Babies Online - The Blog

Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima has given birth to a baby girl, her first with NBA star Marco Jaric of the Memphis Grizzlies. They have christened their daughter with the name Valentina Lima Jaric. A representative for the couple has announced that “Mother, father and baby are all doing well.”

Valentina is a popular Latin America name which means ‘healthy and strong’. Mexican actress Salma Hayek also chose the name for her daughter two years ago.

So will Mom walk down a Victoria’s Secret catwalk weeks after giving birth like VS alum Heidi Klum? And will Valentina choose to walk down a runway or down the courts of the WBNA when she grows older? Only time will tell.

Adriana 28, and husband Marco, 31, met in 2006, got engaged two years later, married back in February and announced the pregnancy soon after the honeymoon.

“We are so excited!” she announced back in May. “We wanted this. We were ready.”

Congratulations to the couple!

Source: Celebrity Babies

Contributed by MrsH
Tags: Adriana Lima, celebrity, celebrity birth announcement, Marco Jaric, Memphis Grzzlies, NBA, victoria's secret
Posted in: Birth Announcement, Celebrities
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It goes by many different names. The International Day of the Child. The Universal Children’s Day. The National Child Day in individual countries.

However, it doesn’t matter what it’s called. November 20 is a special day for children all over the world.

When it all started

It was almost 55 years ago when the General Assembly of the United Nations recommended that the special day be observed to celebrate “worldwide fraternity and understanding between children.” The Assembly decided on November 20 as the special day which also marks the day when the Declaration of the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1959 and Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. Today, all over the world, countries, organizations and schools celebrated this very special day.

How I celebrated the Universal Child’s Day

I live in Switzerland, one of the smallest but most diverse countries in Europe. When one of my sons’ teachers asked for extra help for this day, I immediately volunteered despite my full schedule. Each class at the school had chosen a country to celebrate its culture and tradition. One of my sons’ class had chosen England; the other Pakistan. The schoolchildren from the neighboring town were invited over so they can celebrate together. My task was to show the children how to prepare cucumber sandwiches and tea for a typical English repast – English tea. I am not English, but I am familiar with the culture and I speak the language.

The classrooms were so wonderfully decorated according to the theme country and many parents lent a hand. A Daddy from Togo played African beats on drums. A Mommy from Thailand made lots of spring rolls while a Swiss Mommy married to a Pakistani baked patties from her husband’s region.

All 500 plus of the school kids then gathered outside, joined hands, and formed a big circle around the school house. Afterwards, Universal Child Day balloons were released.

It was a long morning for the kids. It was great chance for us moms to participate in such an event. My sons were so proud to tell their classmates “That’s my Mom. She helped us make the cucumber sandwiches.”

What the Universal Children’s Day means

As the name indicates, today was a day dedicated to each and every child in the world. However, it doesn’t stop there. It is also the chance to draw attention to the plight of children in low income regions. Yes, somewhere in the world, children still suffer from:

• Poverty. According to a study, 1 in 3 children in developing countries has no access to sanitation facilities. 1 in5 has not access to clean water.

• Child labor. The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that 218 million children are being used as labourers, with the highest numbers in the Asian-Pacific region.

• Child abuse. 80 to 98% of children suffer from physical punishment at home. More than 50,000 die as a result of homicide.

• Diseases. Millions of children die from malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases which are easily preventable and curable in developed countries.

• Lack of education. 13% of children aged 7 to 28 years in developing countries (approx. 140 million children) have never attended school, most of them girls.

• Discrimination and racism.

Many of us may not realize that these things are not only happening in some remote country. It may be happening in our own neighborhood. Here in Switzerland, the main problems children have to contend with are racism and discrimination.

I really applaud the school’s efforts to introduce the children to other cultures, thereby broadening their horizon and promoting tolerance, respect and appreciation for diversity. I was proud to be part of this effort. And I hope that other parents will participate more in the coming years to help make this world a better place for our kids.

Contributed by Science-mom
Tags: celebration, International Day of the Child, National Child Day, November 20, school, Universal Children's Day
Posted in: Current Events
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Grand World Recalls ‘Bobby Chupete’ Pacifiers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: ‘Bobby Chupete’ Pacifiers

Units: About 641,000

Importer: Grand World Inc., of Maspeth, N.Y.

Hazard: The pacifiers fail to meet federal safety standards. The pacifier mouth guard is too small, posing a choking hazard to infants and toddlers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves ‘Bobby Chupete’ pacifiers. The pacifiers have a ring-shaped handle and heart-shaped mouth guard with two ventilation holes. The nipple is made of latex. ‘Bobby Chupete’ and a picture of an infant are printed on the pacifier’s packaging. The pacifier was sold in aqua, red, white or yellow colors.

Sold at: Various retail stores nationwide from November 2004 through July 2009 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumer should immediately take the recalled pacifiers away from infants and toddlers and contact Grand World for a refund or a replacement pacifier.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Grand World collect at (718) 326-7786 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.grandworldinc.com

Contributed by Dan
Tags: Bobby Chupete', China, choking hazard, pacifiers, recall, unsafe pacifiers
Posted in: Recalls
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November 18 is Prematurity Awareness Day.

I am one of those moms who had firsthand experience with prematurity. My twin boys were born 5 weeks early 6 years ago. Even though they’ve grown to be healthy boys, we had to struggle with low birth weight and health problems during the first year of their lives.

This is the reason why I tend to follow closely the latest new updates on prematurity. This is why I am sharing with you today some facts and figures on prematurity.

What is Preterm Birth?

Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation is completed. In recent years, preemies have been loosely classified into 3 categories:

• Very preterm infants are those born before the 32^th week of gestation.
• Moderately preterm infants are those born between the 32nd and 34^th week of pregnancy
• Late preterm births are those which occur between the 34^th and the 36^th week of gestation.

Children born prematurely have a higher rate of health problems such as cerebral palsy, sensory deficits, and respiratory conditions, and learning disabilities compared to children born full term.

Statistics on Prematurity

Let’s look at some statistics on prematurity:

• Almost 13 million babies from all over the world are born prematurely each year.

• More than 1 million of these preemies die as a result of preterm delivery.

• More than 85% of preterm births occur in low- and middle-income countries of Africa and Asia

• One in 8 American babies is premature.

• The rate on preterm deliveries in the US has increased by 36% during the last 25 years, higher than most developed countries.

These figures are cited in the white paper of March of Dimes on Preterm Birth. The numbers are based on data collected by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Global distribution of preterm births

The white paper also reports the following preterm birth rates per region:

• Africa – 11.9%

• Asia – 9.1%

• Europe – 6.2%

• Latin America and the Caribbean – 8.1%

• North America – 10.6%

• Oceania – 6.4%

According to income or resources, the preterm birth rates are as follows:

• High income countries – 7.5%

• Middle income countries -8.8%

• Low income countries -12.5%

The figures clearly indicate that preterm birth rates are related to income or resources. What is surprising, even troubling is the fact the preterm birth rate in North America is quite high, higher that the rate in middle income regions.

Preterm birth rate in the US is high – and rising

Breaking down the North American rates among individual countries, the rate is 12.7% in the US according to U.S. National Center for Health Statistics and 8.2% in Canada according to a Canadian government report. The rate of preterm births seems to be increasing in some countries including the US, Denmark and Norway. There are several factors that contribute to the increasing rate of preterm births in the US and other countries, and include

• Increased births due to assisted reproduction which lead to multiple pregnancies that necessitate early delivery.

• Increased number of pregnancies in women older than 35

• Increased use of elective Cesarean sections close to term, thus increasing the number of late premature births.

In contrast, not much is known about the causes of premature births in low income countries but they are presumably related to poor health care system and economic problems.

Prematurity is a global problem and seems to be increasing due to many different reasons. But it all boils down to the fact that preterm births, unless medically necessary, do not benefit baby or mom.

Contributed by Science-mom
Tags: March of Dimes, preemies, prematurity, preterm births, preterm delivery
Posted in: Current Events, Pregnancy
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After months of waiting, the time has come and gone. For a little under a year you’ve rubbed feet, and lower back. You’ve braved various “birthing” classes and read as many books as your time allowed. You’ve been given tips from other fathers, whether solicited, or not. The moment you were waiting for has come and gone. Now, one of the most incredible moments of your life, the birth of your first child, has given way to something else. After all the preparation you’ve now set about the task of figuring out what exactly it is you’re to do with this newborn baby. And quite frankly, you’re left scratching your head like that guy in the produce aisle who stands there glazed over, seemingly overwhelmed at the enormity of what is in front of him.

Infant Bonding

It’s no secret that many men look at the early bond between mother and infant and wonder “Where do I fit in?” You look at that beautiful infant who seemingly does nothing but poop, cry, eat and sleep and wonder, “What can I do? She/he doesn’t do anything?” So, you fall back on those masculine instincts and decide that you’ll do what you know. You’ll take those gadgets you bought in anticipation of the birth and capture everything your baby does. Around this same time you also begin to imagine all the things you can do with your child when he or she is older. The footballs you’ll throw, or the suitors you’ll scare off. The first birdhouse you will build together or the father/daughter dance. All those wonderful things you’ll do when your little one “does more.” Some guys I know feel guilty for having these thoughts or feelings but for men who, by nature of the process, are not as bonded physically with the infant, these feelings are quite natural.

Allow me to offer up this notion. To reconnect, live in the moment. You see, in order to journal everything through the lens of a camera or camcorder, you have to step back from the action a bit and disconnect. To help you stay in the moment, I’ve given you something you’ll probably like…a list. Trust me, time goes by fast and before you know it you’ll be sending your new bundle of joy off to college and wondering where the time went.

Newborn Parenting: Dad’s List

• Help with breast feeding - I know you may be thinking, “What can I possibly to do help with that?” You can actually help ensure that the baby is properly “latched” on to mommy as she might not be able to tell from her angle. Prior to the actual feeding you may offer to make sure that mom has all the pillows she needs and is properly supported to comfortably feed baby. There are actually breast feeding pillows you can buy to help facilitate this, but in the absence of finances to purchase one, any pillow will do.

• Napping – I know you and mom may both be concerned about your ability to “be gentle” with baby, but I don’t think you’ll be crushing your little one any time soon, so take a nap with your baby. One of the most wonderful memories I have from when my daughter was an infant is a picture my wife took of me napping with her laying on my chest. I remember that day, dozing off, like it was yesterday and that picture only cements the wonderful bond I have had with my Princess since she was just a newborn. This benefits baby because he/she will get the chance to further become acquainted with daddy’s scent and let’s face it, this kind of tender, appropriately intimate moment never hurts!

• Include Baby – I have a friend who is a huge Patriots fan and since his infant was weeks old he has watched football games with her. Now that she’s old enough to hold her head up on her own and sit up, she sits right next to him on the couch during those marathon Sundays of football viewing. You know what? Now, she actually responds to him as he responds to the games! Just make sure that you bring baby into the game. You’ve got a captive audience. Involve baby and you’ll have a game buddy in no time. You see, you don’t need to wait for tomorrow to enjoy sports with your baby boy or girl. Today is a great day to start.

• Talk to Baby – Remember when baby was en utero and you used to talk to mommy’s tummy all the time? That doesn’t have to stop now that baby is born. Of course, you won’t be talking to the tummy any more, you actually get to talk to the baby directly so go ahead and tell him or her about all the wonderful things you’d like to do when they get older. Tell baby about your ideas and daydreams of tossing the ol’ pigskin around or donning a Tux for that Father/Daughter dance. You’ve got a captive audience and, ultimately, one which deeply desires to interact with you.

• Bathing – Last, but definitely not least, bathe baby on a regular basis. Make bath time your special time. Sing a funny song while bathing baby. Tickle your little one. This is play time for both of you and just another opportunity to nurture a bond that will hopefully last a lifetime.

The great thing about all of these tips is that not only you and baby benefit from your being “in the moment,” but mom benefits by getting a moment. She’s with baby day and night right now and getting some time to herself to sleep or do whatever she needs to recharge, will work wonders for everyone in the household.

Contributed by Tshaka Armstrong
Tags: breast feeding, dads, fatherhood, first time dads, newborns, parenting skills, parenting tips
Posted in: Baby, Parenting
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