Tips and tricks for moms during the cold and flu season:
- WASH HANDS!!! Any person that is going to touch the baby or baby's blanket, clothes or car seat should wash their hands. If you are having guests over, one trick is to put a big container of soap, like CleanWell, and a big roll of papertowels by every sink. This will send the message and make it easy for guests to wash hands first. Grab little hand sanitizers and while you are out and about, use it all the time.
- Clean door knobs and sink handles. These are the dirtiest things in the house. Use vinegar to clean.
- Get the flu shot, if appropriate. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reminds women, including those who are pregnant, to get their annual vaccination for the upcoming influenza (flu) season which runs from October through mid-May in the US. According to ACOG, flu vaccination should be a routine part of prenatal care, and the ideal time to vaccinate pregnant women is October and November. According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) the recommended age range of children for annual influenza immunization has been expanded to include all children 6 months through 18 years of age.
- Breastfeeding. A great way to help your little one fight against the flu as he will get your immunity…especially if you are sick!
- Humidifier with an infrared microbial sensor - use one in the baby's room. Be sure to change the water daily.
- Honey! Recent studies show honey is as effective as over the counter cough medicine. This is recommended for children over the age of one.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluid and also exercise regularly.
- Bulb suction. May be needed prior to feeding so baby can effectively feed with the "suck, swallow, breath" pattern.
- Help guide little kids and relatives to kiss and touch babies feet instead of face and hands.
- Keep your kids home from school, daycare and nanny share. This is so your child can rest and other children do not get exposed.
Jen Frick, Chief Founding Mom, The Tulip Grove:
Jen is a Registered Respiratory Therapist with a specialization in Neonatal and Pediatrics. She currently works with the Neonatal Research Department with East Bay Neonatology. She is also the founder and owner of The Tulip Grove, a new parent resource boutique in the Montclair Village of Oakland.
Dr. Dayna Long, Pediatrician, Children's Hospital Oakland:
Dr. Dayna Long graduated with a BS and BA from Stanford University. She attended medical school and public health school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. . After completing residency at Children's Hospital and Research Center at Oakland, she did a clinical infectious disease fellowship. For the last five years, she has been working in the Children's Hospital Oakland emergency department and more recently, in the primary care department. As the medical director of the ATTACK Asthma program, she provides families with the self management tools and training necessary to control asthma flares at home. Dr. Long is committed helping inner city populations achieve improved states of wellness.
The Tulip Grove:
Founded by young moms, The Tulip Grove was conceived by best friends Jen and Victoria (Vic), who came up with the idea of a resource center after having their first children and spending many hours on each other's sofas during maternity leave. As busy new moms, they were frustrated by the lack of educational resources, support groups, and comfortable places for new parents to "just be" with their babies. With more than 25 combined years of experience in education, fitness & nutrition, and business management, Jen and Victoria are parents of four healthy and happy children. They strongly believe that by creating The Tulip Grove for pre- and post-natal women-offering an array of pregnancy, child birthing and parenting classes with a retail component for the absolute essentials, many women will take advantage of this invaluable local resource center. The Tulip Grove is a friendly, trusted resource center designed to help new parents educate themselves, get much needed advice and find the absolute essentials for baby. Website: www.thetulipgrove.com.
