Bringing your new baby home is an exciting and stressful time for the whole family, including your family pet. Whether it is a dog, cat, bird, fish, or any other animal, there will be changes for you and for them when a new baby comes home.
Jade Elliott sits down with Kaitlin Carpenter, MD, a pediatrician with Intermountain Healthcare, to discuss the best ways to introduce your baby to a family pet on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast.
Some studies have shown that children with pets in their home at an early age have less risk of developing asthma by age 7. Another study showed that children with dogs or cats in their home in the first year of life had fewer and less severe respiratory infections. While the precise cause is unclear, these positive outcomes could be a result of good exposures and possibly because the children are building a health microbiome with help from a pet.
There are some easy things new parents can do to ease the transition for babies and pets:
Before the baby comes home, prepare your animal.
Mess with their food while they are eating.
Gently pull on ears and tails.
Some parents will even play loud crying noises.
Consider getting your stroller out so that the animal can get used to it.
Give your animal their own space.
Find a good place outside.
If possible, block off the area with the pet’s food bowl so that it doesn’t become a temptation for babies.
Place cat litter boxes well out of reach
Make sure aquariums are high enough that little hands can’t reach them to pull them over.
First introductions are important
Even the best animal may not react normally. Always watch your animal around your baby. Cats often like to sit on babies. Dogs like to lick babies’ faces.
Just like siblings need extra attention when a new baby comes home, it’s also important to give your pets some extra attention when possible. Include them on walks with the stroller. A few extra belly rubs can go a long way.
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.
In this episode, Dave Seymour gives us an inside glimpse into his unabridged passion for teaching others the art for business transactions and success.
About Dave Seymour: Dave Seymour, a retired 16 year veteran of the Fire Service launched his Real Estate career over a decade ago, rapidly becoming one of the Countries top investors. Within his first few years, Dave transacted 10’s of millions of dollars of real estate and has become one of the Nation’s leading experts in commercial multi-family transactions. His unabridged passion for business and Real Estate put him on the radar of A&E television network as well as multiple news organizations like CBS, ABC, CNBC, and FOX News. “Flipping Boston” aired on A&E for multiple seasons. Dave has been sought after, as a no nonsense investor with zero tolerance for inefficiency and speculation. Dave is well-known for doing business alongside investors of all experience levels. He has helped accredited investors on their very first deal as well as guided some of the largest investment firms in the nation through complex transactions. Dave’s blue collar attitude in a white collar world is why investors seek his advice and want to invest alongside his team at Freedom Venture Investments. Dave has disrupted the Private Equity landscape allowing investors access to institutional quality CRE assets that have typically only been for the elite.
When you find out you’re pregnant you are faced with many choices. One of those choices is whether to have a physician or midwife care for you during your pregnancy and birth. Depending on where you live, you might think that only physicians care for women in pregnancy but, midwives are a safe choice for most women.
Jade Elliott sits down with certified nurse midwife, Emily Hart Hayes from Intermountain Healthcare , on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast to discuss the philosophy of midwifery, what to look for and when you are considering who to care for you and your baby during pregnancy and birth.
In the U.S., certified nurse midwives and certified midwives attend 8 percent of births and the rate is about 12 percent if you look at just vaginal births. In Utah, midwives attend about 10 percent of births.
The philosophy behind midwifery
The word midwife means “with woman.” The midwifery model of care focuses on individualized care that is a partnership between the pregnant person and the provider. They focus on health, wellness, and prevention; and use interventions at lower rates when complications arise. Midwives approach pregnancy as a normal physiologic event in a woman’s life. While complications can arise, they are trained to identify and manage those complications, and refer or consult with physician colleagues when warranted.
The advantages of seeing a midwife
Typically, midwives allow more time during prenatal visits and can also provide additional support during labor and birth. Midwives provide the same prenatal screening tests physicians do, including lab tests, ultrasounds, blood pressure checks, and monitoring for complications. Midwives generally have the philosophy to use interventions judiciously. For example, they may not break your bag of waters to speed up the birth process as long as labor is progressing normally.
Midwives offer continuous labor support and that has been shown to decrease the chance of Caesarean section. Midwives will typically intervene as needed. They can prescribe medications and use medications to induce labor. They care for women who are laboring with or without epidural anesthesia for pain relief, and they may recommend a c-section be performed. Midwives generally don’t do a routine episiotomy or order a routine hydration IV, although an IV may routinely be placed for emergencies. They allow moms to eat and drink during normal labor if they desire.
There are many different types of midwives
There are many ways to become a midwife and the laws are different in different states. In Utah, Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) earn their bachelor’s degree and become registered nurses first, and then go on to receive a Master’s or Doctorate degree in nurse midwifery. The vast majority of CNMs attend births in the hospital. Some states also license certified midwives (CMs) who pass the same certification exams as CNMs but who have entered the profession from a non-nursing background.
In Utah, there are also certified professional midwives (CPMs) who see women at home or in birth centers for pregnancy and birth. Utah also has direct entry and unlicensed midwives who attend deliveries at home. In Utah, only certified nurse midwives have privileges at hospitals, and some CNMs also practice in and out of hospital settings.
If you are considering a midwife who practices outside of the hospital, learn about their certification and licensure, and find out what the conditions are for transfer to a hospital.
Look for a midwife with formal education that leads to state licensure
Nationally, 98 percent of certified nurse midwives deliver in hospitals. If you prefer to deliver in a hospital, find out if your midwife is licensed to do so. Ask questions, share your birth goals and health history to find a provider who can attend to your specific needs.
There are many studies that show that midwifery care for healthy pregnant women is as safe or even sometimes safer than physician-led care. From a health systems perspective, midwifery care is cost-effective, because it results in fewer unnecessary interventions such as Cesarean section. Preterm birth rates are also lower in women who receive their prenatal care from a midwife.
Midwives provide general women’s care and can manage some complications during pregnancy
Midwives may care for you if you have health problem that arises before or during your pregnancy, whether independently or jointly with an OB/Gyn or maternal fetal medicine specialist. They care for women with gestational diabetes and pregnancy induced high blood pressure, depending on the setting, and they can attend births for women who have had a previous Cesarean birth.
There are even midwives who work collaboratively with physicians who jointly care for women with high risk chronic conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases.
Midwives aren’t just for pregnancy and birth. You can also see a midwife for general women’s primary care and gynecological issues such as pap smears, annual exams, birth control and family planning, immunizations including the HPV vaccine, and breast exams. Midwives care for women throughout the lifespan, from puberty to menopause and beyond. And yes, there are some male midwives.
How are doulas and midwives different?
A doula offers guidance and help with your comfort during labor. A doula will provide physical and emotional support for you and your partner during labor and birth. A doula will also foster a positive environment and support good communication between you and your healthcare team.
A doula cannot perform clinical or medical tasks including taking blood pressure or temperature, checking fetal heart tones or adjust monitors, or do vaginal exams. A doula also cannot diagnose medical conditions or present your options for medical care.
To learn more about midwives or to find one in your area, click here.
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.
In this episode, Brandon Fugal gives us a glimpse into the mind and heart of a serial entrepreneur.
About Brandon Fugal: Brandon Fugal is the owner of Skinwalker Ranch. As the Chairman of Colliers International in Utah, Brandon is one of the most prominent businessmen and real estate developers in the Intermountain West.
It’s not something that is often talked about, but alcohol use can impact dads and dads-to-be.
Jade Elliot sat down with Marcela Smid, MD, maternal-fetal medicine, University of Utah Health, on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast to discuss the negative effects of heavy alcohol use in dads.
For healthy men under the age of 65: more than 4 drinks per day or more than 14 drinks per week may indicate risky drinking.
Alcohol and other drug use has a familial component, and 40-60% of alcohol use disorder are attributed to genetic/familial components.
Alcohol use among fathers-to-be may decrease fertility among couples with infertility. Among couples experiencing fertility issues, alcohol use may decrease sperm count and motility.
Heavy alcohol use is associated with decreased paternal attachment to infants and increased maternal depressions.
Any substance use disorders increases the risk of substance use disorder in children.
Click here to listen to the Baby Your Baby Podcast on alcohol use before and during pregnancy.
For information on mental health and substance use disorder treatment services, click here.
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.
In this episode, Sharlene Wells — the first foreign-born bilingual Miss America and first woman reporter hired at ESPN, shares her understanding of distinction and how to differentiate yourself from the crowd. Sharlene also served as the U.S. Department of Defense appointee for women in the military and worked in the pentagon.
About Sharlene Wells: Sharlene Wells is a Paraguayan-American author, singer, and reporter from Salt Lake City, Utah who was Miss America 1985. She worked with ESPN from 1987 to 2002 and was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Defense to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Armed Forces in 2015.
Hunsaker sat down hours after the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.
“I applaud the decision by the court to return legislative power on this sensitive issue. That is not part of our constitution. It is not enumerated as a right of the federal government.”
As a pro-life candidate Hunsaker said he will “advocate for the unborn” as a believer in the sanctity of life. He acknowledges “there are many ways that we can and should at the state level, empower families, empower expectant parents, through resources and education.”
Hunsaker discussed his position on the following issues:
Leading up to the election, the only Congressional race where there was not a debate was in Utah’s CD4.
Heidi Hatch sat down with Congressman Burgess Owens and challenger Jake Hunsaker to give voters an opportunity to hear from both candidates.
Owens’s interview was recorded Thursday, June 23 prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe V Wade and the passing of gun legislation in Congress- The Congressman joining by phone from his office in Washington D.C.
Jake Hunsaker joined Heidi Hatch in studio Friday June 24th after both the ruling and votes in Congress.
Sooner or later your baby or child will be exposed to germs and may end up getting sick. If your baby goes to daycare or to other places they may interact with many children such as a church nursery, play group or public play areas, they may get sick at a younger age, but that does help them build immunity. Some children may not be exposed to a lot of germs until they start attending pre-school or school. Either way, your child will eventually be exposed to some common illnesses.
Jade Elliott sat down with Dr. Shellie Ring, a pediatrician with Intermountain Healthcare to talk about common contagious illnesses your baby might be exposed to at daycare or other public settings.
Some of the most contagious diseases among babies and young children:
RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus. Common contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract among children under age two. Symptoms are similar to a cold, but if it progresses it can affect breathing and become serious. When babies can’t breathe well, they may refuse to breastfeed or bottle-feed. They may get dehydrated and not produce wet diapers. Call your doctor if you see these symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if breathing is rapid or significantly impaired or lips or fingernails turn blue.
Pink Eye
The official name for pink eye is conjunctivitis which is when the membrane that lines your eyelid becomes inflamed. Symptoms in the eye are redness, itchiness, grittiness, discharge that forms a crust during the night and make it difficult for your baby to open their eye in the morning.
It’s very contagious and can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction or in newborns by an incompletely opened tear duct.
If your young child is around someone who has pink eye, take these precautions: wash hands often, don’t touch your eyes. Don’t share towels or washcloths and use a clean towel and washcloth daily.
Treatment for pink eye involves symptom relief. Clean the eyelids with a clean, wet cloth. Applying a cold or warm compress. Prescription antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed and are very effective.
Stomach viruses and diarrhea
Viral gastroenteritis is very common and very contagious. Your baby can get it from sharing a cup or utensils with someone who has the virus or coming into contact with infected fecal matter, and then put their hand in their mouth, which can happen a lot in daycare settings.
Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, chills, achiness. It’s important to keep them home from daycare if they have these symptoms.
When your baby has frequent diarrhea and vomiting, it’s important to keep them clean and dry, change their soiled clothes and bedding. Wash fabrics in the hottest, longest cycle available. Dry them on high heat.
Treatment for gastroenteritis is to keep your baby hydrated. Depending on your baby’s age and how much they’re vomiting, your doctor may recommend an oral electrolyte solution. If your baby is eating solid foods ask your doctor whether they should eat their regular diet.
Hand Foot Mouth Disease
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, runny nose, and then a blister-like rash on the hands, feet or in the mouth. Children are contagious during the first week and remain contagious until the rash has disappeared.
Treatment for hand, foot mouth disease mostly involves treating the symptoms. The disease should end within 7-10 days. Age-appropriate doses of over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help with sore throat pain. Do not give aspirin to babies or children as it can cause Reye’s Syndrome. Depending on your child’s age sore throats may be eased with cold or frozen foods like fruit popsicles or yogurt. Children over three can benefit from over the counter sore throat sprays that contain pain reliever.
How to help prevent your child from getting sick
The younger your baby is the more you’ll want to avoid public areas during cold and flu season and avoid being around people that are sick.
Importance of proper hand washing and using sanitizer for young children and caregivers before eating and after diaper changing, using the bathroom, touching pets, being in public spaces or if anyone has symptoms.
Changing tables and potty chairs, should be sanitized after each use at daycare. Toys and other items frequently touched like bathroom fixtures, drinking fountains, doorknobs or handles should be sanitized daily.
Keep your baby up to date on their immunizations
For diseases that can be prevented with vaccines, such as flu, chicken pox, measles, whooping cough, etc. be sure to talk to your doctor to keep your baby up to date on their immunizations.
Click here for more information about viruses and where in Utah they are active.
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.
