Please Wait...
R
Rina Cruz published in Health (13-36 mo), Parenting

Regular Hearing Test is Important For Your Child

According to the resource from WHO, it is estimated over 5% of the world’s population will suffer from hearing loss*. In 2050, it is about one in every 10 people will have hearing impairment problem.* Therefore, hearing test has become one of the mandatory tests to all babies right after birth.

 

Why is it necessary to get hearing tests done?

Newborn hearing tests are performed on newborns to rule out any problems during early development. However, it is imperative to have your children done with childhood hearing tests, because it can pick up any late-onset problems or preventing hearing conditions from getting worse. Some children can develop late onset or acquired hearing loss due to genetic factors, infections, injury and noise exposure. Even if the babies have passed the newborn hearing test at birth, a regular screening can reveal slight or gradual hearing loss that necessitates treatment and monitoring.

When parents do not get routine hearing tests done, the chances are that multiple hearing problems can remain undiagnosed for months or even years. Hearing problems must be identified at an earlier age because this can affect your child’s speech, social skills, and language development. When the problems are detected early on, management and treatment are easier. Early diagnosis also ensures access to special support, if needed.

 

When should you get your child’s hearing checked?

It is always better to get hearing problems diagnosed early because the prognosis is much better before the child is six months of age. That is why every newborn child needs a hearing screening test before they are discharged from the hospital.

If your baby does not get tested before being discharged, get their testing done during the first three weeks. If your child does not pass the hearing test, it does not imply that they have hearing loss. However, it does mean that they should be tested again after three months. Diagnosis of hearing loss then means that your baby needs treatment.

 

How is the hearing test done?

There are several other types of hearing tests, which are:

 

Auditory Brainstorm (ABR) Test

This test checks for sensorineural hearing loss, which to exam how the hearing nerves and brain reacts to sounds.

 

Otoacoustic Emissions (OEA) Test

This test is commonly used in infants and young children, which to exam how the hair cells in the inner ear reacts to sounds.

 

Tympanometry

This test checks the function of the middle ear, which to exam how well the eardrum moves or responds to the sound.

The audiologist is the designated personnel to do the hearing test, and the type of test depends on the child’s age, development, and health.

Many children will go through a behavioral hearing test, which means checking the child’s response to sounds, for example, calibrated speech and pure tones. Pure tones have a very specific pitch.

Audiologists lookout for behavioral responses after the child listens to a sound. For example, toddlers and babies make eye movements or move their heads. The older kids move a game piece or raise their hands. The kids also respond to speech by choosing a picture or by repeating the words.

A referral to the ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) specialist will be made as soon as your child failed the hearing test. Do talk to your healthcare provider if you noticed your child was not responding well to the sound.

 

Reference:

Deafness and hearing loss page. World Health Organization Website. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss. January 4, 2022.

0
R
Rina Cruz published in Expecting, Labor & Delivery

What is Delayed Cord Clamping?

Sometimes, medical interventions are required during labor and delivery. Delayed cord clamping is one of the interventions alongside epidurals and emergency C-sections and simply means that the umbilical cord is rather clamped and cut one to three minutes after delivery as opposed to immediately.

There are indications that delayed cord clamping makes it possible for blood to continue to flow from the placenta to the newborn after delivery. Shreds of evidence from studies also suggest that this blood that flows to the placenta is very beneficial to newborn babies, especially to preterm babies.  Scientists have actually linked delayed cord clamping to increased iron and hemoglobin which are essential in reducing the risk of anemia in children. Of course, delayed cord clamping can also improve the circulation of blood in premature babies, thereby reducing the need for a blood transfusion. In addition, delayed cord clamping helps in reducing the risk of internal bleeding in the brain.

After delivery, the cord is normally clamped in two places: near the baby’s belly button as well as farther down the cord. Meanwhile, the cut is always made between these clamps by your partner, doctor, or midwife. Most medical experts however recommend that the baby be held near or at the level of the placenta before clamping as it increases blood flow. On the flip side it is believed that if the baby is raised above the placenta, gravity can instead pull back blood into the placenta, thereby depriving the baby of blood flow.

Even though the delayed length has not yet been standardized, clamping can be delayed if it happens more than 30 seconds after delivery.

Delayed cord clamping may be associated with jaundice, but its benefits still outweigh the risk since jaundice can easily be treated through phototherapy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has made it clear that delayed cord clamping does not add the risk of excessive maternal blood loss or postpartum hemorrhage.1

 

Reference:

  1. Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping After Birth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) website. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/12/delayed-umbilical-cord-clamping-after-birth. Last accessed April 22, 2021.
0
R
Rina Cruz published in Breastfeeding, Parenting

Is It Worth Getting a Lactation Consultant?

Most nursing mothers face challenges and difficulties in their breastfeeding journeys. While some of them try reading up or consulting with their health care providers about the best tips for breastfeeding, some prefer to hire the services of a lactation consultant to guide them throughout their breastfeeding journey.

A lactation consultant is a well-trained health care professional who is focused on breastfeeding and milk production. These experts are specially trained to help facilitate breastfeeding and make it an enjoyable journey for both mother and baby.

A lactation consultant will help you solve many of your breastfeeding problems including sore nipples, and low milk production. He or she will also help you in case your baby is not latching properly, has additional needs, or isn’t gaining weight at the pace he should be gaining. If you need extra support during breastfeeding or you are finding challenges in breastfeeding multiple babies like twins, you can be sure that a lactation expert will be there to guide and assist you on the way forward.

Unfortunately, hiring the services of a lactation expert doesn’t come cheap. So it’s advisable for you to sort out your finances before going for one.

Nowadays, everyone can easily learn about breastfeeding. You could easily find answers to some of your questions on several pregnancy and breastfeeding platforms that are available online. Besides, your midwife, doctor, or OB-GYN could also guide and educate you about most of the things you need to know about breastfeeding.

The bottom line is that you can actually go through your breastfeeding journey well without having to consult with a lactation consultant. However, if you face serious breastfeeding challenges that you think may be taking a toll on your life or the life of your baby, then you might want to consult with a lactation consultant. A lactation consultant is indeed the best person to handle serious lactation issues as they have been trained specially for that. Rest assured a lactation consultant will give you an in-depth treatment plan, guidance, or counseling depending on your specific breastfeeding problem.

0
R
Rina Cruz published in Breastfeeding, Parenting

Are Electric Breast Pumps Worth It?

Most pregnant women worry about feeding and nourishing their babies to grow up healthily. Nursing mothers who are bent on breastfeeding exclusively, but have reasons to stay away from their homes and babies always see the need to buy breast pumps. The truth is that there are many advantages to having a breast pump.

With a breast pump, your partner or relatives can help with feeding your baby. In addition, having a breast pump makes it possible for you to leave breastmilk for your baby before going out. You can also conveniently feed multiple babies like twins or triplets if you have a breast pump. And above all, for some women, a breast pump helps them to get started with breastfeeding.

There are two major types of breast pumps: manual and electric pumps. Most nursing mothers prefer the electric breast pumps because they are easier to use when compared to other manual methods of pumping out milk. Also, electric breast pumps can pump out faster and comes with multiple settings. This means that once you buy your pump, it’s up to you to set it in the most suitable setting that matches your needs.  In addition, electric breast pumps are available in various models including the single and double pumps that make it possible for you to extract milk from one and both breasts respectively.

Despite the numerous advantages of electric breast pumps, the device also has its own cons. Electric breast pumps are typically more expensive than manual breast pumps. It can also be noisy, a thing that might be irritating to other members of your household, including your newborn. Moreover, it can be quite challenging to sterilize an electric breast pump since they always come with many parts. Operating an electric breast pump may also require you to stay close to an outlet to connect to electricity. Above all, electric breast pumps can be relatively bulkier than manual breast pumps making it quite a hassle to carry it around with you.

Electronic breast pumps are way more convenient and easier to use when compared to manual breast pumps. Even though electric breast pumps have their disadvantages, they are generally more efficient than manual breast pumps. They might be relatively more expensive but could be well worth it for people who can afford them.

0
m
admin published in General Health, Parenting

What is the APGAR Score?

APGAR is a quick test that is usually performed on newborns when they are 1 and 5 minutes. old. These tests are often performed to assess the baby’s overall health condition. The test performed one minute after birth determines how well the baby tolerated labor whereas that performed at 5 minutes indicates how well the baby is thriving out of the womb.

The APGAR test particularly focuses on five major categories, including breathing effort (respiration), heart rate (pulse), muscle tone (activity), reflexes and skin color. For each category, the baby can score from zero (0) to two (2) points, depending on his condition. However, the overall APGAR test is ten (10), given that each category gives a maximum of two points.

The test is usually done by a doctor, nurse or midwife and points are awarded as follows:

Breathing/Respiratory

  •         Zero (0) point if the baby is not breathing at all
  •         One (1) point if the breathing is slow, irregular, and coupled with weak crying.
  •         Two (2) points if the infant cries well.

Heart rate / Pulse

  •         Zero (0) point if there is no heart activity
  •         One (1) point if the heartbeat is less than 100 per minute
  •         Two (2) points if the heartbeat is greater than 100 per minute.

Muscle tone / Activity

  •         Zero (0) point for loose and floppy muscles
  •         One (1) point for loose muscle activity
  •         Two points (2) for active movement.

Reflexes

  •         Zero (0) point if there is no reaction to simulation
  •         One point (1) if there is some facial movement and reaction to stimulation
  •         Two (2) points if there is crying, coughing, sneezing and ability to react to stimulation.

Skin Color

  •         Zero (0) point if the baby’s skin is pale, blue or bluish-grey
  •         One (1) point if the baby’s color is pink with blue extremities
  •         Two (2) points if the baby’s skin is pink all over.

An APGAR score of 7 is reassuring while a score of between 4 and 6 is considered moderately abnormal. Scores of 0 to 5 are extremely concerning and such babies often need interventions such as oxygen or could be transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Although the APGAR score determines how well the baby is thriving immediately after birth, it doesn’t reflect the baby’s overall health in the long run.

0
m
admin published in Expecting, Labor & Delivery

5 Alternative Birthing Methods You May Consider

With advancements in medical technology, childbirth has become a lot safer for both the mother and the baby. So far, most hospitals have responded to the changes in trends and that explains why women can now choose the best birthing method that is safe and convenient for them. Although it is granted that an easy and perfectly executed birth plan is ideal, there can still be sudden twists and turns, which can sometimes necessitate alternative delivery methods. Besides, women also have the rights to opt for the best birthing method as long as it is affordable and also safe for them and for their babies. Now, let’s look at the five alternative birthing methods you may want to consider:

1) Vaginal birth

This birthing method is highly recommended for pregnant women who do not have any complications nor are at risk of developing one. Vaginal birth actually involves three stages which include labor, pushing the baby through the vagina, and finally delivering the placenta. Vaginal birth is not only safe, but it also associated with benefits such as lower rates of infections, quicker delivery, and shorter hospital stays. More so, babies born vaginally have a lower risk of developing respiratory problems.

 

2) Cesarean delivery (C-section)

A cesarean section is a birth method that involves the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the abdomen and uterus of the mother. Some C-sections are emergency as a result of unforeseen complications that may arise during vaginal delivery, whereas others are scheduled in advance. Some of the circumstances that can necessitate a C-Section include multiple babies, a baby who weighs more than normal, a baby in a breech or transverse position, or placenta trivia. With innovations in medicine, C-sections are currently very safe.

3) Water birth

Water birth is another alternative birthing method. It is simply vaginal delivery that takes place in a waist-deep bathtub of water or in a Jacuzzi.  A water birth comes with a relaxing feeling and also reduces pain considerably such that there is no need for an epidural. Water birth is safe for the mother and also poses no risk to the baby whose lungs remain collapsed until he or she is removed from the water.

4) Hypnobirthing

Hypnobirthing involves training pregnant women to achieve complete relaxation right from labor until when the placenta is delivered. This method of birth involves courses alongside an instructor who teaches the mother-to-be self-hypnosis exercises that are geared towards eliminating the pain caused by labor. Through this method, mothers-to-be can easily stay focused and in control of the entire birthing process.

5) Home birth

This is a birthing method where mothers-to-be put to birth in the comforts of their homes. Even though home birth is safe, the American Pregnancy Association has excluded some groups of women from giving birth at home including the women who are suffering from certain health conditions like diabetes and chronic high blood.1 Women who are at risk of preterm labor or have experienced it in the past are also advised not to opt for a home birth. More so, you should not opt for a home birth if your partner is not fully in support of the idea.

Always discuss with your doctor before you make a decision on the birth plan.

 

Reference:

1) Home births. The American Pregnancy Organization Website. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/home-birth-652/. Last accessed April 22, 2021.

0
m
admin published in Health (0-12 mo), Parenting

Types of Reflexes in Newborns

Mаnу оf уоur bаbу’ѕ mоvеmеntѕ іn thеіr fіrѕt weeks аrе done bу rеflеx. This means іt іѕ involuntary оr happens wіthоut уоur bаbу trying. If you рut уоur finger іn thеіr mouth, they suck rеflеxіvеlу. Thеу ѕhut thеіr еуеѕ tightly to a bright light.

Whу Are Rеflеxеѕ Imроrtаnt?

Dосtоrѕ and nurѕеѕ check bаbу rеflеxеѕ tо dеtеrmіnе if a bаbу’ѕ brain and nervous system аrе functioning properly. If уоu nоtісе abnormal rеflеxеѕ іn уоur сhіld, please see a doctor as thеѕе may indicate a dуѕfunсtіоn in thе сеntrаl nеrvоuѕ ѕуѕtеm.

What Arе thе Dіffеrеnt Tуреѕ оf Newborn Rеflеxеѕ?

 Thеrе are mаnу dіffеrеnt types of nеwbоrn rеflеxеѕ. Yоu will notice mаnу of them аѕ уоu іntеrасt wіth уоur baby, аnd thеу саn bе rеаllу cute аnd fun to watch. Sоmе reflexes оnlу occur in ѕресіfіс реrіоdѕ of the bаbу’ѕ dеvеlорmеnt, but some саn stay for уеаrѕ, аll thе wау through аdulthооd. It’ѕ good tо nоtе thоugh that ѕоmе аdultѕ whо hаvе brаіn dаmаgе оr whо have еxреrіеnсеd stroke mау еxреrіеnсе bаbу rеflеxеѕ аѕ wеll.

Thе seven most соmmоn tуреѕ оf nеwbоrn reflexes аrе аѕ follows:

Rооtіng оr Rооt Rеflеx

 Thе rооtіng reflex іѕ оnе оf the most well-known of the numеrоuѕ іnvоluntаrу mоvеmеntѕ аnd actions thаt аrе nоrmаl fоr nеwbоrnѕ. Thіѕ one hеlрѕ уоur baby fіnd the brеаѕt оr bottle to bеgіn fееdіng. As dеѕсrіbеd аbоvе, whеn a nеwbоrn’ѕ сhееk іѕ ѕtrоkеd, thеу will turn tоwаrd thе touch. Thіѕ аutоmаtіс rеѕроnѕе typically gоеѕ аwау by 4 months.

Mоrо оr Stаrtlе Rеflеx

The Mоrо оr ѕtаrtlе rеflеx саuѕеѕ уоur baby tо еxtеnd thеіr аrmѕ, lеgѕ, аnd fіngеrѕ аnd аrсh whеn ѕtаrtlеd by thе fееlіng оf fаllіng, a loud nоіѕе, оr ​other еnvіrоnmеntаl stimuli. Bаbіеѕ wіll tурісаllу еxhіbіt a “ѕtаrtlеd” look. Pеdіаtrісіаnѕ will typically check fоr thіѕ rеѕроnѕе right аftеr birth and аt thе fіrѕt bаbу сhесk-uрѕ. The reflex tурісаllу disappears bеtwееn thе ages of 2 tо 4 months.

Nеwbоrn Stepping Rеflеx

 Whаt causes the nеwbоrn ѕtерріng rеflеx? Sоmеtіmеѕ саllеd the walking оr dаnсе rеflеx, уоu’ll ѕее this rеflеx іn асtіоn when оnе of bаbу’ѕ fееt іѕ fіrmlу on a flаt ѕurfасе and thе other is nоt.

Yоur lіttlе оnе wіll appear to “walk” the unѕuрроrtеd fооt forward. If your baby doesn’t seem to have the ѕtер reflex in their fіrѕt twо months, іt mау be an іndісаtіоn of lingering bіrth trauma оr an іllnеѕѕ—оr perhaps ѕіmрlу your baby hadn’t had a chance to show off thеіr lіttlе steps. If іt gоеѕ аwау аftеr roughly 8 wееkѕ, thеrе’ѕ nо nееd tо wоrrу bесаuѕе the rеflеx fаdеѕ аftеr two months.

Grasping Reflex

You’ll ѕее still аnоthеr rеflеx when you ѕtrоkе уоur bаbу’ѕ раlm аnd wаtсh him immediately grір your fіngеr. Or, іf уоu ѕtrоkе thе sole оf hіѕ foot, уоu саn watch hіѕ tоеѕ curl tіghtlу. In the fіrѕt few dауѕ after birth, уоur bаbу’ѕ grasp wіll be ѕо strong it may ѕееm he саn hold hіѕ оwn weight—but don’t trу it. Hе has nо соntrоl оvеr thіѕ rеѕроnѕе аnd mау let gо ѕuddеnlу.

Sucking Rеflеx

This type of reflex uѕuаllу ѕtаrtѕ whеn thе bаbу іѕ about 32 weeks іnѕіdе thе mother’s wоmb. If уоu’rе рrеgnаnt, you mау ѕее уоur bаbу ѕuсkіng hіѕ/hеr thumbs оr hаndѕ during an ultrаѕоund. Whеn thе baby іѕ bоrn, the ѕuсkіng rеflеx happens іn twо stages. Fіrѕt, whеn the roof оf the mouth is ѕtіmulаtеd оr whеn уоu рlасе thе mоthеr’ѕ brеаѕt or a bottle іn hіѕ/hеr mоuth, the baby will place the lірѕ оvеr the nіррlе and squeeze іt between the tоnguе and rооf of thе mouth. Nеxt, the bаbу will mоvе his/her tongue to thе nіррlе tо ѕuсk and mіlk thе brеаѕt.

Prеmаturе bаbіеѕ mау tаkе weeks to рrореrlу ѕuсk аnd ѕwаllоw whісh іѕ whу ѕоmе doctors recommend a fееdіng tube іnѕеrtеd through thе nоѕе іntо thе ѕtоmасh tо hеlр thеm get thе nutrients thеу need.

Tonic Neck Reflex

A mоrе іntеrеѕtіng аutоmаtіс response is the tonic neck rеflеx, оr thе fencing роѕturе. Yоu may notice that whеn уоur bаbу’ѕ hеаd turnѕ tо one ѕіdе, hіѕ corresponding arm wіll ѕtrаіghtеn, wіth the opposite аrm bent, аѕ іf hе’ѕ fencing. Yоu mау nоt see thіѕ response, hоwеvеr, ѕіnсе it is ѕubtlе, and if уоur bаbу іѕ disturbed оr crying, hе may nоt реrfоrm іt. It dіѕарреаrѕ at fіvе to ѕеvеn mоnthѕ оf аgе.

Bоth thе Moro аnd tоnіс nесk rеflеxеѕ ѕhоuld be рrеѕеnt еԛuаllу on both ѕіdеѕ оf thе bоdу. If уоu note thаt the reflex seems dіffеrеnt on one side, or that the bаbу mоvеѕ оnе ѕіdе of thе bоdу better than the оthеr, tell уоur реdіаtrісіаn.

Bаbіnѕkі Reflex

Thе Bаbіnѕkі rеflеx hарреnѕ when уоu fіrmlу stoke thе ѕоlе of the baby’s fооt. Thе bаbу’ѕ big toe mоvеѕ upward or tоwаrd the tор оf the fооt and thе other tое fans оut. Thе Babinski rеflеx uѕuаllу lаѕtѕ untіl thе child іѕ аbоut twо уеаrѕ оld, but for some, it goes аwау аftеr a year.

Whеn tо Sее a Pеdіаtrісіаn

Plеаѕе ѕее a pediatrician іn if you have worries about уоur bаbу’ѕ dеvеlорmеnt or іf he/she соntіnuеѕ to еxреrіеnсе newborn rеflеxеѕ beyond the nоrmаl period аѕ thіѕ mау be a sign of a nеrvоuѕ system dуѕfunсtіоn.

A pediatrician іn mау реrfоrm еxаmѕ thаt can hеlр dеtеrmіnе іf уоur bаbу experiences abnormal іnfаnt reflexes as wеll. If уоur bаbу was born prematurely, don’t соmраrе his оr her development tо thаt оf full-term nеwbоrnѕ. Prеmаturе bаbіеѕ аrе uѕuаllу bеhіnd full-tеrm babies in tеrmѕ of dеvеlорmеnt.

0
m
admin published in Cord Blood Banking, Expecting

Improvements Seen after Boy Received Own Cord Blood

This is a real story from Ukraine.

3-year-old Maksim was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder after he started to show symptoms of developmental delay. He could neither respond to speech nor concentrate his attention. He could also hardly recognize his own parents.

“In a constant search for new methods of treating autism, in the social media, I came across a video lecture by an obstetrician on the treatment of autism with stem cells,” said Maksim’s mother, Olga.

Using the cord blood Olga stored for Maksim at birth, Maksim was put on a treatment. The day after receiving his own cord blood, some changes in Maksim’s behavior were visible and he even started to babble.

“Within a few weeks, Maksim began to focus his eyes, listen to the speech of others, and try to speak,” Olga recalls.

 

This story is originally published on Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation. https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/maksims-cord-blood-therapy-autism

Last accessed 9 April 2021.

0
m
admin published in Parenting, Postnatal Care

Will Diabetes Return After Delivery?

Pregnancy is a complicated phase that can bring several health conditions. Gestational diabetes is one of those conditions that can be common amongst pregnant women. So, have you been diagnosed with gestational diabetes? If yes, you don’t need to get all nervous and afraid given that an estimated 90% of gestational diabetes resolves on its own after delivery.

That said, your health care providers will check your blood sugar levels several times before you are discharged from the hospital after childbirth. You will then be informed if your gestational diabetes has resolved or if it’s persisting. Of course, medical follow-up is bound to continue with your glucose being checked at about six to eight months after delivering your baby.

Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing Type II diabetes. According to statistics about two to three per cent of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes develop type II diabetes after delivery. However, you can reduce the risk of having type II diabetes after gestational diabetes by;

• Controlling your weight: Women who fail to control their weight after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at a high risk of developing Type II diabetes later in life and gestational diabetes during their next pregnancy. Of course, the best way to control your weight is to eat healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits and grains, as well as to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.

• Breastfeeding your baby: Breastfeeding brings many benefits including strengthening the immune system of babies and protecting them against infections. But that’s not all, breastfeeding also lowers the risks of certain conditions, like breast cancer and Type II diabetes in mothers.

• Continue with all your medication and follow-up.
Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes puts you at greater risk of developing type II diabetes. Therefore, you need to continue to follow up with your doctor and perform all your blood tests to be sure you are free from diabetes.

• Watch out for the symptoms of Type II diabetes: Above all, you should take charge of your health by watching out for the symptoms of Type II diabetes. Some common symptoms of type II diabetes include frequent urination, fatigue, increased thirst for water and fluids as well as unintentional weight loss. Note that having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have diabetes, but it’s important to report the symptoms to your healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis.

Overall, gestational diabetes always resolves on its own in about 90 per cent of women after they give birth. But then you need proper medical follow-up after delivering to be sure it hasn’t persisted and if it has, you will be putting on the right treatment plan.

0
m
admin published in Cord Blood Banking, Expecting

Stem Cell Therapy Helped My Son

This is a real story from the United States.

13-year-old Colt was born prematurely at 24 weeks of gestation and he was subsequently diagnosed with cerebral palsy and autism. Although Colt was not severely handicapped, he had persistent deficits such as extreme sensitivity to sensory overload.

When the family’s second child was born a few years later, Colt’s parents wanted to enroll him in a Duke University clinical trial with his sibling’s cord blood. Sadly, Colt was too old by then to be accepted into the trial so his parents continued to search for other options.

After learning more about stem cell therapy from a book by Dr. Neil Riordan, Stem Cell Therapy: How Stem Cells are Disrupting Medicine and Transforming Lives: A Rising Tide, Colt’s parents decided to bring him to Panama Stem Cell Institute for intravenous infusions of mesenchymal stromal cells derived from umbilical cord tissue. Colt was 11 by then.

Both Colt’s expressive and receptive language showed a 35% improvement after the first trip. He no longer has the balance or sensory sensitivities issue. He can now ride a bike without training wheels and has gained sense of self-awareness and self-confidence.

This story is originally published on Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation. https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/cord-tissue-msc-helped-my-adolescent-son

Last accessed 9 April 2021.

0
m
admin published in Expecting, Lifestyle

7 Best Push Gifts For Your Wife

A push gift is a present that a husband gifts his wife for giving birth to their child. The literal meaning is carrying the baby for thirty-eight weeks and then “pushing” the baby out. While the baby itself is a blessing from God, a little pampering gift to your wife is much needed.

A traditional push gift would be jewelry. However, one does not need to limit their push gift to jewelry. Here are some great ideas to consider:

1. Baby Book
This book is the only one a new mom would ever need. Although a baby book sounds like the cheesiest of all presents, your wife is going to love it! It is an amazing feeling when a mom get to document about every milestone in their baby’s life. Get her a beautiful and interactive journal that she can jot down memories in.

2. Chocolate Truffles
Cater to your wife’s sweet tooth and gift her a pack of milk truffles. Truffles taste like cake balls and are full of fun flavors.

3. Essential Oil Diffuser
Essential oils are very calming and soothing. They help you in calming down when you are tired. Essential oil diffusers will allow your wife to choose the scents she prefers and add softness to the ambiance.

4. Diaper bag
Get your wife a stylish mummy bag that don’t look like a diaper bag. Because this is going to be the only bag she can carry around after delivery. Moreover, get one stylish diaper bag that has several zipped pockets, bottle holders, built-in diaper changing mat as well as it comes with adjustable straps that allowing to be hooked on the stroller. Do make sure it is machine washable if it gets dirty too.

5. Accessories
You should get her something that screams ‘proud mom,’ which can either be in the form of studs in her newborn’s birthstone or a locket that says, mom. Accessories are a very popular and elegant push present that she can wear later when her child is grown up.

6. Smart watch
A smart watch is a perfect present that every new mom needs to keep track of time and updates from the mobile. Make sure it is waterproof, though because You don’t want baby pee accidents ruining it.

7. Luxury Tote
All new moms need a carry all bag because they must carry baby stuff around daily. So why not just buy your wife a luxury tote that would be gorgeous and practical? She can keep her own and her baby’s belongings in it without any trouble.

0
m
admin published in Lifestyle, Parenting

6 Things to Know About Your Leo Baby

Do you want to know more about your upcoming Leo baby? Here are the 6 common personality traits of babies under this zodiac sign.

1. They love to smile
Leo babies have the kind of smile that can brighten up your day and make your nights even better. Simply watching your Leo baby’s beautiful smile can vanish your stress.

2. They are born leaders
They would learn responsibility with no difficulty. Activities that could hone this personality would fit him or her well.

3. They are energetic
Another major personality trait about Leo babies is that they are energetic and easily become the center of attention. The more attention you give them, the happier they are.

4. They are affectionate
Your Leo baby would be showering you with all the love and affection. He or she would enjoy giving you lots of hugs and kisses.

5. They are creative
They would love to engage in activities that would unleash their artistic side. They could start with playing toys that could stimulate their imagination. Eventually, you could do simple DIY (do-it-yourself) projects with him or her.

6. They are competitive
They are fond of winning so it is hard for them to admit their defeat. You must be ready with all the pep talks to make them understand that it is all right to make mistakes because it is when we learn and improve for the better.

0