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Ask an Expert: Breast-feeding
When do you know that breast-feeding is not going to work for you? If you’ve been trying and it’s not going well, when is it OK to stop or should you continue to try in hopes it gets better?
Jeanne Mitchell, nurse and board certified lactation consultant, Seton Medical Center Austin: It is easy to believe breast-feeding will come naturally and easily. But often this isn’t the case. It is a myth that breast-feeding looks the same for all women. Your experience, your challenges, your feelings are unique.
When you are struggling to make breast-feeding a better experience, you may ask yourself if it is time to stop. Mothers often set short goals for themselves, taking one week at a time, or even one day. Sometimes mothers will decide to reframe their breastfeeding expectations for what is right for her and her baby. In these cases, some mothers will choose to pump and bottle feed, deciding that direct breast-feeding was not something the baby could accomplish. Some mothers will stop breast-feeding or pumping when the emotional (and sometimes painful) toll on herself and her family has a negative impact on her mothering time with her baby.
Appropriate help is available through a board certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who can evaluate your situation and work with you to reach your breast-feeding goals.
But, I encourage mothers not to think that they “gave up” or “failed” when they make a decision to stop. When I hear the stories of their struggles, it becomes clear that they did all they could do with the support and information they had. There may be regret if you make this decision, but a decision thoughtfully made should not cause guilt or feelings of failure.
Ask an Expert is a joint program between the Austin American-Statesman and Seton Family Healthcare. Have a question? Email nvillalpando@statesman.com.
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New children’s museum
If you missed Sunday’s story from Jeanne Claire van Ryzin on the renderings of the new Austin Children’s Museum building being built in the Mueller development, read it here.
The museum should break ground this summer with a planned opening of late summer 2013.
I love children’s museums. As a family, we’ve seen a lot as we traveled. Last year, I took my Girl Scout troop to the Houston one as our end of the year party. This year, we slept overnight in the Austin Children’s Museum. As much as my family and my scouts love the Austin one, we’ve all recognize that it cannot compare to some of those bigger museums.
It’s good news that this new museum is being built with the idea of having exhibits that serve kids birth to age 11 instead of age 6 as the current museum’s mission has been.
If you could give the museum a wish list of items to include, what would they be?
Mine: Something outdoors like a butterfly garden
A splash fountain with water works station
Interactive touch screens for all exhibits and accompanying apps that kids can continue to learn after the visit
A science lab where they can get dirty mixing potions, testing chemistry and physics
A mock city with stores,police stations, fire department, bank, city hall — the kids can even work and spend fake money
A cafeteria
An auditorium for story time and theater productions
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What would you like for Mother’s Day?
Today in our Raising Austin column, I wrote about the things I’d really like — peace in my house, self-sufficient kids etc. Read the story here.
I should have put I’d really like a nap.
What would you like to get for Mother’s Day?
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Ask an Expert: Eczema
My daughter is 19 months old and has eczema. It is becoming more of an issue the older she gets. We are worried about food allergies and are starting to keep a journal of foods, snacks and drinks she has daily. We are also including the weather in the journal as environmental issues seem to be a factor. She does not scratch the areas and they seem far more troublesome to us than they appear to be for her. Her pediatrician has kept an eye on it and has prescribed a steroid cream but it does not seem to help. We have tried Aveeno Eczema lotion, Aquafor, detergents with no dyes or perfumes. No change. We’re cutting back on dairy. She is fine for a day or two then gets flare ups. Should we take her to a dermatologist or an allergist for a second opinion? At what age do toddlers get the pin-prick allergy tests and is it safe for one so young? — E.L.
Dr. Pooja Varshney, pediatric allergist and immunologist, ‘Specially for Children, Dell Children’s Medical Center: Excellent question. This is a concern frequently encountered by parents and caregivers, pediatricians, allergists, and dermatologists. Eczema, which is also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition marked by dryness, itching and redness involving characteristic body areas, which vary based on the age of the child. Itching is a key feature of the disease. In fact, eczema is often called “the itch that rashes” because of the central role of itching in the disease process. Discuss your daughter’s lack of itching with your health care provider.
Important hallmarks of eczema include the following:
Disrupted skin barrier manifesting as dry, cracked skin
Itching and scratching
Inflammation causing redness
Skin infection by bacteria and/or viruses
Sensitivity to fragrances and dyes used in personal products as well as various fabrics (especially wool)
Allergy, both airborne allergens and foods
Each child has his/her own set of triggers, some of which are easily identifiable, while others are not obvious. A thorough history and careful physical exam by a trained pediatric health care professional are the most important tools in evaluating eczema. Children with more significant disease or those not responding to routine therapies might benefit from additional evaluation by a pediatric allergist and/or dermatologist.
Eczema is more common in those with a family history of allergy. In children, eczema is often seen in the setting of other allergic diseases that may include wheezing/asthma, food allergy, and allergic nose and eye symptoms. Approximately 1/3 of children younger than 5 with moderate-to-severe-eczema have some form of food allergy and would benefit from allergy evaluation. Talk to your medical provider if you are concerned about food allergy in your child.
Children younger than 5 with moderate-to-severe eczema who have a history of immediate-type allergic symptoms with specific foods or persistent eczema in spite of optimal management and topical therapies are candidates for food allergy testing. The preferred method of food allergy testing in this setting is skin prick testing, which should only be performed by a board-certified allergist trained in the evaluation and treatment of allergic diseases and experienced in the care of young children.
When performed by trained medical professionals, skin prick testing is quite safe. Panels of food allergy blood tests are not recommended due to the high-rate of false positives and unnecessary dietary restrictions that often ensue. Intradermal skin testing is not recommended. No testing can replace a thorough history.
Though there is no known cure for eczema, the condition generally responds to a multipronged treatment approach, addressing all of the relevant features present in a given child. Emollients, infection control, measures to control itching, topical anti-inflammatory medications, and removing known triggers may be employed to treat eczema. Talk to your medical provider if your child’s rash is not responding to prescribed therapies to determine the next best step.
Ask an Expert is a partnership between the Austin American-Statesman and Seton Healthcare Family. Have a question for a medical professional? Email it to nvillalpando@statesman.com.
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“Pattern Nation: Waves” at Long Center this weekend
Teach children about color and wave patterns this weekend with Pollyanna Theatre’s “Pattern Nation: Waves” play.
The play follows the fun adventure of four friends as they explore the many types of waves found around them in nature. The show opens with Cyan Circle waiting for his cousin, Amber Oval to arrive for their regular play date. However, fun soon erupts when Amber brings along her friends Jade Triangle and Pinky Rombus. Soon the four find themselves on amazing imaginative adventures at the beach, beside a very still lake hosted by a mermaid, and in the world of secret spies who are investigating invisible sound and light waves.
The show is suited for pre-K to second-grade age children and parents can get a free study guide with the show.
The show at the Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive, runs 11 a.m. Thursday; 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. May 15.
Tickets to public performances are $7.25 for children younger than 12, $8.25 for students ages 12-18, seniors and Austin Creative Alliance members, and $9.25 for adults. To reserve, visit www.pollytheatre.org.
I have a pass for a family of four to give out that can be used for any of the Saturday or Sunday shows. Email me by noon Thursday at nvillalpando@statesman.com and put “Pattern Nation: Waves” in the subject line to be entered into a drawing to win.
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Need a break? Mom’s Nite Out at the mall Thursday
Barton Creek Square, The Arboretum and Lakeline Mall are all participating in this Simon Property Group Inc. free event 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Expect to be pampered and get giveaways from brands including Diet Coke, Dove Body Wash, Little Black Dress Vodka, StriVectin and Visit Florida.
At Barton Creek Square, the event will be in the Macy’s court and offer free food, beauty demonstrations and swag bags.
At Lakeline Mall, head to the Dillard’s court for fashion tips and makeovers.
At the Arboretum, the fun includes beer and wine tastings, life music and makeovers.
More information is at simon.com.
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Maurice Sendak made us go wild
And so our family will morn his death today by reading favorites “Where the Wild Things Are,” “Little Bear,” “Chicken Soup with Rice” and “A Hole is to Dig.”
Read Joe Gross’ appreciation piece here
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For new moms, Texas gets a D-
The National Partnership for Women and Families, which helped promote and protect the Family and Medical Leave Act, has given our state a D- when it comes to how laws help a new mother in the work force. Texas was thankfully not one of the 18 states who got an F. California and Connecticut got the highest grades with an A-.
The study looked at what the laws say about job projection and leave after having a baby and what state employees receive. The study cited that there are no laws on the Texas books that increase the federal FMLA act for private employees, but that the state workers do receive greater access to leave than FMLA and they can use their sick leave to care for a family member.
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Moms really are funny
On Sunday, Listen to Your Mother will offer 15 women talking about motherhood and making you laugh. It’s the second annual show from producer Wendi Aarons, who has received national attention for her blog.
The show is from 2 to 4 p.m. at the AT&T Conference Center.
Tickets are on sale at http://listentoyourmotheraustin.eventbrite.com/.
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You’ve got questions about kids? Ask an expert
Last week we started Ask an Expert, a partnership with Seton to get your questions about your children answered. You can read the first three questions here.
Questions can deal with anything physical or psychological for ages prenatal to college.
Got a question? You can post it in the comments section or email it to nvillalpando@statesman.com.
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New study: breast-feeding isn’t free
I came across an interesting study about moms who breast-feed and a loss of wages that comes with it. The study appears in the April issue of American Sociological Review.
From a press release:
“Breastfeeding for six months or longer is only free if a mother’s time is worth absolutely nothing,” said Mary C. Noonan, an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Iowa, and co-author of the study, “Is Breastfeeding Truly Cost Free? Income Consequences of Breastfeeding for Women.”
The study looked at 1,313 first-time mothers in the U.S. who were in their 20s or 30s when they gave birth between 1980 and 1993 and who were employed before their child was born.. Noonan and Phyllis L. F. Rippeyoung, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Canada’s Acadia University, found that formula-feeders (mothers who never breast-fed), short-duration breast-feeders (mothers who breastfed for fewer than six months), and long-duration breast-feeders (mothers who breastfed for six months or longer) all experienced earnings losses after giving birth. However, on average, long-duration breast-feeders experienced much steeper and more prolonged earnings losses than did mothers who breastfed for shorter durations or not at all.
“When people say breastfeeding is free, I think their perspective is that one doesn’t have to buy anything to breastfeed whereas one needs to purchase formula and bottles to formula-feed,” Rippeyoung said. “But, this simplistic view doesn’t take into consideration the hidden cost: the substantial income women often lose when they breastfeed for a long duration. To me, I see it as being highly related to how women’s unpaid work has always been undervalued.”
According to the study, long-duration breast-feeders sacrificed considerable income after giving birth compared to short-duration breast-feeders and formula-feeders, largely because long-duration breast-feeders were more likely to switch to part-time work or to leave the workforce entirely.
“We see that the ability to intensively mother via long-duration breastfeeding is class-biased,” Noonan said. “Women who breastfeed tend to be white, college educated, and married. Additionally, on average, women who breastfeed are more likely to be married to college-educated men, men who can financially facilitate women taking time out of the labor force.”
I breast-fed both my children, and yes, there was a lot of time spent on a couch, but I was working, doing something really important for the future health of my child. I didn’t think about what income I was missing out on.
When I did return to work, I brought a pump with me. Yes, it was not any fun to sit in a tiny little bathroom, which didn’t smell so good, for 15 minutes every three hours to make the milk that would later go into my baby’s bottle.
I think that’s why a lot of women who do work don’t stick with breast-feeding. It’s hard work, it takes dedication and it does take you out of the office throughout the day.
I’ve seen my office take great strides in improving breast-feeding for working mothers. There’s now a dedicated lactation room with a sink (and it’s not a bathroom where everyone can stand out side the door and hear the pump going).
I’m sure my office could do more. Did you pump while going back to work? What kinds of things did your office provide?
Getting ready for middle school? Here’s a resource
My son’s counting down the days left of elementary school. He cannot wait to get to middle school, where in his mind he’ll have lots of academic choices and students will treat each other with respect. (I know he’s slightly delusional, but he has high hopes.)
O. Henry Middle School is offering a workshop for parents of future middle schoolers Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at the school, 2610 W. 10th St. The fee is $35 per person.
Here’s a link to the signup sheet: http://middleschoolyears101.weebly.com/
Here’s what the workshop plans to offer:
Are you… …wondering how middle school works?
…worried about how your child is going to manage changing classes, more teachers, and more responsibility?
…wondering about the academic expectations?
…wanting some tips on how to communicate with staff?
…worried about your child’s safety and being bullied?
…wanting some information on adolescent development?
…needing some tips on internet and cell phone safety?
…wondering if you should let your child have a FaceBook page?
…wondering how involved you should be during middle school?
…wondering about your child making friends, changing friendships and “frenemies”?
…worried about how to keep your child away from drugs and alcohol?
The workshop is put on by counselors with an expertise in middle school
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Best advice I ever got was to hold my son “tummy-to-tummy” while nursing. I’d been holding him on his back as though feeding him a bottle, and my nurse-midwife repositioned him facing me. Then he could latch on properly without having
... read the full comment by Melane Timberlake | Comment on Ask an Expert: Breast-feeding Read Ask an Expert: Breast-feeding
Best advice I ever got was to hold my son “tummy-to-tummy” while nursing. I’d been holding him on his back as though feeding him a bottle, and my nurse-midwife repositioned him facing me. Then he could latch on properly without having
... read the full comment by Melane Timberlake | Comment on Ask an Expert: Breast-feeding Read Ask an Expert: Breast-feeding
My son is almost 5 months old and I just struggled with this painful decision. I appreciate your support for moms. From beginning, breastfeeding was extremely painful. I went to experts, I bought different pumps, creams, etc. and I spoke to my doctors.
... read the full comment by Stephanie | Comment on Ask an Expert: Breast-feeding Read Ask an Expert: Breast-feeding
Yes, we at our house are big fan’s of Houston’s city. My kids can spend hours there.
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