Archive for December, 2016
Recipe for Preserving Children
The following Recipe comes from a cookbook my mother had from 1954-55. The cookbook states that the author “…found this recipe [in a scrapbook], pasted there by my mother, probably half a century ago.” Interestingly, the author’s name is not listed anywhere in 52-page booklet. Something she probably did not notice at the time. Nevertheless, this really cute Recipe lives on approximately 116 years later.
Recipe for Preserving Children
1 grass grown field, 1/2 dozen children (or more). Several dogs (and puppies, if in season). One brook. Pebbles.
Method: Into the field pour children and dogs, allowing to mix well. Pour brook over pebbles till slightly frothy. When children are nicely brown, cool in a warm bath. When dry, serve with buttermilk and freshly baked bread.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Supervised Tummy Time
Supervised tummy time is important for even young babies. Being placed on their tummies with a supervising adult nearby, offers several advantages:
- changes their view of the world;
- ensures they do not spend excessive time on their backs which can cause plagiocephaly*, i.e. a flat spot on the skull due to prolonged pressure on one spot;
- allows them a chance to push up on their arms, strengthening muscles in the arms, back and chest. Of course they are not too successful at first, but over time they learn to coordinate their arms as the muscles strengthen and then soon flip over onto their backs. This is one good reason tummy time needs to be supervised: you don’t want them suddenly flipping off the sofa or bed when you have stepped away;
- tummy time takes a lot of energy and can be somewhat challenging. It makes them tired, as we get tired exercising, and helps them sleep more deeply and for longer periods of time;
- tummy time encourages babies to naturally explore their environment by reaching for toys, getting up on their knees and then beginning to crawl.
*for more detailed information on plagiocephaly, check out this page on my Web Site http://jumelle.ca/prenatal-education/occipital-plagiocephaly/
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )How long should babies nurse?
How long should a baby nurse? Great question. When a baby feels full or is getting full, it can be quite obvious. They relax at the breast and just open their mouths as they relax. They literally “fall” off. You may also see clenched hands relax as they drift into sleep. Babies generally feed for 10-12 minutes each. It depends on the age, maturity and size of each baby. A premature baby may take a little longer due to inability to “hang on” or get tired as nursing takes energy and sleep overtakes feeding. If you feel that your premature baby has, indeed, fallen asleep too soon, try to wake him up because his tummy will not be full and you will be feeding again in short order. Burp them, undress them down to their diaper and try to coax them to take a little more. If you are in doubt at any time about your babies’ feedings, check in with your doctor and/or a lactation consultant.
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Lynda discusses multiple birth 