Newborn Babies with Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

January 15th, 2012 Posted in Babies
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Most mothers have fears of having newborn babies with a cleft lip or a cleft palate or both. A cleft lip is any opening on the lip. A cleft palate is also an opening but in the roof of the newborn’s mouth. These physical defects are results of incomplete development while the baby is still inside the mother’s womb. The lips as well as the palates develop on each side on the first trimester and normally come together to create two fused vertical lines and become the upper lip. The two sides of the palate also follow the same process of coming together. Cleft palate as a birth defect should be treated using surgery so that the newborn will not have any problems with feeding, speaking and hearing.

Although medical experts are not sure what really causes cleft lip and cleft palate, there are some factors that may contribute to these birth defects and to happen while the fetus is developing. Among the suspected factors include the use of medication during pregnancy as well as the use and abuse of alcohol and illegal drugs. Pregnant women who are smoking and who may be exposed to radiation as well as to infections may also be likely to have babies with these birth defects. There are times when these physical defects are caused by genetic factors.

Pregnant women have to see to it that they keep themselves healthy even before getting pregnant. Those who have some family history of cleft lip or cleft palate may want to opt for genetic counseling. Cleft palate may not readily be seen upon birth unlike the cleft lip that can be seen right away. The location of the cleft palate may determine the extent of problems that the newborn babies may encounter especially with feeding. Though ultrasound may at times detect the occurrence of a cleft palate at about 14-16 weeks during pregnancy, it may not always find the problem even when used to diagnose pregnant women and their unborn babies.

Newborn babies with cleft palate may be treated with surgery by the time they reach 12 months. Other babies may have to undergo several surgical procedures until they reach their teens. There may also be other problems that should be treated as well. These may include problems with speech, hearing or even with teeth as well as sinus and ear infections. Other babies may have also some problems that are related to the surgical procedure that has been done.

Newborn babies with cleft lip or cleft palate conditions may not be easy for the parents as well. However, they can seek some support groups who are undergoing similar problems. Family and friends may also give their love and support to make things more bearable for the baby and for the parents as well.

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Babies with Sleep Problems

January 10th, 2012 Posted in Babies
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There are many factors that may be considered when it comes to babies with sleep problems. Parents are advised to have their babies checked by their pediatricians. There may be some health or physical conditions that may be affecting the sleeping patterns of their babies. Parents also have to check the environment where their babies sleep. The sleeping area may not be comfortable and noisy or there are other distractions as well. They will also have to check that the room where their babies sleep has the right temperature, not too warm but not too cold either. The home atmosphere may also affect the sleeping patterns of babies. It is important that all family members including the babies live in a harmonious and tension-free home.

Babies with sleep problems need to be cared of properly especially with the correct feeding. Parents have to see to it that their babies are dry and comfortable as much as possible. They may also need to cuddle and reassure their babies from time to time. This is essential in the development of their babies. Parents may also put some soft and cuddly toys around their babies when they sleep. This may add to their feelings of assurance whenever they have to sleep alone.

Parents having babies with sleep problems may need to try soothing activities. They may sing lullabies or nursery rhymes which they can do together with some gentle back rubbing to put them comfortably to sleep. It is necessary that babies are put to sleep at the same time every night especially when they are growing. They will be able to learn about the routine and it would not be too difficult to put them to sleep at night. Although letting the baby cry is natural, parents have to check first what is making him or her uncomfortable. Parents are now advised to put babies on their back to sleep rather than the usual sleeping position on their stomach.

Babies with sleeping problems may be given other relaxing activities before bedtime such as a warm bath. There are those that would feel comfortable when they are wrapped with soft baby blankets especially for younger babies. Some parents are not able to cope with the stress of handling babies with sleeping problems. As such they may seek some help from their support groups or they may ask someone to help them when they are too tired to deal with the problem. Babies may cry throughout the night but they simply are communicating something that they cannot yet understand and verbalize. If there are no underlying medical conditions that may be causing it, parents will have to learn how to handle babies with sleeping problems.

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Baby Bath Time

January 5th, 2012 Posted in Babies
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New mothers may be hesitant at first when they think of baby bath time. They may feel nervous about holding the slippery and fragile newborn on one hand and use the other for bathing the baby. Newborns may also feel stressed with their first baby bath time. However, new mothers and infants in time will learn how to enjoy baby bath time. New mothers do not have to bathe their babies daily. Frequent bathing may dry up their delicate skin. New mothers will have to pay attention to the face, neck and especially the diaper part which should always be kept clean most of the time.

There is no definite time of the day when new mothers would like to schedule baby bath time. There are mothers who would prefer to bathe their babies in the morning while others would like to do it before bedtime. What is important is that mothers and babies would both enjoy baby bath time. The first baby baths do not have to be done in a tub of warn water. New mothers may give their babies a sponge bath instead until the umbilical cord dries up and fall off on its own.

New mothers who are giving their babies a sponge bath instead of the usual baby bath should prepare all the things needed. They may undress their babies but should wrap them in a towel. They may simply wet the washcloth and wipe the face. They may do the same with the other parts of the body. They have to see to it that they only expose the part that they are wiping. Mothers may not use any bath soap unless their babies need it to remove smell and dirt. When their babies are ready for tub bath, then they may prepare the tub if not the sink will do. Others may use plastic basins or they may use inflatable tubs instead. However, new mothers have to be very careful and check that everything is safe for their babies.

Baby bath time should be a pleasant experience for the baby as well. Mothers need to keep them warm always whether they are giving them sponge bath or tub bath. They also have to make sure that they hold their babies firmly but not too tight especially in tub baths. As the babies grow, it will be a lot easier for new mothers to handle baby bath time. Mothers and babies will both look forward to baby bath time if the first experiences have gone well without much problem.

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