09/04/98

Babies, Babies, Babies!

Unfortunately, babies don't come with instructions. That leaves us flying by the seat of our pants when it comes to the toughest job we will ever have, the job of raising our children.

Q: Can babies LEARN IN UTERO?

A: Most definitely, yes! But they won't arrive singing the alphabet, no matter how many times you recite it.

A healthy intrauterine environment is essential for normal fetal development. Malnutrition, overuse of nicotine, caffeine, ALCOHOL, street drugs and some prescription drugs can cause abnormalities. Even under the best of circumstances, birth defects can occur. Why take chances?

If you are pregnant or might be, see a doctor immediately. The better you take care of yourself during pregnancy, the greater the liklihood you will give birth to a normal, healthy infant. When your partner stays healthy and supports you wholeheartedly, so much the better!

PRENATAL STIMULATION FOR BABIES

Q: We just had a second child who is now two months old. Our five-year-old son was in the back seat with the baby on a car ride the other night. When we reached our destination we discovered that he had stuffed bits of paper into the baby's mouth! We know our son loves his new sister, but he was an only child for a long time. Now I fear for the baby's safety. What do you suggest?

A: From personal experience, our pediatrician predicted that our first-born would definitely react to the birth of a sibling, but he had no idea what the reaction would be. Our older child watched every move we made with the baby so closely, that he bumped into things or fell down, needing stitches twice in less than two weeks! This from a child who learned to walk before age one and ride a two-wheeler at age four.

In your situation, be sure to step up the supervision of your son. Spend extra time, just with your son, so he doesn't associate his sister's arrival with parental neglect or rejection. Also, teach him how to help you take care of his sister during bathing, feeding and "play." Be sure to go over your rules and reasons about safe and not safe forms of play. Establish consequences, such as time out, for breaking the rules. Consult the local librarian (or the Internet) for books to read with your son about the arrival of a sibling.

Comments and conversations over stories will help him explore his thoughts and mixed feelings about his new baby sister.

LINKS:

LEARN IN UTERO:
http://www.prenatalinstitute.org

ALCOHOL:
http://www.taconic.net/seminars/fasw.html

PRENATAL STIMULATION FOR BABIES:
http://www.2bparent.com/prenatallearning.htm

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.