April, 2008

No matter what your religion, you probably can't wait to have some type of celebration to introduce your new baby to your friends and family.  While your baby will not remember this celebration, you and your family and friends will.  Because it is such a special event, we will bring you ideas, every month, to personalize your special event.

1)       If you have some type of ceremony, consider having a master of ceremonies.  This person will guide your guests through the ceremony and can translate any passages into your guests' native language.  This will make the experience more meaningful for those attendees who do not speak the language used in the ceremony or understand the significance of the rites.

2)      Rather than gifts, ask guests to make a donation to a charity in the baby's name.  Your favorite charity will benefit and no one needs another stuffed animal.

3)     Make sure you have activities for older children (your own and/or others).  Kids get bored at adult events.  Offer a table of simple crafts to keep children's interest while the adults mingle.  You might even be able to rope a relative or friend into manning the table for a few hours, giving the parents a little break.

OB/GYNS OFFER TIPS FOR EXPECTANT MOMS

 (NAPSI)-Today, expectant mothers are often given a long list of do's and don'ts to follow--and that list seems to change almost daily.

Fortunately, some well-chosen expert advice can help reassure mothers-to-be that they are doing everything they can to plan a healthy pregnancy.

Drs. Alane Park, Yvonne Bohn and Allison Hill are expert OB/GYNs who deal with all types of pregnancies and deliveries at their practice in Los Angeles.  Their everyday experiences with pregnant women have earned them a television series called "Deliver Me," which airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT.  The three doctors, who are also moms themselves, have compiled 10 simple but essential tips to help keep expectant moms and their babies happy and healthy:

1. Wait at least nine months before getting pregnant after each pregnancy.

2. Talk to your doctor about your recommended pregnancy weight gain.  It may differ for each body type and each pregnancy.

3. Ask your doctor about treatment of existing conditions, such as thyroid disease, hypertension and diabetes, during pregnancy.

4. Wash hands properly and regularly to avoid germs and infections.

5. Eat healthy.  Avoid raw foods, specifically beef, as well as unpasteurized cheeses and fish high in mercury such as shark, tilefish, swordfish and albacore tuna.  You only need an extra 300 calories per day.

6. Don't smoke, drink alcohol or use illegal drugs.  Only use prescription drugs that have been preapproved by your doctor.

7. Keep active. Exercise--walking, dancing, swimming--not only makes you feel good but can help prevent gestational diabetes.  And it can even relieve stress and build the stamina needed in the delivery room.

8. Drink plenty of water.  The usual daily recommendation for water is 64 ounces a day, so try to drink slightly more while pregnant since you're drinking for two.

9. Limit stress!  Ask for help from others or take short naps during the day.

10. Stay away from chemicals that could harm your baby, such as paint, paint thinner, weed killer, bug spray or pesticides.  If you must be in a situation where these substances are present, limit your exposure.

For more helpful information and expert advice during pregnancy and after the baby is born, go to discoveryhealth.com and click on "Pregnancy & Parenting.

ETHICS OF CORD BLOOD BANKING

I was recently at a party and when I mentioned that I worked at a cord blood bank, the person I was speaking with said, "Is that legal?"  At first, I thought it was a joke.  Then I realized that the person I was speaking with was confusing cord blood stem cells with embryonic stem cells (although embryonic stem cell research is legal, just not funded by the federal government, but that is another conversation).

I explained that cord blood included stem cells and was not even ethically controversial since the baby is finished with the stem cells when the cord blood is collected.  As soon as I finished speaking, another person joined our conversation with the same comment, "Is that legal?"

This experience helped me to realize that there may be expectant parents who would like to bank their infant's cord blood, but are worried about the ethical implications of cord blood stem cells.  Since the stem cells in cord blood are not ethically controversial, this does not need to be a concern for expectant parents.

CORD BLOOD DISCOUNT FOR WAITING FOR BABY READERS

M.A.Z.E. Cord Blood Laboratories is offering all of the readers of Waiting for Baby a $50 discount off of its top-quality cord blood banking.  M.A.Z.E. doesn't invest in expensive advertising and marketing programs and passes that savings on to our parents.  We invest in the areas that matter, the processing and storage of your baby's cord blood.

If you choose M.A.Z.E.'s 20-year program, simply register with the discount code Waiting when completing your application.  The discount will be applied when you are charged your final payment.  For additional information on cord blood banking or our services, please give us a call at (914) 683-0000, drop us an email at information@mazecordblood.com or visit our Web site at www.mazecordblood.com.