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I was at my book club with some of my favorite friends. The topic (among 45 others) of vehicles came up. Several of them commented on how they could NEVER drive a minivan. Oh my gosh, a minivan, gross. How could any self-respecting woman drive one of those? Ew.

Well, they must have forgotten that I drive a minivan. In fact, I LOVE my minivan. Every time I get in it, I get a twinge of delight. Sounds crazy, but it really is true!

I could literally write an essay on why I love my MV, but that might be a little extreme right? Rather, I will summarize the highlights. I can fit anything in that thing. I can carry the husband, 4 kids, dog, camping gear for a week, 3 coolers and still have plenty of space for all the trash that inevitably accompanies any family trip. I can put seats in, take seats out, lay seats down and move them in any direction I want. You want to pick up a trampoline for the kids? No problem. You want to take the kids and their friends to the movies? You betcha. Car pool? Bring it on. Tight parking space? Sure – this thing can turn on a dime!

Gas mileage is good. Amenities are abundant. Practicality at its best! My question is – what is wrong with being practical? Have I lost all my Mojo as a woman if I drive a MV? Heck no. In fact, I think the opposite. I think being practical is the new black! Watch out, here we come. Beep beep! 

MULTIPLES!  MULTIPLES!  MULTIPLES!

The latest statistics are out; twin births have hit an all-time high.  Moms are waiting until they are older to have babies and in-vitro procedures have increased dramatically. So, you know what that means – lots and lots of babies! We love babies so we couldn’t be more excited. It also necessitates sharing another risk factor for plagiocephaly.

Multiples have a greater chance of getting plagiocephaly for several reasons. The first is that these babies are often born prematurely and spend more time in the hospital initially. If they are medically fragile, they are attached to machines and often placed on their back. Repositioning isn’t always on the top of the priority list. The skull is extremely malleable so it can flatten very quickly.

Secondly is just pure lack of space in the womb. They have to share their home with their siblings and sometimes it just isn’t enough! We typically see that the bottom baby will have more issues with torticollis and/or plagiocephaly.

The third reason that multiples are at higher risk is the use of containers. When there is more than one newborn in the house, containers are often used to maintain sanity and organization. These incline surfaces help a great deal but you will need to watch what they are doing to the head. If left in there too long, the baby’s head will start to take the shape of the incline. Not good.

Sooooooo – if you or someone you know is having more than one miracle – take heed. Shout it from the mountain tops. Watch the head!   

I just got introduced to a new product from one of my resourceful moms. This swaddle has pocketed arm spaces (impossible to get out of), a strap at the tummy (good for colic/gas) and smaller on the bottom to keep legs flexed (mimics in uterine position).  This company has a great philosophy - really looking the special needs of babies while they are sleeping.  It comes in several sizes and is fairly priced. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an alternative to the other more common swaddles on the market. Happy sleeping!! 

  www.truewomb.com

You made it – one year!!

 The past year is pretty much a fog, but you made it. You didn’t sleep much, but you made it. You experienced the truest form of love there is and with that comes incredible vulnerability, but you made it. Your marriage took on a whole new life of its own (sometimes not ideal), but you made it. Your body looks and feels totally different, but you made it. Your baby has gone from an unknown creature to a walking human being. You have cried and smiled more than you ever dreamed possible, but you made it. You have realized the true expense of diapers, formula, doctor visits and toys, but you made it. You accept that your life will never be the same again. This can be unsettling, but you made it.

So cheers to all of you who are celebrating your child’s very first birthday. It is a big day for baby but I believe it is even bigger for Mom and Dad. From here on out – it’s a breeze!  

Congratulations. 

Common FAQ about tummy time

When should I start tummy time?

  You should start tummy time the day you get home from the hospital. As long as the baby is awake and being monitored, you can do as much as you want. Try to incorporate it into your normal routine (whatever "routine" means to you at this point). For example: Sleep, eat, diaper, tummy time, nap. This would mean the baby gets a little tummy time several times throughout the day.

How long should the baby be on her tummy?

   We believe it should be a pleasant time, not torture. And guess what? It's totally possible. Be positive and supportive, always saying what fun this is and how strong she is getting (this will help you too!). Early on, you can put the baby on your chest but also do floor time, or a flat surface to get the baby used to it. Once the baby shows discontent – not just a “little” struggle and certainly not screaming - roll her over, don't pick her up. Praise her and tell her how proud you are. Then, here's the kicker, do it again! Roll her onto her tummy and repeat the process. You can do this as many times as she will tolerate. Don't be afraid to push just a little but not cause unnecessary stress on either of you. Each day will be better and better.

What if my baby doesn't like it?

   Remember that this is an essential part of development. It does not hurt, it’s just hard work. Gravity is a strong force ya know! Starting when the baby is newborn will help but if you're past that point, just do a little - a lot. You will need to do it more, not less. Break it up in little increments. Get down there with her. Get a sibling to jump around and be silly. Use a mirror or a really cool musical toy. I have seen iPhones/IPads work really well.

What's the big deal? Why is it so important?

   Oh let me count the ways! Prone positioning (tummy time) helps with strengthening the neck and back muscles. It is critical for rolling and crawling. Tummy time puts pressure on the palm of the hand to form the arches, which in turn, helps with fine motor skills. It prevents Plagiocephaly (flat head) because it takes the pressure off of the back of the head. It encourages motor planning skills. It provides good cognitive stimulation, in that, the baby sees their world from a whole new dimension. It can even help with tummy issues! So really – why WOULDN’T you?? 

Stay tuned for our next blog - tummy time videos!

Read the newest position of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) regarding Plagiocephaly, and the treatment for it:

AAP Issues Infant Positional Skull Deformity Guidelines

Pediatricians should diagnose, counsel parents, manage, and refer to specialists, as necessary

MONDAY, Nov. 28 (HealthDay News) -- Pediatricians and health care clinicians should be able to diagnose positional skull deformities among infants, implement preventive counseling among parents, initiate appropriate management, and make referrals, when necessary, according to a scientific statement published Nov. 28 inPediatrics.

James Laughlin, M.D., from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine, and colleagues looked at measures for prevention, diagnosis, and management of positional skull deformities in otherwise normal infants.

The investigators report an increase in unilateral occiput flattening since the 2009 AAP recommendation of 'Back to Sleep' positioning. Pediatricians, or other primary health care clinicians, should be able to diagnose and manage positional skull deformities. Diagnosis is made primarily by history, and confirmed by physical examination. Management includes preventive counseling for parents, mechanical adjustments, and exercises. To prevent deformity, parents should intermittently place infants in the prone position during wake time, and alternate supine positions during sleep time. Mechanical adjustments and exercises should be instituted, as necessary. Positioning and observation is the recommended treatment for mild-to-moderate deformity. Severe deformity should be managed with positional changes and molding helmets. Cranial orthoses should be used in infants with severe deformity or those not improving after 6 months of age. The infant should be referred to a pediatric neurosurgeon or craniofacial surgeon or team if the deformity progresses or does not improve after mechanical adjustments, or if there is suspicion of craniosynostosis. Surgical correction is not routinely recommended.

"Management of positional skull deformity involves preventive counseling for parents, mechanical adjustments, and exercises," the authors write.

**Read the full 8 page article at http://www.physiciansbriefing.com/Article.asp?AID=659198 ***

WHAT IS INFANT MASSAGE?

There has been a lot of discussion about the benefits of infant massage.  This is a summary of those and to hopefully encourage you to seek out this wonderful opportunity for you and your baby.

Your baby’s world is built around sensory experiences.  She feels the warmth of your body and the softness of her favorite blanket. She recognizes your scent. She hears your familiar voice and the songs that you sing. She makes eye contact with you. She tastes the milk that you feed her.  She is aware of all types of movement.  She is even able to tell you, maybe very subtly, what she likes and what she doesn’t. 

Sometimes the early months are full of joy and excitement.  Unfortunately they are also filled with stress, anxiety, exhaustion and fear.  These are sensations that your baby can pick up on.  We don’t always see the repercussions but they are there. They can affect the success of your day and the happiness of your baby. 

Infant massage is a way to create a powerful bond between you and your infant.  Through the powers of guided touch, you and your baby can build a strong and trusting relationship.  It slows down the world around you and allows you to be present – there with your new found treasure.

Classes vary in the way they are presented.  Some are done all in one day and others are spread out over a few classes, thus showing different techniques each time.  Both can be very effective, so choose the one that fits best with your schedule and your baby’s personality.  If she is on the fussy side, shorter classes may be the way to go.  

The instructor will demonstrate certain massage techniques for each part of the body. You then practice them on your baby. She will send you home with written material/pictures and sometimes even have a CD for purchase. It is typically a very relaxed environment and having other parents in the room with you creates a wonderful bonding experience. 

I highly recommend infant massage to parents who have babies that have reflux, colic, constipation, frequent gastrointestinal problems, or are difficult to console.  If you are having a hard time attaching to your baby or feel particularly distant from her, these are wonderful skills to learn.  You and your baby will be much happier and peaceful. 

Good luck to you and your new family.  Remember that the power of touch should never be underestimated. Now go schedule your class!    

Our next infant massage class is Feb 3 at 10am at Babytique (5211 Forest Ln. Dallas 75244).  Ask us about our $25 New Year Special!

http://infantmassagedallas.eventbrite.com/
     

I was watching the Academy Awards show and one of the winners told his children at home, “just remember to do something that you love and the rest will follow.”

This couldn’t be more true for where I am now in my life.  I do something that I love.  I do feel like I make a difference every day.  I so enjoy meeting my new families and being a part of such a wonderful time in their lives.  I appreciate the opportunity to share my knowledge and in turn, learn so much from them.  I love the challenge of being a small business owner, be it, completely overwhelming sometimes. 

Initially, when thinking about it, I was a little saddened that I didn’t reach this point sooner in my life. Then I realized that there is no way I could be where I am today had I not lived “the good, the bad and the ugly.” If I had not experienced the underprivileged, how would I have learned what true love is - no matter your socioeconomic status? If I had not experienced a sheer emotional disconnect to my patients, how would I have learned to appreciate actually “feeling” again? If I had not fought for something that wasn’t necessarily the general consensus, how would I have the strength to take risks and accept failure? If I hadn’t experienced the never ending obstacles of corporate work but also the power of what people can do when they join together, how would I know what I wanted my company to look like? I have worked with truly brilliant women and some that would rather see you fail than see you succeed. Both have given me tools to handle most situations and shape my identity into something that I am proud of.

So, if you have a passion – follow it and don’t be disheartened if it takes you awhile. Keep it close to your heart and you will know when it’s time to let that butterfly out!   

-Jennifer Barnard

Thought I would pass along a product that is brilliant in its design and so helpful for babies suffering from reflux. It is called the “Baby Stay Asleep” and it was designed by an Occupational Therapist (yea!).  

It is certified to Consumer Product Safety Commission’s federal safety standards so you can feel confident your baby is safe while sleeping comfortably. We have seen used them with many of our patients with great success.

The beauty of this is that it allows the baby to sleep in the crib (recommended), yet be elevated without slipping down the mattress. It can also be used for other positioning strategies (flat head) so check it out! 

www.babystayasleep.com

Whenever we get asked "So what do you do for a living?" it's always funny to watch people's reaction when we say "We are therapists who specialize in treating torticollis and plagiocephaly."  Lots of the time people nod, although I am sure they have no idea what torticollis or plagiocephaly mean, but more often than not people say "Ohhhh torticollis my nephew/cousin/son/etc had that!"  So we thought we would give you a simple answer for the common question...."Exactly what is torticollis???"  

TORTICOLLIS  aka Tight Neck

1.  Torticollis is a rather common occurrence.  85% of the babies treated with head bands were identified as having torticollis.  There is certainly a direct correlation. 

2.  There has been an increase in torticollis because of the “Back to Sleep Campaign.” 

3.  It comes in varying degrees of severity.  It can be anywhere from a mild neck muscle imbalance to a mass that is actually in the muscle itself.  EVEN A SLIGHT TIGHTNESS CAN CAUSE SIGNIFICANT SKULL FLATTENING. 

4.  The SCM (sternocleidomastoid) muscle is the main muscle affected but can also include several different muscles in the neck and shoulder region. 

5.  Tightening in these muscles causes the baby to tilt their head in one direction and rotate their head in the opposite direction.  Coming out of this position is very difficult for the infant.  Tightening in the left SCM is the most common.

6.  Treating torticollis takes patience and consistency.  It can worsen during growth spurts or teething or when the baby is tired.  Daily activities and stretches are very important.  It is also critical to work with a physical or occupational therapist that has experience in this area.

7.  Other long term effects such as developmental delays with motor skills, atypical movement patterns and even scoliosis have been documented.