Walmart Furniture Bundle
Look out every week for New Mommy Deals of the Week.
Friday, February 11, 2011
This Week's Deal of the Week : Walmart Furniture Bundles
Here's a deal for YOU!!! Don't spend thousands of dollars on Nursery furniture. Check out Walmart's deals.It's amazing how much you can get for $250. How about a 4-in-1 crib, changing table and dresser, you can't beat that!
Walmart Furniture Bundle
Look out every week for New Mommy Deals of the Week.
Walmart Furniture Bundle
Look out every week for New Mommy Deals of the Week.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Similac Alimentum - No Milk, Not Exactly !!!
My little one happens to have a severe milk allergy. I have sampled or researched just about every formula on the market. I started with Enfamil Newborn which was given to me in the hospital; this is how I discovered that she had a terrible allergy to milk. She had continual terrible diarrhea and sour stomach. I tried her on Similac Alimentum and that lasted only for a few days. Her gas seemed to increase. Next, the Pediatrician suggested that I try a Soy formula. I did a little research and landed on Similac Isomil and gave it a whirl. I noticed some improvement but found that she became extremely constipated and now had a vomiting/spit-up issue. I couldn't figure it out, I was puzzled. With no other option, I reluctantly returned back to the Alimentum. To my surprise I saw some improvement. No more stomach cramps, diarrhea or gas, just mild vomiting. I weighed my options and thought this might be the less of the evils.
She stayed on the Alimentium for 3 weeks and the mild vomiting continued unchanged. After receiving her vaccines I saw a huge shift occur and instead of mild vomiting, now it was violent continual large amounts of vomiting. I was shocked. After doing some research I discovered that some vaccines cause an increase in lactose tolerance. But, I didn't get it she wasn't on a Milk based formula. This made no sense, so I began my research. I was shocked at my discovery.
Here are the ingredients to Similac Alimentium:
Per 5 FL OZ: Protein Equivalent 2.75 g; Fat 5.54 g; Carbohydrate 10.2 g; Water 133 g; Linoleic Acid 1900 mg; Vitamin A 300 IU; Vitamin D 45 IU; Vitamin E 3.0 IU; Vitamin K 15 mcg; Thiamin (Vitamin B1) 60 mcg; Vitamin B12 0.45 mcg; Niacin 1350 mcg; Folic Acid (Folacin) 15 mcg; Pantothenic Acid 750 mcg; Biotin 4.5 mcg; Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 9.0 mg; Choline 8 mg; Inositol 5 mg; Calcium 105 mg; Phosphorus 75 mg; Magnesium 7.5 mg; Iron 1.8 mg; Zinc 0.75 mg; Manganese 8 mcg; Copper 75 mcg; Iodine 15 mcg; Sodium 44 mg; Potassium 118 mg; Chloride 80 mg; Water 87%; Sugar (Sucrose) 4.4%; Casein Hydrolysate (Enzymatically Hydrolyzed and Charcoal Treated) 2.2%; Modified Tapioca Starch 2.2%; Safflower Oil 1.5%; Fractionated Coconut Oil (Medium-Chain Triglycerides) 1.3%; Soy Oil 1.1%; Less Than 1% Of: Calcium Citrate; Calcium Phosphate Dibasic; Carrageenan; Ascorbic Acid; Potassium Citrate; Potassium Phosphate Dibasic; Magnesium Chloride; Calcium Hydroxide; Potassium Chloride; Sodium Chloride; L-Methionine; L-Tyrosine; Choline Chloride; L-Tryptophan; Ferrous Sulfate; Taurine; L-Cystine Dihydrochloride; m-Inositol; Zinc Sulfate; Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate; L-Carnitine; Niacinamide; Calcium Pantothenate; Cupric Sulfate; Vitamin A Palmitate; Thiamine Chloride Hydrochloride; Pyridoxine Hydrochloride; Potassium Iodide; Phylloquinone; Sodium Selenate; Vitamin D3; Cyanocobalamin.
Notice the highlighted YELLOW ingredient, that's MILK. Not exactly a milk free formula now is it?!?!
I was completely upset by this discovery. It explained the symptoms she was still exhibiting. I brought this up to the Pediatrician, and he confirmed this discovery. He stated that often children with a milk allergy have more of a digestion issue rather than an actual milk allergy. This clearly was not the case for my daughter.
Now I was left to researching another option and I discovered Enfamil Soy. Similac Isomil did not work so this was my last resort.
I headed to the store and picked up a few concentrated cans and gave it a try. Needless to say, she is doing great. Still some gas, but no more vomiting, spitting up or diarrhea. She even seems happier.
I'm not saying this is Bible for every child, but I wanted to make my readers aware that checking the ingredients is key.
You can't Know Best if you don't Know What's In The Bottle!
She stayed on the Alimentium for 3 weeks and the mild vomiting continued unchanged. After receiving her vaccines I saw a huge shift occur and instead of mild vomiting, now it was violent continual large amounts of vomiting. I was shocked. After doing some research I discovered that some vaccines cause an increase in lactose tolerance. But, I didn't get it she wasn't on a Milk based formula. This made no sense, so I began my research. I was shocked at my discovery.
Here are the ingredients to Similac Alimentium:
Per 5 FL OZ: Protein Equivalent 2.75 g; Fat 5.54 g; Carbohydrate 10.2 g; Water 133 g; Linoleic Acid 1900 mg; Vitamin A 300 IU; Vitamin D 45 IU; Vitamin E 3.0 IU; Vitamin K 15 mcg; Thiamin (Vitamin B1) 60 mcg; Vitamin B12 0.45 mcg; Niacin 1350 mcg; Folic Acid (Folacin) 15 mcg; Pantothenic Acid 750 mcg; Biotin 4.5 mcg; Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 9.0 mg; Choline 8 mg; Inositol 5 mg; Calcium 105 mg; Phosphorus 75 mg; Magnesium 7.5 mg; Iron 1.8 mg; Zinc 0.75 mg; Manganese 8 mcg; Copper 75 mcg; Iodine 15 mcg; Sodium 44 mg; Potassium 118 mg; Chloride 80 mg; Water 87%; Sugar (Sucrose) 4.4%; Casein Hydrolysate (Enzymatically Hydrolyzed and Charcoal Treated) 2.2%; Modified Tapioca Starch 2.2%; Safflower Oil 1.5%; Fractionated Coconut Oil (Medium-Chain Triglycerides) 1.3%; Soy Oil 1.1%; Less Than 1% Of: Calcium Citrate; Calcium Phosphate Dibasic; Carrageenan; Ascorbic Acid; Potassium Citrate; Potassium Phosphate Dibasic; Magnesium Chloride; Calcium Hydroxide; Potassium Chloride; Sodium Chloride; L-Methionine; L-Tyrosine; Choline Chloride; L-Tryptophan; Ferrous Sulfate; Taurine; L-Cystine Dihydrochloride; m-Inositol; Zinc Sulfate; Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate; L-Carnitine; Niacinamide; Calcium Pantothenate; Cupric Sulfate; Vitamin A Palmitate; Thiamine Chloride Hydrochloride; Pyridoxine Hydrochloride; Potassium Iodide; Phylloquinone; Sodium Selenate; Vitamin D3; Cyanocobalamin.
Notice the highlighted YELLOW ingredient, that's MILK. Not exactly a milk free formula now is it?!?!
I was completely upset by this discovery. It explained the symptoms she was still exhibiting. I brought this up to the Pediatrician, and he confirmed this discovery. He stated that often children with a milk allergy have more of a digestion issue rather than an actual milk allergy. This clearly was not the case for my daughter.
Now I was left to researching another option and I discovered Enfamil Soy. Similac Isomil did not work so this was my last resort.
I headed to the store and picked up a few concentrated cans and gave it a try. Needless to say, she is doing great. Still some gas, but no more vomiting, spitting up or diarrhea. She even seems happier.
I'm not saying this is Bible for every child, but I wanted to make my readers aware that checking the ingredients is key.
You can't Know Best if you don't Know What's In The Bottle!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Target vs. Walmart - The Dilemma
Today I set out on my weekly adventure of running errands. As always I made my usual stop to Target to pick up a mix of food, random items for the house, baby formula and baby related items. Since I know the layout of the local Target store my trip was quite quick. I was actually in search of one specific item, Karo Syrup. I was interested in potentially using this as a way to help combat infant constipation. I've been told it's a great alternative to medicine. Well of course I had scowerd the shelves of Target and could not find one single bottle, so that led me down the street to the local grocery store. To my surprise they did not carry Karo syrup. Completely absurd, I know, I couldn't believe it myself. This left me with only one option, Walmart. So, I proceeded to the local Walmart. I walked in and began my search. In just a few short minutes I located the Karo syrup. Instead of leaving I decided to take a little tour and look and around and see what they had to offer. To my surprise they had the same exact items I just picked up from Target but at cheaper prices. Some items for $3 less, I was shocked. Now I felt like a complete idiot. Here I am suppose to be a Supermom. Coupon carrying, deal shopping, price matching Supermom. I felt like a failure.
As my head got lower and lower in shame after every aisle of merchandise I passed, I began to think to myself; "Why spend more?" I had no excuse nor even a sensible answer. I made my way through the checkout watching each item being scanned, and finally had an answer, "Don't spend more."
I can't lie to you and say I will do all of my shopping at Walmart, but I will do my fair share. I love Target for it's open aisles and clean and appealing feel, but nothing beats saving money. As a mother, that's the most important gift you can give yourself, SAVING MONEY!!!
The moral of the story the only way to Know Best is to Spend Less.
As my head got lower and lower in shame after every aisle of merchandise I passed, I began to think to myself; "Why spend more?" I had no excuse nor even a sensible answer. I made my way through the checkout watching each item being scanned, and finally had an answer, "Don't spend more."
I can't lie to you and say I will do all of my shopping at Walmart, but I will do my fair share. I love Target for it's open aisles and clean and appealing feel, but nothing beats saving money. As a mother, that's the most important gift you can give yourself, SAVING MONEY!!!
The moral of the story the only way to Know Best is to Spend Less.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Value of A Clean Hospital
In order to protect the identity of the hospitals in question, I will refer to the hospitals as Hospital "Good" and Hospital "Bad".
I wanted to share this story with you to let you know that at the end of the day,whether you are a new mommy or a veteran, "You Always Know Best."
Two nights ago my daughter started throwing up. I took her temperature and it was 100 degrees, so I immediately contacted the pediatrician. After running down her symptoms and current condition they advised me to take her to the ER. I was faced with the choice of taking her to the "Good" hospital or the near by hospital I had never visited. Generally, even when I was in labor, I have driven 35 minutes across town to the "Good" hospital. This particular evening I thought I should take her to the nearby hospital which ironically specialized in Pediatrics.
I arrived at the hospital and noticed it wasn't in the best neighborhood. I questioned whether I should stay, but I thought to myself, "It's probably not as old as it looked." I walked through the door and I swore I walked into a scene out of "That 70's Show." This place was extremely dated, but I found peace of mind knowing that they specialized in pediatrics.
The triage nurse escorted me into the pediatrics wing and I almost died. First, all of the equipment was not only dated but dirty. The triage room was dirty and had medical supplies piled into the corner. This was when my concern set in and I began to panic. After they checked her vitals and we went through her symptoms, they escorted us to the ER room. This is when real panic set in and I had to devise a clear plan of action.
I sat in the room for 5 mins rocking my daughter and gazing around the room. To my shock I noticed that the floor was beyond dirty and the ceiling had brown/red water stains.The bed she was suppose to lay on had dirt stains and appeared it had not been cleaned in years. I felt uncomfortable just being in the room, let alone sitting down in a chair. So, I devised a plan to get us "cleanly" out of this "Bad" hospital.
After a few minutes I had a plan. See the key was I didn't want to offend anyone in my approach to this most uncomfortable circumstance and I had only so much time to waste. I proceeded to find the nurse and explain to her, "that the doctor wanted us to go to the "Good" hospital." The nurse seemed to have a stunned looked but reluctantly allowed us to leave.
I felt so bad as I got into my car, but I knew I had no other choice in the manner. I couldn't stay in a hospital that I felt wasn't clean and I didn't even feel comfortable sitting in a chair in the room.
My daughter is doing a lot better needless to say.
The moral of the story is; I don't consider myself an expert but I am a Mommy and even a New Mommy Knows Best!
I wanted to share this story with you to let you know that at the end of the day,whether you are a new mommy or a veteran, "You Always Know Best."
Two nights ago my daughter started throwing up. I took her temperature and it was 100 degrees, so I immediately contacted the pediatrician. After running down her symptoms and current condition they advised me to take her to the ER. I was faced with the choice of taking her to the "Good" hospital or the near by hospital I had never visited. Generally, even when I was in labor, I have driven 35 minutes across town to the "Good" hospital. This particular evening I thought I should take her to the nearby hospital which ironically specialized in Pediatrics.
I arrived at the hospital and noticed it wasn't in the best neighborhood. I questioned whether I should stay, but I thought to myself, "It's probably not as old as it looked." I walked through the door and I swore I walked into a scene out of "That 70's Show." This place was extremely dated, but I found peace of mind knowing that they specialized in pediatrics.
The triage nurse escorted me into the pediatrics wing and I almost died. First, all of the equipment was not only dated but dirty. The triage room was dirty and had medical supplies piled into the corner. This was when my concern set in and I began to panic. After they checked her vitals and we went through her symptoms, they escorted us to the ER room. This is when real panic set in and I had to devise a clear plan of action.
I sat in the room for 5 mins rocking my daughter and gazing around the room. To my shock I noticed that the floor was beyond dirty and the ceiling had brown/red water stains.The bed she was suppose to lay on had dirt stains and appeared it had not been cleaned in years. I felt uncomfortable just being in the room, let alone sitting down in a chair. So, I devised a plan to get us "cleanly" out of this "Bad" hospital.
After a few minutes I had a plan. See the key was I didn't want to offend anyone in my approach to this most uncomfortable circumstance and I had only so much time to waste. I proceeded to find the nurse and explain to her, "that the doctor wanted us to go to the "Good" hospital." The nurse seemed to have a stunned looked but reluctantly allowed us to leave.
I felt so bad as I got into my car, but I knew I had no other choice in the manner. I couldn't stay in a hospital that I felt wasn't clean and I didn't even feel comfortable sitting in a chair in the room.
My daughter is doing a lot better needless to say.
The moral of the story is; I don't consider myself an expert but I am a Mommy and even a New Mommy Knows Best!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Vaccine Cocktails Good or Bad
With all of the controversy surrounding vaccines these days, it is the probably the most unnerving activity every parent must face. My daughter received her vaccines this past Friday and it turned into a virtual nightmare. I did a ton of research prior to heading into the pediatrician, but no amount of research and conversation would have prepared me for what would unfold.
Here is what is considered the traditional vaccine schedule:
My daughter received her first set of vaccines, this included the Rotavirus vaccine. Although, the Pediatrician never expressed any concern for my daughters Acid Reflux, I should have been extremely concerned.
As always I never claim to be an expert just a New Mommy who is discovering that she Knows Best!!
Here is what is considered the traditional vaccine schedule:
1-2 months
- Hep B: Second dose should be administered 1 to 2 months after the first dose.
2 months
- DTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine
- Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine
- IPV: Inactivated poliovirus vaccine
- PCV: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
- Rota: Rotavirus vaccine
4 months
- DTaP
- Hib
- IPV
- PCV
- Rota
6 months
- DTaP
- Hib
- PCV
- Rota
My daughter received her first set of vaccines, this included the Rotavirus vaccine. Although, the Pediatrician never expressed any concern for my daughters Acid Reflux, I should have been extremely concerned.
At birth, due to the antibodies passed through the placenta from the mother, most infants are protected from most viruses. Breastfed infants continue to receive these antibodies through the breast milk. In the majority of cases this is temporary and the requirement of vaccines are needed.
Immunization (vaccination) is a pretty basic way to assist the body in creating an immunity to certain diseases. This is generally done by injecting a small amounts of a dead or weak microorganism that cause the particular disease or virus. In many cases this microorganism can create a negative reaction but in most cases its rare.
Vaccines help in stimulating the immune system causing a real interaction helping the body to fend off the "infection" and remember organisms associated with the immunized illness.
Many parents are hesitant to have their children vaccinated because of the worry of negative reactions. I was one of those parents. Ultimately I gave in after assessing the risk versus benefits, and of course my daughter turned out to be among the few that had a negative reaction. She suffers from severe acid reflux. As a result, she had a negative reaction to the Rotovirus vaccine. I ended up with a wonderful two day stay in the hospital where she was treated for vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Talk about scary. She's still battling this reaction as I type, now being exactly one week later.
I spoke to several physicians and they brought to my attention that a child who suffers from severe reflux should not receive the Rotavirus Vaccine. I wish I would have known this prior to the vaccine. They also suggested that it is best practice if you space your vaccines out; every two weeks.
For the first time I realized how being a New Mommy is all about learning on the fly. This is a prime example of just this philosophy.
My advice as always is do your research and ask more than one physician. Make sure you check the current health concerns of your child and match them to the vaccines they will be receiving. It's better to be safe and aware than sorry and sitting in a hospital.
As always I never claim to be an expert just a New Mommy who is discovering that she Knows Best!!
Information on the new Rotavirus Vaccine
Spacing out Vaccinations
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