The US Food and Drug Administration on Thursday cautioned people to avoid select Similac, Alimentum or EleCare powdered infant formulas due to potential contamination with Cronobacter, a type of bacteria that can cause severe food-borne illness.
The recall impacts formula produced in Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility and those with the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; the expiration date is April 1, 2022, or later. The codes are located near the expiration date on the product packaging.
Image via iStock
Four children were hospitalized and one baby died of bacterial infections, and an investigation into the source of the bacteria is ongoing. The infections were found in Texas, Ohio and Minnesota, the FDA said in a news release. They also noted that “Parents and caregivers of infants who have used these products, and are concerned about the health of their child, should contact their child’s health care provider.”
Three infections stemmed from Cronobacter, a bacteria that can cause severe, life-threatening infections or inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine. The third infection was from Salmonella, a group of bacteria that can cause digestive illness and fever.
However, “During testing in our Sturgis, Mich., facility, we found evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas. We found no evidence of Salmonella Newport,” Abbott Nutrition said in a news release. “Importantly, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of either of these bacteria, and we continue to test.”
This news comes at a bad time—the US is facing a shortage of baby formula due to challenges across the supply chains, including impacts on transportation, labor and logistics. According to market research firm IRI, stores’ infant formula inventories in mid-January were down 17% from where they were in mid-February 2020, just before the pandemic hit US shores.
After a long and anxious wait, COVID-19 vaccines are now available for kids age 5 to 11. Getting young kids vaccinated is critical for protecting our communities, since this is a large age group, and taking this step will give millions of parents peace of mind.
Paul Lewis, MD, a Kaiser Permanente pediatrician in Portland, Oregon, who specializes in infections in kids, says that as winter and the holidays approach, this is a good time to get kids vaccinated. He suggests using the COVID-19 vaccine authorization as an opportunity to get kids caught up on other vaccinations as well, since many people have fallen behind on regular appointments during the last 18 months. He also suggests that all children over 6 months old get their flu shot this year. Fortunately, he says, it’s no problem to get both shots at the same time.
We know parents, caregivers, and others may have questions about the safety of the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. In this Q&A, Dr. Lewis answers common questions about it.
How well does the COVID-19 vaccine work for kids?
For kids under 12, the COVID-19 vaccine is incredibly effective. A recent study, affirmed by the Food and Drug Administration, that included more than 3,000 kids who got the pediatric dose of the vaccine found that it was more than 90% effective at preventing infection with symptoms.
How does the vaccine for children 5 to 11 differ from the vaccine for people 12 and older?
The pediatric vaccine is identical to the vaccine that’s used for older teenagers and adults, but the dose is one-third of the adult dose. That dosage was chosen because it was just as effective at providing protective antibodies but had a much lower rate of side effects.
What are the most common side effects?
Of the thousands of kids who were part of that recent study, zero had serious adverse events. Some kids get sore arms, redness or swelling, and a smaller percentage might get fatigue, muscle aches or fever. But they’re getting side effects at lower rates than teenagers and adults.
What is the risk of myocarditis?
Myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart, has occurred in young men who’ve been vaccinated but is pretty rare, with a handful of cases per million vaccination doses. Many cardiologists think that, since this is generally more common in teenagers than school-age kids, it’ll be less common after vaccination as well.
If my child has underlying health conditions, should I go ahead with vaccination?
Studies on this are ongoing. We know that older adolescents and adults with immunocompromised conditions or on immunosuppressive medications respond less well to vaccination, but they do respond. We also know that if they get COVID-19, they’re more likely to have worse outcomes, including needing hospitalization and intensive care. If someone has an underlying condition, such as an immunosuppressive condition, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, we recommend getting an age-appropriate vaccine.
If my child is used to wearing a mask, can’t I just rely on that for prevention?
Social distancing and wearing masks are important layers of protection, but they are hard to continue day after day, especially for kids at recess or at lunch. So the vaccine is a big, thick layer of protection to help with all those other measures, and people should use them together.
How should I prepare my child for a vaccination appointment?
I’ve never met a kid who wanted to get a shot, but kids are resilient. You can help by explaining that you’ve been vaccinated and, while it does hurt, the pain goes away quickly and you’re there for them. At Kaiser Permanente vaccination sites, there will be people who are used to dealing with children and who know that there is a lot of emotion and fear. Kaiser Permanente staff and parents can work together to make it a minor experience for kids.
Is there anything you can do to help reduce the pain that happens in the arm after getting the vaccine? Does heat or cold compresses work better?
I don’t know of any magic or comparison between heat and cold. My advice to parents would be to avoid focusing on it; it is not much different than any other injection- actually smaller in volume. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you normally would for the degree of pain.
My son keeps taking his mask off during recess at school, is he safe since he’s outside?
Different states and different school districts have varying policies on using masks outside. In general, the risk of getting COVID outside is MUCH less than in any indoor setting. Please try to follow the school’s rules—they are doing there best in a difficult situation and parents can help by being supportive
I know the CDC says it’s safe to get both the flu vaccine at the same time as the covid vaccine, but as a pediatrician would you recommend waiting a week or two in between those vaccines?
Simultaneous vaccines are recommended because it is hard for individuals and families to make multiple appointments or to fit multiple visits into their schedules. I got mine together last week!
Are there any over the counter medications that my child should or should not take right after getting the vaccine?
CDC recommends not taking OTCs unless you need them for symptom management.
I have a 17 year old son with a heart murmur and a left ventricular bundle branch block, is he at a higher risk for Myocarditis with the vaccine?
Hard question, but I would check with his cardiologist who knows his case the best.
I have a child with a compromised immune system; with the new variant heading to the US, should I consider homeschooling during the winter months?
We will know much more about the new variant by January. It is not yet widespread enough in the US to worry and when school starts again after New Years we should know more about the risk to vaccinated and unvaccinated kids.
Do you have an estimated timeline of when kids under 5 will be approved for the vaccine?
Hard to make a guarantee but hopefully by spring of 2022.
A clean beauty pioneer, award-winning natural product innovator, and the creator of several cause-driven skincare brands, Kim is featured by Goop, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and more...
Perhaps you’ve heard of facial gua sha, using a gentle yet firm pressure that’s effective for de-puffing, uplifting, and toning. No matter your age, gua sha promotes important healing beneath the skin, and effectively helps a wide range of issues— from allergies and inflammation to immune strengthening, skin toning, and more. Skin is our first line of defense against the impacts of temperature, toxins, and bacteria. Gua sha helps balance the skin’s immune function, so it can work better as the mighty protective barrier it’s designed to be.
The BEB Gua Sha Method, which is specialized for prenatal, postnatal, and baby care, encourages mindful emotional
connections while improving the vital functions of skin. Our method honors the skin as our largest organ and enhances its sensory powers to facilitate the health and healing that makes us feel balanced, connected, and calm.
tools for success
Our stone is heart-shaped rose quartz, called the “love” stone that builds trust, harmony, and self-worth. It fits comfortably in your hand and mimics the curves of breast and body. Our Soothing Serum and Nurturing Oil, recommended for use with the gua sha tool, are 100% free of harsh chemicals and 101% full of love and ingredients to feed your baby’s skin from the outside in.
To begin your journey with gua sha for pregnancy or baby, you only need:
YOUR BABY OR BELLY
SOOTHING SERUM
NURTURING OIL
OUR ROSE QUARTZ GUA SHA STONE
gua sha for pre & postnatal care
Stimulating microcirculation right beneath the skin is ideal to treat and prevent many key concerns during and after pregnancy. The BEB Gua Sha Method of massage can help with:
STRETCH MARKS
C-SECTION SCARS
ENGORGED BREASTS
MUSCLE ACHES & PAINS
IMMUNE CHALLENGES
HEADACHES (even migraines)
COLDS AND FLUS
SKIN PROBLEMS
LOW BACK PAIN
INFLAMMATION
ALLERGIES
NAUSEA
INSOMNIA
CELLULITE
FATIGUE
AND MORE
lasting benefits of gua sha with baby
As a parent, you can help ease challenging emotional states by first practicing relaxing techniques with your baby when they’re little, then later showing your older child how to engage in soothing self-care like gua sha. With self-care as a normal part of your child’s health regime, they have calming, healing tools for everything life throws their way.
All you need to maximize the benefits of massage is the right technique, regular treatments, clean products, and good energy.
1
Soothing & Nurturing Gua Sha Set
A Whole New Way to Gua Sha for Bumps & Babes
$128
Soothe, clear & replenish the skin with this probiotic, multi-benefit serum, nourishing oil and specialized rose quartz gua sha tool. Reduce sensitivity, create calm, and build lasting emotional connections with the BEB Organic skincare system.
Lock in moisture and encourage mindful emotional connections with this soothing, nutrient-rich skincare. Begin your gua sha journey with our specialized rose quartz gua sha tool to calm, replenish and moisturize delicate skin for both baby & mom.
Phytocura™ Enriched Replenisher to Calm and Smooth
$48
Replenish sensitive newborn skin with these rich moisture drops, featuring our signature PHYTOCURA™ Complex, a prized phytonutrient concentrate that blends precious cranberry oil with nourishing sunflower oil for brilliant hydration with 6000 other potent bioactive compounds. The luxurious yet light oil glides over skin for that healing touch, providing revitalizing moisture and skin-loving aminos that melt into skin for a smooth, soft finish. Chosen by America's top hospitals & birth centers for uncompromising safety standards, proven effectiveness, and an innovative approach to health. Newborn & Pregnancy safe. For face, body & scalp. Smells like a clean slate with the almost undetectable essence of freshly pressed cranberry oil. Free of synthetic fragrances & dyes.
Banish annoying skin problems like dry and rough skin patches with this potent yet gentle Soothing Serum. First developed for babies, it is the perfect solution to clear and balance skin at any age. Soothing Serum is a rose petal enriched multi-miracle worker, providing cooling comfort to instantly soothe irritated skin. It is packed with Phytocura™ Complex and works to optimize pH, restore healthy probiotics, speed up healing, and minimize scars. Ultra-effective elderberry, cypress, and myrrh help prevent blemishes and transform picky skin into a spotless look of picture-perfect health. For face, body & scalp. Smells like you’ve gathered a handful of fresh rose petals, punctuated by gems of calming marigold. Free of synthetic fragrances & dyes. Clinically proven allergen-free.
Did you know that more than 40 percent of Americans have myopia (also known as nearsightedness)1? This vision problem can develop and worsen over time as a child grows and can even be influenced by factors such as genetics2, increased screen time, and less time playing outdoors3. CooperVision’s Brilliant Futures™ Myopia Management Program with MiSight® 1 day contact lenses are the first and only soft contact lenses FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children age 8-12 at initiation of treatment.†4 To find out if MiSight® 1 day contact lenses are a fit for your child, talk to your Eye Care Practitioner (ECP) and learn more about myopia management at coopervision.com/myopia-management!
*Indications and Important Safety Information. Rx only. Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually-demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional. †Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
References:
1.Holden BA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-42.
2.Mutti DO, Mitchell GL, Moeschberger ML, Jones LA, Zadnik K. Parental myopia, near work, school achievement, and children’s refractive error. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2002;43(12):3633-3640. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.0412
3.Huang HM, Chang DS, Wu PC. The Association between Near Work Activities and Myopia in Children-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One. 2015;10(10):e0140419. Published 2015 Oct 20. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0140419
4.Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.
One of the easiest ways to support the Black community directly is by supporting Black-owned businesses. Many have already been affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Here are 10 Miami-based businesses that offer products for both kids and families.
Black Girl Sunscreen
Black Girl Sunscreen for Kids is an everyday SPF 50 moisturizing sunscreen lotion for face and body. Especially created for people of color using natural ingredients including carrot seed oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, avocado and shea butter. Oxybenzone and Paraben free, it leaves no white residue.
Buena Vista Candle Co. is an aromatherapeutic scent studio based in the heart of Miami, Florida founded by Jeannine Escobar. As a trained aromatherapist, she explores the healing properties of essential oils and experiments with time-honored techniques for unique scent invention for modern times.
Cards by Carter is a home-based company down in Miami, Florida. Designer and owner Amelia Carter started Cards by Carter in 2008 on the success of an idea back in her mom’s shed house; it was just a hobby. In February of 2015 Cards by Carter became even more official.
KAZMALEJE creates lifestyle amplifying tools and accessories that empower women, men and kids to pamper and groom themselves with love, care and style.
Vintage 1804 by Roe Michel is a Miami-based shop that sells empowerment tees. Roe Michel is a Haitian American Photographer and Designer. He has a passion for empowering youth through education.
Tree Hugging Soap combines the natural practices of the old ways. They use only the basics; combining herbs and moisturizers naturally occurring in nature.
YayDay Paper Co.offers digital stationery, crafting projects and planners products that you can print at home. It is a membership site where members pay an affordable monthly fee for access to monthly curated collections of stationery, crafting projects, planner products and more delivered straight to their YayDay account.
COOL CREATIVE is a design studio that uses design to build brands that matter. The COOL Creative Capsule Collection is an elevated streetwear line that elevates culture by honoring tradition with their original artwork.
A post shared by SHOP COOL® (@shopcoolcreative) on
ETA Luxe by Erica Appleby
ETA Luxe by Erica Appleby is committed to inspiring inner beauty in every customer since its inception. Using innovation, texture and functionality to create timeless pieces, ETA Luxe inspires women to walk, create and live in their true power.
No one should have to suffer due to the high cost of life-saving medication. The state of Illinois just became the first to require that insurance companies cover the full cost of epinephrine injectors for kids.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker just signed a law requiring companies that provide health insurance within the state to pay for medically-necessary epinephrine injectors for cases of severe allergic reactions in children 18 and under. In the event of an anaphylactic reaction, an epinephrine injection can be a life-saving tool to open airways and minimize inflammation.
I was proud to sign two new laws expanding insurance coverage for children whose allergies require live-saving EpiPens and Illinoisans suffering from Lyme disease.
This legislation takes a big step forward in protecting our children and families. pic.twitter.com/ZQVTies3j3
Governor Pritzker tweeted that the new law is “a big step forward in protecting our children and families.”
Parents are required to provide epinephrine injectors at schools and camps, but they expire within a short period and have to be replaced. That, added to an epinephrine shortage in the past, has added to rising costs for the medication across the country.
“With steady increases in food allergies and other serious allergic conditions, families are relying on EpiPens more than ever before,” Illinois State Senator Julie Morrison said in a statement. “We should be doing everything we can to expand access to affordable lifesaving drugs and medicines. No child with a serious allergy should be without an epinephrine injector because they cannot afford one.”
Summer nights under the stars are some of the best, but the mosquitoes attacking you in the dark are not. It might seem like nothing can combat that endless, annoying itch that follows a bug bite, especially for kids, but one simple tool promises to stop the itch of a mosquito bite by sucking out the poison.
When the bug spray fails you try The Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool. The device uses suction to minimize itching, redness and swelling after a bug bite or sting, including those from mosquitoes, bees, wasps, chiggers, fire ants, fleas and more. The company says it works by sucking out the poison and irritants that cause the itching and inflammation.
It might sound too good to be true, but it does have some promising five star reviews on Amazon. “I cannot stress to you enough how much better this simple little tool has made my quality of life during summer in Ohio. It rains a lot. There are a lot of mosquitoes. Omg so many mosquitoes. I have horrific allergic reactions to mosquito bites. We’re talking bumps swelling to the width of softballs within minutes of the bite. This tool doesn’t make those bumps go away, but it stops the itch IMMEDIATELY,” wrote one reviewer.
At just $10 for a device that can be used over and over again, it’s definitely worth a shot to end that itch. It’s safe to use on adults and kids, but the company does recommend that you practice using it before hand to show kids what the suction will feel like before you actually need to use it.
January through March marks peak season for respiratory syncytial virus—known more commonly as RSV. So what is RSV? While this virus may seem like the common cold, it isn’t. Back in October 2018, celeb parents Nick and Vanessa Lachey shared their own harrowing experience when their newborn preemie son Phoenix contracted RSV shortly after he was born and had to be hospitalized.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention want to make sure parents understand the signs and symptoms of this potentially dangerous illness as RSVP season ramps up. Read on for the scoop.
RSV is a very common virus that tends to peak in early winter each year. Anyone—including adults and babies—can get the virus. However, it doesn’t always affect everyone in the same way.
A healthy older child, teen or adult may have mild cold-like symptoms. But an infant, the elderly or anyone who has a compromised immune system may experience more serious symptoms. According to the CDC, 57,000 children under five-years-old are hospitalized annually with RSV infections.
Children under one year may develop bronchiolitis (an inflammation of the lungs’ small airways) or even pneumonia. This isn’t to say that RSV will progress into these often-severe illnesses in every infant. But kiddos under age one are more at risk.
Is There an RSV Vaccine?
Vaccination is an easy way to prevent your child from getting any number of dangerous diseases. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for RSV currently. But you can take steps to protect your child. The CDC recommends washing your hands often—and your child’s too. Also, skip the playdates with kids who might be sick and teach your kids not to touch their face as it spreads germs. For grownups, make sure you disinfect surfaces often.
Another important pro-tip: if you or your child get sick, stay home. This helps your child’s teachers, friends at school, neighbors, the bagger at the grocery store, the attendant at the indoor play-space and everyone else stay healthy.
How Do I Know if My Kid Has RSV?
RSV typically presents with mild cold-like symptoms. These can include:
Runny, stuffy nose
Fever
Wheezing
Coughing and sneezing
Fatigue
Decreased appetite
Your child may have a few or all of the symptoms, but typically not all at the same time. Infants and young children may also seem irritable or particularly fussy.
When Should We See a Doctor?
The best answer: when in doubt, see your healthcare professional, whether you think it’s a cold, RSV or even the flu. There’s really no substitute for qualified medical advice. (Read: Call your actually doc instead of paging Dr. Google.)
If your child is lethargic, wheezing, has a fever, has trouble breathing, won’t eat or drink or just doesn’t seem right, always call your pediatrician immediately.
Last week, as I was having the best day ever (because my piece was published on Scary Mommy), my little one got sick. My boys both have asthma and their symptoms seem to worsen anytime there’s an onset of even the slightest of colds. Short of keeping them in a bubble, I do everything I can to limit the number of colds as well as the duration. So while my phone was going crazy with texts, facebook notifications, tweets and what-not, I was sitting in the bathroom with a makeshift steam room so that my little one’s coughing fits could be soothed. As I was sitting on the damp bathroom floor, I felt comforted that at least I wasn’t the only one struggling through this disease.
In the US, asthma is the LEADING chronic disease amongst children, which translates to 6.2 million children affected. There aren’t really any chronic diseases that can be labeled as easy but as a mother of two boys who suffer from asthma, I can’t emphasize enough how excruciating it can be watching your child struggle to breathe. But after years and years of diligently giving my children albuterol, QVAR, and sometimes escalating to prednisone (and his scarier cousin dexamethasone) I decided to look outside of the box and explore if there were any other ways to help reduce my these turbulent flare-ups.
So here is the part where I do a disclaimer and tell you not to foolish and trust what your doctor tells you. If your child is in the middle of an asthmatic episode, get them their inhaler stat! If your kid has uncontrolled asthma, don’t start experimenting with holistic medicines and stick to the steroids and rescue meds your doctor has prescribed. Basically, just use your common sense and don’t be a moron, okay?
Since my boys are prone to getting asthmatic flare-ups after they get a cold, I work really hard to reduce their respiratory irritation and knock the sh*t out of all that mucus before it becomes a full-fledged beast. Here are my tried and trusted antidotes that have significantly helped my kids go from having to take 4-5 courses of steroids every year to just once or twice. I’m scared of jinxing myself here for even saying it but over the last twelve months, we’ve had exactly ZERO urgent care, middle of the night, panicked runs to see a doctor. Any parent raising kids with asthma know what a huge feat that is! Just remember, all kids are different so make sure you use common sense, check with your doctor first and don’t come sue me if it doesn’t work out for you!
1. Neti-pot Nasal Rinses. I really should be getting paid from this company (but I don’t) because I recommend one to every single mom I know. The process requires your child to pour saline water (with your assistance) into one side of their nostril and let it come out the other side. This is great for flushing out mucus, allergens and relieving sinuses. If my irrational four year-old can handle this because it feels so damn good afterwards, I promise that with a little bit of practice, your kid can too. My boys do this daily and it has prevented many minor colds from becoming something more sinister and gargantuan. Plus the bonus is the joy your heart will pulsate with when your child’s nasty, thick, gooey mucus slides out one side. It’s enough to provide me with unequivocal happiness for a minute.
2. Khichri. This is comfort food for my people and consists mostly of legumes, spices and rice. Most people living in the south Asian subcontinent use this as their go-to meal for any ailment and is believed to reduce inflammation and cultivate vitality of the respiratory system. It’s the dish my mom would make whenever I got sick and when I began researching potent herbs, I kept stumbling upon the spices used in khichdi: turmeric, ginger, tulsi, asafetida. These and the legumes and rice are cooked in ghee and onions and every one of these ingredients is a powerhouse for helping asthmatic and coughing symptoms.
3. Elderberry syrup. The herb elderberry goes all the way back to Hippocrates (“the father of medicine”) who referred to it as his “medicine chest” because of it’s proven antidotal properties. Not only does elderberry increase immune system boosters in the body, but it’s antioxidant-laden syrups reduces inflammation and the symptoms of allergies. When the kids are in maintenance-mode, I try to stick to ½ tsp. at bedtime every day. Once a cold appears, we bump it up to twice daily.
4. Aromatherapy/essential oils. I have found rubbing eucalyptus chest rub (I use the baby ones to keep things mild) on my kids to have a calming effect almost instantaneously. Diffusing peppermint, eucalyptus and laurel leaf oils at night also gives them some sensory comfort. Play around with this and see if your child finds it helpful or not. For my kids specifically, it activates an olfactory reaction of mental calmness and I’ll take whatever I can get.
5. Juicing. It took us ages to perfect but my kids finally embraced a green juice recipe that we all could be happy with. There are thousands upon thousands of recipes out there but mine is very simple and contains spinach, cherries carrots and pineapples. Once again, these fruits and vegetables contain lots of anti-inflammatory properties and if I add a protein powder to our juice, just like that, I’ve got dinner made!
6. Steam showers. This is another old remedy that has proved incredibly useful when the inhalers just can’t seem to stop a coughing asthmatic attack. I run the shower on hot and line up the bathroom doorway with a towel. Then we hang out for about 10 minutes in there (no electronics allowed, !) before walking out.
7. Chiropractic adjustments. Spinal manipulative therapy (otherwise known as adjustments) has been found to be subjectively useful to patients. My children do really well with this and during the high-risk seasons, we try and do adjustments every other week. Studies suggest using chiropractic adjustments as a supplement (not replacement!) of remedies being used. Both my boys have done really well with bi-weekly adjustments and it helps to have a kid-friendly chiropractor!
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Sara Ahmed is a freelance writer for Babble & Scary Mommy. When she’s not busy raising her two boys, Sara yields her powers as a dubious matriarch in her casa de testosterone.
At some point during pregnancy, every mom to be will be schooled by friends, family, and random strangers in the grocery store on the old wives tales connected to the sex of the baby. From the types of cravings you have to how you carry, there are all kinds of superstitions connected to the baby’s sex. Until now they’ve remained just that, superstitions. However, a new study reveals that there might be more to those stories. Read on to find out how a baby’s sex can actually affect women during pregnancy.
Research conducted at the Ohio State University Weller Medical Center found that pregnant women displayed different levels of cytokines in their blood depending on the sex of the baby they were carrying. Cytokines are a marker that can tell doctors how well a person’s immune system is functioning, especially in relation to inflammation. Of the 80 mothers-to-be that were studied, those who were pregnant with girls were producing more of a specific type of cytokine. Immunity is good, but when there is an overabundance it can lead to inflammation, and the body attack itself similarly to the experience of having an auto-immune disease.
Essentially, women expecting a girl tended to have an increased immune response to the point of excessive inflammation. Symptoms of this include fatigue, achiness, and increased stress levels. In the most basic terms, having a girl can make you feel sicker than carrying a boy. More research is needed to understand why this happens, but it could explain the stories people have been telling for years and science has confirmed, like the link between increased morning sickness and carrying a girl. That still doesn’t mean you should believe every story you hear predicting the sex of your baby.
Was this true for you? Tell us in the comments below!
