Nanna, how to make the baby sleep

We asked some industry experts, each with different abilities and professionalism. The answers, sometimes conflicting with each other, make us understand that there is 'THE' absolute best method for sleeping and that it is right that every family adopt techniques that feels more congenial for themselves and their child.

You can teach children to make the bed? But above all, it is fair to expect that a child from the first months 'learn' to make the bed? And what is the best way to get him to sleep (or back to sleep) in the evening or during the night?

We asked the opinion of some experts in the field, each with different abilities and professionalism, and the answers, sometimes conflicting with each other, make us realize that there is no 'THE' absolute best method and it is right that every family adopt techniques that feels more congenial for themselves and their child.

Riccardo Davanzo, neonatologist at the hospital Burlo Garofolo of Trieste, he stresses, in particular, that the newborns, especially if they are breastfed , have different needs and rhythms dictated by the feedings, but also by the legitimate need for reassurance and comfort from her mother : why can wake up numerous times during the night and it is impossible to try to 'educate' to make the bed.

And then every family has its own organization and its habits and it is right that individuals practice that reconciles the needs of the small ones with mom and dad. Sure, a little 'time you will find a nice routine to be put in place before you go to bed : the important thing is that the child willingly accepts, otherwise it can only generate anxiety and anger.

A little 'different thesis Luigi Ferini Wacky , director of the Sleep Center at the Institute San Raffaele in Milan, who believes it is essential to set the rules from the start : if it is right to identify the positive rituals to accompany the sleep, it is also fair that the child gets used to sleeping in his crib. And if he wakes up, we must minimize the intervention comforting. Only then can gain confidence in their ability to fall asleep by himself.

Breastfeeding and Smoking

A mom asks if smoking while breastfeeding can harm the infant. The expert's answer: the most damage due to inhalation of smoke is more than to step into breast milk, so it would be best to stop or at least avoid as much as possible to keep the child in the places where people smoke.

"I have a child of 3 and a half months, I breastfeed, but also smoke and I feel guilty because I have a tremendous fear of potergli create damage. They say that if you wait 95 minutes between feedings cigarette, nicotine decreases, but are not always able to wait all this time. I read about the cot death syndrome also due to cigarettes and that terrifies me, I hope it never happens, but what can I do? If I stop smoking, your child will be protected from sudden infant death syndrome? And I'll start to have more milk? In fact, I noticed that little by little, ever since I started smoking again, milk is decreasing. "(Valentina).

Richard responds Davanzo, neonatologist at the hospital Burlo Garofolo of Trieste and experienced breastfeeding.

"Nicotine certainly passes into the milk, although its effect is not as dangerous as other substances such as alcohol or drugs, and is not as dangerous as during pregnancy. The main damage of smoking during lactation is not due to nicotine passes into the milk, but to substances that are released into the environment in which the stays small, so if your mom (and not just her!) Smoking in his presence, certain substances can actually increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) or respiratory diseases.  's mother asks whether it is useful to wait between cigarette and feeding : of course the longer you wait, the lower the concentration of nicotine, which is rapidly eliminated from the body. Above is a good ploy to try to smoke less. 

One of the problems related to smoking during the ' breastfeeding is that there has been, as Mrs. Valentina witnesses, a decrease in the amount of milk: the reason is not clear, even if probably is related to stress in general or to psychological characteristics that lead from one side to smoke more, on the other hand can inhibit leakage of the milk. So what conclusions to draw? The ideal would be to completely stop smoking, because the child must live in a smoke-free environment. However, if the mother fails, the rule is always the good sense:

- Try to limit the number of cigarettes smoked during the day;

- To spend a certain amount of time between smoke and breastfeed;

- Always smoke away from the baby, preferably outdoors only, asking the same forethought to all the relatives or friends who come to see the baby. "

Vitamins and minerals precious pregnant

During the nine months it is very important to follow a proper diet, including a balanced intake of all major macronutrients. But there are also substances which, although contained in foods in very small quantities, are essential for proper fetal development and well-being of the mother, and are vitamins and minerals.

"Feeding in an appropriate manner is critical for both the expectant mother and for the new mother" emphasizes Prof. Irene Cetin, head of the OR of obstetrics and gynecology at the Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan. "Having healthy eating habits and a proper body mass index in fact improves the chance of conception and promotes the proper course of pregnancy.

But once the baby is born, the power of the mother will affect the quality of milk and thus the health of the child . In particular, some micro nutrients help prevent birth defects, reduce the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, promote the development of the baby's nervous system, in addition to preserving the health of the mother. Nevertheless, according to several scientific studies in Europe show that the intake of vitamins and minerals in the pre-conception and during pregnancy is still insufficient, and this without distinction of social classes. "

The tricks to get the most vitamins & co

• To preserve the vitamins and minerals contained in the food, give the preference to whole foods or not too refined, preferably to be cooked with steam in a pressure cooker or grilled or, when possible, to be eaten raw.
• Once you purchase fruit and vegetables, do not leave them for days in the refrigerator, but consume in the shortest possible time, one of the main enemies of the vitamins is precisely the time!
• Keep extra virgin olive oil away from light and heat.
• NOTE: It is always preferable to tap into these valuable nutrients from food and not from supplements: synthetic substances may accumulate on them possible side effects.Furthermore, foods are composed of different substances that act in synergy, namely enhancing oh other (for example, think of the fruit which has simultaneously carotids, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, water). Never take supplements on their own initiative, then, but always consult with your gynecologist, who will consider whether to prescribe to the mother!

Let's see what are the most important vitamins and minerals during the nine months and in which foods are present , with the help of Professor Irene Cetin, head of the OR of obstetrics and gynecology at the Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan and Professor University of Milan, and Dr. Christian Berti, Food Technologist and Ph.D. in Experimental and Clinical Nutrition.

The diet of pregnant

To stay in shape and not take too many pounds in the nine months, follow the weekly menu proposed by Diana Scatozza, specialist in food science.

Here is the menu-type weekly to follow in pregnancy, proposed by Diana Scatozza, medical specialist in food science to address dietological-diet therapy in Milan. Please note that the recommended foods can be substituted in accordance with your taste and according to the guidelines in the nutrition in pregnancy : for example, you can replace a meat dish with a fish, or eat cheese instead a second course of meat or fish etc, as well as vegetables can be chosen depending on the season and your personal preferences.

FOR DAILY

1. Breakfast:  A cup of milk, biscuits 3-4 or 4-5 tablespoons of cereal like corn flakes. "If you are having problems with nausea (frequent in the first quarter), the milk may not be very welcome in the morning," points out the dietitian. "In this case, you can replace with a cup of green tea and add another source of calcium during the day (which may be another yogurt or a portion of cheese). Alternatively, you can try the milk HD (high digestibility), the type or completely skimmed milk synthetic soy or rice milk, provided that they are supplemented with calcium and vitamin D.

2. Mid-morning snack of a fruit (or a yogurt, if you do not eat in the afternoon).

3. Afternoon snack The ideal is to make two snacks, because between lunch and dinner spend several hours. One of the snacks can be made ​​from fruit, another from yogurt. Alternatively, you can eat yogurt in the morning and two fruits in the afternoon.

4. Before going to bed 1 glass of warm milk

The nutrition in pregnancy

How are we to feed during the nine months of gestation? What are the foods to avoid and what are the nutrients that you need most? Read the advice of the dietician Diana Scatozza.

Pregnant women should not eat for two, because the caloric requirement increases only about 200 kcal more per day. It is true, however, that it is necessary to ensure the intake of certain nutrients, which are essential for proper growth of the fetus. Do you want to know what are these nutrients and what foods to find them? Read the advice of Dr.Diana Scatozza, Medical Specialist in Food Science to address dietologica diet therapy in Milan.

A proper diet during the nine months should have the objective to make us increase of approximately 11-12 kg until the end of the pregnancy," Dr. Scatozza pressed. "To achieve this objective the guidelines, both European and American, suggest to increase your daily caloric intake by about 200 calories, but only in the second and third quarter , when growth occurs weight of the baby. In the first quarter , in fact, the fetus consumes fewer calories because you are forming cells, so it is not necessary that the expectant mother begins to 'eat for two', as is often mistakenly ago. From the first quarter, however, it is important to supply a qualitative change, which must ensure the right intake of some key nutrients. 

Countdown: - 2 weeks for delivery

The expected date of delivery is getting closer: there are 14 days. Can not wait to see your child, but you are afraid of childbirth and the new responsibilities. Do not worry, everything is normal.

The mood swings are typical of this period: on the one hand many women are tired of disorders of pregnancy and can not wait to hold the baby in her arms. On the other hand, however, the first doubts arise: I'll make it? How will it change my life? How much will you need me baby?

Not only in recent weeks expectant mothers are concerned especially for childbirth . When the date is estimated at close of contractions and increases the fear of possible complications for themselves and the baby. Many women are afraid of not achieve it, even if they are informed in detail, the event that awaits them is something completely unknown that you are not able to assess.

Some women try to think as little as possible, the majority instead want to talk about it with your partner, with friends who have already had children and relatives. Even in the course of preparation for childbirth you have the option of exchanging thoughts and fears. To control the bad thoughts are useful exercises, breathing and relaxation techniques you learn in yoga classes and massages.

It is also good to do a little 'of movement: walking, swimming or dancing not only help dissolve cramps, but also to improve the relationship with the body. If you have to fight constantly with the imaginary fears, try doing this exercise harp: put yourself in front of your fears only at a specific time of the day, then come to think of pleasant things. Or write your thoughts in a diary which then shalt lay in a drawer along with your fears. Even a perfectly ordinary thinking can give peace of mind: a Saturday afternoon to go take a walk and watch the passers-by, everyone thinks they have all been brought into the world by a woman, and then you too can do it!

Breastfeeding during pregnancy

Even during the nine months you can continue to breastfeed another child, if the mother and baby wish. Breastfeeding does not increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth nor does it deprive the mother or the fetus of nutrients.

Breast-feeding may increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth, may cause maternal deficiencies in the body and can slow down the growth of the fetus are the beliefs that lurk more frequently when talking about breastfeeding during the nine months or so-called breast-feeding ' in tandem '. "None of these concerns has a scientific basis, but it is just assumptions made ​​by health professionals on the basis of prudential deductions or attitudes, because there is no documentation on the alleged risks of breastfeeding persisted even in the case of a second pregnancy "says Richard Davanzo, neonatologist at the hospital Burlo Garofolo of Trieste and experienced breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding does not remove nutrients to the mother.

It is true that during pregnancy increases your need for certain nutrients, but if the expectant mother is fed in a fair and balanced, without exclusion diets, your body can easily cope with both the 'commitments'. Read also: nutrition in pregnancy.

The fetus is growing normally.

Also unfounded fears that the fetus does not grow properly due the outlay to produce additional milk, provided that the expectant mother has a normal nutrition. Read also: the length of the fetus in the womb.

Even the nursing infant grows well.

If the mother is pregnant again, the child will be already a big and will undoubtedly have started weaning, therefore breast milk constitutes a minor part of a diet more varied and complete, from which comes the most nutrient supply. Read also: calculates the percentile child's online.

Breastfeeding does not increase the risk of miscarriage ...

According pictures, sucking stimulate contractions of the uterus that could subsequently expel the products of conception. "Even this argument is unfounded" comments Dr. Davanzo. "In this context it was only conducted a study that showed that the incidence of abortion in women who continued to breastfeed and those that have prudently decided to quit was identical. "

Or ... the risk of preterm delivery.

"This is also false, because the mechanisms that trigger a birth before term are varied and in part not yet known, but what is certain is that not just determined by the suckling stimulus to trigger the complex process of giving birth prematurely," continues Dr.. Davanzo. "Unlike the case where the woman in the third quarter has already contractions that pose a threat of premature birth , in which case it would be appropriate to prevent further stimulation of the contractile activity. Just as it is appropriate Interruption of the third quarter if there is a twin pregnancy , which in itself leads to anticipate the timing of delivery for greater space occupied by the two fetuses. But in the first and second quarters there are no contraindications to continue. "