Mum-Mum Blog

Research has previously shown breastfed babies have higher cognitive skills than formula fed babies, and a recent study finds further evidence for this notion.   Several studies have confirmed the superior cognitive skills of breastfed babies, but the reasons why were speculative – until now that is.  The enhanced brain function may be due the abundance of an essential fatty acid called DHA or docosahexaenoic acid naturally found in breast milk.

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Its likely you’ve noticed a few extra isles at the grocery store that are now jam packed with candy for Halloween trick or treaters. However, being a health conscience parent, you are unsettled about the idea of passing out gobs of candy to little ones. So, how you can treat without getting tricked? Here are some healthy Halloween treats, both edible and not, that are sure to bring a smile to even the spookiest ghost or goblin ringing your doorbell.

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It is an amazing experience for a new mother to realize just how significant those maternal instincts really are as some parenting skills seem to come naturally.  Although instincts certainly play a critical role in parenting, it could largely be due to the way you were mothered as a child as a new study found that several mothers parent just like their own mums.

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Although summertime isn’t necessarily synonymous with baking, having a great recipe to utilize all those fresh berries you picked up at the farmer’s market might give you reason to bake.  This month’s gluten free recipe features a summer berry crumble, a delicious dessert or snack that is suitable for celiacs.

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More and more companies are providing paternity leave to allow for the ever- changing parental roles in modern households.  Although Mum Mum’s reports a great deal about mothers, fathers are equally as important to the well being of a child and bonding with both parents provides long lasting benefits. A recent article explains that dads, however, are not spending as much time with their children as they should be.

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A recent study found that 7 out of 10 US children are deficient in vitamin D.  Vitamin D deficiency is not just related to bones but can increase risk for heart disease by increasing blood pressure and lowering levels of the heart healthy HDL cholesterol.  Just last October, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doubled the daily requirement of vitamin D to 400 IU for all kids; from infants to teenagers.

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Once previously thought to only maintain bone health by regulating calcium status, recent research has found vitamin D does a lot more than boost bones.  For the past several years, vitamin D has been one of the most popular vitamins studied, largely because so little was known about it and many people are deficient. Children are particularly at risk for vitamin D deficiency and a recent study found that a shocking number of children are indeed deficient.

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The hot summer weather is still here, allowing families to maximize the longer days before its time to head back to school.  Mum Mum’s recently discussed how to keep babies cool in the summer heat raising a poignant question: just how much water do babies need to drink to ensure they are hydrated?   A pediatrician from CNN Health  recently discussed the answer.

Dr. Jennifer Shu of Children’s Medical Group explains that fluid needs can be determined by starting with the age of the baby.  One area of concern for babies and water drinking is that their immature kidneys sometimes cannot handle too much water inducing a condition called “water intoxication″.  Water intoxication occurs when a baby drinks too much water to the exclusion of their milk which can lead to a potentially dangerous electrolyte imbalance. 

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Researchers and health experts agree, breast is best when it comes to infant feeding.  However, many women cannot or do no breastfeed for a range of personal reasons.  Many babies, even if breastfed, do receive infant formula during their first year of life once breastfeeding has ended.  A recent study found, however,  that many bottle feeding mothers are being neglected.

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Paternity leave, or paid time off for fathers with newborns, has become increasingly popular over the past decade.  New mothers need all the support they can get and paternity leave also gives a new father time to bond with his baby. Although there are innumerous benefits, a recent discussion by a UK think tank claims paternity leave is not immune to backlash.

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