Karen & Company Blog | Bringing Baby Home & Beyond

Ask the Nurse: Your baby and Jaundice

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Karen Barski

How do i know if the baby has jaundice?

During the first weeks of life, many babies develop a condition called physiological jaundice. It usually starts on day 2-3 of life and ends by day 10.

Babies with jaundice have a yellow color to their skin and the whites of their eyes. The baby often is very sleepy and may be difficult to keep awake during feedings. The baby also has frequent and irritable crying spells.

What is jaundice?

Jaundice is caused by too much blirubin in the baby’s blood. When the newborn baby’s liver does not work fast enough to remove it, the bilirubin adds up and causes jaundice. Call your baby’s provider if your baby looks yellow or has an orange glow.

Tips if baby is jaundiced:

Call your provider ASAP.
Indirect sunlight will help to break up the bilirubin. (Not outdoors or direct sun, skin can burn). Dress baby in a diaper only so all of the skin is exposed.
Feed baby every 2 hours, as the protein in milk helps to break up the bilirubin.

Ask the Nurse is a great resource to use while pregnant and beyond. Click here to submit your question.

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. KB Designs, LLC, Karen & Company and Woombie.com make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

Posted By Karen Koslov Barski, BSN, RN, LNC
Certified Newborn Infant Care Specialist & Instructor,
Parenting Consultant

Click here for an extended bio.

Posted in Baby Jaundice | Tagged Baby Jaundice, does my baby have jaundice?, what is jaundice? | Leave a comment

Ask the Nurse: Baby Falls Asleep Before Feeding is Finished

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Karen Barski

My baby falls asleep before he finishes a feeding and then wakes up in a short while, still hungry. What should I do?

There are several different answers to this question:

A baby who has been crying before a feeding gets air in his stomach making him feel full and tired. Thus, he may stop feeding and fall asleep before he has had enough to eat. Try to avoidlong crying spells before a feeding. You may need to burp the baby before the feeding.

Small nipple holes makes a baby suck harder, which tires him out. Large nipple holes let the formula flow too fast, and the baby may choke. Be sure to clean the nipple after each feeding. Check that the formula flows at a rate of 1 drop per second when the bottle is turned upside down. The drops of formula should stop after a few seconds.

Some babies are just sleepy, or get “milk drunk” from the warm comforting hug and feeding. To wake him up, you can change his diaper, sit him up or rub his back. Don’t force the feeding, baby will eat more next time.

Ask the Nurse is a great resource to use while pregnant and beyond. Click here to submit your question.

Posted By Karen Koslov Barski, BSN, RN, LNC
Certified Newborn Infant Care Specialist & Instructor,
Parenting Consultant

Click here for an extended bio.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Getting the Baby to Latch On, Breastfeeding Tips

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Karen Barski

Hold your baby with his tummy touching your tummy. Tap baby’s lips with your nipple and watch for a wide open mouth with his tongue down. When baby’s mouth opens wide, quickly bring baby’s mouth over the nipple. Baby’s mouth should be about one inch behind the nipple on the dark circle, also known as the areola.

Remember, breastfeeding is NOT supposed to hurt!

If you have nipple pain during feeding, try pulling baby’s chin down.
Always check that the baby’s bottom lip curls out. If it does not, pull his chin down.
You may need to take baby off and try again farther back on the areola
The baby’s nostrils may appear to be blocked by your breast. His nose can safely touch your breast while breastfeeding and still breathe.

Having Enough Breast Milk

Your baby will have times of rapid growth at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months.

During these growth spurts, babies act hungry all the time. At these times, the baby needs food more often. This will signal the breast to make more milk. The baby will control the supply of milk. The more your baby feeds, the more milk your breasts will produce. It will take him about 2 days of breastfeeding more often for your milk supply to increase.

Feeding Times

For the first few weeks, you may have to wake the baby for feedings. If you wake your baby every 2 to 2 1/2 hours DURING THE DAY, the baby will adjust his days and nights sooner. Early on, some babies will want to feed every hour or two at night. By one month, you will only have to feed the baby once or twice a night.

As long as you have no nipple pain, let the baby breastfeed 10-20 minutes to empty the first breast before you offer the second breast. If you take him off too soon, he will not get a whole feeding. Start the next feeding on the breast used at the end of the last feeding.

Breastfed babies do not need bottles. Giving a bottle in the first month confuses the baby and will cut down your milk supply.

Is Baby Getting Enough Milk?

Yes! After the first week you have plenty of milk if:

You feed baby 7-10 times in 24 hours
Baby has at least 6 wet and 2 dirty diapers in 24 hours
Baby is content for 1-2 hours between most feedings
During the feeding, you can see his jaws moving in slow and rhythmic motion and hear him swallowing milk.

If you have other breastfeeding questions, the nurse or lactation consultant will help you! The “Babies First” series of pamphlets will have more detailed instructions too. For additional tips see our post: Tips for Breastfeeding Moms

Next week: Tips for formula feeding!

Posted By Karen Koslov Barski, BSN, RN, LNC
Certified Newborn Infant Care Specialist & Instructor,
Parenting Consultant

Click here for an extended bio.

Posted in breastfeeding | 1 Comment

Tips for Breastfeeding Moms

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Karen Barski

First Feedings

Breastfeed your baby the first hour after birth. Keep your baby with you at all times so you can feed him often.
The first milk is called Colostrum, which protects your baby from germs and sickness. Formula cannot do this.
Feed your baby often during the first week. This demand for food will tell the breasts to make breastmilk. Feeding every one to three hours is best. Do not let more than three hours pass during the day between feedings.

Positioning

Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet elevated on a stool. Or, lay a pillow on your lap to bring the baby closer to your breast and avoid straining your back. Another position is to lie down on the side you begin to reastfeed from. Vary the position as you both learn to breastfeed. Use extra pillows to help support your back and arms.
Support your breast with your four fingers underneath and your thumb on top. For privacy, use a baby blanket or towel over your shoulder. Wear shirts that open in the front or you can easily pull up from the waist.

NEXT WEEK: Getting Baby to Latch On and Increasing Breast Milk!

Posted By Karen Koslov Barski, BSN, RN, LNC
Certified Newborn Infant Care Specialist & Instructor,
Parenting Consultant

Click here for an extended bio.

Posted in breastfeeding | Leave a comment

Feeding Your Baby – Breastfeeding and Formula

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Karen Barski

Breastfeeding, the “healthiest choice”, benefits mothers and babies in many ways. Nature intended for babies to have breast milk, the ideal first food. Breastfed babies have fewer colds, allergies, ear infections and other health problems. Breastfeeding offers health benefits for mothers too, including faster return to pre-pregnancy weight and a reduced risk of certain types of cancers. The American Acacamey of Pediatrics (AAP) urges mothers to only give breast milk for the first six months of life. The AAP also recommends that breastfeeding continue for at least the first year of life to provide the best health, growth and development of the infant.

If you plan to bottle feed, there are many types of formulas to choose from. Most often an iron-fortified formula is best until baby’s first birthday. Some babies need to try different kinds of formula before finding the best one for them. Always talk with your baby’s provider before changing the type of formula you use.

The baby’s behavior will tell you when and how much to feed him. Remember, in the womb, your baby did not feel hunger. He received “food” every minute. Now, he will have “meals.” When he feels hungry, he will learn to send cues that he needs his next meal. Soon, baby’s feeding times will be more predictable. Feed your baby only milk for the first 4-6 months. At your well-baby visits ask your doctor to talk to you about when to use solid food.

Learning to feed your newborn takes effort, time and a lot of love. Both you and baby have lots to learn. Follow these tips to help make feeding time happy and satisfying.

Posted By Karen Koslov Barski, BSN, RN, LNC
Certified Newborn Infant Care Specialist & Instructor,
Parenting Consultant

Click here for an extended bio.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Danger Signs to Remember

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Karen Barski

Below is a list of important signs that every parent should be aware of:

I. Fever over 99.6 degrees F or 37.6 C

II. Change in baby’s behavior:

Crying without stopping
Fussy and hard to comfort
Not able to wake up

III. Decrease in eating

IV. More than four watery stools in eight hours

V. Thick yellow eye drainage

VI. Redness or swelling around the umbilical cord

VII. Yellow color of skin and eyes

VIII. Persistent cough

Call your doctor immediately if any of the above signs are noted.

Posted By Karen Koslov Barski, BSN, RN, LNC
Certified Newborn Infant Care Specialist & Instructor,
Parenting Consultant

Click here for an extended bio.

Posted in Baby Sick, Newborn Danger Warning Signs | Tagged is my baby sick?, Newborn Danger Warning Signs, newborn health, tips for newborn | Leave a comment

Taking Baby’s Temperature

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Karen Barski

There are several ways to take a newborn’s temperature. The usual and most recommended method is to place a thermometer under baby’s arm into the arm pit. This method is called an axillary reading. Taking an axillary temperature is the safest and best tolerated method for babies. When taking a temperature, use an digital thermometer.

How to take an axillary temperature using a digital thermometer:

Read the directions that came with it before using.
Hold the thermometer firmly at the upper (not bulb) end.
Raise the baby’s arm. Place the bulb of the thermometer high up into the baby’s arm pit. Be sure there is good skin contact.
Hold the arm close to the baby.
Wait for the digital thermometer to beep.
Read and record the baby’s temperature.
Wash the tip of the thermometer with soap and water, then wipe with rubbing alcohol.

Call the baby’s doctor if the reading is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Posted By Karen Koslov Barski, BSN, RN, LNC
Certified Newborn Infant Care Specialist & Instructor,
Parenting Consultant

Click here for an extended bio.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Crying Baby: What To Do When Your Baby Cries

Posted on December 4, 2011 by Karen Barski

A baby’s cry lets you know what he wants or needs. The cry may mean your baby:

• is hot or cold
• is hungry
• needs a diaper change
• has pain from gas bubbles
• may want to be held close to a parent
• was startled by strangers
• is over tired from too much activity around him

Some newborn crying appears unrelated to any basic need, yet babies do not cry for nothing. Try to find out the cause of the crying. Soon you will learn that his cry for food sometimes sounds different than his cry for a new diaper. When you provide what is needed, the crying will stop. Also, when your baby is not crying, you can usually assume all is well.

Some babies are fussier than others. It takes them longer to settle down, even when nothing is wrong. Do not let your baby “cry it out” in the first months – he needs to know you are there.

Will a pacifier help my baby stop crying?

If your baby is crying, do not substitute a pacifier for attention, food or diaper changes. If your baby is one who needs to suck longer than possible during feeding time, a pacifier may give extra sucking satisfaction and may be very soothing to the bottlefed baby.

If you are breastfeeding, allow baby to have some “sucking time” at breast. A pacifier can lead to nipple confusion.

Will I spoil my baby if I pick him up when he cries?

NO! There is no way to spoil a young baby during the first few months of life. Follow your instincts when you hear your baby cry. Hold baby close to you and speak softly. The sound of your heartbeat and/or your voice, plus the warmth of your body will give your baby a feeling of security. Newborn babies have an intense need to be loved and to feel cared for. Do everything you can to comfort him. Watch for your baby to respond.

When the crying does not stop…

Baby’s crying can at times be super irritating. When you feel you have done your best to try to calm your baby and nothing is working, give both of you a break. Lay the baby down in a quiet room, leave and shut the door.Take some deep breaths, have something to eat or drink, or do something to calm yourself. Once you feel better in a few minutes, go back to the baby’s room, and if he is still crying, pick the baby up and try again to comfort him. If you feel something is wrong with your baby, always call your health care provider.

Please leave your comments below – Karen & Co. promotes an open learning environment so we want to hear from you!

Are you a mom or expert who has value to contribute to the Karen & Co. Blog? Click here to find out how to become a guest blogger which will help you:

get more online exposure
drive traffic to your website/blog
build more credibility in the area of bringing baby home and beyond…
and most importantly will help educate other parents!

Posted By Karen Koslov Barski, BSN, RN, LNC
Certified Newborn Infant Care Specialist & Instructor,
Parenting Consultant

Click here for an extended bio.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Is My Baby Sick?

Posted on November 27, 2011 by Karen Barski

Is_My_Baby_Sick When a baby is sick there are likely to be symptoms or signs of illness other than crying. If you see signs such as a change in baby’s level of activity or a change in skin color, call the baby’s medical provider.

When you call, be prepared to answer questions about your baby. The following checklist will help you have the information your baby’s provider will need:

Illness Checklist

Does baby have a fever? What is his/her temperature?

Has baby’s activity changed? Is he/she drowsy or difficult to keep awake?

Is your baby feeding well? How often is your baby being fed?

Do your baby’s lips and tongue look shiny and moist?

Has the color of baby’s skin changed on the face, chest, hands or feet?

Are the whites of the eyes turning yellow?

Is your baby vomiting? With any force? How soon after feeding is baby vomiting?

Is baby irritable or fussy?

How many bowel movements has he/she had?

What color are the bowel movements?

How many wet diapers in the past 24 hours?

Does baby have red eyes or discharge coming from the eyes?

Does baby have a cough?

Does baby have a runny nose?

How can you tell if your baby has a fever?

Normal newborn temperatures are 97-99 degrees Fahrenheit.
A fever in a newborn is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is very important NOT to give your baby any medicine until you talk to the baby’s medical provider.

Check out Karen & Company’s Q&A Forum if you have any questions about bringing your baby home and beyond.

Posted By Karen Koslov Barski, BSN, RN, LNC
Certified Newborn Infant Care Specialist & Instructor,
Parenting Consultant

Click here for an extended bio.

Posted in Baby Sick | Leave a comment

Sleep & Your New Baby

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Karen Barski

Congratulations on your new baby! This is a wonderful new journey for you and your family. We at Karen & Co. wish you all of the best!

Sleeping and Sleep Positioning

The American Acadamey of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends infants sleep on their backs at all times. Research has found that babies who sleep on their tummy are at risk for Sudden
Infant Death Syndroms (SIDS). To prevent your baby’s head from becoming flat on the backside or hair falling out on the back, encourage fully supervised tummy time while baby is awake. This will also encourage neck muscle strength to develop. As a Nurse and mom, I recommend the Tummy With Mummy, a cool innovative product from UK which assists in strengthening neck muscles and interaction between Mom and Baby (http://www.tummywithmummy.com).

How Much time should your baby sleep?

Some newborn babies sleep most of the day. The range is somewhere between 11-20 hours a day. The average newborn sleeps 17 hours per day. Sleep patterns vary with individual babies, as they do with adults.

As baby grows, expect the sleep pattern to change. The baby will take as much rest as he or
she needs. There is little you can do to make your baby sleep less or more.

Falling Asleep

Babies that are healthy and happy will get plenty of sleep. To help your newborn fall asleep, try to re-create life in the womb. Provide a routine of comfort such as wrapping baby snug (swaddling). Rock him gently, your warm hand stroking his back while softly shusshing in his ear (See below for Dr. Harvey Karp’s 5 S’s to calm baby). Be sure to remove all objects from the baby’s crib before laying him down to sleep.

Night Time Sleeping

Help your baby separate day and night sleeping by changing the comfort routine. At night, help him stay asleep for longer periods by limiting light, sound and movement. Swaddle your baby and put him down to sleep in the room where he will be all night. Never overheat your baby; overheating may be linked to SIDS. Dress baby comfortably under the swaddle. Baby should be lightly clothed for sleep at a room temperature of 67-72º
and never feel hot or cool to touch.

Karen & Co. Sleep Routine made simple :

Bathe baby in warm water. Lavender
and chamomile scents are soothing and have been known to help promote calmness.
Swaddle your baby to revent recurrent wake-ups and prevent startling.
Feed and burp your baby.
Lay your baby on their back in an empty crib.
Use white noise, such as a fan to assist baby in maintaining a deeper
level of sleep, thus preventing frequent wakeups associated with noises in the house. Fans also help to circulate the air in baby’s room, which wil help to keep fresh air flowing (do not point the fan towards the baby).

“ABOUT DR. KARP’S METHOD

Dr. Karp believes that babies, especially in their first few months of life, can experience “fourth trimester” issues. Babies can have a difficult time getting used to the huge amount of stimuli present in life outside of Mom’s body. Their reaction to all of this is to cry and cry. The Happiest Baby On The Block method formulated by Dr. Harvey Karp, addresses these issues by helping you learn how to effectively recreate the environment of the womb, outside of Mom’s body. Once you have learned the steps, you will be able to alleviate some, if not all, of your baby’s colic symptoms.

The 5 S’s

There are 5 components to this method which, when used together, work amazingly well to calm your crying baby and in many cases help your baby go to sleep with no fuss.

Using cross-cultural techniques combined with his own research, Dr. Karp has developed the “five S’s system”. Some babies will need all five, others just a few to help induce what he calls the “calming reflex.”

Swaddling
- Tight swaddling provides the continuous touching and support the fetus
experienced while still in Mom’s womb.
Side/stomach position
- You place your baby, while holding her, either on her left side
to assist in digestion, or on her stomach to provide reassuring support.
Once your baby is happily asleep, you can safely put her in her crib, on
her back.
Shushing Sounds
- These sounds imitate the continual whooshing sound made by the blood
flowing through arteries near the womb. This white noise can be in the
form of a vacuum cleaner, a hair dryer, a fan and so on. The good news is
that you can easily save the motors on your household appliances and get a
white noise CD which can be played over and over again with no
worries.
Swinging
- Newborns are used to the swinging motions that were present when they
were still in Mom’s womb. Every step mom took, every movement caused a
swinging motion for your baby. After your baby is born, this calming
motion, which was so comforting and familiar, is abruptly taken away. Your
baby misses the motion and has a difficult time getting used to it not being
there. “It’s disorienting and unnatural,” says Karp. Rocking,
car rides, and other swinging movements all can help.
Sucking – “Sucking has its effects deep within the
nervous system,” notes Karp, “and triggers the calming reflex and
releases natural chemicals within the brain.” This “S” can be accomplished
with bottle, breast, pacifier or even a finger. (http://www.babyslumber.com/happiestbaby.html)“

Posted By Karen Koslov Barski, BSN, RN, LNC
Certified Newborn Infant Care Specialist & Instructor,
Parenting Consultant
Click here for an extended bio.

Posted in Baby Sleep | Leave a comment

Ask the Nurse: Your baby and Jaundice

How do i know if the baby has jaundice?

What is jaundice?

Tips if baby is jaundiced:

Ask the Nurse: Baby Falls Asleep Before Feeding is Finished

My baby falls asleep before he finishes a feeding and then wakes up in a short while, still hungry. What should I do?

Ask the Nurse is a great resource to use while pregnant and beyond. Click here to submit your question.

Getting the Baby to Latch On, Breastfeeding Tips

Remember, breastfeeding is NOT supposed to hurt!

Having Enough Breast Milk

Feeding Times

Is Baby Getting Enough Milk?

Next week: Tips for formula feeding!

Tips for Breastfeeding Moms

First Feedings

Positioning

Feeding Your Baby – Breastfeeding and Formula

Danger Signs to Remember

Taking Baby’s Temperature

Crying Baby: What To Do When Your Baby Cries

Is My Baby Sick?

Sleep & Your New Baby

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