Help during teething

We’ve all either been there or it’s on it’s way. Teething. Some kids don’t have any problems, or very little discomfort, some have it very rough. Below I’ve listed some aides for treating  the symptoms of teething. I am a firm believer in the use of natural remedies, as I’ve been studying herbs for over 10 years and I’ve been in an master herbalist program now for 3 years. One year to go to graduate! I will list some non natural “remedies” as well. I will also try to list the pros and cons of each product below.




Boiron Camilia
http://www.boironusa.com/products/camilia.php

Active Ingredients

Chamomilla vulgaris 9C HPUS		Relieves teething pains accompanied by irritability
Phytolacca decandra 5C HPUS		Relieves painful gums
Rheum officinale 5C HPUS		Relieves minor digestive disorder associated with teething

The letters HPUS indicate that these ingredients are officially included in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States.


Chamomilla Vulgaris ( german chamomile)

PROSCalming, great for digestive issues. Great at soothing and relaxing. Treats spasms. Can calm a fussy teething baby.

CONS: Chamomile is safe, but some people get sick of large doses and strong teas.
Avoided large doses during the pregnancy.
The most ethereal oils cannot be taken in without risk.
Use ethereal oil only internal if you have sufficient knowledge or consult a (homeopathic) physician. In general however is the working by external use more strong than by internal use.

Plytolacca decandraAlso known as poke-root.

PROS: Relives Aching, soreness, restlessness, prostration, theses are general symptoms guiding to Phytolacca Decandra. Pre-eminently a glandular remedy. Glandular swellings with heat and inflammation. Has a powerful effect on fibrous and osseous tissues; fasciae and muscle sheaths; acts on scar tissue. Syphilitic bone pains; chronic rheumatism. Sore throat, quinsy, and diphtheria. Tetanus and opisthotonos. Decrease of weight. Retarded dentition. Is close in nature to Ferrum and Belladonna and how it works to reduce inflammation, great for mastitis and sore throats. It also helps inflammation during teething for infants and toddlers,


CONS: No major side effects have been seen.



Rheum officinale:

PROS:Often used to treat constipation, and to dissolve blood clots and puss eruptions. In modern medicine it has been used to treat Hepatitis B. Stimulating laxative, Cathartic, Astringent, Antioxidant, Mild stimulating tonic to the alimentary mucous membranes, the liver and gall bladder.




CONS: Chronic use of rhubarb will deplete electrolytes, especially potassium, bringing about muscle weakness and increased constipation. Potassium loss can disturb cardiac rhythm and potentiate cardiac glycoside toxicity as with digitalis use.

#2. OILS or EXTRACTS

*Clove oil.

PROS: Dilute with vegetable oil (4 drops to 1 tablespoon of Oil) Rub on gums. The rubbing action will also soothe them as well.

CONS: Potent, needs to be diluted because it can have a burning sensation.

* Vanilla extract.

PROS: Rubbing a little bit on baby’s gums not only feels warm and soothing; the vanilla also has a calming effect.

CONS: No known side effects

#3. ORAJEL:

http://www.orajel.com/baby-oral-care/teething-pain-relief-products/landing.aspx

Benzocaine - anesthetic

Numbs babies gums for relief of pain and discomfort

PROS: numbing and relieves the pain temporarily

CONS: Can also numb the tongue and become a choking hazard. Also use it too much in one area and it will cause burns - and cause the gum tissue to sloth off. PAINFUL.

#4. Humphreys Teething Tablets:

http://www.humphreysusa.com/personal-teething.htm

Ingredients:

Chamomilla (chamomile) 3X HPUS irritation reliever

Coffea cruda (coffee seeds) 3X HPUS calming aid

Belladonna 3X HPUS (0.0000095% alkaloids) anti-inflammatory

Calcarea phosphorica (calcium phosphate) 12X HPUS supports dentition

Chamomilla:

PROS:used for nervousness, headaches, anxiety, and hysteria. It is also beneficial for colds and flu. Its antispasmodic properties, benefit cramps and spasms , probably due to the easily assimilable form of calcium found in it.

CONS: Chamomile is safe, but some people get sick of large doses and strong teas.
Avoided large doses during the pregnancy.
The most ethereal oils cannot be taken in without risk.
Use ethereal oil only internal if you have sufficient knowledge or consult a (homeopathic) physician. In general however is the working by external use more strong than by internal use.

Coffea Cruda:

PROS: is one of the homeopathy remedies often used for tinnitus, headaches, toothaches, teething, insomnia restlessness, racing thoughts,labor pains, and menopause. Coffea Cruda also known by its botanical name, Coffea arabica, is simply unroasted coffee beans. It normally helps calm the nervous system. In case of insomnia or restlessness, Coffea cruda may benefit you and it does perform as a sleep aid. It is mostly used for insomnia and nervousness. The diluted amount of caffeine helps people get a good night's rest.

CONS:

Too much and you have the opposite effect. Wide awake. So the dosage has to be correct.3X HPUS is the correct homeopathic dosage to relax and make sleepy. Not wire a child or infant up.

Belladonna:

(This one usually makes eyes pop due to its name and association. However it’s been used for centuries in a safe manner that is extremely effective) the dosage in teething tablets is very small, .0002 mg per tablet, the recommended dosage is two to three tablets four times a day. If given this amount, an infant would ingest .0024 mg per day. This is well below the overdose amount of 600 mg;

PROS: reduces red cheeks,inflammation, stops bronchial spasms in asthma and whooping cough, and as a cold and hay fever remedy. It is also used for Parkinson's disease, colic, motion sickness, and as a painkiller.

CONS: can make constipation worse, do not give during fevers as it can raise temperature. Large amounts of Belladonna are dangerous for anyone. Extreme dosage such as eating Belladonna berries can be lethal.


Calcarea phosphorica -calcium phosphate

PROS: used to treat irritability, headaches, stomach conditions, stiff muscles and joints, bone bruises, fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, teething, and insomnia caused by aches or growing pains.

CONS: No known major side effects



#5. The old standbys

Teething rings, frozen wash cloths, teething biscuts

PROS: safe, effective for children that don’t have a lot of discomfort

CONS: might not be effective enough, no known side effects.



#6 Tylenol and Ibuprofen

PROS: Fast acting, can help with insomnia or waking from teething pain

Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and swelling.

CONS: Tylenol is hard on the liver. Ibuprofen can be hard on the kidneys and it’s a blood thinner which could cause anyone to bruise a bit easier. Yes it's possible to overdose on these but follow the dosage directions and you shouldn't have any problems.



All in all what you choose is a very personal choice for your little one. I have used Humphreys tablets for my son and they’ve been wonderful. Other parents may not feel comfortable using a product with Belladonna in it no matter how safe it’s been used through out history. I totally understand this. I feel the same way about vaccinations. I can’t stand the thought of putting even the smallest amounts of mercury, formaldahyde, monkey cells, and aborted fetal cells in my child. I have been diagnosed with M.S. and there have been several studies that show that autoimmune diseased could possibly be caused by all the additives from vaccines.


I am totally on board with a parents gut feeling. Always be careful no matter what you choose and google, do the research of the ingredients. As a matter of fact a very good friend of mine bring my attention to this very subject and if she hadn't I wouldn't have done this post that could potentially help other parents, but she's just cool like that. I love her she's a great friend.


We are all trying to do the same thing. That would be: “I want to do the best thing for my child.” It’s up to us to keep them safe and happy. I believe we can do both and with love.

Moving

Moving...involves lots of packing, and it's less than 48 hours until the move. Poor baby, his schedule is a bit wacked due to time management constraints. I will be back with you shortly!

No more baby food!!

I'm almost there. Gray is officially weaning from baby foods. To my surprise and happiness, it's been rather easy too.

This has been my line up on foods so far and maybe this will help another mommie out there.

Started cereal at 5.5 months old
Started baby food at 6 months
Started 2nd stage baby foods at 8 months
Started 3rd stage at 9.5 months
Started to transition to "big people" food  just shy of a year.

Remember though always make sure the "big people" food is cut into very small pieces. Most babies don't have enough teeth to chew/ground the food up.

So far we're on to some excited times - and nothing beats more space because those tubs of baby food won't be there anymore!

I'm back

Sorry I've been down with a sinus infection.

Have you ever noticed that Mommie's don't have sick days? Very true.

Although while I've been sick, I did manage to whine to myself, want someone to help me out, I wanted to be babied and pampered. That's when I realized it might not be a sinus infection I was acting just like the other half when ill. Therefore I call it man sickness. LOL

The Drunken Monkey

When they start to walk. They love to cruise around furniture,including bookcases and other things with hard corners. Miracle fix? Rubber foam baby proofing awesomeness!

Babys R Us and some baby companies online have this product. It's great and takes so much worry out of baby doing the drunken monkey walk, only to fall forward, or back and protects that little noggin!
Here's a link and take a look at the other furniture safety products they carry!

Furniture Safety

Things to help colic

Some babies have it bad, some not at all and other VERY bad. All babies are different but some of the things that can make colic worse are

Bananas - these digest different than other fruits. A lot of babies don't have issues with the banana baby food, but mine did. Bananas ferment when they digest. They hit the tummy and intestines and when they start to break down they MAKE air. This happened to my son and the screaming was horrific. We stopped giving them to him until he was 9 months old. As a matter of fact the doctor said he could start cereal at 4 months. WRONG - it only made him have a terrible case of colic. That is natures way of showing you, the baby's system isn't ready yet. Let them lose the tongue thrust completely. My advice is wait until 6 months to start cereals and baby food.

If they have an episode, rub that tummy and lower tummy. Rub in a circular motion clockwise(your clockwise not the babies) 

While they are laying on their back. bend their knees placing their thighs on their tummy and move them in the same circular clockwise motion.

Pick them up, Turn them facing away from you, hanging their legs over your arms,then push their legs(knees) into their tummy. Bouce them. Do not be too gentle, you need to bounce enough to jiggle the air around and out. You don't have to push their knees too far into their little tummies, just enough to add pressure.

The best advice I can give you, is try any position you can. The one you think won't work might be just the trick.

It's horrible to hear them cry in that manner but it will ease up and they will grow out of colic. Usually by the magical 6 month mark. Hang in there baby needs you!

The HeatWave 2011

I'm in the midwestern part of the United States and it's registered over 100 degrees for the last 38 days straight. Today it was 112 degrees. I am running fans all over the house on top of the A/C -

My 11 month old doesn't like taking naps when it's warm inside the house. The A/C can't keep up with the outside weather. It's like this for every home in this area. I put a fan on him and there are times he can drift off for 30 minutes at a time. He's crankier than usual due to the heat.  at night...around 1 am it cools down to 80 degrees in the house. It stays around 86 during the day.

I think about all the other babies in this area. We need a break and soon.

Frightened and Crying from certain toys

Oh how fun. We had a rock-n-roll elmo doll. It says "ROCK THE HOUSE!" and my son cried bloody murder. We had to put it away. Then we bought a nice toy that spits balls out the top. The motor frightened him, we had to put it away. He does not like the sound of any vaccum and we are moving, so scooting boxes across the floor has the same effect. He cries.

Peculiar. Does your baby react this way to anything?

p.s. the toy that spits the balls out, is now on the good list with Gray.

Bottles Bottles and MORE Bottles OH MY!

Here's a popular question:

"What bottles are the best?"

This is a loaded question because this too really depends on your baby. My son started out with Dr. Browns for the first 3 months (also tried some other name brand expensive ones) and then I had to have the playtex drop ins. In my opinon all the other expensive bottles are just that. Expensive. Playtex drop ins give you the advantage because once you make the bottle you can push the air out of the drop in via pushing up on the bottom of the drop in. Less air in the tummy the old fashion way.

Also:
"What flow nipple should I use and when?"

My son started on slow flow, got changed to medium flow at 6 months.(playtex bottles)
I've never used a fast flow because during breastfeeding the flow never really changes and I happen to think that fast flows are a waste of money also. At 9 months of age I did use a slow flow nipple at night to put him to bed because he'd finish so quick with the mediums, he'd get very fussy when the milk was gone. The slow flow let him fall asleep before the milk ran out.

That's my scoop on bottles. Tried and true. What's been around awhile sometimes works best.

Breastfeeding

Most of us have every intention of breastfeeding. Let's take a blast to the past 11 months ago

I intended to breastfeed my baby until he was at least 6 months old. I am pro breastfeeding HOWEVER I am totally in tune and understand that many moms can't. For whatever the reason. Be it work,( it's hard to pump at work.) They might have health issues, or in my case, my son had a great latch, but he just wasn't sucking strong enough to get the milk going or more of it. (I did not own an automatic pump I had a hand held. OH THE TEDIOUS WORK.)

I was so upset. Not just from that ordeal but  all the breastfeeding sites I'd been too, told you that it was best, and tried to offer instructions on how to do it, or what to do if your nipples get sore, BUT they didn't tell me that some babies want to eat every 1.5 hours (not 2-3 hours like formula fed) and when they hit a growth spurt which is often in the first 6 months, they eat every 30 to 40 minutes. That means YES they are basically attached to you all the time during the growth spurts.

I was so sleep deprived I don't to this day  remember all the details of the first 3 months. I do remember how much of a failure I thought I was due to never mastering breastfeeding. My lactation consultant told me that it wasn't me, sometimes it just happens.

SO why the long winded post? Because of the back lash many mothers get when they "fail" at breastfeeding. Those Mothers that haven't had issues with it, and have mastered it have a tendency at times to look down on those that don't breastfeed or had to give it up.Like me, some moms don't know that you can buy an automatic pump and still get the baby breastmilk. I to this day wish it would have worked for me, but I know that it wasn't lack of trying, it was lack of information. Lil boy didn't have strong suction. I didn't even think that was possible.

If and when I decide to have another baby, I'll try it again and this time I'll have a good automatic pump. (Each baby is different so you know this time around it won't even BE an issue.Pfft figures)

Mommie Magic only goes so far :) sometimes we have the best of intentions but things just don't work out. It doesn't make you a failure. You're baby will still get good nutrition from formula. If you can get the colostrum to the baby the first two days that's GREAT! That gives the baby the antibodies. So don't stress over it. Breastfeeding is difficult and it's time consuming, no doubt about it, You'll have days where you feel chained to your bed. Remember it doesn't last forever.

Be good to yourself. When the baby first comes home its not a time to brow beat yourself. You're human and you're learning. The world won't stop if you decide to formula feed. I do encourage you to try breastfeeding.

Do what's best for you and the baby,and don't worry about what other people think. 

If you do good for yourself your baby automatically benefits.

Baby Wipes and Tea Tree

I don't know about you but I go through a lot of wipes and I have a BOY! I can just imagine what it's like for mom's with daughters. I've already heard from a friend in Hawaii how it's went with her.  The thing I love is tea tree oil. The real stuff, not imitation.

It's antibacterial, antifungal and it smells good. At least to me. Once to twice a week I take one of my old wipes boxes and about 6 wash rags - set those aside

In a bowl pour in enough water that will soak your washrags in the wipes box, but not where they are soaking wet and dripping. I think I use about 1 1/2 cups of water. Then I take Johnson&Johnson lavender baby wash and pour in about a tablespoon of that, and 3 drops of tea tree oil. MAKE sure you only use that amount, it's very potent.

I mix those and then pour it into the wipes box. Place the rags in there and get them all good and wet. If you notice they aren't damp then just add more water.

Then that day I use a couple of wipes to get the majority of the mess or urine off. I finally use one of the wash rags on the baby. It keeps them extra clean, it fends off rash(make sure they dry completely before putting the new diaper on or pat them dry with another washcloth) and like I said it's antifungal and antibacterial. It smells great too.

Just another way to beat the diaper rash and you can use this as your only wipes if you so wish. But you're gonna need more than just 6 wash rags ;)

Note: Please be careful about using tea tree oil around little girls private parts, make sure you only use the rags on the outside of their genital area

The Tantrums

It's finally hit. My son has officially became the "Scream King" he drops something over and over, and of course you pick it up....over and over. Finally when you don't give it back, and you place the <insert object here> back in it's place, IT'S ON. The fussing, screaming, and throwing a fit. 

He also does this when he is in one place too long for his liking. When he's sitting on your lap and trying to wriggle away. You gently place him back on your lap where he's safe and VOILA  you are now holding a rigid board. One that has a red face and the screaming pierces your eardrums.

I'm hoping this is a phase, and that when I place him in his play yard so that Mommie can grab a cup of java he doesn't throw a fit very much longer. I do believe he's simply frustrated. He's inbetween crawling and walking. He stands if he can hold himself up. He does the typical cruising, but he can't walk on his own yet. It must get boring very fast for him.

Solution? Sorry to say there isn't an easy way out of this one so far. I simply have to move him from place to play throughout the day. Play yard, jumperoo,back to the nursery for some crawl/walk/playtime  then the high chair for meals etc. Bath time gets serious kudos because it takes up 15 minutes. It doesn't sound like a long time but 15 minutes with a baby who has entered this phase is eternal.

I did hear from some other moms that stated their child still acts this way at the age of two years old. All I can say is by that time I hope to have figured out another way to entertain him and if so I'll be posting that solution here too.

Good Luck and let me know what works for you!












Note: this picture is not of my son, this child pictured is not nearly angry enough.

Baby Powders

We never used baby talcum powder. The talc irritates the airways and eyes, we used balmex it's cornstarch based. I believe Johnson and Johnson now has a cornstarch based powder. This is one of the very things that has kept us diaper rash free.

At first I wasn't that enthusiastic about using powder. In fact I didn't use it at all. Then once I got sleep deprivation out of the way and started to think clearly again I realized,"hey maybe this is what we need to keep him dry and keep the moisture away from the skin."  It worked.

I highly recommend this to all new moms. Diaper rash is not your friend, and it's not that great for the baby either. I'd rather fend it off, then try to get rid of it.

What is your biggest challenge?

I encourage the comments on this post.

I've been through several. One of the biggest has been naps...or lack thereof. Since Gray came home from the hospital he has never been your typical baby that sleeps. He did not stay awake for two hours and then sleep for several hours. He slept for 1-2 hours and then stayed awake for 6-7 hours. I thought he'd never get enough rest.

Then at about four months old he started fighting naps. He would fight when rocked, he would wail when layed down. It was a never ending battle. I knew right then I had a high maintenence baby. What about you? Has your baby fought naps, or did you have one that loves to sleep? For those of you that haven't had your baby yet, what are you concerned about? Anything yet?

What has your biggest challenge been in the first year? Thoughts?

Diaper Rash, I've avoided it for the first 11 months

Gray, my son, is now 11 months old and other than a yeast rash he picked up from antibiotics he has avoided any diaper rashes. HOWEVER I want to address something that you can do for any diaper rash that might appear.

Besides keeping the baby clean, dry, and doing diaper changes regularly there is a little secret you can invest in. Lotrimin (clotrimazole) AF creme. Yes the same stuff that's used topically for athletes feet. This is an anti fungal creme ( which works for yeast infections on the skin) but also for diaper rash. A small tube is only $5 to $8 dollars and if you apply this 2-3 times a day to clean DRY skin you'll see a huge difference in 2 days.

Also remember, air time is a great way to help things along. Try it, it certainly beats a more expensive visit to the doctor.

(This advice is not meant to replace seeing a doctor. If you feel your little one needs to be seen, go with your gut)

What can you expect to find here??

Have you ever visited an online mom or baby forum? You ask a question and although other people answer you might not get very much detail, or you want more information? Well, what you'll find here are all the things you want answered especially about that first year with your new baby. We'll cover subjects from eating, to development and everything in between. 

 This will be your secret weapon. You'll understand The Mommy Code, because you'll have some things up your sleeve and you'll start to see.... things aren't as overwhelming as they seem.

Join us here, and make your life a bit easier!

Going Live

I'm happy to start this blog. There are many baby blogs and forums around the web but I promise to enlighten you, help you, and make your life as mom just a little bit easier. Please follow me, bookmark this blog and check back. Us moms need all the help we can get!