Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in pittsburgh, PA

Review: The Essential Breastfeeding Log

by Jennifer Signore

May 04, 2009

Last week at the Savvy Source, we talked about getting the kids to eat well and how make the family meal a reality.  Today, I'd like to take a step back to our kids' earliest days and talk about breastfeeding.  I am not going to get into the merits of nursing versus formula feeding.  But, what I do want to offer is my review of a new tool for nursing moms, The Essential Breastfeeding Log, by Sarah Bowen Shea and Suzanne Schlosberg. 

Whether you are a new mom or have been through the ropes, the Essential Breastfeeding Log can help to get you through those days when getting showered and dressed are monumental tasks.  One of the first sections of the book shares the authors' top ten tips for successful breastfeeding.  Many other books offer hints and tips, but what this book offers is a sense of reality.  When I saw that Tip #1 was "Remember: Just Because It's Natural Doesn't Mean It's Easy" I knew that it was a guide that spoke my language. 

The log itself is well designed and is separated by week and then by day.  On each day you can log the time of each feeding, how much time was spent on each breast (a great tool when you get to the next feeding and can't remember on which side to start), the amount pumped (if applicable), and tally up the wet and dirty diapers.  The authors give advice on how you might use each section of the log but go on to say that you should use it in whatever way helps you.  I appreciate their understanding that not every mom wants to chart every single item on the list.  Starting in Week 7, the log also provides a space where moms can chart their own activities, like exercise, "me" time, and a brief food log.  This is also the time at which the log provides a section to log sleep time.  I know that my kids had very erratic sleep schedules for at least two months, and an acknowledgment of how difficult it is to track newborn sleep patterns by leaving that detail out of the early charts should be a comfort for many moms.

One thing I would change is the way the days are numbered.  Week 1 starts with "Monday" and a blank for the date.  However, not all children are born on a Monday.  I would suggest that in subsequent editions, the authors leave both the day and date spaces blank.  And, while it is not necessarily a birth log, I would have liked to see a page at the beginning of the charting section for some thoughts and reflections on the birth as well as the first nursing session.  Those minor critiques aside, had the Essential Breastfeeding Log been available when my children were born, I would have considered it a necessary addition to my rocker-side table. 

In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a complimentary copy of the Essential Breastfeeding Log in exchange for my review.  I am giving that copy to a chart-loving friend currently expecting her first child. 

About the Authors:

Suzanne Schlosberg is the author of seven other books, including The Ultimate Workout Log and Fitness for Dummies. She has contributed to magazines for more than 15 years, including Shape, Health, Natural Health, Women's Health, Fitness, and Fit Pregnancy. Suzanne nursed her twin boys, and kept a log of her own making to keep her sane and get the boys on a schedule.

Sarah Bowen Shea has been a contributing writer for Fit Pregnancy since its inception. She has also written for The New York Times, Self, Shape, Glamour, Health, Parenting, American Baby, Real Simple, Women's Health, and Baby Talk. Sarah nursed each of her three children and knows first-hand the need for a breastfeeding log and organizer. 

March for Babies

by Jennifer Signore

April 20, 2009

If you have been driving around Pittsburgh lately, you have probably seen at least one of the March for Babies  billboards with the adorable baby wearing huge shoes.  And I'm sure that most of you know that the March of Dimes, the beneficiary of this walk, works to improve the health of infants by preventing birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality.  But did you realize that the history of this organization has a strong tie to the Pittsburgh area?

The March of Dimes started as an organization to help in the fight against poliomyelitis (polio).  In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (the early term for polio), which emphasized the need for the country to work together.  Radio personalities appealed to the public to send their dimes to the White House, and volunteers worked in communities to collect funds door to door.  The Foundation focused its efforts on supporting research to develop a vaccine against polio and funded the research of Dr. Jonas Salk at the University of Pittsburgh, who developed a vaccine that was 80 to 90 percent effective in preventing the disease.  In 1955, it was announced that clinical trials had proven the vaccine effective, meaning a beginning to the end of the threat of polio.  To learn more about the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" visit the Pitt School of Pharmacy's interactive timeline or Remembering Polio, an archive of the 2005 Pitt celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Salk vaccine.     

According to the March of Dimes history page, the organization provided the first large-scale effort to fund biomedical research led by a charitable organization.  It also demonstrated to the public the power of volunteering and helped to initiate the strong volunteer movement in our country.   

In 1979, the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis changed its name to the March of Dimes, and, because polio had been nearly eradicated, turned its efforts toward other conditions affecting infants.  One thing that has not changed is that the funds from the organization are given to researchers trying to find ways to prevent, in this case, premature births and to effectively treat many conditions affecting premature infants.     

Many of us know families who have struggled with these serious issues.  If so, I encourage you to get out there and March for Babies (list of events below) or at least sponsor an individual who is.  Even if you don't have a personal connection, I still encourage you to walk.  It's a great way to get your kids involved in charitable giving and most kids can truly understand that helping babies is a good thing--it's very tangible for them.  

I will be supporting a local family who has been dealing with the many struggles faced by preemies, times two.  The Bosetti's were thrilled to find out that they would be welcoming twin boys into their family.  Unfortunately, they made their grand entrance three months early and have braved multiple surgeries, blood transfusions, and infections.  Most of the conditions they have faced (and continue to face--as of this post they are four months old and are not yet home from the hospital) are quite common in premature babies.  However, it doesn't make the conditions any less of a threat to those tiny, adorable little boys.  So, if you'd like to support a local family in the March for Babies, consider donating to team Bosetti Twins.  I know they will appreciate every dime.

For your information, a list of the local events is included below.  The Pittsburgh walk is on May 9 and surrounding communities will host walks on April 26.   

APRIL 26, 2009

Beaver
526 Brady's Run Road
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Walk Distance: 3 miles
Registration Time: 9:00:00 AM
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Chapter:  West Penn Division
Phone #:   (412) 505-2200

Butler
184 Alameda Park Road
Butler, PA 16003
Walk Distance: 5 miles
Registration Time: 9:00:00 AM
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Chapter:  West Penn Division
Phone #:   (412) 505-2200

Greensburg
600 New Alexandria Road
Greensburg., PA 15601
Walk Distance: 3 miles
Registration Time: 10:00:00 AM
Start Time: 11:00 AM
Chapter:  West Penn Division
Phone #:   (412) 505-2200

MAY 9, 2009

Pittsburgh
325 Northshore Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Walk Distance: 3 miles
Registration Time: 9:00:00 AM
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Chapter:  West Penn Division
Phone #:   (412) 505-2200

Coming Soon: The New Children's Hospital

by Jennifer Signore

March 23, 2009

This week and next at the Savvy Source, we'll be talking about getting the kids out and about-especially now that spring is here.  Unfortunately, for some families, kids running about translates into a trip to the emergency room.  While I truly hope that you don't find yourself in that situation, I wanted to let you know that the new Children's Hospital campus will be opening officially on May 2, 2009.  So, in another two months, any needs you might have at Children's will need to happen in Lawrenceville.

The new campus was designed, in part, to address a number of issues that could not be addressed at the old campus due to the age and construction of the building.  The ultimate focus of Children's is to transform the lives of the young people it serves, and the new campus demonstrates their commitment to this goal. 

The massive 10-acre campus in the heart of Lawrenceville includes the main hospital area, offices for faculty members, research facilities, family housing, and three parking garages.  If you want some more of the nitty gritty, check out the fact sheet.  One element that I am happiest with is the fact that all patient rooms are private and include furnishings for parents to stay the night with their child.  My son was an inpatient for four days when he was a year old, and while the hospital staff was amazing (truly-I gave them a glowing review on a post-release phone survey), the shared room was a nightmare and the sleeper chair was not conducive to, well, sleeping.  So, while I hope we don't have to take advantage of the private rooms for our kids, it's awesome knowing that they are there.

Other elements that make me happy are the environmental consciousness of the entire campus.  The green elements that have been incorporated will make the area trees smile.  Another perk is that the hospital is designed as a quiet building.  When you are trying to heal patients in the middle of an urban landscape, you want to eliminate as much of the outside sound as possible.  That's a given.  What has also happened with the design is that individual patient rooms have been "quieted down."  Monitors don't produce audible beeping and noise and, while it isn't necessarily a noise issue, much of the patient monitoring can be done remotely either from the nurse's station or from observation windows at the patient rooms.  

If you want to check out the campus for yourself, you can take the virtual tour.  Or, if you're like me, and want to see the building in person, you can sign up for a community preview on Sunday, April 5.  One-hour, self-guided tours will take place between the hours of 11:00a.m. and 5:00p.m. (the last tour leaves at 3:30p.m.  The tour is free and open to all, but to reduce congestion, you are required to register in advance for a specific time and you will need to show your printed registration at the door.

See you there!

Let's Talk Potty Training

by Jennifer Signore

January 26, 2009

Today we welcome a guest post on a topic that fills most parents with anxiety--potty training. I don't know about you, but this topic has not been one of our favorites, and I can't wait to get some pointers. Here to help are Sean and Cindy Platt ( http://writerdad.com/ ), the authors of Potty Training Power ( http://www.pottytrainingpower.com/ ). Their insight is invaluable and so very  Read more...

Child Safety Kit

by Jennifer Signore

December 18, 2008

At this time of year, life is crazy with shopping, cooking, decorating, baking, and all of the little tasks that make the holidays special. That means it is also the perfect time to talk about safety with your kids. Before you decide that I am crazy, stop and think about when most accidents occur. When we are distracted because we are busy? Exactly. And that is just what the holidays tend  Read more...

Tough Topics: Let Mister Rogers Help

by Jennifer Signore

November 20, 2008

tough topic? let Mister Rogers help As most of us know too well, life can be full of things that are difficult to explain to a small child. And to complicate matters further, most preschoolers are innately curious and are full of questions. So, when something unpleasant arises, how exactly can you answer the inevitable questions without causing more distress? Family Communications  Read more...