As an expectant or brand new mom, you probably already feel an incredibly close and protective bond with your baby-to-be or newborn. You want to do everything you can to make sure your precious little one stays as healthy as possible, not only now, but throughout their life.
3 Preventative Measures to Help Protect Your Baby
In addition to regular pre-natal care and baby checkups, you are interested in some less-common but still important ways to protect your baby. The following three examples are all ways to keep a developing baby and newborn as healthy as possible:
Get the Lead Out
If you have even a tiny amount of lead in your body, it can be passed to your unborn child and cause problems with your baby’s growth, health and ability to learn. If you live in a home or apartment that was built prior to 1978, you may be exposed to lead paint.
You may also be at risk if you use pottery that was made in another country, were born or lived in another country, have a hobby that involves stained glass or use spices that are from abroad. If any of these apply to you, you can ask your obstetrician about a lead test; it is usually done with a quick blood test.
To prevent lead from absorbing in your body, eat foods that are rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C. If you do live in an older home, consider having it repainted as soon as possible and stay away from any renovated areas until the work is done and the area is completely clean.
Consider Cord Blood Banking
The stem cells that are in your baby’s umbilical cord, as well as the cord tissue and placenta tissue, are genetically unique to your infant and family. Cord blood is now being used to treat a number of medical problems for your baby, as well as his or her older siblings and the rest of your family.
It is estimated that more than 80 diseases are now treatable using cord blood stem cells. If the idea of holding onto this potentially valuable cord blood is appealing to you, expectant moms may wish to look into cord blood banking.
It’s wise to do your research well in advance to choose a cord blood bank that will collect and store a significant number of stem cells and also offers cord tissue storage.
Think Outside of the Box … With a Cardboard Box
As a new mom, you have probably already been advised by your pediatrician on how to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as much as possible. It is recommended that babies are always placed on their backs to sleep and that all stuffed toys, loose bedding and other soft items are not in the crib or bassinet.
But the state of New Jersey is hoping to lower SIDS deaths even further with the help of a cardboard box that doubles as a crib. Inside the box crib is a firm mattress, a fitted sheet and an uncluttered place for infants to sleep. If you are interested in getting a baby box, check out the Baby Box Company for more information.
Being a mom is definitely a life-changing experience but in a very positive way. To help keep your newborn as well-protected as possible, feel free to think outside the box a bit and consider options like lead testing, cord blood banking and a cardboard sleep box for your little one.
Identity Magazine is all about guiding women to discover their powers of Self-Acceptance, Appreciation, and Personal Achievement. We ask that every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the current article they have written. In that way, and as a team, we hope to encourage and motivate each other, thus inspiring you to Get All A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? Additionally, what are you still working on accepting? Now, we’re not talking about resignation, rather stepping into, embraced, and owned.
I’ve accepted that for the foreseeable future, I will probably never have a home that will be featured in a Martha Stewart magazine–with kids, a hubby and 5 pets we have a lot of “stuff” in our home. I’m still working on accepting that my kids are getting older and some day they will move out….which means maybe I will get a shot at that Martha Stewart photo shoot one day!
2. What have you learned to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? On the other hand OR in contrast, are there elements of who you are that you’re still working on appreciating?
I have learned to appreciate that I’m a good friend to people and that I’m always there for them when I need them. I think I’m still working on appreciating how stepping on Legos at 2 a.m. in bare feet just means you have happy kids in the home who enjoy playing with their toys.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? Tell us not only what makes YOU most proud but also share the goals and dreams that you still have.
My most rewarding achievement by far is being a mom. My two sons make me so proud and I love being with them. As for goals and dreams, I would love to rent an RV one day and drive around the country with my family.
4. Of course, we all have imperfections, or so we think. In truth, we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? Likewise, what imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
My main imperfection that comes to mind is that I’m not great at getting enough rest. I have one son who is an early bird and one who is a night owl and so to spend time with each of them I’m typically up early and up late.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to appreciate and express all the positive traits that make you…well…YOU! In fact, sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (We assure you!) Therefore, Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
A dear friend of mine once told me “You should never say anything about yourself that you wouldn’t say to a best friend or your mom.” I really took this to heart and strive to avoid all negative self-talk, even when said in jest. I love my positive self-talk!
