2012 and 2016 were lost, do we have a chance this time around?
Did the 2020 VP Debate win us any political brownie points?
Representative Christiansen steps down from the Legislature and his day job at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
“While I expected, unfortunately, to be personally maligned and ridiculed as a public servant, I did not expect to see individuals attack my wife as they have, nor to see the significance of the impact of those attacks on her and our family.”
Rob Bishop quits redistricting committee- no replacement to be made.
Speaker Wilson Responds to Commissioner Rob Bishop’s Resignation from the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission
Speaker Brad Wilson issued the following statement:
“I appreciate Congressman Bishop’s willingness to serve on the Independent Redistricting Commission over these past several months. I share his frustrations with how the commission has conducted its business. His decision to step down at this point in the process is further evidence that the duly elected representatives of the people are best suited to redraw district boundaries, as the courts have repeatedly affirmed. As we expect to receive and review maps from the commission in just over a week, I do not intend to appoint a replacement.”
Maps are in ink and Wilson says “Legislature may reevaluate redistricting process”
Utah House Majority Leader Francis Gibson says he’s resigning effective November
Special Session: What’s on the table?
Official name change for Dixie Sate?
Vaccine Mandates
Redistricting Maps
Harmons: 1st Utah company to impose $200 penalty for workers not vaccinated. Health Insurance surcharge to be charged monthly.
Mitt Romney Halloween: Ted Lasso, Coach Taylor mashup.
Love it or hate it?
If you believe in yourself, and have clear eyes and full hearts—you can’t lose. pic.twitter.com/CpkmFKo49i
When you’re pregnant, you’ll likely have a lot of questions about what is happening to your body during each trimester and what is happening with your baby’s development week by week. Jade Elliott spoke with Leah Moses, a certified nurse midwife with Intermountain Healthcare, about some of the most common questions she has women ask when they come in during their second trimester for prenatal visits and to explain why going to those visits are the best way to help you and your baby stay healthy.
The middle part of your pregnancy is called the second trimester. It is made up of weeks 13-14 through about weeks 26-27. Many women enjoy this middle part of pregnancy as your body has had time to adjust to being pregnant, morning sickness may subside, and your baby is not so big that you feel quite uncomfortable yet.
It’s also an exciting time, as an ultrasound is typically done during the second trimester, at about 18-20 weeks, and you can see how the baby is developing and find out the gender if you wish (if your baby is in an ideal position to identify the gender). This is also the trimester when you get to start feeling your baby move.
Your body during the second trimester
As morning sickness eases, your appetite may increase. If you’ve had unusual food cravings, these may ease or change. Your growing appetite supports your rapidly growing baby.
Hormones may prompt your body to produce more pigment (coloration). And increased blood flow can boost oil gland secretion. Together, these can cause a variety of changes in your skin.
Some women have rosier cheeks, smoother and softer skin — the “glow” effect of pregnancy. But many other women have new acne, and some develop discoloration in their face (the “mask of pregnancy”).
During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by 30 – 50%. You may notice that the veins on your breasts, legs, and abdomen are more visible. You may also have a stuffy nose — a byproduct of increased blood flow to the membranes in your nose.
Round ligament pain is common in the second trimester of pregnancy. This is brief pain in your lower abdomen, hip, or groin. It’s caused by the stretching of the round ligament that supports the uterus and connects it to the front of the groin area.
Pregnancy brings changes to your hair. For one thing, your hair is growing faster. It’s also falling out less. These are temporary effects of hormonal changes. You may also notice changes in your hair’s texture and color. Your hair may be curlier, oilier, dryer, straighter, coarser, etc.
Fetal movement
By about 21 weeks, you may have felt your baby move. The sensation may be subtle — a fluttering or bubbling feeling, perhaps like tiny popcorn pops. Later on, you’ll feel definite kicks and rolls as your baby moves inside you.
If this is your first pregnancy, you may not feel or recognize your baby’s movements just yet. Experienced mothers, however, often report feeling their baby move as early as 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Weight gain
By about 22 weeks, you probably have gained 10 or more pounds. The new weight is distributed throughout your body and to your growing baby. Your doctor or midwife can help determine a healthy pregnancy weight gain for you.
In general, a pregnant woman can expect to gain 2 to 4 pounds in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, and slightly less than a pound per week for the rest of her pregnancy.
Don’t use your pregnancy as an excuse to overindulge with huge portions or sweet treats. For good nutrition during pregnancy, you only need about 300 extra calories a day. Make sure these extra calories come from nutrient-rich foods. Go for extra portions of fruit and vegetables — not extra sodas or desserts.
Glucose tolerance test
Between 24-28 weeks, during the end of the second or beginning of the third trimester, your doctor or midwife will recommend a glucose tolerance test, which screens for diabetes. The screening tests how your body processes sugar and will help determine if further testing is needed to determine if you have gestational diabetes.
Depending on the results, your doctor may suggest some changes to your diet and/or test you again later in the pregnancy or talk to you about a treatment plan. Treating diabetes during pregnancy is extremely important to protect the health of both mother and baby.
Postpartum depression or peripartum mood disorders
If you find yourself prone to tears or quick anger, you’re not alone. Many women report intense mood swings, particularly in the first and third trimesters. It’s a lot like what many women experience in premenstrual syndrome (PMS). You may also feel distracted and forgetful. This is normal and common.
Many women have heard of postpartum depression, but may not know that it can begin during pregnancy and can manifest not just as depression, but as anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder. The best term is peripartum mood disorders, as that covers the time during pregnancy and after childbirth and the various ways behavioral health conditions can manifest. Pregnancy and childbirth are major life changes that can add stress. And stress can be a factor in your mental health.
Intermountain healthcare providers practice under a mental health-integration model, where primary care providers screen patients for behavioral health conditions. Talk to your doctor or midwife if you have symptoms of depression or anxiety that are severe or last longer than 2 weeks. These include sadness, trouble concentrating, guilt, worry, indifference, or changes in sleeping and eating patterns.
Baby’s development during the second trimester
When the second trimester starts, your baby is about 3 inches long “from crown to rump.” This means your baby is being measured from the top of its head to its bottom (instead of head to toe) because the legs are curled up to the baby’s stomach.
At this time, your baby’s head is the biggest part of their body. But, by the end of the second trimester, the rest of your baby’s body will grow to 9 inches—or even longer.
Your baby will start to hear sounds, such as your heartbeat, by about the 18th week of pregnancy. Your baby’s hearing will improve, and they will be able to hear your voice.
Your baby’s eyes may open as early as the 20th week. Before this, the eyelids have been sealed shut. However, your baby’s eyes cannot see anything until the third trimester.
Your baby will have fingerprints and footprints by the end of the second trimester.
Fine hair and a white waxy substance cover and protect your baby’s skin. The skin is thin, loose, and wrinkled
Your baby’s digestive system will start to function. The baby also will begin to produce and release urine, which becomes amniotic fluid.
Your baby’s nervous system develops and your baby will be able to feel all your movements and their environment by the end of the second trimester.
Fetal movement
Your baby is moving almost all the time throughout your pregnancy. However, you won’t start to feel it until about the 20th week. At first, you may notice a fluttering feeling. It can be hard to tell if this is your baby or something else. Soon enough, the movements will become very noticeable. Your partner may be able to feel the baby move as well. You might even be able to see your belly move when your baby “kicks.”
Your baby’s movements are helping them prepare for life outside your body. Muscles grow stronger as your baby learns to kick, suck, and open and close their hands. Your baby also practices making faces, such as frowning, smiling, and squinting.
After 20 weeks, about 10 movements an hour is baseline for a healthy baby. You may not notice movement as much when you’re busy or moving. Movements are more noticeable when you’re quiet or resting.
As you go through your second trimester it’s important to keep your prenatal appointments so you and your provider can help improve your and your baby’s chances for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.
For more information about pregnancy or to find a women’s health provider, visit intermountainhealthcare.org
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.
Greg Hughes – Former Utah House Speaker now registered lobbyist
Maura Carabello – Exoro Group
Salt Lake police response times: Chief Mike Brown hiring civilians to respond to low priority calls.
Many are retired officers. He sites parking, noise complaints. Are these calls really low risk? Aaron Lowe’s shooting and death followed multiple unanswered noise complaints. We now Lowe was ultimately shot over a parking dispute.
Sex misconduct allegations inside Spencer Cox’s campaign for governor. Joint statement released last week
This brave woman brought her experiences to light despite tremendous risk and personal hardship. It took incredible courage for her to speak up. We hope that any other victim of sexual or workplace misconduct knows that they have advocates and allies in us. https://t.co/DlCFtoAGuQ
Austin Cox attorney responded – we have requested an interview
In a statement Friday, attorneys representing Austin Cox – who is not related to the governor – called the accusations “baseless.”
“The personal relationship in question was a long-term relationship between two young single adults,” Austin Cox’s attorneys said. “The relationship was ended by our client earlier this year. Our client unequivocally and emphatically denies any allegations to the contrary.”
Questions Remain
Austin Cox was the Governor’s right-hand man.
Ran his campaign, took part in the Cox and Friends podcast, was positioned and ran for party Vice Chair.
Who knew what and when? Who investigated?
Ballots arrive in mailboxes: Ranked Choice voting in the mix
Will it work? Is it a good idea?
Salt Lake County Ranked Choice Voting 101
Facebook reactions:
“RCV is intended to manipulate outcomes.”
“What a joke. This is just another progressive voting tactic. I have never seen a republican win when it goes past the first stage….only democrats”
“Gonna steal some more elections…”
“One person, one vote, it’s a Soros funded scam”
Senator Mike Lee race: Jon Huntsman supporting Mike Lee
While several people have thrown their hat into the race to unseat Lee (@beckyforutah@allyisom), running as more moderate Republicans or Independent in the case of @EvanMcMullin – it appears Senator Lee has the support of more moderate Republicans. #utpolhttps://t.co/RTM25O827Q
When you find out you’re pregnant, you’ll likely have a lot of questions about what is happening to your body and what is happening with your baby’s development. Jade Elliott spoke with Leah Moses, a certified nurse midwife with Intermountain Healthcare, about some of the most common questions she has women ask when they come in for their initial prenatal visit and to explain why those visits are the best place to get information and answers about your pregnancy.
If you’re thinking about becoming pregnant or think you might be pregnant it’s important to contact your provider.
Your provider can help check for many things to help ensure your pregnancy and baby are as healthy as possible. Once they know your medical history, they can provide answers for your unique circumstances.
At your first visit for a normal pregnancy that would be at about 7 weeks or so, your provider will likely:
Check your urine sample for infection and to confirm your pregnancy.
Calculate your due date based on your last menstrual cycle or ultrasound exam.
Recommend prenatal vitamins that include at least 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid. This can reduce the risk of a child born with serious birth defects of the spinal cord or brain.
Help explain the risks that come if you drink alcohol or use illegal drugs, and also answer questions about what prescription or over the counter medications are safe or not safe for you to take during pregnancy.
Perform blood tests to check your health and for infections that can affect pregnancy including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, rubella, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
Discuss immunizations and recommend a flu or COVID vaccine if you haven’t already received them.
Do a complete physical exam, which may include a pelvic exam.
Offer genetic testing: screening for Down syndrome and other chromosomal fetal abnormalities, cystic fibrosis, or other specialized testing depending on your medical history.
Talk with you about how to avoid toxic substances in foods or your environment.
If your pregnancy is healthy, your health care provider will help determine a care plan and regular schedule for visits. For a normal pregnancy it’s typically a visit each month during the first and second trimesters and more frequent visits during your third trimester. If you have a chronic health condition or complications during pregnancy you may need to be seen more often.
Your provider will also discuss any symptoms you are having or may experience during this time of your pregnancy.
Some of the common symptoms during the first trimester and why they occur:
Feeling tired – Your body is working hard to adjust to all the new physical changes. This can cause extreme fatigue. You may need to sleep longer than usual at night or take naps. Your energy will likely return in the second trimester.
Morning sickness – may include nausea and/or vomiting. It’s caused by pregnancy hormones. It’s fairly common in the first trimester. Morning sickness can occur at any time of day. Certain foods or smells might trigger these symptoms. Eating a saltine cracker, dry cereal or toast first thing in the morning before you get out of bed may help, as you may feel more nausea on an empty stomach. Morning sickness usually goes away by the second trimester.
There are over-the-counter vitamins and herbal supplements that may help with morning sickness. Taking vitamin B6 may help with nausea, even though it may not prevent vomiting. Ginger supplements also may relieve nausea.
Frequent urination – as your uterus grows, it pushes on your bladder. You may even leak a little urine when you cough or sneeze.
Lightheadedness – your body works overtime to make extra blood to support your baby and this can cause dizziness. If you are too hungry you might feel lightheaded.
Heartburn – This occurs because the muscles that break down food become more relaxed during pregnancy and hormone changes slow down the digestive process to give your body more time to absorb nutrients. Heartburn may increase in later pregnancy. Over the counter remedies such as Tums can help.
Constipation – The iron in prenatal vitamins may lead to constipation. Be sure to drink 6-8 glasses of water and eat fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, beans, legumes, fresh vegetables and fruit. And keep moving by walking or exercising.
Skin changes – With hormones causing increased blood circulation and extra oil production, you may have a “pregnancy glow.” You may also have flares of acne.
Breast changes – The hormones in your body change to prepare for breastfeeding. As this occurs, your breasts may feel tender and swollen. You might notice small bumps forming in the area around your nipples. Your breasts may feel bigger and fuller.
Vaginal changes – The lining of your vagina will become thicker and less sensitive. It’s normal to have a thin, white vaginal discharge or mild vaginal bleeding (spotting). However, call your doctor if you have significant vaginal bleeding. If the bleeding is heavy or painful, go to an emergency room.
Expanding waistline – Your waistline will expand as your baby and uterus grow larger. You may not notice this change until the second trimester. It is normal to gain no or little weight in your first trimester.
Emotional changes – Hormones change significantly during pregnancy, and you may feel moody, forgetful, or unable to focus. Fatigue and stress can increase these symptoms. Take time for yourself and practice self-care.
Your baby’s development during the first trimester, week by week
Conception usually happens about 2 weeks after the start of your last menstrual period (LMP).
You may not know the exact day you get pregnant. Healthcare providers use your LMP to find out how far along you are in pregnancy.
During weeks 3-4, the fertilized egg moves through the fallopian tubes towards your uterus and attaches to the lining of the uterus. Once it’s implanted, it begins to grow and the placenta forms. At the end of four weeks, you may notice you’ve missed your period.
At week 5, the embryo’s neural tube forms. The neural tube becomes your baby’s brain, spinal cord, and backbone. Tiny buds start to appear that become your baby’s arms and legs. Your baby’s heart and lungs are developing, and your baby’s heart starts to beat. Your embryo is producing hCG, the hormone that can be detected in a pregnancy test.
At week 6, your baby’s heart beats about 105 times a minute. Her nose, mouth, fingers, toes and ears are forming and begin to take shape.
At week 7, your baby’s bones start to form but are still soft. Your baby develops eyelids, but they stay shut. Your baby’s genitals begin to form.
At week 8, all of your baby’s major organs and body systems are developing. The placenta is working.
At week 9, your baby is close to ½ an inch long now. Tiny buds appear that become your baby’s teeth.
At week 10, you may be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat at your prenatal checkup. Fingers and toes continue to develop and your baby’s nails grow.
At week 11, your baby if now officially a fetus and her bones will begin to harden. Her skin is still thin and transparent, but becomes less so over time. Her head makes up about half of her size.
At week 12, your baby’s hands develop faster than her feet. She moves around, but you may not be able to feel her move yet. She’s about 2 inches long and weighs about ½ an ounce
During the first trimester your baby is making vital developments. It’s a critical time to see your provider and make healthy choices and take precautions to keep your baby safe.
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.
Maura Carabello – President and Owner of The Exoro Group
Greg Hughes – Former Utah Speaker of the House- businessman and lobbyist
Biden brings Bears Ears and Grand Stair Case Escalante back to full size Congressional Delegation Reaction:
“President Biden is delivering a devastating blow to the ongoing efforts by our delegation, along with state, local, and tribal leaders, to find a permanent, legislative solution to resolve the longstanding dispute over the boundaries and management of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. Rather than take the opportunity to build unity in a divided region and bring resources and lasting protections to sacred antiquities by seeking a mutually beneficial and permanent legislative solution, President Biden fanned the flames of controversy and ignored input from the communities closest to these monuments. We will continue to support efforts to ensure that our monuments’ boundaries and management reflect the unique stakeholder interest and uses in the area, but today’s “winner take all” mentality moved us further away from that goal.”
I spoke with @POTUS today. I told him the monument announcement runs against Utahns' wishes. I explained that his decision is hurtful and contrary to the Antiquities Act's intention. I offered to work with him on a permenant legislative fix that would protect Utahns' interest.
Yet again, Utah's national monuments are being used as a political football between administrations. The decision to re-expand the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante is a devastating blow to our state, local, and tribal leaders and our delegation.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) with the Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee today demanded the Department of Justice (DOJ) not interfere with local school board meetings or threaten the use of federal law enforcement to deter parents’ free speech. This comes after DOJ issued a memorandum suggesting federal law enforcement may need to assist policing local school board meetings.
Joint Statement by Gov. Spencer Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson:
Recently, a former campaign employee revealed to us that she believed she was the victim of sexual misconduct by our 2020 campaign manager, Austin Cox (no relation). Following this discussion, we placed Austin on administrative leave and engaged an outside firm to conduct an independent investigation.
The investigation, which concluded this week, substantiated the woman’s claims and also found previously unreported hostile conduct towards select members of our team. Although the investigation found that there is cause for Austin termination, he resigned from his position prior to its completion.
“I was devastated to learn of this violation of truest and deeply saddened by the pain it has caused,” Gov. Cox said. “I have apologized to the victim of this misconduct and other campaign staffers who experienced this harmful work environment. I take full responsibility for the failure of the campaign’s policies and procedures to prevent this from happening. The Lt. Governor and I condemn this behavior in the strongest terms and will not tolerate any form of sexual misconduct. We will do everything possible to make sure this never happens again.”
“This brave woman brought her experiences to light despite tremendous risk and personal hardship,” Lt. Gov. Henderson said. “It took incredible courage for her to speak up. We hope that any other victim of sexual or workplace misconduct knows that they have advocated and allies in us.”
Statement from the attorneys of Austin Cox:
We are deeply disappointed in the joint press release issued yesterday via Twitter by Governor Spencer Cox and Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson. Twitter is a powerful forum for advancing political narratives, but it is not the truth.
The personal relationship in question was a long-term relationship between two young single adults. The relationship was ended by our client earlier this year. Our client unequivocally and emphatically denies any allegations to the contrary.
Our client has not had a fair opportunity to share his side of the story. We are confident that any truly fair and impartial investigation would fully vindicate our client from baseless allegations.
Evan McMullin is running to unseat Mike Lee as an independent. Read more.
Last week we talked about SLCP response times- we followed up.
While flu was largely absent last winter, the CDC projects it will come back this year, at the same time COVID-19 will continue to circulate in Utah.
To help keep children and families healthy, experts are recommending flu vaccines for people ages 6 months and older as soon as possible. Flu vaccines are available now at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital’s Flu Shot Spot, and in many doctor’s offices, clinics and pharmacies.
Jade Elliott spoke with Sharon Soutter, RN, who runs the flu shot clinic at Primary Children’s Hospital, about the importance of the flu shot.
“Now more than ever, it’s critical for everyone to get the vaccine to protect themselves and their families, and help our hospitals from being overwhelmed by preventable diseases,” said Dr. Andrew Pavia, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at University of Utah Health and Director of Hospital Epidemiology at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.
For the upcoming flu season, vaccine is important to reduce flu because it can:
Keep individuals from getting sick with flu, reduce the severity of the illness for people who do get flu, and reduce the risk of a flu-associated hospitalization.
Prevent the anxiety and confusion of trying to tell whether symptoms are from flu or COVID-19
Lessen the resulting burden on the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic
Reduce the risk of potential co-infections with both Flu and COVID-19, which might result in more severe illness.
In 2020, there were almost no flu cases in Utah, in large part due to universal masking and fewer in-person gatherings because of pandemic health prevention measures that were in place, Dr. Pavia said.
There have been a handful of confirmed flu cases in Utah this month. It is too soon to know if this signals the return of flu, but epidemiologists are concerned that flu could surge this year while COVID continues to circulate. Utah hospitals and health systems are already stretched thin and non-emergency surgeries are being cancelled. A major flu outbreak could lead to even more problems providing everyone the care they need.
Already, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is recording a rare summer surge, with more than 200 young children diagnosed with RSV every week in Utah since August, according to GermWatch.org. Typically, that surge comes in winter.
“We strongly recommend flu vaccine for people ages 6 months and older, and COVID-19 vaccine for eligible children ages 12 and older to help prevent these serious diseases,” Dr. Pavia said. “Vaccines can help keep children in school, and help parents remain able to work to support their families. They also help people who cannot receive vaccines stay healthy. Limiting the impact of flu can prevent a flu surge that could further stress our exhausted providers and over-burdened hospitals throughout the state.”
Here are some things families can do now:
Get a seasonal flu shot.
Get a COVID-19 vaccine for yourself and children ages 12 and over. This can be received at the same time as the flu shot.
Wash hands often and well, and help children to do the same.
Stay home when ill.
Wear a mask in public particularly in indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.
Maura Carabello – President and Owner of The Exoro Group
Greg Hughes – Former Utah Speaker of the House- businessman and lobbyist
Government Shutdown averted, but not for long: Congress needs to fund the government, deal with the debt ceiling and decide if it will push through POTUS $3.4 trillion-dollar human infrastructure package or the bi-partisan package pushed by Senator Mitt Romney.
Bipartisan infrastructure deal Gives Utah $3.96 Billion over 5 years
Generals Contradict POTUS in Congress saying they advised leaving 2500 troops in Afghanistan.
Salt Lake City Police response times: The Chief says they are understaffed- are they? We break down the numbers of sworn officers you probably haven’t heard.
Gov. Spencer Cox in monthly news conference said no vaccine mandates: He would block any attempt by the Utah legislature to prevent private companies from mandating the vaccine, but also opposes government mandates for the private sector.
S.2840– A bill to permit civil actions against the United States for COVID-19 vaccination mandates.
S.2841– A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publicly disclose information regarding adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
S.2842– A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Defense from requiring that members of the armed forces receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
S.2843– A bill to prohibit the imposition of a fine, fee, or taxation on any person for violation of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or any other executive agency.
S.2846– A bill to require Federal agencies to acknowledge, accept, and agree to truthfully present, natural immunity pertaining to COVID-19 pursuant to promulgating certain regulations.
S.2847– A bill to prohibit the Federal Government from mandating vaccination against COVID-19 for interstate travel.
S.2848– A bill to exempt individuals with a personal health concern from complying with a Federal COVID-19 mandate.
S.2849– A bill to stipulate that nothing in federal law provides a Federal agency with the authority to mandate that an individual be inoculated by a COVID-19 vaccine.
S.2850– A bill to exempt individuals from complying with a Federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate on the basis of a personal belief, and for other purposes.
Utah School Cases The state has seen 9,957 school age cases kids age 5-17 in the month of September. They were predicting 39,000 cases.
Many infants and toddlers experience fear or anxiety. What may be challenging to parents is to know how to soothe their little ones.
Because infants cannot soothe themselves, primary caretakers do that for them – and that helps young children eventually internalize an ability to self-soothe, said Dr. Merrill Kingston, pediatric psychologist at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.
Jade Elliott spoke with Kingston about tips to help your child.
“Infants are not born with a self-soothing function; they depend on primary caretakers to moderate strong emotional states for them, including anxiety,” Dr. Kingston said.
Babies and toddlers often express common fears and anxieties about the following:
Being alone
The dark
Dogs or other big animals
Bugs
Heights
Getting shots or going to the doctor
Unfamiliar or loud noises
Imaginary monsters — the “thing” under the bed
Strangers (6-12 months)
Separation (9-24 months)
But children can learn ways to calm themselves to cope with common fears. To facilitate self-soothing, parents can strive to:
Moderate or limit the amount of external stress-inducing events, such as anger, upset, and absence
Limit developmentally overwhelming or anxiety-inducing influences, such as inappropriate media
Recognize the child’s distress, such as fussing, crying or withdrawal, and provide verbal and physical soothing to calm that distress.
Issues that can interfere with a child learning to self-soothe include:
Primary caretaker absence (inability to recognize and soothe the anxious child)
Primary caretaker or environment is overwhelming, reactive, dangerous, or scary (caretaker mental health struggles, food or housing insecurity, high crime rate, various other traumas).
“We recognize that parents are not perfect,” Dr. Kingston said. “We know, however, when the primary caretaker provides an adequate soothing function enough of the time, and if the external environment does not overwhelm the parent’s soothing abilities, the developing child will start to internalize the soothing function and begin to soothe himself or herself.”
While most fears and anxieties dissipate in time, there can be concern when they persist beyond developmental timelines, interfere with feeding or sleep, or when the child’s distress cannot be calmed.
In such cases, parents are urged to reach out to their pediatrician or medical provider, seek a psychological assessment or intervention, or contact family services.
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.
