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Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder. About 1 in 800 babies are born with it.

Holly Menino sits down with Dr. Jennifer Goldman-Luthy, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah and works in the University Pediatric Clinic and the University Hospital Nursery, on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast. Together, they discuss Down syndrome, how it is diagnosed and how it impacts a newborn baby.

  What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?

•  Facial features can include epicanthal folds (the way the eyelids cover the inner corner of the eye) and upslanting eyes, sometimes with white spots in the colored part of the eye (Brushfield spots); low set, small ears; flatter nose and flatter face; small mouth or tongue that sticks out.
• The body can have: short neck with extra skin at the back of the neck, a single palmar crease, wide hands with shorter fingers, short stature, a deep groove between the first and second toes.
• Mild to severe intellectual disability (most are mild to moderate).
• Low muscle tone which can make it harder to roll over, sit up, and walk as early as other kids, and can make it hard to swallow safely.
• Increased risk for: congenital heart defects, problems with development of the intestines or not swallowing safely, reflux, constipation, respiratory/breathing problems including sleep apnea, impaired hearing, vision problems like cataracts, celiac disease, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukemia or other blood disorders, thyroid conditions, problems with the stability of the upper spine, shorter attention span and impulsivity, delayed speech, repetitive mannerisms (tics), autism, and behavioral problems.

 How is it diagnosed?

During pregnancy:

• Routine pregnancy screening could detect about 90% of babies with Down syndrome.
• Not all choose to get the screening done. To learn about screenings and genetic testing listing to this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast.
• So only about 50% of babies with Down syndrome are detected before delivery.

How can I learn more about Down syndrome?

• Medical Home Portal website
• National Down Syndrome Congress website
• National Down Syndrome Society website

  To learn about Baby Gwen and her parents’ journey after learning Gwen had down syndrome, 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.

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Child abuse is something we don’t talk much about, but we need to talk about in order to stop it.

Holly Menino sits down with Dr. Corey Rood, a child abuse pediatrician at the University of Utah School of Medicine and Primary Children’s Hospital, on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast. Together they discuss how to recognize child abuse and what to do if you suspect it.

 1 in 5 kids will be sexually abused nation wide before they turn 18. Last year, there were 10,600 substantiated victims of child abuse in Utah.

In 2017, 1,720 kids died nationwide due to child abuse. The number of children who die of child abuse is about the same number of kids who die of cancer in a year. Cancer isn’t fully curable or preventable yet, but child abuse is.

•  If you see something, say something! Utah adults by law are obligated to report suspected child abuse.
•  Abuse is any action that causes or threatens harm. 
  Forms of abuse can include:

1. Physical
2.  Neglect
3.  Emotional
4.  Sexual

• If you see or suspect child abuse: Report it. It’s your responsibility. To report child abuse:

1. Call the Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-855-323-DCFS (3237)
2. Call Law Enforcement

•  Reporting is anonymous and safe. You don’t have to confront someone you suspect is harming a child.

  For more information on preventing and reporting child abuse, 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.

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When your child is between the age of 18 months and 3-years-old, it’s time to start thinking about potty training. The best time to start is when your child starts to show an interest in the potty.

Holly Menino sits down with Jackie Swan, the early Intervention Program Director at Summit County Health Department on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast.  Together they discuss when to know if your child is ready for potty training and the best ways to teach them.

 Question: What are signs that children are ready for potty training?

Answer: Around 18 months, children develop control over their bowel and bladder. Some kids are ready at 18 months and some at age 3. Your child is ready when they stay dry for at least two hours at a time, recognize that they are urinating or having a bowel movement, develops physical skills that are critical for potty training including walking, pulling down pants, getting onto potty, coping parents toiling behavior, follows simple instructions, wants to wear big boy pants, doesn’t like to be in soiled diaper and asks to be changed.

Question: What are some pre-training tips?

Answer: Take trips to the bathroom to practice the routine, even when the child is still wearing diapers, change the diaper in the bathroom.

Question: What are signs not to start potty training?

Answer: When your child is going through significant changes in their life, it might be a good time to wait. Examples include: moving, change of child care arrangements, switching crib to bed, new baby, illness, death in family or crisis. If it’s a stressful time and you see more accidents, this is normal. Take a break and come back when things have settled down.

 Question: What should I avoid when potty training?

Answer: Be matter of fact and without lots of emotion, toilet training can have lots of power struggles because the toddler wants control. Don’t force your toddler to use the toilet, avoid power struggles, don’t talk about potty training or doing anything about it for a while until your child shows signs of readiness and interest again.

 Once Upon a Potty and Everyone Poops are two recommended books to read with your child.

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.

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If you are returning to work after having a baby, you will need to start planning weeks ahead of time. Sometimes, you even need to start while you’re still pregnant.

Holly Menino sat down with nurse Dani Kurtz from Intermountain Moms on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast. Together, they discuss how to prepare yourself and your baby for going back to work.

 Daycare: who you’re going to leave your baby with is probably one of the most stressful aspects of going back to work.

• Search during early pregnancy for daycare.
• Factors to consider when choosing a daycare.
• Once you’ve picked a daycare, get to know them.
• Downside: illness. It’s bound to happen.
• Pro: socialization

Separation Anxiety: parents have more of it than babies.

• At the young age of 2-3 months when mothers typically go back to work, a baby doesn’t understand object permanence
• You can give your baby smaller and shorter doses of separation at home before having to do it the first time.
• While on maternity leave look for opportunities to leave your baby with a trusted caregiver for short amounts of time-go on a date, run some errands by yourself.
• That dreaded moment when you leave your crying baby in someone else’s arms is rough—but rest assured that you’ll probably cry more than your child.

Breastfeeding/Pumping: how does it all work when going back to work?

• It is definitely possible to continue nursing a baby after going back to work! The key is maintaining milk supply by pumping about as often as your baby eats while you’re gone.
• Nurse in the morning before leaving for work and plan the rest of your day’s pumping schedule off of that first feeding.
• Talk with your boss about a safe and comfortable place to pump while you’re at work.
• To be most efficient, purchase or rent an electric double breast pump
• Be prepared with videos of your baby cooing and crying

 Plan ahead

• Pack bags and plan outfits the night before. Do whatever you can to make the morning easier.
• If possible, make plans with your boss to work from home part time.

Make time for you.

• This is much easier said than done, but think of yourself as a cell phone with limited battery power. If you don’t get charged, you’ll be just like your phone and shut down. At that point, you’re no good to yourself or anyone else!

  For more information 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.