When most people think of postpartum depression, they think of a lethargic new mother, hardly able to function, with possible thoughts of harming herself or her baby. While this can occur in a rare, but serious condition called postpartum psychosis occurring in approximately 0.089-2.6 of births in the United States, the majority of women experiencing postpartum depression typically present with more anxious symptoms. If these symptoms persist beyond two weeks postpartum, a period commonly referred to as the “baby blues,” postpartum depression must be ruled out.

The majority of new mothers that come to my practice present with difficulty sleeping (even when the baby is sleeping), crying easily, irritability, loss of interest, and being extremely concerned with being a “perfect” mother. Furthermore, anxious, looping thoughts are common as well as a constant feeling of being overwhelmed.

Some women are embarrassed or afraid of their intrusive thoughts and feel troubled by them, especially if they are experiencing scary thoughts about something bad happening to their baby. Many women fear that if they speak up about these thoughts, their baby will be taken from them even though they would never do anything to want to harm their baby. In fact, the desire to do everything so well, is creating its own anxiety.

Obsessions and compulsions can develop around housework, schedules and caring for the baby. Sadly, these mothers can greatly benefit from treatment for postpartum depression, but instead they suffer in silence, often experiencing a worsening of symptoms.

It is important to understand the difference between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Women experiencing postpartum psychosis typically present with auditory or visual hallucinations, delusions, mania, insomnia, agitation, disorganized thinking, a flat affect, a detachment from reality.

Thoughts of self-harm and harm to the newborn can occur. Additionally, women who have a history of bipolar disorder, a major depressive disorder or schizophrenia are at a greater risk of developing postpartum psychosis. For this reason, it is imperative that women with a personal or family history of one of these conditions discuss a prevention plan with their doctor prior to giving birth.

There is good news and bad news. Unfortunately, because most women don’t realize that what they are experiencing classifies as postpartum depression, they do not seek help and therefore do not get treatment for it. The good news is that once postpartum depression is treated, symptoms typically improve relatively quickly.

Symptoms of postpartum depression include, but are not limited to:

• anger, irritability and mood swings
• loss of interest
• hopelessness
• anxiety
• restlessness
• panic attacks
• difficulty sleeping
• fatigue
• lack of concentration
• unwanted thoughts/repetitive thoughts

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these symptoms, please know that good help is available. You cannot “think” your way out of postpartum depression and the longer it is left untreated, the worse the symptoms typically get.

This is especially the case when there is a chronic lack of sleep. Postpartum depression is not a weakness, a failure or a character flaw. It does not make someone a bad mother. Postpartum depression occurs for a variety of reasons that are well beyond a woman’s control. Most women report wishing they had sought treatment sooner once they began to feel better and more like themselves again.

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Girls’ Names

The most popular names for girls in North America include these ten, which typically rank at or near the top of all lists.
Emma – This name often tops the list for girls and means “whole” or “complete.”

Emily – Emily is the feminine form of the French name Emile, which means “industrious” or “hard-working.”

Sarah – Several meanings have been associated with this name. In the Bible, it is understood to mean “lady” or “princess.” Sarah was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. In Muslim tradition, “Sara” means “pure” and “happy.”

Madison – Originally a surname, Madison is derived from the name Matthew (meaning “gift” or “reward”) or Matilda (meaning “strong fighter”).

Hannah – In the Bible, Hannah was the mother of Samuel. The name means “gracious” and “merciful” or “God has favored me.”

Olivia – A variant of the name Olive, Olivia means “peace.”

Hailey – Originally used as a surname, Hailey has become quite popular as a first name. It means “field of hay.”

Ava – Ava is a variant of the name “Eve.” In the Bible, Eve is the first woman and the wife of Adam. The name means “breath” or “life.”

Kaitlyn – The name Kaitlyn is derived from Catherine, which means “pure.” This particular spelling is a modernized version of the traditional “Caitlin.”

Abigail – In the Bible, the wise and sensible Abigail married King David after the death of her first husband. The name means “father’s joy.”

Boys’ Names

The top ten boys’ names show more regional variation than girls’ names. Here are the names that appear most frequently. (Honorable mentions go to Jack, Benjamin, and Daniel.)
Ethan – Often topping the list for boys in recent years, Ethan means “strong,” “valiant,” and “constant.”

Matthew – In the Bible, Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the author of one of the gospels. The name means “gift” or “reward.”

Joshua – Joshua was the warrior who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites to the Promised Land. The name means “a savior” or “deliverer.”

Jacob – This name means “heel” or “one who supplants or undermines,” but the biblical Jacob eventually redeemed himself and became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Nicholas – Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of children, sailors, and, oddly, pawnbrokers. He is best known as the basis for Santa Claus. The root of the name comes from the Greek word “Nike,” meaning “victory.” In Slavic cultures, Nikolas is associated with being a “victor” or “conqueror.”

Aidan – A popular Irish name, Aidan means “little fire” or “ardent.” The name originates from a 7th-century Irish monk named Aidan.

Ryan – This Gaelic name means “little king” and, in its Irish form, simply means “kingly.”

Logan – Logan is another Gaelic name, meaning “from the hollow.”

Noah – Recognized by many from the Bible, Noah was the famous ark builder. The name means “comfort” and “repose.”

Michael – This name is derived from the Biblical saint who defeated Satan and was charged with protecting Israel. Michael is the patron saint of soldiers.

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The Reality of Having Two Kids

But after a while, you forget about the lack of sleep and no longer pine for your childless days. When you reach this point, you may start considering having another baby. You figure that since you’ve acclimated to life with the first one, adding another won’t be a big deal. Think again, sister! Having two kids—especially if they’re close in age—is like nothing you can imagine. It’s not just two of everything… twice the work… party of four. It’s a whole different ball game. Adding a second child to the family is like signing yourself up for boot camp… by choice!

Do you remember how all-consuming having a newborn was? How they sucked the time and energy from every day of your life for months? Yeah… now add to that a cranky, potty-training toddler who throws tantrums fifteen times a day for reasons ranging from not being able to watch the same episode of The Wiggles over and over again to wanting you to buy every box of sugary cereal in the supermarket. And said heck-raiser just happens to wake your newborn every time he pitches a fit and also hates the new kid because he’s stealing all of your attention. Good times.

And how does producing more offspring affect your relationship with your husband? Well, get ready to miss him. If you’re like most couples, you’ll adopt a “divide and conquer” approach to parenting once you add a second child. Usually, Mom focuses on the baby while Dad takes over caring for the older child. More than likely, the kids won’t be on the same schedule, so your husband will be bathing Johnny while you’re doing everything in your power to get the tiny tot to sleep for five minutes in a row!

If you’re a stay-at-home mom—or dad, as the case may be—you don’t get the luxury of the “divide and conquer” model. You may be nursing the baby while simultaneously wiping your older child’s backside. Glamorous! All this while covered in spit-up and having not washed your hair for a week. The house remains in a constant state of disarray, and your spouse may survey the scene upon returning home from work and wonder what in the world you did all day!! Deep breaths.

If you choose to work outside the home, you get to enjoy a constant state of guilt. As nice as it is to focus on your career and talk to adults for eight hours a day, you feel like you’re missing some major milestones at home. Maybe you hired a nanny, or maybe your kids go to daycare. Either way, someone else is spending their time with your little darlings instead of you. It’s a strange experience.

And how about getting them ready for the day? Getting two kids ready instead of one is a lesson in patience, persistence, and hopeful wishes. Please let this be the day that the baby doesn’t have a blowout right after you dress him. And please let this be the day Johnny doesn’t freak out because he wants to wear his blue shoes instead of his red ones. The planets rarely align when trying to get two kids out of the house. It’s usually a pretty catastrophic experience, to say the least.

Your appearance also changes when you add a new baby to the family. Your Chanel suits find a new home at the back of your closet, and you invest any spare dollars in yoga pants. Your new favorite hairstyle is a ponytail, and makeup might become a thing of the past. You may or may not have old dried-up Cheerios stuck in your hair, and you may or may not care. Two kids force you into “mom mode,” at least for a little while. Self-preservation is the name of the game, and silly things like looking pretty are for the childless and empty-nesters. Don’t worry—no one’s looking at you anyway, with those two cuties in tow!

And all the gear. My goodness. Navigating a double stroller through the store requires a very steep learning curve. You’ll bruise a few ankles before you finally get it right. Or, you could wear the baby in a sling while pushing a single stroller…and the shopping cart. Good luck with that. Two car seats instead of just one? No problem. Just hope that your toddler waits patiently while you strap the baby in. And if not… just keep your eyes on the car while you chase Johnny across the parking lot.

Maybe you lucked out and spaced your kids far apart. That oldest child will be your loyal and faithful servant—whether she wants to be or not. Make her fetch the diapers, grab the binky, clean up the toys, and resent you forever. It’s nothing a little therapy can’t fix one day.

Don’t worry—it’s not all bad. You’re giving your firstborn a sibling. You’re adding another family member to love and be loved. Yes, it’s hard at first, but things return to relative normalcy over time. Hang in there, as they say. The days fly by, and before you know it, you might be thinking about adding yet another bundle of joy to the nest. Just so you know, apparently having three kids is the most stressful for parents. Add any more offspring after that, and you’ve long since gone crazy. But it’s okay—every family tree has a few nuts!

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So should you get your baby’s ears pierced at a young age? Are there any safety or health hazards that make early ear piercing dangerous? And, overall is it a good idea?

Certainly, there are some associated risks with piercing a baby’s ears. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, early piercing can lead to allergies to metal, which can lead to infections of the ear. If you do choose to have your infants ears pierced, you should ensure that the posts and parts of the earring touching the ear are made of stainless steel or at least 14K gold. Metal allergies will present themselves in the form of a rash around the ear and can even travel down the face and the neck. In this situation, pediatricians normally recommend removing the earrings and using Benadryl to control the allergic reactions. Since young babies have a weak immune system, these infections, and allergic reactions can turn serious in no time at all. One down side to piercing a baby’s ears is that they have very little muscle control, which means they will fiddle with and pull at the earrings – even ripping them out of the ear by accident, and this too can cause infection and secondary problems. If you wait till your child is older – you can instruct them to not touch the earrings. And, if an infant or baby accidentally removes the earrings – they can become a choking hazard.

Babies can also become fussy when sleeping as the piercings heal because of the discomfort involved after ear piercing, leading to colicky conditions. Ear piercing also comes with quite a bit of after care involved, which means parents have to be diligent about rotating the earrings and cleaning the ears – both front and back of the lobes – for several weeks after the piercing.

One thing that doctors DO recommend when considering ear piercing is to either use a facility that specializes in baby piercing, or ask if your doctor can do it. Some pediatricians can actually do the piercing in the office. Many ear-piercing centers located in malls or jewelry stores do not employ trained staff and may not be keeping the equipment clean enough from one customer to the next. You certainly want the most sterile environment if you plan to pierce your baby’s ears. Another good idea is to simply talk to your pediatrician about whether or not you can pierce your child’s ears. Some doctors may recommend that you wait until the baby is at least 4 months old – especially if there are any health concerns with the baby. While others will go ahead and give you the green light, and can even recommend safe places to have the procedure done.

Overall, the stance of the American Academy of Pediatrics is that there is no certain milestone age in which to pierce a baby’s ears. That being said, they do recommend waiting until a child can ASK for the piercing herself before doing so. This way, they can be involved in the care that is involved after wards, and can help to take care of the earrings themselves.

If you plan on piercing your baby’s ears, you may want to give them a dose of ibuprofen prior to the ear piercing, and in the few days after the piercing to ease the discomfort. The piercing itself is not more painful than a shot, and you need to choose a piercing provider that will do both ears at the same time in order to make it as comfortable as possible for your child.

Again, ear piercing is a personal choice. There are plenty of ways to ‘girlify’ your little princess without ear piercing. With so many cute headbands and bows, ear piercing is not really necessary. Many parents would rather wait until their child is old enough to ask, because essentially you are making a decision for your child that will last a lifetime. And, remember that if your baby has any problems with the ear piercing and you have to remove them – scar tissue can form in the lobes which can make ear piercing later in life more difficult and more prone to infection.

While mothers across North America debate this issue and liken it to giving a baby a tattoo (which is illegal), the decision you make is YOURS. If you are willing to put up with a little frustration and some extra work and feel strongly about having your baby’s ears pierced, then there really are no safety or health hazards to hold you back. Likewise, if you would prefer to wait until your child is older, and can request the piercing on their own, that too is perfectly fine. Just keep in mind that you are making a long term choice for your daughter, and that they will grow up fast enough without you rushing to do things before their due time.

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According to the American Civil Liberties Union, “Parents, not the government, have the ultimate right to name a child.” Interestingly, Messiah is one of the top ten baby names today. Even more interesting is the number of people named Jesus, Muhammad, or even Lucifer—each with religious significance—without any governmental interference. In fact, there are very few recent judicial cases where names have been denied, and while some countries around the world have laws to prevent certain names, they are rare.

According to the Calgary-Herald, the following names are some of the only ones that have been denied to parents in modern times: Messiah, Blaer, Lucifer, Baron, Bishop, Duke, General, Judge, Justice, King, Knight, 89, C, D, I, T, Doctor, Reverend, Benson and Hedges (twins), Tulula Does the Hula from Hawaii, Venerdi, rfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116, Metallica, Ikea, Q, Veranda, Fish and Chips (twins). Some were banned for obvious reasons, and most name complaints arise from custody or familial issues.

The Role of Government in Naming a Child

That being said, it really is not the duty of the government to interfere and monitor the name choices of parents today. In some countries, such as Germany, a name must be gender-specific, and it is a law that the child’s gender must be recognizable based on the chosen name. In Sweden, a law was enacted in 1982 that prohibits parents from naming their child any name that could be taken offensively, such as those referring to Hitler or, like in the case of Messiah. In Denmark, there is an approved list of 7,000 names from which parents can choose when naming their child. Recently, China enacted a program requiring new babies to be named based on the ability of computer scanners to read those names on national identification cards. The government encourages the use of Simplified characters over Traditional Chinese ones for easier readability. This is just the beginning of government involvement in names, but is it okay?

When celebrities name their children, they often choose names that others might see as outlandish or odd—yet the government doesn’t seem to interfere. Hollywood is known for pushing the envelope on what is considered normal when it comes to baby names. These children will have to live with their names for the rest of their lives. Are these names considered acceptable simply because the children will be raised in the spotlight, rather than in mainstream society?

It seems to most that parents should give ample consideration when naming their child. Often, parents choose family names, while some name their children after inanimate objects or ideals. Others choose names based on their personal preferences, a favorite friend, or a distant relative. New-age thinking asks that parents think twice before naming a child after a deceased loved one, believing it could have spiritual effects on the child. Still, parents should be the ones most concerned with choosing a name that promotes their child’s success.

There are several books available today that help parents choose names for success—offering advice such as “Allisons have a higher chance of getting into law school, whereas John Smiths are so common that they have a greater chance of being overlooked.” Essentially, the idea is that the name you choose for your child is akin to branding them for a life of success or failure. Experts argue that names give others a quick glimpse into the socioeconomic and educational background of a family, which can be just as impactful as a first impression.

The truth is, finding a name for your child is a difficult task. However, it is one that the government should not be involved in. Obviously, if parents lack the common sense or decency to name their child appropriately, it’s a reflection of larger issues within the family. If you name a boy Sue, while your intent may be to make him tough, the larger picture reveals that the parents lack good judgment. In such cases, courts should be able to step in and advocate for the child.

As for the case of Messiah, the baby boy whose name was changed to Martin by a judge—his parents were not alone in choosing Messiah as a baby name. In 2012, there were 700 babies named Messiah in the United States. Is the judge going to try and rename all of those children?

What do you think? Should the government have a say in a child’s name?

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One way to encourage your toddler to eat is with finger foods. At this stage, children are curious and love to explore things with their hands and mouths. Finger foods satisfy all three needs: they’re engaging, fun, and they help promote independence. Another advantage of finger foods is that they allow the child to learn to feed themselves, giving them a sense of autonomy. Additionally, finger foods are portable. You can prepare them ahead of time and take them along when you need to leave the house. If your child becomes restless, you can calm them down with a tasty snack.

Choosing the Right Finger Foods

Before you select the right finger foods for your child, it’s important to know a bit about the nutritional requirements for toddlers. At this stage, children need approximately 1400 calories daily. If they are very active, they may require more. The caloric intake must also have the right balance of nutrients. The USDA recommends the following:

• Proteins should make up 5% to 20% of the daily diet.
• Carbohydrates should account for 45% to 65%.
• Fat should make up 30% to 40%.
• A toddler needs 1000 mg of sodium, 19 g of fiber, and 500 mg of calcium daily.
• Do not feed cow’s milk, honey, eggs, or citrus fruits (or juices) to children under age 1, and no peanuts or seafood until after age 2.

Another important consideration is to avoid any foods that may cause choking, such as crunchy peanut butter, whole grapes, whole raisins, potato chips, popcorn, nuts, or anything they might swallow without chewing. With this in mind, you can still come up with finger foods your child will enjoy. Finger foods should be large enough to require chewing but small enough for the child to manage easily. The best part is that you don’t need to be a professional chef to prepare them—finger foods are simple and quick to make.

One of the easiest finger foods for toddlers is grains. Cereals like Cheerios, Corn Pops, Honeycomb, Captain Crunch, Chex, Life, and similar varieties are all great options. However, avoid cereals with nuts or small, hard pieces like granola, muesli, and Lucky Charms.

Fruits also make excellent finger foods for toddlers. Simply cut them into small strips or pieces (making sure there are no seeds), and arrange them in fun shapes on the plate. For an extra treat, you can place a small dollop of yogurt in the center for dipping. Apples, melons, pears, bananas, halved grapes, mangos, pineapples, strawberries, and similar fruits are all good choices. Be sure to avoid citrus fruits because of the seeds.

If your toddler is extra fussy, you can cheat a little. If plain fruit doesn’t tempt them, try this trick: Cut bananas, peaches, avocado, and/or tofu into 1″ cubes and roll them in crushed Cheerios, graham crackers, or wheat germ. Coat them completely and let your child enjoy the tasty treat. These snacks are almost irresistible, even for adults.

Another toddler favorite is quesadillas. Simply leave off the hot peppers, and use fully cooked chicken or refried beans. Onions are optional, depending on your child’s taste—some love onions, some don’t. You can also use fully cooked ground beef, but make sure it’s not too spicy. Cut the quesadilla into pizza wedges for easy handling. You can also wrap lunch meats, tomatoes, peanut butter and jelly, cream cheese, or other foods in flour tortillas, then cut them into small sections that your child can easily hold.

And of course, one foolproof toddler food is grilled cheese sandwiches. Simply cut the sandwich into quarters and watch how quickly they disappear.

An exception to the seafood rule is fish sticks. These are a surefire way to excite a toddler’s appetite. Add a dollop of ketchup (another kid favorite) or tartar sauce for dipping, and watch them vanish. Tater Tots are another great option. Anything your child can eat with ketchup is a winner. Other good choices include French fries, sweet potato fries, and chicken nuggets.

Here’s a recipe I’ve used with my children, grandchildren, and hopefully, great-grandchildren. It’s never failed me yet.

Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

• 1 qt water
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into French fry-sized strips
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1-1/2 cups crushed Cheerios
• 1 egg, beaten
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

In a medium pot, dissolve the salt in the water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Boil the potato strips in the salted water until they are tender. Discard the water.

While the potatoes are boiling, beat the egg in one bowl and place the crushed Cheerios in another.

Once the potatoes are done, place them on paper towels to dry for a few minutes. Then, roll each piece in the Cheerios, dip it in the egg wash, and roll it again in the Cheerios. Place them on a flat sheet until all are coated.

Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to frying temperature. Fry the potatoes until golden brown. Drain them on paper towels, and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Don’t forget the classic stand-bys like Vienna sausages, sandwich strips made from potted meat, deviled ham, cream cheese, pimento cheese, lunch meats, tuna, and chicken salad (no nuts).

With a little planning, preparing finger foods for toddlers can be both easy and enjoyable.

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Today’s parents usually put a lot of preparation into the event, setting up a tripod in the kitchen to capture the first reactions, brightening the lights, and inviting every relative within driving distance to witness the occasion. The baby is dressed in their finest bib and cleanest diaper, propped in the high chair with towels to keep from slumping out of sight while mom holds her breath, hoping that baby will put on a good show without falling asleep. The weeks and months of anticipation can make this a production comparable to a movie shoot. And then… the baby spits the food right out, acting as if they have no idea how to chew or swallow, with no inclination or desire to finish a spoonful—let alone a 4-ounce bowl. This is usually when dad chimes in, saying, “I wouldn’t eat that stuff either. How about some salty mashed potatoes instead?” and mom screams, “The doctor said NO TABLE FOOD!” This drama will continue to play out for months. Either your husband or mother-in-law will relentlessly try to feed, overfeed, or offer foods that you really wish they wouldn’t, like candy, cakes, ice cream, and yes, even hot wings!

The Transition to Solids

Eventually, the pasty white cereal goes down the hatch, and soon the meal concoctions are full of color, pizzazz, and excitement as baby is introduced to bland pureed fruits and veggies that somehow all taste the same. They smile and wiggle with anticipation at the thought of the spoon, squish their hands in the plate, and, of course, wipe it all over themselves, the high chair, and anyone within reaching distance. This leads to the first real bath experiences, where the routine of bubbles and suds is meant to be both cleansing and relaxing.

Once you begin feeding your baby solids, you realize just how easy you had it beforehand. Now you can’t eat in front of the baby without them wanting your food. You can’t go to the park or a poolside party without figuring out how to pop out the jars and find suitable places for messy mealtimes to satisfy your fussy baby!

If you’ve ever tasted baby food (and you probably have), you might wonder how in the world your baby manages to gain any weight (which they do). You’ve probably even contemplated going on the baby food diet and have at least once polished off the bananas or peaches (which, honestly, aren’t that bad). Feeding your baby solids opens up a whole new world of baby care that forever changes their routine—and unfortunately, their diapers. This is when you begin to realize which family members have a horrific gag reflex or who can momentarily become busy or disappear the minute your baby turns red. Usually, they won’t come back for quite a while. You also start to understand why the diaper genie was invented and what all those plastic refuse bags are about that sit next to the germ-infested local changing stations!

Most first-time parents begin to show their vegetarian alter ego and become health nuts, spending a fortune on “organic” or otherwise healthier foods that they would have never considered buying before, just to feel adequate and try to impress the pediatrician. You can spot them at restaurants, ordering ridiculously healthy and bland dishes for the baby while they chow down on the Pig Plate Special and fries! Don’t worry though— as annoying as these people can be, they will eventually succumb to the Happy Meals in just a few short months. They’ll realize that compromising the quality of the food for the eagerness to eat and the tiny toy waiting inside are truly worth the fat, calories, and carbs! (Especially while in the car).

Feeding a baby solids is one of those things that’s great when it works and worrisome when it doesn’t. Babies go through hourly phases in life and will sometimes eat nothing but squash for two weeks, then give it up altogether for the disgusting pureed meat varieties. Then they will transition to phases where you can barely get a spoonful in, and parents start worrying about whether their child is eating enough. The rule of thumb here is not to develop food-pushing tendencies. Kids eat when they’re hungry and don’t eat when they’re not. This is a useful facet of human nature that is productive and healthy later in life, and children (even babies) should be encouraged to know “when to say when!” Ignore the grandmothers who would rather see the poor little baby eat something rather than nothing and will eagerly (and often secretly) offer a bowl of chocolate ice cream just to ensure they ate enough! Once you swerve away from the baby food market, it’s a difficult thing to return to. Salt, sugar, spices, and the flavors of regular food completely change your baby’s undeveloped palate!

Once solids are offered, there’s one thing that every parent must try at least once—if only for a shot at winning $10,000 on the funniest home video shows: offer your baby a lemon or lime! The expression on their face is priceless, and their willingness to try it again and again reveals either the truth about how baby food tastes or their complete ignorance of taste itself. On the other hand, this was probably evident to you the first time you caught them with dog food or carpet fuzz in their mouth as they screamed hysterically when you took it away. Feeding baby solids is just a phase; soon they’ll be feeding themselves—so enjoy it while you can!

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It’s a fact of life: sleepless babies mean sleepless parents. Despite being resilient and deeply connected to their little ones, most parents find a way to cope with the lack of sleep that plagues them during the first year of their child’s life (and often beyond). But if you asked any parent, I would wager they’d all tell you that sleep deprivation was one of the greatest challenges they faced.

Adequate sleep is especially important for new moms, as sleep deprivation can contribute to postpartum depression. Equally concerning is the risk of Shaken Baby Syndrome, an extreme result of overtired, frustrated parents dealing with a crying baby. Other effects of sleep deprivation, as described below, are profound and far-reaching:

Serious Effects of Sleep Deprivation

• Having trouble waking
• Feeling groggy all day
• Inability to concentrate
• Nodding off at work or home
• Mood problems (i.e. irritability, depression, anxiety)

When you apply these symptoms to everyday life, you can see the serious consequences of sleep deprivation. The working parent may find himself snapping at co-workers, struggling to stay awake during meetings, and performing at less-than-optimal levels. A mother may find herself nodding off while feeding Baby or breaking down into tears for no apparent reason. The stress felt by parents can even affect their relationships with each other and with their children.

Of course, how to get more sleep is the $25,000 question. Experienced parents and sleep experts have devised several coping tips for new parents. Here are some strategies to help you get the seven to nine hours of sleep you need each day.

Catch up whenever you can. Parents lose about 350 hours of nighttime sleep during Baby’s first year. Naps are a great way to catch up. Sleep on weekends and work out a system of shifts so both parents can take turns napping.

Ask for help. If possible, ask a friend or family member to come and watch Baby while you nap.

Limit caffeine. For many new parents, caffeine is the first line of defense against sleep deprivation. However, it’s best to moderate your caffeine intake, especially for nursing mothers, so it doesn’t affect your nighttime sleep. (Alcohol and nicotine don’t help either.)

Change your diet. Starchy, heavy foods induce a drowsy feeling. Instead, focus on fruits, vegetables, and lighter carbs to help you stay alert.

Avoid late-night exercise. Try not to exercise within three hours of bedtime.

For nursing mothers, try co-sleeping. Nursing mothers can try co-sleeping and feeding from the side-lying position to minimize disruptions.

Take turns with bottle feedings. For parents who are bottle-feeding, take turns with the nighttime feedings. If possible, keep room temperature water and pre-filled formula bottles by your bedside to reduce the number of trips to the kitchen.

Co-sleeping (with precautions). Co-sleeping is an option for some families, but parents must take precautions to ensure Baby is safe. If Baby doesn’t share the bed, she can sleep in a bassinet near the bed to save parents from frequent trips down the hall.

Skip the chores. As hard as it may be, try not to do household chores while Baby sleeps. When Baby naps, you should too.

Above all, despite the difficulties, try to cherish this time. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it passes!

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GERD and Severe Cases of Acid Reflux

One in every 300 babies experiences something more severe called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), which does not resolve without treatment. Babies with GERD often struggle to thrive and may develop breathing problems, pneumonia, chronic sinusitis, and other disorders.

Since stomach acid moves up through the esophagus and throat during acid reflux, it can cause permanent damage if left untreated. Additionally, the stomach acid plays an important role in your baby’s immune system within the gut. When babies frequently spit it up, their immune defenses are weakened, making them more vulnerable to stomach illnesses or viruses. In many cases, severe acid reflux in infants is treated with medications like Prevacid or Zantac, although rare cases may require surgical intervention.

Acid reflux in babies has also been linked to colic. Often, babies will spit up small amounts of stomach bile and acid into the esophagus and swallow it back down. This causes persistent irritation and burning. However, since the infant may not visibly spit up or vomit, parents may not know what is causing the discomfort. This condition is referred to as silent acid reflux. Doctors can diagnose silent reflux by looking for signs of stomach bile in the throat and esophagus, or by conducting a barium swallow or upper GI series to identify any obstructions or narrowing in the digestive tract. In most cases, a simple medical history and parent-provided information are enough for doctors to diagnose and treat acid reflux in babies.

For new parents, acid reflux can be unsettling. It’s clear that the baby is uncomfortable, and even more evident that they are struggling to keep down their fluids and sometimes not thriving as expected. Many parents begin addressing the issue by switching formulas until they find one that works for their baby. However, this process can cause gas and irritation, and parents often spend large amounts on specialized formulas. There are certain signs that indicate your baby may have acid reflux rather than just formula intolerance. These signs include:

• Frequent or recurring vomiting
• Frequent cough
• Choking or gagging easily during feeding
• Crying during feedings
• Gas and abdominal pain (drawing up the knees)
• Colic
• Poor growth
• Breathing problems or pneumonia

If your baby is otherwise healthy but experiencing any of these symptoms, you may want to consult your healthcare provider.

Home Remedies and Tips for Managing Acid Reflux

There are several at-home techniques that can help manage your baby’s acid reflux. In many cases, breastfeeding can be a solution. If your baby is young enough, you might consider relactating to see if they will latch onto the breast. If breastfeeding isn’t an option, try these tips:

• Burp your baby frequently during feedings
• Avoid swaying or rocking your baby immediately after eating
• Feed your baby in an upright position
• Offer smaller, more frequent feedings throughout the day
• Give a pacifier after feedings, which may help manage reflux
• Keep your baby upright for half an hour after all feedings instead of lying them down. You can also find infant wedges that safely raise the crib at no more than a 45-degree angle

There are many home remedies available for colicky babies that may help with digestion. However, be sure to consult your pediatrician before using any remedies. Many, such as Colic Calm, have proven effective for babies with acid reflux.

It’s also essential to get support from others if you have a baby with acid reflux. This period can be full of anxiety, and you may need frequent breaks to recharge. Worrying that something might be wrong with your baby can be overwhelming. Make sure you have a pediatrician you trust—someone who listens to your concerns and respects your observations. Since you spend the most time with your child, it’s important that physicians value the information you provide.

In rare cases, acid reflux can result from abnormalities in your baby’s digestive tract. If further testing reveals such abnormalities, rest assured that simple surgeries can often resolve the issue quickly. Most babies, once their acid reflux is under control, begin to thrive in a short period.

The good news is that acid reflux in babies typically resolves within the first year. Although it may reoccur occasionally throughout childhood, it is usually manageable through diet. If your toddler experiences acid reflux later on, it’s important to avoid acidic foods and identify any triggers that might exacerbate the condition. A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are your toddler’s best defense against acid reflux.

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First of all, do not obsess over one meal. It’s easy to believe that your child’s health will be severely compromised if she doesn’t eat the sweet potato you lovingly prepared for dinner. However, the reality is that a few incomplete meals are not the end of the world. Most nutritionists recommend taking a long-term view of your child’s eating habits. Instead of focusing on a single meal, evaluate her overall intake over a few days before making a judgment.

Remember, too, that the more fuss you make, the more attention your toddler gets. The dinner table is the perfect place for your child to test limits and seek attention, whether positive or negative. Try not to make a big deal out of what’s left on the plate.

Tips for Making Fruits and Vegetables More Appealing

Generally speaking, vegetables are harder to sell than fruit. But one of the keys to getting little ones to eat both is offering a wide variety of options. Be persistent—while a child might reject something at first, if you keep trying, one day he’ll surprise you by eating it.

Eat fruit and vegetables with your child. If you don’t set an example by eating these foods yourself, you can’t expect your child to do it.

Some experts recommend talking to your child about different fruits and vegetables, explaining what they are and why you like them. Children love to learn, so if they understand what the new food is, they may be more encouraged to eat it (or so the theory goes).

I’ve heard some parents suggest making the food “fun” by arranging fruits and vegetables on your child’s plate in the shape of a face or another playful design. Personally, I can’t recommend this approach, as my one attempt at “fun” food was far from successful.

When planning meals, remember that kids love color. The more colors (i.e., produce) you present, the more exciting and tempting the meal will be.

Get your child involved in food preparation. Toddlers love water—after you’ve given some carrots or potatoes a thorough wash, ask your child to finish the job. Let her put toppings on a pizza, or ask him to peel a banana before you add it to a fruit shake. Let her drop a handful of blueberries into the muffin batter. You get the idea.

Where possible, skip the blender—serve fruit and vegetables as finger foods rather than purees. A child is more likely to try something if she can feed herself with a small cube, rather than having someone spoon-feed her mushy food. Some people recommend using dips to entice children to eat vegetables. I tried to avoid this to prevent my son from associating vegetables with fatty or salty sauces, but dressings and dips are often the only recourse for desperate parents.

If all else fails, try subterfuge. For this tactic, you may need that blender. Add pureed vegetables to sauces, soups, hamburgers, or meatloaf. I had success by calling a fruit shake “pudding.” You can also take a page out of my mother’s book—she snuck peas and carrots into our chocolate shakes, and my sister and I were none the wiser.

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