Expecting Parentsmarch 2012

An Independent supplement by medIAplAnet to usA todAy Dress for two Banking on the future the do’s and don’ts of A different kind of maternity fashion insurance expecting parentsMarch 2012

Ey parenthood nn E actress kaitlin Olson shares her story of pregnancy, parenthood,

Photo: Patrick McElh Patrick Photo: and expecting for the second time around 2 · mArch 2012 An Independent supplement by medIAplAnet to usA todAy cHaLLenges every minute in the us 130 babies are born; 190,000 are born each day; and just over 4 million are born each year. Pregnancy—and parenthood—is an industry and event that makes the world go round. WE rEcoMMEMMEnnDD March for babies healthy babies are worth the wait planning for parenthood pAGe 10 s doctors special- ob-gyn about preconception care. lar prenatal visits thereafter. Your izing in women’s Planning for pregnancy before it doctor will monitor you and your ExPEcting ParEnts, sEconD EDition, March 2012 health, ob-gyns becomes reality provides you with baby, track your progress through- see our patients the opportunity to prepare your out your pregnancy, and treat any publisher: Becky Weinstein [email protected] through numer- body and minimize risk factors problems that may arise. He or business developer: Paul herron ous life stages, that could stand in the way of your she can counsel you on nutrition, [email protected] designer: ariela anelli from adolescence becoming pregnant. Your doc- healthy weight gain, and recom- [email protected] through menopause. Pregnancy is tor may suggest that you lose (or mended prenatal screenings. Managing director: luciana colapinto a [email protected] a significant milestone for many gain) weight to achieve a healthy Scheduled visits also provide editorial Manager: sara Quigley women and is often accompanied body mass index, and can help you with the opportunity to ask [email protected] by the most questions: Will I have you get existing health problems questions, address concerns, contributors: James n. martin, Jr., a healthy pregnancy? What will and unhealthy habits, such as and plan for your baby’s arrival. Mary ann georgantopoulos, Dr. JE Ellington, Frances Verter, amy tara labor be like? How will a baby affect diabetes, high blood pressure, and James n. Martin, Jr, Md At each prenatal visit, be sure to koch, Michael gunch, kenneth lyons my work, lifestyle, and finances? smoking, under control. You may president, the Amer ican congress of discuss any special concerns you Jones, March of Dimes, Juvenile obstetricians and Gynecologists (AcoG) Products Manufacturers association, When (exactly) can I eat sushi, also be advised to start an exer- might have, such as the available Joseph shamie hot dogs, and unpasteurized cise program, eat a healthier diet, types of pain relief during labor, tiP! distributed within: cheese again? and take a prenatal vitamin that the medical reasons for a cesarean Usa today, March 2012 contains folic acid—an essential prepare for your delivery or labor induction, or how this section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve Usa know the facts vitamin necessary for fetal brain pregnancy to recognize when you’re in labor. today or its Editorial Departments. Being informed is the best way to development. As partners in women’s get ready for your baby, ease your If you are planning to health, ob-gyns want all mind, and know what to expect stay connected become pregnant, it is women to have a healthy and from your body. Having a reliable Regardless of whether your a good idea to have a positive pregnancy experience. source to turn to for questions pregnancy was planned—or pre-conception care Schedule an appointment FolloW Us on FacEBook & tWittEr! and advice is of the utmost impor- unplanned, as nearly half of all checkup. today. Our door is open. facebook.com/Mediaplanetusa tance. Enter your trusted ob-gyn. pregnancies in the US are—early The first 8 weeks twitter.com/Mediaplanetusa The American College of Obste- prenatal care is key. You should of pregnancy are key mediaplanet’s business is to create new tricians and Gynecologists rec- see your doctor as soon as pos- for the baby growing customers for our advertisers by providing ommends that all women con- sible after discovering that you are inside you. James n. martin, Jr., acog readers with high quality editorial content that motivates them to act. sidering pregnancy talk to their pregnant and continue with regu- [email protected]

4 · mArch 2012 An Independent supplement by medIAplAnet to usA todAy news preventative advancements in prenatal care For the past generation, “MTHFR can reduce your abil- shown superiority to folic acid in can minimize complications. The folic acid has been the ity to break down folic acid any- reducing the risk of several preg- new folate has been helpful in the gold standard for prenatal where from 30-70 percent of the nancy complications. Several new synthesis of red blood cells in my care—thanks in large part intended amount,” explains Dr. prenatal products with L-meth- OB patients which can reduce the to the evidence surround- Kimberly Fillmore, MD, OB/GYN. ylfolate are now available with a risk of anemia.” ing the prevention of neural “Many scientific publications are prescription throughout the U.S. For general health and preg- tube defects in newborns. beginning to highlight MTHFR “Prenatals with the new nancy, many patients still ben- and connect it to many pregnancy L-methylfolate have a tremen- efit from using traditional folic

“I see many patients with recur- complications including: neural Photo: IStoCKPhoto.CoM dous advantage over the type with acid. However, for many doctors rent pregnancy loss and infertil- tube defects, miscarriage, ane- just folic acid,” says Dr. Kristin and selective OB patients, the ity,” says Dr. Christopher Sipe, MD, mia, preterm birth, and low birth success without switching to the Kroeker, MD, OB/GYN. “I strongly advancements in better folate OB/GYN. “I’ve begun prescribing weight. Most prescription prena- more active form of folate.” encourage OB patients with a his- could mean all the difference. a vitamin with L-methylfolate to tal vitamins contain 1 milligram There are now some prenatal tory of pregnancy problems to reduce concerns around homo- of folic acid. Historically, doctors vitamins that contain a more switch to this new approach. For cysteine and MTHFR polymor- have tried adding extra folic acid “active” form of folic acid, known moms starting a family at an older michael gunch phism issues. but not all patients are achieving as L-methylfolate, which have age, using active L-methylfolate [email protected] An Independent supplement by medIAplAnet to usA todAy mArch 2012 · 5 insigHtt Medications, pregnancy and you

■ why is it important for an It’s important to know which choices for her own health they might be eligible for, or expecting mom to consult an medications are okay to take and that of her baby. Being “being an informed women can look at registries expert about medications and and which should be avoided. an informed mother-to-be is mother-to-be is listed on the FDA “Pregnancy other exposures during If a woman and her doc - the best route to a healthy the best route to a Registries” page at fda.gov. pregnancy? tor know the most up-to-date baby. information on the medica- healthy baby.” Kenneth Lyons Jones, MD, When approached by moms of tions for her condition and ■ why should a pregnant tion can be used safely in preg- is a pediatrician and professor children with birth defects, I their effects on her developing woman consider participat- nancy. One of the only ways of at the University of California, often get the question, “What baby, they can make the best ing in a pregnancy registry? conducting research on these San Diego. could I have done differently choice for both mother and All new medications are tested medications is through vol - to possibly avoid this?” Some baby. in volunteers (clinical trials) unteer–based studies usually things that might affect the It’s best to talk to your doc - before they are approved by the called pregnancy registries. health of her baby, like fam - tor immediately or seek out FDA; however, we cannot test Pregnancy registries rely on ily history, a mother cannot information from specialists these medications in pregnant pregnant women to enroll, change. However, there are in the field who can go over women. This means that for answer questions about their other things a mother does all the things that a woman most new drugs (and for many pregnancy, and to report on the have some control over, like the is taking, doing, or exposed older ones), we simply do not health of their baby after birth. medications she might need to, and help guide her and have any research data to tell Women can ask their doctor Kenneth lyons Jones to take during her pregnancy. her doctor to make the best us whether or not a medica - about any pregnancy registries [email protected]

PREGNANT? BREASTFEEDING? YOU HAVE QUESTIONS... WE HAVE ANSWERS.

Should I be worried about taking my inhaler during pregnancy? I recently got the HPV vaccine and didn’t realize I was pregnant. Will this aﬀect my pregnancy? How might my asthma be Call toll-free today aﬀecting my baby in the (877) 311-8972 womb? 6 · mArch 2012 An Independent supplement by medIAplAnet to usA todAyAy inspiratiOn “you owe it to your baby to make sure

MUst rEaD tiPs! his mom and baby Making 101 dad are strong

On any given day, about 11 mil- and happy.” lion American couples are trying to conceive a child. Close to ‘it’s always sunny’ inp arenthOOd 15 percent of couples will end kaitlin Olson and rob Mcelhenney stay up infertile. strong as parents through laughter and living moment-to-moment. leFt Photo: tuMBler Photo: Brantley GutIerrez increase your chances of conceiving: ■ Have intercourse every one to two days starting soon after your actress Kaitlin olson tacKles period, for the best chance. Also, intercourse at least three times a week is almost as good. modern day parenting ■■ “Everyday” personal lubri- ■ Question: how does a McElhenney, as silly and Axel. Olson spent all her down “Every baby is different, every cants are as toxic to sperm as busy actress juggle working, playful. time with him, and plans to do the labor is different, and your job is contraceptive gels. Don’t use parenting and prepping for With the production of ‘Sunny’ same with the second baby. to be present and prepared to live them if you are ready to be baby number two? wrapped up, Olson and McElhen- Olson also stressed the impor- moment-to-moment,” she says. pregnant. ■ answer: she and her ney take advantage of the time to tance of spending time with her Olson now knows, though, that ■■ Women’s “fertile window”, husband keep the humor alive do things as a family. husband, away from their son. all parents should accept help. when the egg is ready for a and accept a little help from “They play together while I “There is a reason just about “Let your friends and family sperm cell, covers six days end- their friends. make breakfast, and we all eat everyone you know says that the bring over food or watch the baby ing on the day of ovulation. together before Rob leaves for first year of a baby’s life is difficult while you nap,” she says. ■■ Women over 35 years of age When her son Axel was just work,” says Olson. on a marriage. It’s hard!” she says. While parenthood “is the most need to consult a fertility spe- 10 months old, Kaitlin Olson While McElhenney is at work, “You owe it to your baby to make amazing thing in the world,” it cialist if you have been trying to learned she was pregnant with Olson and Axel go on walks and sure his mom and dad are strong can also be taxing on a relation- conceive for six months or more her second child—another boy! to the park. During his naptime and happy.” ship. without success. Due April 1, the “It’s Always Sunny she runs errands and goes to “You can sit and dwell on ■■ Smoking, or drinking more in Philadelphia” actress reflects meetings. preparing for another baby things and make them worse than two servings of alcohol or on motherhood thus far. Her day ends just as it began: Armed with the knowledge and worse, or you can just make caffeine each day, can decrease enjoying a meal with her son that you can’t anticipate every- the other person laugh and fertility and should be avoided balancing work and play and husband. thing during a pregnancy, move on.” when trying to conceive. Olson describes herself as the When working on ‘Sunny,’ Olson realizes that some- Joanna ellington, phD nurturing and patient par- Olson and McElhenney set up times, “you just let go and mary ann georgantopoulos [email protected] ent and her husband, Rob a trailer with a crib and toys for roll with it.” [email protected]

8 · mArch 2012 An Independent supplement by medIAplAnet to usA todAy insigHt

You’ve heard of fashionistas, but can one really be a pregnantista? Absolutely. All you need is creativity, confidence and a whole lot of accessories. thE Do’s anD Don’ts oF PrEgnancy Fashion Dos & Don’ts: Don’t Finessing the incredible Bulk • Wear frumpifying calf-length dresses. • Trade your chic hobo bag for a scuzzy Cheetos- sack Do lled . • • Invest in a multitasking V-neck black dress. Wear sensible shoes—frumpola! • Let your bump guide your fashion choices • Think your inner radiance negates the need for makeup. by sporting the kind of groovy garments “Bump up” your style that you would choose in your civilian state—for • Say goodbye to your hair colorist . Most example, a maxidress, a halter dress, trimesterhair dyes are completelyone: safe during pregnancy. are key as they can be dressed a baby-doll. h•ow stop to exercising mask . your mound up or down. • Eat large quantities of salt. You will swell. • Wear big accessories (especially a huge tote till week 13 ■■ A maternity black stretchy bag) to match the bravado of your bump. Everywhere. • Buy fabric and have your tailor re-create your For most women, the in-between- pencil skirt can take you to the favorite dresses in larger sizes. bump-and-bloat phase of preg- office and out to dinner. • Showcase your cleavage at every opportunity. nancy is the most difficult. Here’s ■■ The most important compo- • Wear fishnets. • Wear pregnancy shapewear to hold everything the skinny: you’re really not nent of maternity style is strate- in. that big yet. Hold off on heading gic layering. Add scarves and jew- • Look to accessories to pull a look together. to a maternity shop and mask- elry for a pop of color or contrast- • Invest in shimmer and bronzer. ing your newfound curves with ing texture. loosely fitting camouflage clothing. Check your closet for body trimester three: skimming tunics, drapey blouses, how to wow aMy tara kOch empire waist and shift dresses. style expert and author of bump it Trimester three is all about the These waistline-free silhouettes up: transform your pregnancy into tips and tricks to look longer offer style and coverage in all of the ultimate style statement and leaner. Jewelry is a woman’s Photo: aMy tara KoCh the right places. Remember, if you secret weapon. Shoulder-grazing go baggy on top, counter the vol- ■ some guidelines: earrings emphasize your neck and ume with a tailored bottom like ■ Think long and lean. Black put focus on your face. A wide cuff jeans or leggings. should be the foundation of bracelet will enhance your wrist, your pregnancy wardrobe. It’s one of the few areas pregnancy trimester two: chic. It matches everything and weight does not manifest. Heels 134 Bump it Up do! don’t! Second Trimester:Maternity channel moxieYour inner Fashion editor 135is the most slimming color on visually lengthen your silhouette. ■ Wear fishnets. ■ Stop exercising. By month four, your belly is pro- the planet. With the absence of a waistline, ■ Wear pregnancy shapewear. ■ Wear ‘frumpifying’ calf-length dresses. nounced enough to warrant serious ■■ Say goodbye to blousy and go a strategically placed belt above ■ Invest in shimmer and bronzer. ■ Wear sensible shoes, ‘frumpola’! maternity gear. But hang on. You don’t form fitting. A super long black or below the belly gives a sense ■ Showcase your cleavage. ■ Say goodbye to your hair colorist. need to replace your entire closet with Lycra tank top is a must have to of shape. A flowy scarf adds color ■ Use accessories to pull a look together. ■ Eat lots of salt. You will swell. maternity specific clothing. Invest wear with jeans and skirts. and makes you look taller. ■ Invest in shimmer and bronzer. only in multi-tasking staples—your ■■ Black leggings are a slimming amy tara Koch uniform—that can be dressed up and foil for a voluminous top or dress. amy tara Koch [email protected] dressed down. Dark denim pregnancy jeans [email protected] An Independent supplement by medIAplAnet to usA todAy mArch 2012 · 9 news Banking on the future ■ Question: Why bank sickle cell anemia. Luckily, offered a grim prognosis, includ- that fewer families will allow cord blood? her brother Mark was born a “since 2005, ing blindness, Parker made a this valuable resource to be dis- ■ answer: to save lives. perfect match, allowing for a remarkable recovery after treat- carded as medical waste. transplant that has left Carol over 300 ment with her own cord blood cord blood banking is a disease free for two years and children have stem cells. She can see, walk, Frances Verter, PhD, is form of health insurance counting. But 70 percent of and talk so well that, by the Founder and Director of that can protect your baby, patients who need a transplant 20 months, she was con- Parent’s Guide to the Cord your family, and help soci- received infu- do not have a matching donor sidered “normal” by Blood Foundation. ety. the blood that is in the umbilical cord at birth is a in their family. Carol’s family sions of their her Early Intervention rich source of stem cells. started a foundation to edu - therapists. Emerging cate expectant parents in their own cord therapies are giving home country of Uganda about blood.” children their own cord carol’s story the importance of cord blood. blood to treat cerebral palsy, Cord blood has been used in is Parker Elizabeth Hendrix, brain injury, hearing loss, and over 20,000 stem cell trans - parker’s story who was born with so much Type 1 diabetes. plants since 1988. One of them Since 2005, over 300 children fluid build-up in her brain that Stories like Carol’s and Park- is 10-year-old Carol Mulumba, have received infusions of their her head was the size of a two er’s illustrate the life-saving Frances Verter who was diagnosed with own cord blood. One of them year old child. While her doctors value of cord blood and the hope [email protected]

1 in

200people will have a stem cell

transplant

Nietfeld, J.J., M.C. Pasquini, B.R. Logan, F. Verter, and M.M. Horowitz, “Lifetime probabilities of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the U.S.” Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

Small Wonders Childbirth Your Positive Birth Experience!

Learn about The Magic of Childbirth from the comfort of Your Home

www.smallwonderschildbirth.com 10 · mArch 2012 An Independent supplement by medIAplAnet to usA todAy news healthy BaBies are March For BaBiEs worth the wait ■ Question: Why are elective again, here’s why babies births before 39 weeks “If possible, need 39 weeks of preg- of pregnancy potentially nancy: dangerous? it’s best to ■ Important organs, like the ■ answer: babies continue brain, lungs and liver, still are to grow and develop each stay pregnant developing. PhotoS: MarCh oF dIMeS week, becoming stronger and ■■ Babies born even just a few ■ At the end healthier everyday. for at least 39 weeks too soon (between 34 and of April, thou- 38 weeks of pregnancy) may have sands of people Every week of pregnancy is crucial weeks.” more difficulty staying warm and around the to a newborn’s health, and babies maintaining their body tempera- country will do much more than gain weight ture than babies that are 39 weeks

walk in March during the last few weeks of preg- Photo: MIChelle Garzon or more. for Babies to honor or celebrate nancy. Important organs, ■■ Babies born at less than 39 the babies they love and to help such as the lungs and of pregnancy for non-medical director. “If possible, it’s best to weeks of pregnancy have more give other babies a healthy start. brain are still devel- reasons. Experts are learning that stay pregnant for at least 39 weeks respiratory problems, complica- You can find a walk near you at oping. In fact, at scheduling an early delivery with- and if your pregnancy is healthy, tions with infections, problems marchforbabies.org. The 35 weeks of preg- out a medical reason or for conve- wait for labor to begin on its own.” with low blood sugar, and are money raised in March nancy, a baby’s nience can cause health problems Some women might not have a admitted to a neonatal intensive for Babies supports brain weighs for both the mother and baby. choice about when to deliver their care unit more frequently. Some- programs that only two-thirds “Some women mistakenly baby. If there are problems with times it is difficult to be sure of help moms have of what it will think that the only thing a baby a pregnancy or the baby’s health, the baby’s accurate gestational healthy pregnancies and weigh at 39 to 40 weeks. does during the last weeks of the baby may need to be delivered age and this may result in a baby research to find answers to the More and more atten- pregnancy is gain weight, making early. But those who have a choice unintentionally being delivered problems that threaten babies. tion has been focused on labor and delivery more difficult,” and are planning to schedule the too soon. march oF Dimes not scheduling elective said Diane Ashton, MD, MPH, baby’s birth should wait until at march oF Dimes [email protected] births before 39 weeks March of Dimes deputy medical least 39 weeks. [email protected] An Independent supplement by medIAplAnet to usA todAy mArch 2012 · 11 news Make every night a good, safe night Ensure a good night’s sleep for your baby by creating healthy sleeping 4 practices and a safe sleep environment from birth. tiPs providing the safest the safest place for an or hardware. what you should know follow these quick tips: sleep environment infant or child to sleep is in If you do plan on re-using your about bumpers ■ Secure ties to outside of crib . for your baby a fully functional, properly crib for multiple children, be sure According to the Consumer ■■ Keep bumper upright and ■ Use a crib that is JPMA-cer- assembled, JpMa certified to follow these guidelines: Product Safety Commission in position. tified and meets current safety crib, bassinet, cradle, play ■■ Visit recalls.gov to ensure it (CPSC), the greatest risk is to ■■ Bumper ties should be no longer standards. yard, or toddler bed. has not been recalled. an infant sleeping in the prone than 9 inches. ■■ Never place the crib near ■■ If your crib has been recalled, position or in a crowded sleep ■■ Remove bumper when child can a window. the scoop on used and contact the manufacturer for environment that includes sit up unaided or pull to standing ■■ Do not place items in the crib, heirloom cribs further instruction. They may pillows, cushions and adult position. including pillows, blankets, and As a general practice, do not use offer a fix or coupon for purchas- bedding. With some careful planning, stuffed animals. second hand or cribs handed ing a different product. Traditional crib bumpers, naptime and nighttime can be a ■■ Doctors recommend always down from family members or ■■ If your crib has not been when used properly, can help pleasant experience for both you placing your baby on his or those purchased at thrift stores recalled, ensure the crib and all prevent limb entrapments and and your baby. Make every night a her back. or garage sales because they moving parts are functioning head injuries. good, safe night! Joseph Shamie is President of may not meet the most cur- properly. JuVenile proDucts Delta Children’s Products. rent safety standards or could ■■ Look for missing or damaged if you decide to use tradi- manuFacturers association have missing or broken parts part and assembly Instructions. tional crib bumpers, [email protected] [email protected]