midwife is licensed to do so. Ask questions, share your birth goals and health history to find a provider who can attend to your specific needs.There are many studies that show that midwifery care for healthy pregnant women is as safe or even sometimes safer than physician-led care. From a health systems perspective, midwifery care is cost-effective, because it results in fewer unnecessary interventions such as Cesarean section. Preterm birth rates are also lower in women who receive their prenatal care from a midwife.Midwives provide general women's care and can manage some complications during pregnancyMidwives may care for you if you have health problem that arises before or during your pregnancy, whether independently or jointly with an OB/Gyn or maternal fetal medicine specialist. They care for women with gestational diabetes and pregnancy induced high blood pressure, depending on the setting, and they can attend births for women who have had a previous Cesarean birth.There are even midwives who work collaboratively with physicians who jointly care for women with high risk chronic conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases.Midwives aren't just for pregnancy and birth. You can also see a midwife for general women's primary care and gynecological issues such as pap smears, annual exams, birth control and family planning, immunizations including the HPV vaccine, and breast exams. Midwives care for women throughout the lifespan, from puberty to menopause and beyond. And yes, there are some male midwives.How are doulas and midwives different?A doula offers guidance and help with your comfort during labor. A doula will provide physical and emotional support for you and your partner during labor and birth. A doula will also foster a positive environment and support good communication between you and your healthcare team.A doula cannot perform clinical or medical tasks including taking blood pressure or temperature, checking fetal heart tones or adjust monitors, or do vaginal exams. A doula also cannot diagnose medical conditions or present your options for medical care.To learn more about midwives or to find one in your area, click here.The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's not something that is often talked about, but alcohol use can impact dads and dads-to-be.Jade Elliot sat down with Marcela Smid, MD, maternal-fetal medicine, University of Utah Health, on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast to discuss the negative effects of heavy alcohol use in dads.For healthy men under the age of 65: more than 4 drinks per day or more than 14 drinks per week may indicate risky drinking.Alcohol and other drug use has a familial component, and 40-60% of alcohol use disorder are attributed to genetic/familial components.Alcohol use among fathers-to-be may decrease fertility among couples with infertility. Among couples experiencing fertility issues, alcohol use may decrease sperm count and motility.Heavy alcohol use is associated with decreased paternal attachment to infants and increased maternal depressions.Any substance use disorders increases the risk of substance use disorder in children.For more information on infertility, click here or listen to our Baby Your Baby podcast on the topic.Click here to listen to the Baby Your Baby Podcast on alcohol use before and during pregnancy.For information on mental health and substance use disorder treatment services, click here.The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sooner or later your baby or child will be exposed to germs and may end up getting sick. If your baby goes to daycare or to other places they may interact with many children such as a church nursery, play group or public play areas, they may get sick at a younger age, but that does help them build immunity. Some children may not be exposed to a lot of germs until they start attending pre-school or school. Either way, your child will eventually be exposed to some common illnesses.Jade Elliott sat down with Dr. Shellie Ring, a pediatrician with Intermountain Healthcare to talk about common contagious illnesses your baby might be exposed to at daycare or other public settings.Some of the most contagious diseases among babies and young children:RSVRespiratory syncytial virus. Common contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract among children under age two. Symptoms are similar to a cold, but if it progresses it can affect breathing and become serious. When babies can't breathe well, they may refuse to breastfeed or bottle-feed. They may get dehydrated and not produce wet diapers. Call your doctor if you see these symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if breathing is rapid or significantly impaired or lips or fingernails turn blue.Pink EyeThe official name for pink eye is conjunctivitis which is when the membrane that lines your eyelid becomes inflamed. Symptoms in the eye are redness, itchiness, grittiness, discharge that forms a crust during the night and make it difficult for your baby to open their eye in the morning.It's very contagious and can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction or in newborns by an incompletely opened tear duct.If your young child is around someone who has pink eye, take these precautions: wash hands often, don't touch your eyes. Don't share towels or washcloths and use a clean towel and washcloth daily.Treatment for pink eye involves symptom relief. Clean the eyelids with a clean, wet cloth. Applying a cold or warm compress. Prescription antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed and are very effective.Stomach viruses and diarrheaViral gastroenteritis is very common and very contagious. Your baby can get it from sharing a cup or utensils with someone who has the virus or coming into contact with infected fecal matter, and then put their hand in their mouth, which can happen a lot in daycare settings.Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, chills, achiness. It's important to keep them home from daycare if they have these symptoms.When your baby has frequent diarrhea and vomiting, it's important to keep them clean and dry, change their soiled clothes and bedding. Wash fabrics in the hottest, longest cycle available. Dry them on high heat.Treatment for gastroenteritis is to keep your baby hydrated. Depending on your baby's age and how much they're vomiting, your doctor may recommend an oral electrolyte solution. If your baby is eating solid foods ask your doctor whether they should eat their regular diet.Hand Foot Mouth DiseaseSymptoms include fever, sore throat, runny nose, and then a blister-like rash on the hands, feet or in the mouth. Children are contagious during the first week and remain contagious until the rash has disappeared.Treatment for hand, foot mouth disease mostly involves treating the symptoms. The disease should end within 7-10 days. Age-appropriate doses of over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help with sore throat pain. Do not give aspirin to babies or children as it can cause Reye's Syndrome. Depending on your child's age sore throats may be eased with cold or frozen foods like fruit popsicles or yogurt. Children over three can benefit from over the counter sore throat sprays that contain pain reliever.How to help prevent your child from getting sickThe younger your baby is the more you'll want to avoid public areas during cold and flu season and avoid being around people that are sick.Importance of proper hand washing and using sanitizer for young children and caregivers before eating and after diaper changing, using the bathroom, touching pets, being in public spaces or if anyone has symptoms.Changing tables and potty chairs, should be sanitized after each use at daycare. Toys and other items frequently touched like bathroom fixtures, drinking fountains, doorknobs or handles should be sanitized daily.Keep your baby up to date on their immunizationsFor diseases that can be prevented with vaccines, such as flu, chicken pox, measles, whooping cough, etc. be sure to talk to your doctor to keep your baby up to date on their immunizations.Click here for more information about viruses and where in Utah they are active.The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After children learn to crawl they start to pull up into standing position. This indicates that they could be getting ready to start walking.Jade Elliott spoke with Jackie Swan, Early Intervention Program Director, Summit County Health Department, to discuss how parents can help prepare their child to start walking on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast.Babies pull to stand typically at the couch and learn to cruise by moving side to side against the couch. Placing something they want on the couch helps encourage the child to pull into standing position. Also, taking off the cushions of the couch allows for a lower surface for their height.After the child is cruising they learn to bridge between two surfaces (couch and small table). Children use push toys for balance and standing by themselves. They will stand at small tables to play with toys. They learn to stand by themselves and stand in the middle of the floor when they learn balance skills. They want to learn to move around their environment.The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It can be very difficult to get a good night's sleep when you're pregnant.Jade Elliott spoke with Hannele Laine, an OB/Gyn from Intermountain Healthcare, about the reasons many women experience sleep challenges during pregnancy and some strategies to help you get a better night's sleep.Sleep disturbances are common in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester as your baby grows larger and it's harder to get comfortable. Common problems include difficulty falling asleep, increased waking at night, experiencing lighter sleep and shortened sleep intervals of deep sleep, which can all leave you feeling less rested.This is likely due to a combination of factors including hormonal, physical and emotional changes as well as medical issues related to pregnancy.According to the National Sleep Foundation's 1998 Women and Sleep poll, 78 percent of women report more disturbed sleep during pregnancy, than at other times. Another study found that 97 percent of women had an average of three wakings per night in the third trimester. Lastly, there is some evidence that inadequate sleep - less than five to six hours, may negatively impact pregnancy and labor as well.Physical causes of sleep problems during pregnancy:NauseaHeartburn/refluxDifficulty in finding a comfortable positionIncreased nighttime urinationRestless legsLeg crampsLow back painSleep apneaEmotional reasons sleep may be more difficult during pregnancy:Many women worry about the birth, balancing motherhood and work, adding another child to the family, relationship changes and more. In addition, anxiety and depression are more common in pregnancy and the postpartum period and are frequently associated with sleep disturbances. And the current COVID-19 pandemic has added additional worries for pregnancy, delivery and motherhood.But, there is hope! There are many things you can do to improve your sleep, including behavioral strategies, counseling and sometimes medication. Be sure to discuss sleep concerns with your doctor, especially if it's impacting your normal functioning at work or with your partner or family. If you are having depression or anxiety, there is good evidence that treating it during pregnancy improves outcomes for women and their babies.Tips for better sleep hygiene:Keep a regular sleep schedule.Create a relaxing bedtime routine – dim the lights, take a warm bath/shower, practice mind-quieting techniques.Reduce stimuli - no screen time on TV, phone, or computer for two hours before bed.Practice mindfulness or meditation.Exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes per day, but not close to bedtime.Avoid naps late in the day.Avoid caffeine in the afternoon or evening.Create a comfortable sleep position with extra pillows for cushioning (between legs, under your tummy or back).Plan for 7-9 hours of sleep.Tips for pregnant women to improve their sleep:For increased nighttime urination – decrease fluid intake in the evenings.For heartburn/GERD – avoid food that are spicy, acidic or fried. Take an over the counter antacid such as Tums.For leg cramps – avoid soda/carbonated drinks. Add a calcium supplement like Tums.For restless legs – if your iron level is low, ask your doctor about an iron supplement.For sleep apnea -- if you snore three or more times per week or your partner reports you stop breathing during sleep, talk to your doctor about testing.Discuss any herbal supplements or over the counter medications with your doctor.If sleep issues don't resolve, talk to your doctor about when sleep medications such as Unisom, Benadryl, or melatonin can be used during pregnancy.Sleep post-partum is also an issue:Babies wake every three hours on average. So even though the sleep you get tends to be better quality, it is very disrupted and therefore easy to have inadequate sleep.Continue to practice good sleep hygiene postpartum.Go to bed at the same time as your baby if possible.Consider a morning walk to help with day/night rhythm.Sleep when the baby sleeps during the day.Ask your partner, friend or family to help you prioritize sleep. (They could watch the baby, or do laundry, grocery shopping, meal preparation, etc.)Contact your doctor if you note increased anxiety or depression.For more information visit: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/women-newborn/The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're expecting more than one baby or think you might end up with multiples due to beginning fertility medication or treatment, you'll want to listen in.Jade Elliott is joined by Dr. Helen Feltovich, a maternal fetal medicine physician with Intermountain Healthcare who specializes in high-risk pregnancies to answer common questions about expecting multiples.Is the Number of Twins and Multiples Increasing?Actually, the number of multiples being born has decreased slightly in recent years, probably due to responsible assisted reproductive technologies.What Increases Your Chances of Having Twins or Multiples?While fertility medication or in vitro fertilization may increase your chance for carrying multiples, there are other factors, like genetics or demographics that can come into play.Family history of twins or multiplesOver age 35Previous pregnancyTaller than averageObesity – Body mass index of 30 or higherAfrican American women are slightly more likely to have twinsIf you have multiple factors, your odds of having multiples, multiplies!Types of TwinsIdentical twins is the common name for “monochorionic” twins, which means one placenta. These twins result from the fertilization of a single egg that splits in two. Identical twins share all of their genes and are of the same sex.Fraternal twins is the common name for “dichorionic” twins, which means two placentas. These twins result from the fertilization of two separate eggs during the same pregnancy. They share genes just like any other siblings. Fraternal twins can be of the same or different sexes.The only way to really know if your twins are identical is through genetic testing. In some very rare cases, there can be identical twins that are different in some important ways, like sex.With Good Prenatal Care, Most Twin Pregnancies Result in Healthy BabiesMost twins are delivered past 36 weeks. The estimated due date is at 40 weeks of pregnancy, and 37 weeks is considered term. Half of twins are delivered after 36 weeks, and half before then, either because of spontaneous labor or because of a maternal or fetal problem that requires delivery. Multiples higher than twins often arrive earlier.Risks of Carrying MultiplesPreterm laborPre-eclampsia (high blood pressure)Gestational diabetesMiscarriagePlacenta complicationsFetal growth concerns, especially for monochorionic (identical) twinsIncreased risk for postpartum depression or anxiety due to complicationsPrenatal Visits Are Even More Important If You're Expecting MultiplesWhen you're expecting twins or multiples, your doctor will likely want you to have more prenatal visits than for a singleton pregnancy due to a higher chance for complications. You'll also likely need additional ultrasounds and fetal monitoring during pregnancy to check for any complications. That's why it's important to not skip prenatal appointments.When to See a Maternal Fetal Medicine SpecialistIf your doctor is not comfortable with managing or delivering twins, or if you have additional complications, you'll probably be invited to see a maternal fetal medicine (MFM) specialist. This is especially true if your babies are monochorionic (identical). MFM specialists are trained in obstetrics and gynecology like general obstetricians, but then they do an additional three years of training specific to high risk pregnancies and deliveries. If you're expecting three or more babies, it's highly recommended you see an MFM specialist.If there is not an MFM specialist in your area, ask your doctor about consulting with one through telehealth. We try to keep patients close to their home.Things to Do at Home If You're Expecting MultiplesTake prenatal vitamins as you would for a single pregnancy.Drink plenty of water to stay hydratedEat well. Don't focus on the number of pounds to gain. Your provider will watch the weight of your babies with growth ultrasounds.Get enough exerciseBed rest is not recommended just because you're expecting multiples.Be Aware of the Signs of Preterm LaborIf you feel more pressure or have cramping, bleeding, or are leaking fluid, or have decreased fetal movement, call your doctor.Prepare for the Postpartum PeriodSet up social support for after the babies arrive. Your chances of having premature babies or a Caesarean delivery are higher when you are carrying multiples. If your babies are born prematurely, one or more of your babies may need to stay in a neonatal intensive care unit. You may want to think about how close you live to a hospital with a NICU or ask your provider if they have access to telehealth consultations for your baby.You may be at higher risk for postpartum depression or anxiety due to increased stress or complications.BreastfeedingBreastfeeding is best for babies, especially premature babies. It is possible to nurse multiples successfully. If breastfeeding is not working, there's no shame in needing to supplement with formula.For more information, here are some helpful links:https://intermountainhealthcare.org/https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/womens-health/intermountain-moms/https://intermountainhealthcare.org/locations/intermountain-medical-center/medical-services/women-and-newborn-care/women-and-newborn-services/high-risk-pregnancy/https://intermountainhealthcare.org/primary-childrens/programs-specialties/fetal-programThe Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Having a first baby is exciting. Having a second baby and introducing them to the sibling brings its own set of stresses for some. How will the sibling respond? How best to introduce the baby to the family?Jade Elliott spoke with Peter Lindgren, pediatrician, Intermountain Healthcare, to learn about the best ways to introduce a new baby to the family on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast.“It's an adventure, and perfectly normal for parents to feel anxious about having another baby,” said Lindgren.. “My sister's first response when I came home from the hospital was, ‘Send him back.' But there also are many more stories of children who adore their new baby sibling, and often reflect the care and love that they have received.”A new baby changes the family's structure. Siblings might respond with feelings of betrayal or that they've been replaced or a regression in behavior. Mothers often experience a change in their relationship with an older child. Many fathers take on a more important role with older children, particularly as mothers feed a newborn.There is no one recipe for how to introduce baby to his or her siblings. But here are some tips on how you can help children – and yourselves – through change:Involve SiblingsBefore the baby is born, talk to your children about having a new sibling. For children under 2 years, it's helpful to wait until the baby is closer to delivery (around 30 weeks of pregnancy).Read books together, such as “Peter's Chair” by Ezra Jack Keats and “I'm a Big Brother/Sister” xx by Joanna Cole.Make caring for baby a team sport by including older siblings.Reassure and teachPlay it cool, but don't be afraid to show your feelings. Children learn to navigate the world by watching their parents.Acting out is normal. Recognize the behaviors that you want to see.Jealousy can't be avoided. Reassure, spend time with, hug, and make physical contact with older siblings.Keep your sense of humor!More to think about-Showering siblings with gifts is likely to make them feel like something really ominous is going on.-Some wonder if the newborn should give a gift to the older sibling. Consider your older child's personality before deciding.Be Kind to YourselfIt's okay to let your child respond in whatever way they are going to respond. Give them time to process their feelings, and yourself time to find your family's new equilibrium. Remember that you get to do all of this in a sleep-deprived state, while recovering from a physically and emotionally intense experience. Above all, be kind to each other and yourselves.For more information, please visit IntermoutainHealthcare.org.The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's nothing like the pure, beautiful, soft skin of a baby! But your baby's skin is still developing and that makes it very sensitive and prone to some skin conditions.Jade Elliott spoke with Dylan Alston, a dermatologist with Intermountain Healthcare to help us learn about some common baby skin conditions, and know which of these are normal, and how to treat them and when you should see a dermatologist.“Baby Acne”The medical term for “baby acne” or erythema toxicorum neonatalis is a benign acne-like eruption on the central part of the face. It typically starts 1-2 days after delivery. It is thought to be related to the immaturity of the oil glands of the newborn. No treatment is necessary, and the condition improves over the next 7-10 days of life.There is another condition, neonatal cephalic pustulosis that looks similar to “baby acne.” Eruption occurs a little later, at 2-3 weeks after birth. The baby's face and scalp can be affected. Neonatal cephalic pustulosis is thought to be related to skin colonization of a common yeast known as malassezia. Again, no treatment is necessary and the condition resolves without intervention.Cradle capCradle cap for all intents and purposes is baby dandruff. It again is thought to be related to the baby's immune system reacting towards a common yeast on the skin. If the baby is over three months, using a safe dandruff shampoo would be helpful but not necessary. Under three months of age, just use a regular baby shampoo. Leave it on the head a about 2-3 minutes for best results. This is good advice for adults who have dandruff too.EczemaBecause the newborn baby's skin barrier is still developing, they are particularly susceptible to eczema. In infants, eczema often starts on the face, especially the cheeks and over time, moves to more common locations like the arms and legs. It has a red, rashy look. Introducing new foods to the child can make the eczema flare, so introducing one new food at a time and watching for skin rashes afterward can help provide clues to a potential food allergy. Steroid creams can help. Vaseline is a good moisturizer can reduce the risk of eczema later in life.Diaper rashThe diaper area of a baby is particularly prone to developing rashes and irritation. The key is to change the diaper often enough to keep the baby's skin from being injured by the alkaline nature of urine by keeping the area clean and dry. Skin protectants such as zinc oxide are great for creating a barrier between the delicate skin and the diaper contents.Yeast can cause diaper rash. The chubby creases are susceptible to yeast. If the rash is in the crease, it may be caused by yeast. If the rash is not in the crease, then an irritant may be causing it.Contact dermatitis from wet wipesUnfortunately, dermatologists are seeing a significant increase in contact dermatitis in babies, or a rash that occurs when the skin is in contact with something irritating. A common ingredient that can cause contact dermatitis in babies is methylchloroisothiazolinone or MCI/MI, an ingredient in many manufactured wet wipes. Wipes should be hypoallergenic and preservative free. Parents with sensitive skin are more likely to have babies with sensitive skin.Sunscreen sensitivityBabies under six months have skin that is still developing and is very sensitive. Avoid using sunscreen on your baby until after six months of age. Instead, use hats and clothing. UV protective fabrics are best and should have a UPF (ultra-violet protection factor) rating of 50+. These fabrics have a higher thread count that can better block the sun's rays than regular clothing. To learn more about these clothes, click here.After six months of age, you can use sunscreen on your baby, but a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc or titanium oxide is least likely to cause a skin reaction in your baby. Avoid using chemical-based sunscreens on babies.If your baby has a skin condition that persists and you have questions or are concerned about, see a board-certified dermatologist, as they are specially trained to diagnose skin conditions.For more information: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/dermatology/Additional links mentioned during the podcast:https://www.aap.org/en-us/Pages/Default.aspxhttps://www.aad.org/https://www.instagram.com/igskindoc/The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Infertility or having difficulty becoming pregnant is common. In the U.S., about 9 percent of men and 11 percent of women have experienced infertility. For couples who struggle with infertility, it may seem like everyone around them is able to have children, but them. Infertility means lots of waiting, and is often accompanied by feelings of disappointment, worry, confusion, impatience, stress, and/or frustration.Jade Elliott spoke with Jessie Dorais, MD, Intermountain Healthcare, about trying to get pregnant.“Many people are surprised when I tell them some average pregnancy statistics,” said Dr. Jessie Dorais, a reproductive endocrinologist affiliated with Intermountain Healthcare.“There is a 20 to 25 percent probability of getting pregnant of the first couple of tries. And 85 percent of couples will conceive within 12 months. So, that means 15 percent won't get pregnant right away. And after a couple has tried and failed to achieve a pregnancy for 12-14 months, the monthly probability goes down to 2 to 4 percent,” she adds.Possible causes of infertilityInfertility is commonly caused by complexities with ovulation or sperm production or function. There are a combination of factors that may prevent pregnancy. In the United States, 10 to 15 percent of couples are infertile.Female factors, male factors or both may contribute to infertility. The Association for Reproductive Medicine reports that female infertility accounts for about 35 percent of infertility, and male infertility accounts for about 35 percent of infertility, and the remaining percentages are either a combination of both or are unexplained. Some causes may be due to a combination of male or female factors, and some causes of infertility cannot be explained.Often, tests may be performed on both partners to help determine if there's a root cause to not being able to conceive naturally. A thorough fertility evaluation will include a complete medical history, and physical health assessment for the female and male partner. After pinpointing some contributing barriers, the fertility specialist will explain some possible fertility treatments.Some factors that can affect fertility are:Maternal age A history of Sexually Transmitted DiseasesBody Mass Index (BMI) Reproductive problems such as EndometriosisHowever, it's vital to recognize that every couple is different and has unique situations, so there is not a one-size fits all scenario when it comes to infertility. It's helpful for women and their partner to discuss any underlying medical conditions with their primary care provider, obstetrician or midwife prior to trying to conceive.Couples in their 20s or early 30s don't struggle with infertility as much as those in their 30s and older, due to age affecting reproductive outcomes. Generally, miscarriage rates are about 20 percent for women who are in their 20s and increase to a 35 to 40 percent likelihood for those in their 40s. And genetic mistakes or chromosomal abnormalities (such as down syndrome) in babies also tend to be more common in older women.Couples may experience primary or secondary infertilityInfertility (or primary infertility), refers to couples who have not been able to become pregnant after twelve months of trying without the use of birth control. This is typically common with first time parents to be.Secondary infertility applies to couples who have been able to have a child or children in the past but are now unable to conceive. Sometimes, medications that are used to treat medical conditions as well as age in women can contribute to the infertility.Increasing the chance of getting pregnant before seeing a fertility specialistCouples who can't get pregnant easily within a few months, may want to take some steps at home to increase the likelihood of getting pregnant. Women can track their menstrual cycle and ovulation. There are many apps available on smartphones to help with this. Pregnancy is most likely to happen if intercourse occurs within the six days prior to ovulation day. To help track ovulation, there are urinary ovulation predictor kits that may be purchased at drugstores. Women can try using the basal body temperature method to help identify when they're ovulating, but women are generally most fertile two to three days prior to ovulation, so this method is not very effective for promoting or preventing pregnancy.When to see a fertility specialistHow long to wait to see a fertility specialist depends on how old a woman is. For women less than 35 years old, it's recommended to try to conceive naturally for 12 months.“Consider seeing a specialist 12 months after trying naturally, if menstrual cycles are regular. For women with irregular cycles, they can be seen sooner than 12 months,” said Dr. Dorais. “For women in the 35 to 40-year age range, it's recommended to see a specialist after trying to conceive naturally for six months without a positive pregnancy test. If women are 40 years of age or older they may want to see a specialist even sooner after trying to conceive.”What to do before starting infertility treatmentsTry to reach an ideal body mass index (BMI) prior to beginning infertility treatments, so don't be too much over or under the recommended weight for your height and age. Getting adequate exercise, eating a balanced diet, and living a healthy lifestyle are best. That includes not smoking, drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs. These types of lifestyle choices may have an impact on fertility and the baby.Women who are taking prescription medication will want to consult with their provider about whether it's safe to continue their medications while trying to become pregnant. Women can begin taking prenatal vitamin supplements prior to conceiving.“Infertility treatments depend on what's causing the infertility, how long a woman has been infertile, her age and her partner's age, and personal preferences. Everything that can be done is a bit elective. There's a lot of room for personal preference,” said Dr. Dorais.Some fertility treatment options include: Fertility drugs Artificial insemination (AI) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) In vitro fertilization (IVF) Donor eggsEgg freezingSurrogacy Fertility preservation for cancer patients.It's vital to recognize that infertility treatment may take time and have high costs. Many insurance plans don't cover infertility treatments and it's important to look into costs and plans to cover treatment.For more information or to find a doctor, visit: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/womens-health/reproductive-medicine/The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Women's bodies change and expand as they grow a baby for the typical nine months of pregnancy. When having a baby, not only do women deal with incorporating their new addition into their lifestyle, but they also need to navigate how their postpartum body looks, as well as all the emotions that come into the mix of new motherhood. As time passes, moms tend to wonder when their bodies will align and “shrink” back to what they were pre-pregnancy, and can become disappointed to learn they will rarely ever be what they were before.Jade Elliott spoke with Natalie Lanham, DSW, LCSW, Intermountain Healthcare, about postpartum body image.The postpartum body mythIt's a myth to think that one's body will look as it did pre-pregnancy. As moms grow and give birth to their babies, their bodies change. Everyone has a different body type. And no two pregnancy and postpartum experiences are alike. Some women need to go on bedrest or have caesarean sections or experience other pregnancy or childbirth complications that affect how their body recovers. Plus, factor in nursing or bottle feeding, or returning to work, which can all affect how a woman's body recovers.“I've done a lot of counseling with moms over the years, and there seems to be a greater amount of pressure in the culture in Utah than across the U.S., for women to look a certain way in a certain amount of time post-childbirth,” said Natalie Lanham, DSW, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker with Intermountain Healthcare.“Moms need to look at their bodies and realize they birthed their beautiful babies. It's normal to gain weight in pregnancy. It takes nine months to grow a baby, so bouncing back right away isn't realistic. It's helpful for women to understand they don't need to be “perfect” or fit a certain mold,” added Lanham.According to Lanham, it's important to focus on what bodies can do instead of what they look like. And accepting a postpartum body is closely tied to many aspects of a woman's new identity as a mother.“Social media tends to portray false narratives about what a postpartum body should look like. Take a break from social media if needed. Consider unfollowing any accounts that promote dieting or weight loss that include aspects of toxic diet culture,” she added.Diet and exerciseLanham encourages women to find healthy ways to work towards a healthier body. This may include eating a nutritious diet, slowly easing back into an exercise routine during the postpartum recovery period, and being patient and kind with themselves.“Exercise can help women feel stronger, happier, and more energized, when they find a type of exercise they enjoy. It helps to listen to the body's cues. Do physical activities that bring those good feelings. Figure out what triggers negative feelings. Get rid of those first,” she added.Dieting is one of the most important predictors for eating disorders. Having a distorted body image doesn't help moms who are going through postpartum body changes.Having a sudden urge to do whatever it takes to regain their former body can lead to unhealthy behaviors. Keep things in balance. Eat balanced meals. When pregnant or nursing, moms need to eat for themselves and their growing babies.“If you're concerned about overeating, half the portion and save the other half for another meal or someone else,” said Lanham.“While working towards physical fitness goals, find clothes that are flattering and fit well. Wear what's comfortable and embrace it,” she added.Goal settingWhen it comes to settling goals, it's vital to be realistic.Discover what contributes to a healthy body image firstTalk it out with someone elseDon't engage in negative self-talk about goalsGet a partner to set goals with - they can provide perspective Women need to be patient with their body because it's healingAffirmationsAffirmations can be helpful when wanting to maintain a positive outlook on body image and self-worth. And different affirmations work for different people.When thinking about affirmations, it's important to think about the reasoning negative thoughts are happening. It's helpful if women identify the top five things they beat themselves up about.“When negative thoughts begin, women can identify them, and then tell themselves to stop. Turn it around and say, “I am beautiful because...”, “I have a great___ because...” Turn the negative things into positive affirmations. At the end of the day, it helps if women congratulate themselves about the positive things they love about themselves,” said Lanham.Some examples of affirmations include:“I will enjoy the present moment…”“My body went through an amazing change and created a beautiful baby” “I am enough” “My body image is not my body”Postpartum mental health and disordersAccording to Lanham, postpartum blues typically last about two weeks. However, some women may get into a downward spiral with hormone changes, since estrogen and progesterone spike upon having a baby, causing significant hormone fluctuations. The body needs to adjust to new hormone changes which is normal to a degree. Some symptoms of the baby blues are mood swings, anxiety, sadness, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, appetite problems and trouble sleeping.If a mom feels these feelings for more than two weeks, it's wise for her to reach out to her provider for a referral to a behavioral health specialist who can help screen her for peripartum anxiety or depression.Symptoms of peripartum mood disorders include:Severe mood swings Difficulty time bonding with baby Overwhelming fatigueReduced interest in previously enjoyable activitiesHopelessness Feelings of guilt and inadequacy Difficulty making decisions Severe anxiety (panic attacks)Thoughts of harming self or baby Recurrent thoughts of suicide.The difference between the baby blues and a mood disorder is that these feelings may last for months or longer. If such is the case, get immediate help.Call a local behavioral health hotline such as the Intermountain Healthcare Behavioral Health Services Navigation line available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 833.442.2211.Sometimes, moms experience an extreme mood disorder that's a more severe long-lasting depression called postpartum psychosis. Insomnia or undiagnosed or treated mood disorders may contribute to moms experiencing hallucinations, delusions, extra energy or paranoia. If a loved one is noticing this in a mom, then it needs to be addressed immediately.If symptoms are severe and urgent, go to a walk-in behavioral health clinic or a hospital emergency department.Moms who feel they are high strung or tend toward anxiety will want to talk to their provider while pregnant. It's best to call the provider when anxiety kicks up a little more than usual, and they can make a referral to a behavioral health provider. Or sometimes postpartum anxiety can kick in after the baby is born.While moms struggle with hormone fluctuations during the postpartum period, fathers too may struggle with this period as they adjust to this major life change. Some common feelings fathers who struggle in this period are: Sadness FatigueOverwhelmed AnxietyThese symptoms can trigger changes in eating and sleeping and dads can exhibit similar symptoms to moms in the postpartum period. Dads most at risk are those with previous anxiety problems. This can have negative effects with partners and babies since dads can have high anxieties over how to care for and provide for their family. Dads need time with their friends too and it's okay. They often find nurture as a pack.Self-CareSelf-care is vital for moms. Make time for it. It looks different for everyone, but it helps maintain some grounding between the different roles that people play in their life.“It's helpful if you think of there being 10 little buckets that make up self-care: psychological, social, emotional, mental, spiritual, familial, financial, physical, educational, personal. And you can't fill every bucket, every day,” said Lanham.“Each morning, choose to put a marble in four of the buckets. By the end of each week, at least one marble should be in each of these buckets to fulfill self-care. We struggle with sticking a few in one or more of these buckets and making these unbalanced. The idea is to have at least one in each bucket by the end of the week for balance. This helps people realize how much time is being spent in one category and focus on creating a balance,” she added.Moms often don't take enough time to practice self-care. Meditate, listen to music, stretch, bathe, put on lotion that smells good, or use a good product for body self-care. This helps take the stress from the day. Keep in mind that each body deserves to be honored, respected, and nurtured and that life is here to be enjoyed.For more information about Intermountain behavioral health and women's health services visit Intermountainhealthcare.org. Or call the Intermountain Healthcare Behavioral Health Services Navigation line, available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 833.442.2211.The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The longer a child has a seizure after 5 minutes, the harder it is to stop with medications. This fact is why developing protocols and eliminating barriers for Emergency Medical services to provide anti-seizure rescue medications quickly is so important. Primary Children's' Emergency Department hopes a new clinical trial will further empower EMS pre-hospital providers to treat child seizures in a safe and timely manner.Jade Elliott spoke with Dr. Maija Holsti, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Utah, about this clinical trial.The Pediatric Dose Optimization for Seizures in EMS (PediDOSE) study created by Primary Children's Hospital in collaboration with Salt Lake City Fire, West Valley Fire, and Unified Fire EMS will run over a period of 4 years at Primary Children's Emergency Department and 20 other sites across the country.Paramedics currently perform multiple calculations to determine the dosing for anti-seizure medications, which has led to under-dosing and delays in treatment of pediatric seizures. About a ⅓ of pediatric patients on average are transported to Emergency Departments still seizing due to these delays and under-dosing.The study will compare dosing of the anti-seizure medication, midazolam, based on age versus conventional dosing based on weight. Age-based dosing will eliminate steps and simplify the protocols for EMS prehospital providers, supporting paramedics to give the correct dose in a timely manner.Special rules for emergency research by the FDA allows patients to be enrolled in research without prior consent if there is not time to consent. Because a seizure is an emergency and requires immediate treatment, all eligible patients will be consented after enrollment at Primary Children's Hospital. We will be studying these patients until they leave the hospital to ensure that it is effective and safe.To be eligible for enrollment in this study, patients must be:Age: 6 months to 13 years oldActively having a seizure in the presence of a paramedic EMS provider Transported by Salt Lake City Fire, West Valley Fire, and Unified Fire Emergency Medical Services to Primary Children's HospitalClick here for more information.Link to feedback survey.The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The ways that women experience menstrual periods vary from person to person. Symptoms may vary quite a bit and the intensity of those symptoms may vary from month to month. Jade Elliott spoke with Leah Moses, CNM, Intermountain Healthcare, about uterine fibroids and endometriosis on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast. “Some patients describe … Continue reading Painful periods, heavy bleeding could be uterine fibroids or endometriosis → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Menstrual cramps are common for women who experience periods. Sometimes, the range of normal discomfort may interfere with daily life, and leave some wondering if or when they should see a provider, or if what they are experiencing is normal. Jade Elliott  spoke with Leah Moses, a certified nurse midwife with Intermountain Healthcare, about how … Continue reading Dealing with Painful Menstrual Cramps → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parenting is hard. When it comes to increasing positive outcomes for families, research shows that the following five strengths play a major role in engaging parents and building the best outcomes for children. Jade Elliott spoke with Trisha Reynolds, Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Services Administrator, Division of Child and Family Services, about what parents can do. Parental … Continue reading Five protective factors that will help your kids throughout their lives → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a woman has had a baby and is recovering at home, she might be concerned about her abdominal muscles and if they'll return somewhat to their pre-pregnancy shape and how and when to return to exercising those abs. Jade Elliott spoke with Janelle Hayes, a physical therapist with Intermountain Healthcare, to help new moms … Continue reading How to safely return to abdominal exercises postpartum → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Division of Services for People with Disabilities provides a wide range of services to help those with disabilities participate more fully in their communities and lead self-determined lives. Jade Elliott spoke with Jamie Douglas, Department of Human Services, about how parents of children with disabilities can apply for disability services. Download & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Want … Continue reading Applying for Disability Services → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A woman's body goes through all kinds of physical changes during pregnancy and childbirth. Some of those changes are to the pelvic floor muscles, which support the increasing size and weight of the baby during pregnancy. After pregnancy and childbirth, it can take some time for those muscles to recover and get back in shape. … Continue reading Pelvic floor physical therapists can treat common post-pregnancy symptoms → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most people feel comfortable talking about health topics like nutrition and physical activity. They're part of our everyday conversations. Since talking about physical health is such a normal part of our conversations, we're also usually comfortable talking about times we're just not our best or are struggling in these areas. We do lots of things … Continue reading Three things you can do if your mental health is suffering as a parent → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that happens during pregnancy. Like other kinds of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how the body processes glucose or sugar, causing glucose levels to be higher than they should be. Jade Elliott sits down with Emily Hart Hayes, a Certified Nurse Midwife with Intermountain Healthcare, on this episode of … Continue reading What you need to know about gestational diabetes → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pre-term births can happen to any expectant mother. Doctors say right now, they do not know all of the causes of pre-term birth, but there are some risk factors that can increase the chance of one. Jade Elliott sat down with Sean Esplin, MD, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist, Intermountain Healthcare, to discuss pre-term birth, the … Continue reading What we know about preterm birth and how to prevent it → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you have young kids, sleep is an essential part of your survival as a parent. When your kids sleep well, you sleep well. Thankfully, a bedtime routine can help your kids sleep better. Instead of letting your kids fall asleep whenever and wherever, a bedtime routine can bring structure and security to your child's … Continue reading Establishing a bedtime routine → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Screens and media are everywhere and can be a powerful tool for your child's learning and play. However, nothing can replace face-to-face interaction and play with your child. Jade Elliott sat down with Kaitlin Carpenter, MD, a pediatrician with Intermountain Healthcare, on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast to discuss screen time guidelines … Continue reading Introducing screens and media to your babies and toddlers → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A newborn screening is a mandatory screening for all of our Utah babies. Currently, the Utah Department of Health tests for over 40 different disorders. If these disorders aren't caught and treated, then they can lead to health issues, brain damage, or possibly death. Jade Elliott sat down with Kari Weiss from the Utah Department … Continue reading The mandatory newborn screenings all Utah babies receive → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's important to make sure parents and babies are happy and healthy. New parents are sometimes diagnosed with depression or anxiety. An infant's mental health can impact their overall development. Jade Elliott sits down with Heather Kunz, social worker, Salt Lake County Health Department, on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast to talk … Continue reading Maintaining good mental health in parents and infants → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When women are thinking about getting pregnant or first find out they're pregnant, all kinds of thoughts, questions and worries might run through their heads. Even though they might have friends, sisters or mothers who've had children, this is the first time they're really thinking about themselves and what to expect and what might happen … Continue reading Don't worry, most pregnancies are normal → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Traveling with babies can be both fun and stressful. Jade Elliott spoke with Kaitlin Carpenter, MD, a pediatrician with Intermountain Healthcare, on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast to discuss some helpful tips to make the travel process more manageable. Car rides Make sure that infants are always in a rear-facing car seat. Get … Continue reading Traveling with babies and toddlers this holiday season → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital is offering virtual car seat checks to help parents anywhere in the Intermountain West learn to properly install and use car seats to protect their babies. Jade Elliott spoke with Jessica Strong, Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital, and Michelle Jamison, Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital, to learn about the virtual car seat checks. … Continue reading Virtual car seat checks to help keep babies safe → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you're pregnant, you'll likely have a lot of questions about what is happening to your body during each trimester and what is happening with your baby's development week by week. Jade Elliott spoke with Leah Moses, a certified nurse midwife with Intermountain Healthcare, about some of the most common questions she has women ask … Continue reading What to expect during the third trimester of pregnancy → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you're pregnant, you'll likely have a lot of questions about what is happening to your body during each trimester and what is happening with your baby's development week by week. Jade Elliott spoke with Leah Moses, a certified nurse midwife with Intermountain Healthcare, about some of the most common questions she has women ask … Continue reading What to expect during the second trimester of pregnancy → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you find out you're pregnant, you'll likely have a lot of questions about what is happening to your body and what is happening with your baby's development. Jade Elliott spoke with Leah Moses, a certified nurse midwife with Intermountain Healthcare, about some of the most common questions she has women ask when they come … Continue reading What to expect the first trimester of pregnancy → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While flu was largely absent last winter, the CDC projects it will come back this year, at the same time COVID-19 will continue to circulate in Utah. To help keep children and families healthy, experts are recommending flu vaccines for people ages 6 months and older as soon as possible. Flu vaccines are available now … Continue reading Getting the flu vaccine is more important than ever → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many infants and toddlers experience fear or anxiety. What may be challenging to parents is to know how to soothe their little ones. Because infants cannot soothe themselves, primary caretakers do that for them – and that helps young children eventually internalize an ability to self-soothe, said Dr. Merrill Kingston, pediatric psychologist at Intermountain Primary … Continue reading Helping your children with fears and anxiety → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Toddlers love to snack. But many grab-and-go snacks popular with busy families are processed and contain excess sugar and sodium that can lead to poor eating habits and health concerns later in life. There are easy ways to engage your toddler in snack time and teach them to eat right early on, said Sara Fausett, … Continue reading Healthy toddler snack time → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Baby's transition to solid foods can be a source of stress for parents – or the most natural thing in the world. The key: Don't force it. Instead, allow baby choices and a fun introduction to food, said Sara Fausett, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Intermountain Cedar City Hospital. Jade Elliott spoke with Sara Fausett … Continue reading Baby's first foods: How to form healthy eaters → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens during prenatal visits is different depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy. You should schedule your first prenatal visit around 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy (2-4 weeks after a missed period). Early and regular prenatal visits help your midwife or doctor will check your health and the growth of … Continue reading What to expect at prenatal appointments → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's a whole range of emotions that women experience when they decide to do a home pregnancy test and it comes back positive. Women may feel nervous, surprised, excited, relieved, afraid, happy, overwhelmed or any combination of those all at once. You might not know what to do first! Jade Elliott spoke with Emily Hart … Continue reading What to do after your pregnancy test comes back positive → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Toddlers and tantrums go hand in hand. As children grow, however, some tantrums teeter into aggressive behavior. “Parents often wonder how they can address a toddler's biting or hitting, or help calm severe emotional outbursts,” said Dr. Peter Lindgren, a pediatrician with Intermountain Healthcare. “A good starting point is to address the specific behavior, help … Continue reading What to do about your toddler's aggressive behavior → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With school starting next month, experts are concerned that COVID-19 cases could rise among children, especially with the prevalence of the Delta variant which transmits much more easily. While COVID vaccines are available to kids ages 12 and up, it's not yet available to younger children. Jade Elliott spoke with Katrina Jensen, a pediatric nurse with … Continue reading Keep kids safe as they head back to school with masking, COVID vaccine → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Surrogate motherhood is the practice when a woman bears a child on behalf of another person who is not able to carry a baby. It typically occurs via in vitro fertilization. Jade Elliott spoke with Dr. Barney, the OB/Gyn who delivered the baby carried by surrogate mother Brianna Bigelow for mom Jenny Lowe about surrogacy on … Continue reading Talking with your doctor about surrogate motherhood → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jenny Lowe is a cancer survivor who sought a surrogate mother to carry her baby following in-vitro fertilization. Brianna Bigelow is the mother of twins conceived through in-vitro fertilization and chose to serve as a surrogate mother for the Lowes who'd experienced infertility. Jade Elliott spoke with Jenny and Brianna about the incredible journey that … Continue reading Surrogate motherhood: The journey of two women → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Since 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that infants be placed on their backs to sleep at night and during naps. The Back to Sleep and Safe Sleep campaigns have contributed to a 40 percent decrease in sudden infant death syndrome in the U.S. Pediatric experts around the world also recommend babies spend time on … Continue reading Why tummy time is important for your baby's development → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Toddlers can say the sweetest things, the most outlandish things – and things that could be considered rude. Such moments can make parents feel awkward, and maybe not know how to respond. So how can you help teach good manners to your toddler? And what should you do when your toddler's actions are rude? Jade … Continue reading Three ways to improve your toddler's manners → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Families are flocking to swimming pools in the summer heat. Primary Children's Hospital has some tips on how to keep tots safe around water. “Bringing babies and toddlers to pools or beaches is a wonderful experience for families and children,” said Jessica Strong, community health manager at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital. “These are cherished memories … Continue reading Water safety → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Newborn babies often sleep better when swaddled. But how babies are swaddled, and through what age, can make a difference in their long-term sleep patterns — and help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), said Rachelle Rigby, RN, pediatric medical and surgical services director at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital. Jade Elliott spoke … Continue reading Swaddling: How to do it safely and when to stop → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.