Thursday, January 22, 2009

Are you and your baby “aligned”?

As mothers, we know that our babies are going to cry, this is just a fact of life. However, sometimes we just can’t figure out what they are crying about. It’s enough to make a new mother quite anxious, but not enough to speed dial the doc every five minutes.

This article will explore the view from an often underutilized resource; your chiropractor. Our friends at the Chiropractic Health Center (Doctors Mary, Adam, and Zach Jameson, D.C., P.C.) have put together a few points to remember next time your infants physician says that “babies just cry”.

SUBLUXATIONS AT BIRTH

Chiropractors have a term for misalignments: subluxations. A vertebral subluxation is a misalignment of the bones that protect the spinal cord. It's a leak in the roof or a kink in the wiring of your nervous system. The severity of the subluxation can vary, and there are a number of potential contributing factors that can be physical, emotional, mental, or chemical. The subluxation can be caused by any number of incidents, from birth trauma to an auto accident to simple repetition or over-use.



Over the years, chiropractors have analyzed and in many cases corrected subluxations caused at birth. Many birth injuries go undetected and are evaluated years later. Spinal cord and brain stem injuries are common in births that involve forceps and vacuum extraction. The birth process even when natural, and in controlled conditions, is potentially traumatic. During the pushing stage of labor, the spine, particularly the cervical spine may be injured, as the fetus is compressed and pushed down the birth canal.

PRIMARY CURVE

Babies are born with one spinal curve known as the primary curve. This C shaped curve is carried over from the uterus. The early days and months of a child's live are very important in the development of the secondary curves of the spine. Until about three to five months the average child is unable to hold its head with complete control and is vulnerable to the stresses that may be applied to the neck during delivery, parental shaking, or trauma.

EXERCISE HELPS TO DEVELOP THE "C" CURVE

One of the best exercises for the baby is on its stomach; in this position the infant can lift its head and develop the C curve of the neck. Crawling helps develop the curve of the lower back. The lack of sufficient crawling is responsible for a weakness of the spine, which leads to childhood subluxation.

BABY CONTRAPTIONS MAY INJURE SPINAL DEVELOPMENT

Unfortunately many parents for the sake of convenience place their infant in contraptions that force him or her into an upright position before their spine is ready. This includes wind-up swings or jumpers or any other holder, which allows the infant to stand or walk before the spinal curves are formed. Most baby holding devices hold the baby's spine in the C position and prevents the formation of the lumbar secondary curve. Abnormal curves are easier to correct in the first year of life. The posture the infant is forced to assume, if unnatural to her or his spinal development could cause harm to their health for the rest of their lives.

LOWER RESISTANCE TO INFECTIONS

In a study of 1,250 babies who were examined five days after birth, the investigator found that of 211 who suffered from health problems, which included tonsillitis, vomiting, hyperactivity and sleepiness, subluxations had caused the clinical symptoms (Manuelle Medizin, 1987;25:5-10). Some subluxations alter the normal physiological response of the nasal cavity to infections, which may result in infection in the ears, nose and throat.

COLIC

In a recent article written by Deb Donovan and Bob VanMetter:

Almost all infants develop periods of fussiness. This is often referred to as colic. It has been defined as periods of irritability, fussiness and inconsolable crying in a healthy baby (which lasts for at least 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week). But colic is actually a default diagnosis. Pain from sources other than the gastrointestinal tract can be improperly diagnosed as colic. If a baby is crying inconsolably, it is very difficult to know if he is actually suffering from a digestive disturbance. Since many subluxations in infants are in the upper cervical area, there is a strong possibility, especially when there has been a history of birth trauma, that these babies are suffering from head and neck pain due to spinal subluxations in this area.

In a study looking at babies receiving chiropractic care for colic, 94% saw improvement in their baby's behavior within 2 weeks of initiation of care. A little over half of these babies had already been unsuccessfully treated, usually by pharmacological means (Klougart et al., 1989). Another study found 91% of babies experienced a reduction in colicky behavior following as little as two chiropractic adjustments (Nilsson, 1985).

CONCLUSION

As with any kind of therapy, make sure that you and your physician are in agreement before you take action. Whatever you decide, at the Chiropractic Health Center we know that people of all ages benefit from regular Chiropractic care. As a member of the American Pregnancy Association, we would like to help you take the first step toward a happier, healthier way of living. We offer Chiropractic adjustments, Nutritional counseling, Acupuncture, Massage, Rehab, Supplements, and Natural products for the care and comfort of your body. We would love to show you ways to live a greener lifestyle, not just by changing the products you buy, but by altering the way you care for your body.

MARY E. HASLEY, D.C., P.C.

ADAM JAMESON, D.C., P.C.

ZACH JAMESON, D.C., P.C.


Thursday, January 15, 2009

Wine baby, wine!




If you are a wine drinker, like my husband and I are, you may have been very confused by the information out there regarding pregnancy and consumption. We always thought that a glass of red wine was ok, but is that a myth or is there any data to support that claim?

We thought that we would take a minute to explore what the real scoop is. Here is what we found:

According to WebMd (data from the National Institute of Health), NO alcohol consumption is good for your baby and may cause fetal alcohol syndrome:

http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/drinking-alcohol

Flying right in the face of this information is an article from Wine Spectator, detailing several studies (Univ. of Oxford, Univ. of London, etc.) that seem to argue this and almost promote the effects of wine during pregnancy. Although there is also some CYA on this matter, as you can see below:

"Britain's National Health Service released a statement in response: "Official advice regarding drinking during pregnancy should not be ignored on the basis of this study. As there are known risks associated with heavy drinking during pregnancy and given that it is proving so difficult for studies to determine what lower limit is safe, women could just as well avoid alcohol during their pregnancy."

http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Features/0,1197,4697,00.html

And for the tie breaker, we found an article posted on the American Academy of Pediatrics website. Their stance also agrees with the National Institute of Health in that no alcohol consumption is good during pregnancy:

http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;106/2/358

So, even for a oenophile like myself, this decision is fairly easy. Am I going to trust Wine Spectator or am I going to trust the AAP and National Institute of Health? I think that I'll choose Wine Spectator for my next glass of Merlot and leave this one up to the pros!

What the heck, it's only nine months, right?

Bonne chance!
Patsy Champagne
Owner of Champagne Baby
www.champagnebaby.com

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Cutting the Holiday Pounds - What tools do you have?

Let's face it, most American's probably did exactly the same thing over the holidays, no matter where they live and whether they are a man or a woman. At some point in between their busy schedules they ate, they slept, and they avoided strenuous activities at all costs!

As for us mothers, although we may have enjoyed some of those luxuries ourselves, we probably had less sleep, more stress and we probably ate a little more while we were cooking that food for the masses.

Anyway, the point of all this is to help provide some direction in terms of what to do about cutting those added pounds. It’s just that there are so many diets and so much misinformation out there that I wanted to share my own personal experience as a constant weight-loss yo-yo expert.

For over 10 years my husband and I have read and followed a number of popular diet and exercise programs. I’m going to give you a quick snapshot so that you can decide which one is right for you:

1.) Body for Life:
o What’s important:
As the title suggests, this is a life changing plan, so it requires a life changing attitude. If you are not serious about your weight loss commitment, this will be on of the most challenging plans to follow especially for those that are not used to tough exercise regimens and meal planning.
However, the basic plan does teach some very important things about basic health and nutrition. Best of all, the plan gives you a free day. One day per week, you get to eat whatever you want! Although you must be careful not to over do it and ruin your week long efforts, this dangerous tool can help give you something to look forward to.

o Attitude:
 Anything is possible (even a six pack after a baby)
o Time:
 Planning = 30 minutes per day
 Meal Prep = 60 minutes per day
 Exercise = 32.5 min per day (20 min x 3 days / 45 min x 3 days)
 Total = 2 hours 15 minutes per day (approximate average)
o Diet:
 5-6 small meals per day following these basic rules:
• Lean Protein Sources like lean beef, chicken, eggs, turkey, etc.
• Complex Carbohydrates:
• Whole grains only (avoid white bread, white rice, chips, etc.)
• Good Fats like olive, peanut, and fish oils.
• Free Day (one day recommended, one meal is more realistic)
o Exercise:
 High Intensity Interval Training (running, biking, etc)
• 20 minutes
 Strength Training

2.) South Beach Diet:
o What’s important:
This diet is a little different than BFL in that you don’t have to wake at 5:00 everyday to workout like Arnold, but you do have to have tighter control over your carbohydrate intake.
When implemented correctly, this diet has incredible results that are similar to Atkins, but much healthier because your carbs basically come from vegetables. This is the same theory as BFL, but your veggies keep your blood sugar much more consistent.
The down side is the first few days; eating little to no processed carbs is hard and may result in a headache and fatigue. Just get past the first few days and energy levels and overall wellbeing should return to normal. Just don’t splurge on carbs or the whole process starts over again.

o Attitude:
 Temporary extreme change (2 weeks) / Long-Term subtle changes
o Time:
 Planning = 30 minutes per day
 Meal Prep = 60 minutes per day
 Exercise = 0 min per day (Additional exercise is optional, not required)
 Total = 1 hour 30 min per day (approximate average)
o Diet:
 Proteins (
 No processed carbohydrates (simple sugars)
 Increased vegetable intake (broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, etc.)
o Exercise:
 The original plan doesn’t include any mandatory exercise, but recommends light walking as an add-on.
 The newest edition “Supercharged” puts much more emphasis on exercise and even includes a workout plan.

3.) Ultra-Metabolism:
o What’s important:
While this plan probably makes the most sense out of all of them, it is also the strictest. By banning all processed foods, this plan focuses on organic, whole foods and controlling food allergies. For a Hollywood “a-lister”, this may not be a problem, but for those of us on a time and money budget, eating organic all the time, just isn’t practical.
Don’t fret though, this diet plan also has some practical advice that can be helpful.
o Attitude:
 Long-term extreme change / Longer healthier life
o Time:
 Planning = 45 minutes per day
 Meal Prep = 60 minutes per day
 Exercise = 0 min per day (Additional exercise is optional, not required)
 Total = 1 hour 30 min per day (approximate average)
o Diet:
 No processed foods
 Whole organic foods only (fruits, vegetables, etc.)
 Eliminate food allergies (peanuts, milk, gluten, etc.)
 Supplement micro-nutrient deficiencies
o Exercise:
 Regular exercise is recommended, but isn't the focus of this particular program.
o $$$$$:
 While the other programs require some investment in food, this program will take a bite out of your wallet, so be prepared.

While these three are my personal favorites, there are many other options. Here is a link to Webmd and an extensive list of weight-loss programs.
No matter what you choose, choose something! Don’t just sit there even though it’s easy to do, it’s a choice just the same. Your body, mind, energy levels, and family will thank you for it in the long-run!

Good luck!
Patsy Champagne
Owner of Champagne Baby, Wife and Mother of one.

About Me

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Lees Summit, MO, United States
I'm a wife and mother of one and a small business owner (Champagne Baby). We focus on helping first-time parents by being honest and practical with our topics and our products.