Some Teething Remedies Can Make Babies Sick

When the tears flow and wailing begins, a mother will do just about anything to make her baby's teething pain go away. But according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, she shouldn't head to the drugstore. The FDA warned parents in a recent Consumer Update that mouth-numbing gels and liquids don't belong on babies' gums.

FDA warning

The FDA has previously warned parents not to use over-the-counter mouth-numbing benzocaine products, but the new warning adds prescription drugs, such as lidocaine viscous, to the list of medications that should not be used on children younger than 2, unless directed by a medical professional. Babies who are given too much lidocaine viscous may suffer the following overdose symptoms, according to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices:

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'Being Too Clean May Not Be Good' for Baby

For years I've been committed to (some would say obsessed with) the idea that the cleaner I keep my home, the healthier my kids will be. Many of us parents have spent hours scrubbing floors, sanitizing toys and wiping down countertops. We've shielded our newborn babies from pets and strangers and insisted our kids wash their hands a dozen times per day.
Now a new study suggests that moms like me have been doing it wrong. In fact, early exposure to allergens and bacteria may be linked to lower incidences of allergies and asthma later in life.
The study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, looked at 467 children from birth through 3 years old. Participants were screened for allergies every year, and their homes were tested for allergens and bacteria.
Researchers were surprised by the results. Children exposed to mouse and cat dander, as well as cockroach droppings, before they turned 1 year old actually experienced lower rates of allergies and wheezing by age 3 than kids who were not exposed. In fact, kids who were not exposed were three times more likely to have allergies and experience wheezing. Exposure to bacteria was also linked to lower rates of allergies. However, exposure after the first birthday did not have the same result.
"We're not promoting bringing rodents and cockroaches into the home, but this data does suggest that being too clean may not be good," study co-author Robert Wood, chief of the division of allergy and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, told NBC News.
The study has some very interesting implications for how we think about our families' environments, especially since, as Wood notes, "a lot of immune system development that may lead someone down the path to allergies and asthma may be set down early in life."
"This study confirms what a lot of us believe, which is that one of the reasons asthma, allergies and food allergies are on the rise is because of our sterile environment," says Amy Shah, who specializes in asthma, allergies and immunology at Valley E.N.T. in Arizona.
"The 'hygiene hypothesis' basically says that too-clean environments promote allergies, including food allergies and asthma, because there is not enough exposure to various bacteria and allergens in early life," Shah says. "Westernized countries have double the risk of asthma, allergies and eczema. Asthma affects as much as 40 percent of the population in regions of New Zealand, Australia and the United States. By contrast, most third world countries continue to have much lower rates of all allergic diseases."
Shah notes that a previous study found that kids who grow up on farms also have a lower risk of allergies and asthma.

Although researchers are still working to translate their findings into practical tips for parents, Shah offers these suggestions, which challenge traditional thinking in terms of raising kids.

• Let your kids get dirty!
• Don't over-sanitize children's hands.
• Avoid antimicrobial soaps and sprays. Most cuts and scrapes can be cleaned with an alcohol wipe, and kids' bodies need just plain soap and water.
• Be very judicious with the use of antibiotics. Most ear infections, sore throats and colds don't require antibiotics, so work with your pediatrician to wait it out at least 7-10 days.
• Don't be afraid to share food and water with your child. In fact, for babies, parents' saliva is actually beneficial.

Perhaps this study will lessen many parents' fears about their kids getting dirty or being exposed to bacteria. At the very least, it may mean less guilt if you don't have time to clean the bathroom right away!

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How to Make Your Child's Shots Less Stressful

Parents and kids can agree: Shots hurt. We parents know that these vaccines provide babies with safe, proven protection against serious diseases. But that can be hard to explain to our little ones in a way they understand. What we can do is take steps to remove some of the stress that comes with vaccine visits to the doctor.
"Getting children each dose of every vaccine according to the recommended schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to help keep their children safe and healthy," says Dr. Andrew Kroger, a father of two and medical officer at the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Vaccines can save your child's life. Because of advances in medical science, babies and young children can be protected against 14 serious diseases by their second birthday. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children a year, such as polio, are no longer common in the U.S.—primarily because of safe and effective vaccines.
Even though you know you are keeping her safe from diseases, it's hard to see your child cry when she gets her shots. But you can take some steps before, during and after a vaccine visit to ease the pain and fear of getting shots.

Getting Prepared

Educate yourself to ease your mind before your child's next appointment.
"CDC's vaccine webpage has a lot of useful information to help parents learn about diseases that vaccines protect their children against, vaccine safety and the importance of on-time vaccination," Kroger says. "You can review this information before your appointment, and then you can ask your child's doctor any remaining questions you have about vaccines."
If you are seeing a different doctor than usual, it might also be helpful to bring your child's shot record. You can bring along your personal record to keep track of what shots your child has received.

6 Ways to Reduce Stress at the Doctor's Office

1. Bring a comfort item, such as a favorite book, blanket or toy, to help a child feel safe.
2. Be honest with older children. Let them know that shots can pinch or sting, but the discomfort won't last long. Remind them that shots help keep them healthy.
3. Distract your child with a toy, a story, a song or something interesting in the room.
4. Make eye contact with your child and smile, talk softly or sing.
5. Hold your child tightly on your lap if you can.
6. Take deep breaths with an older child to help "blow out" the pain.

After the Shots

Cuddle, hug and praise your child after the immunizations. To comfort a baby, try swaddling, breastfeeding or using a bottle. Comfort and reassure older children if they cry.
You might notice redness, soreness or swelling from the shot, but it's usually nothing to worry about. These reactions are typically mild and will go away on their own without needing treatment. To ease the swelling, place a clean, cool washcloth on the area. If your child runs a fever, try a cool sponge bath. You can also use a non-aspirin pain reliever if your doctor says it's OK. Some children eat less, sleep more or act fussy for a day or so after they get shots. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest, and give him lots of liquid. If you're worried about anything, call your doctor.

Mom and Dad, Stay Calm

You might think your child is too young to know how you feel, but research shows that when you act or feel anxious, even an infant can pick up on it. So provide your child with positive support. You can even talk to your child's doctor if you are feeling anxious, and the doctor can help reassure your child.
And always focus on the long-term good that comes with the short-term stress. "Remember, the pain associated with shots goes away quickly, but if your child catches a vaccine-preventable disease, he or she could be very sick for a long time," Kroger says.
Learn more about childhood vaccines at cdc.gov/vaccines/parents or call 800-CDC-INFO (800‑232‑4636)

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Jenna von Oy Talks “Breastfeeding Bond”

Blossom alum Jenna von Oy has teamed up with Medela to help launch a new breastpump recycle campaign. In response to a petition created on change.org, the Medela Recyclesprogram helps to keep breastpumps out of landfills, encourages mothers to recycle their old Medela pumps, and helps a new mother begin her breastfeeding journey.

The Parkers actress, 37, opens up to Celebrity Baby Scoop about family life with husband Brad Bratcher and their daughters Gray, 2, and 2-month-old Marlowe, the joys and challenges of breastfeeding, and her former costar and “go-to guru” Mayim Bialik. 

CBS: Tell us about teaming up with Medela and their new pump recycle campaign created on change.org . Tell us how this program helps the environment AND new moms.

JVO: “Medela Recycles is a program that allows environmentally conscious moms to donate their breastpumps for a worthy cause. Medela takes our old, used pumps that are collecting dust in our attics, and turns them into new, multi-use, hospital-grade breastpumps for Ronald McDonald House. It keeps them out of the landfills, and it is a beautiful way to assist the mothers of NICU babies, by supporting them on their breastfeeding journey.”

CBS: Tell us about your passion for getting involved with this new campaign. What inspired you to get on board?

JVO: “The Medela Recycles campaign helps to encourage breastfeeding, recycling and charity work… a trifecta of things I strongly believe in. I think it is an incredible opportunity for moms to give back to other moms — we need to make greater efforts to stick together!

The media places a lot of emphasis on the drama of the ”mommy wars.” Meanwhile, I think most of us just want to do right by our children, ourselves, and our fellow parenting peers out there. It’s refreshing to see the spotlight shining on some of the positive work that’s being done. This campaign was born out of one California mom’s petition on change.org. It’s truly inspiring!

On a more sentimental note, I also feel the end of breastfeeding is an incredibly vulnerable time for most women. Disconnecting from that sacred aspect of the bond you share with your child can be devastating. I nursed my first daughter for nearly two years, and it was emotionally draining for both of us to give it up. Talking about it still makes me heartsick, even though I’m in the midst of treasuring the breastfeeding bond with my second daughter as we speak. Many other moms have told me they experienced similar feelings. I think that knowing your trusted pump will be helping someone else makes moving on from it a little easier to bear.”

CBS: Congratulations on the arrival of your second daughter Marlowe! How is she doing? What kind of baby is she? Are you getting any sleep?

JVO: “Thank you! Truthfully, she’s an astoundingly good sleeper (somehow, disclosing that makes me feel like I’m bragging) and a very happy-go-lucky baby, just like her sister was. Not to be cynical, but after Gray was so easygoing, I expected my subsequent child to be a night owl. I was sure Murphy’s Law would have it in for me [laughs].

A friend recently joked, ‘Having a baby that sleeps well is the universe’s way of conspiring to make you have more kids.’ I think there might be some truth to that.”

CBS: How is breastfeeding going the second time around? What are some of the greatest joys of breastfeeding? Do you pump often?

JVO: “I had a lot of challenges while breastfeeding my first daughter, so I was relieved when Marlowe latched on quickly and with ease. In a sense, Gray really paved the way for her by conditioning my body.

I think it’s a common myth that all babies immediately take to breastfeeding, and that everything feels instantly comfortable and instinctive for us moms. Our bodies are definitely designed for feeding, but that doesn’t mean it’s always effortless. With all of that said, I wouldn’t trade breastfeeding my girls for anything. For me, one of the greatest joys is seeing Marlowe’s gorgeous eyes staring up at me while she nurses. Every now and then she’ll flash a brief smile along with it, and my heart melts. It is profoundly fulfilling to know I’m giving my child a very special kind of emotional and nutritional support.

Because I am mostly a stay-at-home mom, I don’t have to pump as often as most of my mommy friends do. I’m blessed that my job allows me the flexibility to be with my daughter throughout the workday. Of course, half of the daily time I’ve allotted for writing my book (Situation Momedy, due out later this year from Medallion Press), is spent simultaneously typing and breastfeeding, but… we moms do what we have to do, right?”

CBS: What is your best advice for moms who are struggling with breastfeeding? Do you have any tips or pieces of advice?

JVO: “As I mentioned earlier, breastfeeding is tough stuff. I refuse to sugarcoat that, because it would do a disservice to the women who are encountering challenges. I want them to know they aren’t alone. It’s an incredible bonding experience between mom and baby, and the health benefits it offers our children are unparalleled, but sometimes it also takes some getting used to.

As with anything else, there is a learning curve. I try to be as open as possible about my struggles with it, because I don’t want first-time moms to have such overwhelmingly high expectations that they give up on it too soon. Stick with it, because it is well worth it. I respect that breastfeeding isn’t for everyone, but I can’t imagine my own motherhood experience without it. I was very determined to get beyond the rough patches for the sake of my children, and I’m incredibly thankful I did. I’m not shy about how much I love it.

One piece of advice I can offer is to find someone ‘safe’ to ask questions of, and discuss things with, so you don’t feel isolated. It’s invaluable to have a woman you trust (be it your mom, doctor, best friend, or co-worker), to provide you with encouragement, guidance, and honesty through the breastfeeding process. We all need, and deserve, a strong support system around us.

I was blessed to have several women to consult and confide in. People are often surprised to hear that my go-to guru has actually been Mayim Bialik, my former Blossom costar. She is a certified lactation consultant, and she has been my saving grace on many a long (and stressful, and sleepless) night. In fact, we collaborated by interviewing one another about it on our respective blogs. If you want to check it out, the link is here.

The most important suggestion I have pertains to motherhood as a whole: at the end of the day, have faith in yourself and your instincts. There’s a lot of information to sift through out there, so it’s important to give credit to your own intuition. It’s empowering to know we already possess the strength and courage it takes to raise our children within us.”

CBS: How is your elder daughter Gray adjusting to big sisterhood? How have you adjusted to having two babies?

JVO: “Gray amazes me a little bit more every day. Not that I ever had doubts about her ability to love her new sister, but I realize it’s totally normal for changes in the family dynamic to be met with a certain amount of frustration, confusion, and jealousy. She’s only two, so my husband and I anticipated a sensitive adjustment period. But Gray proved that we had nothing to worry about. She is my little sidekick, helper, and honorary babysitter.

If Marlowe is crying, Gray is often the first one to rush in and console her. She serenades her with made up songs about diaper changing (I’ll spare you the lyrics), and requests to hold her every morning when she wakes up. She was also the first person to elicit a smile from Marlowe. They have an unbelievably solid bond already. My husband and I have agreed that we won’t be surprised when “Gray” is Marlowe’s first word.

Admittedly, having two kids is exponentially harder than having one. Of course, I say that with a huge smile on my face, because I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s twice the work, but twice the love and fun too. There’s entertainment value in figuring out how to do some of the activities that seemed fairly simple with one child. For example, grocery shopping with both girls is a production and a half, and trying to make dinner while taking care of two kids and five dogs is just shy of a three-ring circus. But you find a system that works, and you hold onto it for dear life. I’m enjoying every moment of it—chaotic or not.”

CBS: How’s life in Nashville? Do you love living away from the limelight in Hollywood?

JVO: “I’ve been enamored with Nashville since my first visit twenty years ago, so it was a very natural transition for me to move here once my last show, The Parkers, ended. I was ready to get a little grass back under my feet, and embrace a subtler way of life than Hollywood has to offer.

I definitely don’t miss the smog, L.A. ‘scene,’ and eternal traffic. That isn’t to say, however, that I don’t miss being in the nerve center of the entertainment industry. Work isn’t nearly as accessible here in Nashville, so I’ve had to get a little creative about keeping my foot in the door. Still, my husband and I are very comfortable raising our kids here. It is equal parts charming and progressive, and the hospitality is beyond compare.”

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