Peak-a-boo, I See You

Wellness baby exams have become a regular part of my life. These checkups help mothers monitor the healthy growth and development of their infant. In my too-numerous-to-count Internet searches on infant health care, I came across a nifty program that all new moms should know about. Though most wellness baby exams are performed by pediatricians, The InfantSEE program, which was started in 2005, specifically promotes the healthy development of your little one’s eyes. Infants are eligible for a free eye assessment with an approved InfantSEE optometrist. Former President Jimmy Carter serves as its honorary spokesperson. According to the site, eye exams performed by pediatricians are less extensive than those conducted by optometrist. Therefore, parents are encouraged to schedule an infant eye exam as early as six months of age.

Tinka’s recent visit went very well. Her optometrist spent nearly an hour performing various tests on her baby browns. Our physician, a parent of two under three, was very skilled at maintaining Tinka’s attention while performing her assessment. She shared that many of today’s vision impairments can be prevented or mitigated with early detection. That was good to know!

Some other interesting statistics according to the website include:

• 10% of children are at risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems
• only 13% of mothers with children younger than 2 years of age have taken their infants to see an eye care professional for a well-care visit
• Approximately 4 million children were born in 2004, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In approximately 4%, strabismus will develop, and amblyopia will develop in 3% of the infants born each year who are at risk for serious eye and vision problems.

So if you suspect any issues (or if you don’t) with your little one's vision, I suggest you consider scheduling a visit. To learn more about the program and to check for an optometrist in your area, visit: http://www.infantsee.org/.

No Bite Bite!

Just when I thought I’d mastered the art of breastfeeding, Tinka’s new pair of pearly whites emerge. Breastfeeding has definitely fostered the strong bond that we share. To be honest, we both have grown accustomed to her afternoon feedings and gain enjoyment from the experience-- she is nourished and comforted and I get quality time with her. While this milestone has brought so much joy, the celebration abruptly ended with the baring down of her adorable--yet sharp--pair of teeth, my screaming --“No bite bite Tinka!!”, and the flash of her adorable smile. Wow, who knew two little itty-bitty teeth could cause so much pain! Needless to say, my pain was short-lived when I saw those endearing eyes and that large smile. I’ve since learned to pay attention to the ‘clues’ that mark the end of a feeding. To begin with, usually when she initially removes her mouth that signals low milk supply and that she’s done. The benefits of breastmilk are countless: 1) the nutrients, 2) cost effectiveness, 3) mother-child bonding, 4) less frequent trips to the doctor (less days from work). My intention is to nurse up until her first birthday. I just hope I can hold up until then…..