Pacifiers do not harm an infant but there are some risks to pacifier use. Never loop a pacifier around an infant’s neck. This can lead to strangulation. Self-made pacifiers may be dangerous due to the risk of choking if part of the pacifier breaks off. There should be small ventilation holes at the base of […]
How can you help a hungry child? I sat wide eyed and speechless as I watched the video while a friend and co-worker of mine narrated the video and the still pictures. The pictures and video were taken at a small orphanage in Liberia called Fatima Cottage. This orphanage houses 64 children and is run […]
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is highly variable in terms of symptoms. The obsession is the thought and the compulsion is the behavior. Although some OCD patterns are common such as touching, counting and repeating, obsessive and compulsive behaviors can be very unique. When a behavior causes social, emotional, educational or occupational dysfunction then therapy and […]
Have you ever wondered why some children grow up confident and independent while others do not? “When are you going to start your college applications?” I looked across the room and saw the young man gaze at the floor. He said nothing. “You have worked so hard for this, and you are running out of […]
Your brain contains about 100 billion neurons. Each neuron is connected to other neurons like rose bushes planted close to one another. When the branches touch and overlap networks of neurons are formed. These connections are electrochemical synapses. Many hormones are released in the brain and support the growth and survival of these brain networks. […]
What is your parenting doctrine? “What is the most important principle in parenting?” I looked across the room at the medical student who had just asked me the question. I began to smile. “What a question,” I said to myself. “Does he know how important that question is?” Feelings, thoughts, words, actions, lectures and books […]
Halloween can be a very special but difficult holiday. Parents have numerous opportunities before and during this holiday to support healthy behaviors and to share important health and safety information with their child. Sugar laden treats and “scary” costumes are learning opportunities for your child. During the Halloween season remember to see things through the […]
I looked at the mother who was sitting in front of me. She was crying softly. I slid my stool over towards her and told her I would help her find a way. She opened her eyes and dabbed them with the matted Kleenex she held in her hand. “I have tried everything,” she said […]
Do you know what it feels like to be bullied? I Do. Being repeatedly bullied changes you. It can either leave a mark or induce change. As a new freshman in high school I turned the corner and quickly scanned the hallway. Experience had taught me what to look for and how to look for […]
Mothers who receive emotional encouragement and informational support about the positive benefits to their health and the health of their child throughout their pregnancy are more likely to breastfeed after delivery and continue to breastfeed for at least 1 year following delivery. Support and advice are available during prenatal visits and from family and friends […]
