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RSV Season is Here

It’s time to start washing your hands more and keeping those countertops disinfected; it’s RSV season. I’m fairly certain we’ve got a case of it circulating our house, since this morning I heard the tell tale “barking cough” coming from my son’s room and his nose has been running like crazy. He’s been taking extra naps, drinking plenty of fluids and seems to be improving as the day progresses. I put him to bed an hour early tonight and I’m hoping that the extra sleep will help rid him of this illness. RSV is one of the most common respiratory … Continue reading →

Will You Walk for Babies?

The March of Dimes has recently revamped itself and is now the March for Babies–but the founding principle is the same. Marchers get sponsors to donate money to help for research to improve the quality of life of disabled and premature babies. Most marches are taking place April 27 and now is the time to sign up. Will you march? Prematurity In the United States, prematurity affects approximately 10% of families. I had never contemplated it much until I got pregnant with twins. At 24 weeks, we were told to prepare for birth in as early as 7 weeks. That … Continue reading →

5 Things Your Baby Really Wants for Christmas

I know. I know. You’re busy. Believe me, I get it. You have cookies to bake, a house to decorate and presents to buy. Not to mention the fact that you’re taking care of a baby who is probably finding new and creative ways to get into and on the tree. . .that is if he’s old enough. You’re probably looking at cooking or at least bringing some big dish to the next event, and attending several family get-togethers. So I’m going to simplify things for you and tell you what your baby really wants for Christmas. Go ahead and … Continue reading →

Do You Know About Synagis?

If you have a preemie, your pediatrician should’ve already spoken to you about RSV season which is coming upon us. I am generally of the persuasion that kids get germs, they get sick and they get over it. Except when it comes to preemies. If you have a preemie you have the right, and really the responsibility to be a germophobe. RSV is no joke and protecting your little preemie from it should be your passion. So go ahead, buy the grocery cart covers and carry Purell with you everywhere. These are two ways that you can help protect your … Continue reading →

What to Expect Once Your Child Has Bronchiolitis

If your child has been diagnosed with RSV and/or bronchiolitis, you may be wondering what to expect. It can be overwhelming to think about your little one being so sick. I remember walking out of the doctor’s office the first time, simply overwhelmed because I had a breathing machine, and a lot of questions about what was going to happen next. In order to receive a proper diagnosis, your doctor should listen carefully to your child’s lungs. The doctor will hear wheezing and crackling in the lungs. The doctor may also order a chest a-ray done. The technician will put … Continue reading →

RSV, Bronchiolitis and the Summer Months

We often hear of the dangers of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) during the winter months. The peak season for RSV is between the months of November and April. It is important to realize that RSV can still pose a threat in the summer months. One of the complications of RSV is bronchiolitis. This is an infection of the bronchioles, some of the smallest airways in the lungs. This infection can be quite scary. Unfortunately I have dealt with bronchiolitis and RSV with two of my children. Both cases have occurred during the summer months. Since my babies have all been … Continue reading →

What You Need to Know About RSV Season

RSV or respiratory syncytial virus affects nearly all babies before they turn two. In most children and adults, the symptoms manifest themselves as a simple cold, runny nose and maybe a slight fever. In infants who are at risk however, RSV can develop serious and sometimes even fatal complications. RSV season in most parts of the country, is from the fall until early spring. It is during this time that your infant is most at risk of developing serious RSV disease. RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations in the United States with 125,000 babies being hospitalized every year. … Continue reading →

Smoking With a Newborn in the House is Dangerous

There are a whole host of personal health risks for smokers. My grandmother swore that her doctor told her smoking was fine and that she was not the worse for it. While she didn’t die prematurely, she did die of lung cancer. Not only is smoking bad for you but second hand smoke poses health risks to the point where they have legislated that there be designated non-smoking areas in public places so that non-smokers’ health won’t suffer. No one really wants to talk about the health risks that smoking poses to a new baby though. It’s mentioned here and … Continue reading →

Baby Sniffles: What NOT To Do

Has your little one been sick yet? They’re miserable, congested, can’t sleep (which in turn means you can’t sleep) and just generally cranky! Up all night, you pace, try sitting in the steaming bathroom, and maybe sometimes your desperate enough to use cold medicine? This could turn out to be a fatal error. The CDC is now issuing a warning to parents that they should never give their infants cough or cold medicine without talking to a physician. Recently, a medical examiner ruled that cough and cold medicine was the underlying cause in the death of three infants, ages 1 … Continue reading →

Holiday Cookie Exchange

If you love cookie, eating or baking, try this fun idea from kraftfoods. Host a cookie exchange. This would give you a chance to expand your recipe collection. The idea of a cookie exchange is to have everyone bake and bring a cookie of their choice that they would like to share with everyone. With all of the extra cookies, you don’t have to slave in the kitchen all day. You can enjoy your holiday too. Here are some tips on how to host a cookie exchange: Pick a date. Two weeks before your chosen date, send out invitations to … Continue reading →