Jill Amery is a mom of 2 small boys and the Publisher of UrbanMommies, a stylish digital lifestyle magazine filled with fitness, style, health, recipes and savvy mom advice to help you through pregnancy, birth, and raising your kids.
Many overtired parents wonder the same thing – when should my baby be sleeping through the night?
Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this question. It really depends which definition of sleeping through the night you are trying to achieve as sleeping through the night means different things to different people. A baby can sleep longer stretches of sleep based on their age and weight.
Q – My baby is 10 months old and I am still up every 3 hours all night. I think I need to get some sleep in order to function properly during the day. How can I get my baby to sleep?
A – The way that your baby falls asleep is probably the way that your baby has to return to sleep during their night wakings. So you would want to start making changes at bedtime and then again do the same thing at all night wakings. You will have to teach your baby to fall asleep without props so that they can learn to return to sleep when they next wake up. The type of method that you could use would depend on a couple of factors but the underlying key in any method is for them to go into their crib aware – sleepy but awake.
Q – What are some gentle methods I can use to encourage sleep if I don’t feel comfortable letting the baby cry?
A – It’s very hard to train a baby to fall asleep by themselves without some crying as very often you are changing what the baby knows. As an example if the baby is used to being nursed to sleep and you would like to teach them how to fall asleep by themselves they will cry on the first night whether you are in or out of the room as they are naturally responding to the changes that you have made of not nursing them.
Once in a while, when my 8 month old starts to go a little batty while I’m cooking in the kitchen, I’ll stop what I’m doing to make something with him. He can totally be my co-pilot on this recipe. He helps me peel a banana and plop it in the blender. Then, I’ll wash and scoop the avocado and yogurt into the blender and then let him press the buttons so he can watch it all mix together.
Influenza virus probably originated in birds, and moved to people thousands of years ago when people began to domesticate fowl. Influenza, in other words, was an “emerging disease”, much like SARS today. Over the centuries, influenza epidemics have had dramatic effects on human populations. For example, the 1918 pandemic, is estimated to have caused some 50 to 100 million deaths, and influenza (and smallpox) devastated the first nations peoples of North America with the arrival of Europeans.
Between the weeks of 28 – 32 of your pregnancy, most babies turn into the head down position. Once they have turned, they usually stay in this position because their head is the heaviest part of their body. However, some babies want to be close to their mommy’s heart so we find them in the breech presentation. Can acupuncture help turn a breech baby?
Q – How should I deal with my increased breast size in clothing?
A – Breasts change drastically during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and post pregnancy. Increased breast size can be as frustrating as not getting back into your jeans. But don’t hide it! Flaunt it, but first embrace it. Start by getting a proper fit. Believe it or not, the majority of all women aren’t wearing the proper bra for their breast. Wearing the right size bra is essential for proper support. Bulky knit sweaters and extra layers are definitely not what you want to be wearing. Instead opt for smooth silk button downs, smooth Tee shirts and printed wrap dresses.
Q – Does a maxi-dress really hide my tummy?
A – Borrowing from celebrity style (Anegelina loved these), the maxi-dress is a long, flowing frock that can certainly be comfy during the later stages of prenancy. Just be sure that the bodice is fitted so you don’t look like you’ve donned a mu-mu. And careful of lenght – we don’t want you tripping on a hem!
Q – How can I look better in the transition stage after having a baby?
A – Don’t assume that just because baby is out that you’ll be right back in your old clothes. Instead, give yourself at least 4 months before trying anything on. Know that Loose and baggy doesn’t have to equal frumpy.
Try pairing a tunic or a long sweater with black stretch pants and high boots. Empire waist dresses do marvels to widdle the middle and draw attention to the ‘right’ areas.
Q – What can I wear for parties while pregnant?
A – A mini dress. If you have the legs and the confidence.. Nothing takes away form a prego bellie then a hot little mono toned mini dress. Pair it with a high stilettos or a sexy boot. For this season, you could also try a flowing maxi dress, or for a more tame occassion, a great maternity suit with a ’40s brooch clipped to the lapel.
– Alyssa Schottland-Bauman hails from New York City, and is our UrbanMommies Stylist.