Sometimes, You Just Have to Roll With It

February 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment

How many mums feel at times that no matter what you say in your house,  “the only thing that is listening to you are the walls.”

Take my husband for instance:  My 5 year old daughter told him a few weeks ago that she wanted pom poms to watch the SUPERBOWL. He asked a few of our family members where to find pom poms- I say a toy store around the corner while his very hipster sister living downtown says, RICKYS. He goes to Ricky’s and alas he finds pompoms BUT with these pom poms come as part of an “erotic” cheerleading outfit. No sweat he says, and purchases this outfit (for $65.00).

My daughter tried on the outfit as soon as her Dad came home with it -thank goodness my daughter can not read yet because the word  “erotic” was all over it- The cheerleading outfit top fell open cleavage to her belly button (think Jennifer Lopez’s green dress 7 years ago!)

We all cheered for the Giants that night and her Pom Poms brought us New Yorkers a victory.

My very innocent 5 year old daughter will never know that her cheerleading outfit was $65 of “erotic” fashion, but what she does know is her dad came through that day by finding her pom poms … What I realized after chuckling with my husband about having to purchase this entire “getup” is I that I would not have gone to the “adult section” of Ricky’s for my daughter and I would NEVER have paid $65.00. But these are the situations for me that teach me that I should lighten up a bit with my “rules.”  And realize that Daddy’s will do what they can for their “little girls” even if they don’t hear a word we say.

Nourish your self well this week and don’t forget to have some laughs with your kids.

-Deana

Here are my must, must haves and must do list for this week:
Music: Lenny Kravitz’s new album: “Love Revolution” – amazing, spiritual Lenny is back with another classic rock album. . There are two anti- war songs on this record. One is entiled: “Back in Vietnam” which address the Iraq conflict. I also love the track, “If You Want It”.

Blueberry Mint Shave Cream (for ladies) by WHISH BODY. This cream is formulated with essential oils of pressed blueberries, which leaves skin ultra smooth and radiant, as well as essential oils of mint leaves to cool and soothe aching muscles. I love this product it really does leave my legs soft and it smells scrumptious (I have caught my husband in the shower using it to shave his face too) You can find WHISH BODY products at fine retailers nationwide or www.whishbody.com

Preserve the Little Footprints in your life, call photographer Cheryl Korneich. She shoots the most amazing, “real” photos of children; she really has a great aesthic sense for capturing a child’s special features in their environment whether it is at the beach or on a big red tractor. www.littlefootprintphoto.com. E-mail: Cheryl@littlefootprintphoto.com Phone: 917-488-1282

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Posted by Deana | Filed Under Deana's Dish 

Your Questions Answered!

February 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Calling all new moms!

As a pediatrician, I see and speak with new moms all day long. And I often advise them to do things that I am not sure they feel comfortable doing- like putting eye drops in their child’s eyes for pink eye, or taking a rectal temperature, or giving their baby a bath for the first time.

As a mom, I try hard to remember how intimidating it was –and believe me, even as a pediatrician it is intimidating-

So Deana ( Deana’s Dish) and I have decided to make some short videos ( 1-2 minutes each) about some of the things you are expected to do as a new mom that your pediatrician may forget to talk to you about- or you may be embarrassed to ask- demonstration videos to post on the ModernMums.com blog -

But - what do you want to see? What would you consider helpful?

Below is a list of the suggestions I have been given- please add your suggestions in the comments!- we are due to begin filming in March and they will get posted to this site shortly after that- but I want them to be helpful and fun- so please let me know.

  • Bathing your newborn
  • Umbilical cord care
  • Putting in Eye drops
  • Taking a rectal temperature
  • Giving liquid medicine
  • Giving a suppository

Please let me know what other ideas you might want to see as teaching videos- short, fun and helpful!

In the meantime…these are some of MM’s favorite funny kid videos fresh from YouTube:

Thanks so much-

Natalie

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Posted by Dr. Natalie Geary MD | Filed Under Dr Geary 

Does Your Child Need Milk?

February 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Growing up in America, we are lead to believe that milk, notably cows milk, is a critical part of a healthy child’s diet. We have all seen the advertisements with celebrities with a milk mustache, and milk and cookies is an American as …you know… but do kids really need milk?

Cow’s milk provides your child with three critical ingredients: fat, calcium and vitamin D. It also provides them with a potential milk-protein allergy, microscopic gastritis or lactose intolerance. So are other sources of fat, calcium and Vitamin D worth trying too?

FAT: Fat is critical to a child’s early brain growth up until age 3. Fat from whole milk (4%) is a wonderful source of high quality fat, but so is avocado, nut oils, and non-mammalian milk products such as rice milk, oat milk or almond milk. Even substituting yogurt, cheese and butter,although made with milk, are easier to digest for most babies than bottles of whole milk.

CALCIUM: Calcium-fortified juices, notably orange juice, provide a readily absorbable source of calcium. Most experts believe that a child needs 1000 milligrams of calcium per day. So orange juice, which usually provides approximately 350 milligrams of calcium per 8 ounces, is close to the same amount of calcium in 8 ounces of whole milk. Other options include Calcium-fortified soy cheese, and yogurt.

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Source: Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, National Academy of Sciences, 1997

VITAMIN D: Vitamin D is an important vitamin: it supports bone growth,enhances calcium absorption and helps to prevent certain immune-mediated diseases such as autoimmune problems and some cancers.

The Current recommendation is 200 International units ( IU) for children although most experts would agree that this number is too low, and a goal for children should be closer to 800 IU per day.

Again, although milk is fortified with Vitamin D, there are many alternatives to fortified milk as a source for Vitamin D- including cheese and yogurt. And Sunlight is also helpful.

What is the difference between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy?

Lactose intolerance is a deficiency in the enzyme ( lactase) that is made in your intestinal tract and is required to break down lactose that you ingest. If you are deficient in this enzyme your intestinal tract struggles to break down and process the milk sugars. This condition is not dangerous, just unpleasant, and most people, even children, will learn to avoid the foods that cause the discomfort- the bloating, the cramping, the reactive diarrhea. For these children, their body is intolerant to milk, but not allergic.

Food Allergy is not equivalent to a food Intolerance. An intolerance is not immune mediated- in other words, it does not cause your body to generate an immune reaction to the food- or antibodies against a food. And, importantly, it does not lead to anaphylaxis ( allergic shock reaction)or require that you completely avoid the food altogether. An intolerance means that you will feel better if you avoid the food, your belly will be less bloated, your stool less erratic, you energy level better- but you are not going to end up in the ER if you eat the food by accident.

In fact, this topic is the topic of a whole book I am writing on children’s integrative health and nutrition- so email me any questions you might have!

Dr. Natalie Geary

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Posted by Dr. Natalie Geary MD | Filed Under Nutrition 

Valentines For YOU!

February 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Piperlime Shoes & Boots- free shipping, excellent excellent customer service and free returns, and a human being that picks up the phone to answer your questions.

ModernMums readers Enter code DL2L98HWYZ8 for 20%Off! picture-8.png

picture-9.png A NEW DIAPER BAG TO FRESHEN UP YOUR MAMA LOOK: Go camofloage. Skip*Hop’s super hip yet very functional diaper bags are available in a classic green, plus a pink and a blue camoflage, starting at $28
Seriously fashion-forward mums can order the ultra cool Oilily’s version ($150 at Sillywagon.com)

REDECORATE YOUR KIDS ROOM? Well maybe just some new pieces from the very eco-conscious sets available at Spot on Square . I also love the Zid Zid mini poofs perfect for playing or sitting on, available in 7 different themes and colors for $78 at hazelwoodchildren.com


CHOCOLATE:

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Manhattan Fruitier ships anywhere now, and has a wonderful assortment of chocolates, baskets, baskets with roses and funny shaped animals- I like the mice and the penguins. Starting at $40 at www.manhattanfruiter.com

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SPA at Home: for the new Mom or Mom-to-be, don’t forget to try vedaMAMA’s line of completely natural, honestly pure products, especially the preservative free, fragrance free body polish SMOOTHE made from blue green algae but smelling like neroli and orchids, followed by a moisturizing body cream RELAX- the aromatherapy combined with the detoxifying and gentle scrub leaves you refreshed and rejuvenated- at www.vedaPURE.com

HINT Water- an amazing new brand of water with a ‘hint”of flavors such as strawberry-kiwi- without any sugars, preservatives or artificial colors or flavors- and best of all, no calories. Available in finer food emporiums or online at www.drinkhint.com

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Posted by natalie | Filed Under The It List 

Mums, Let’s Have A Say

February 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment

All I have to say right now is I am very nervous for this up coming week for a few reasons…

Yes, I am one of those parents that is ANXIOUSLY awaiting Kindergarden acceptance and rejection letters from 12 Manhattan private schools. But you know what, I have done everything possible for my daughter to get in and if she doesn’t than I have to believe (talk to me about this logic on Feb. 15th ) that the school is not the right fit for our family. I know eventually this nightmare school process will end, I DO also know that accepting or rejecting a 5 year old based on a 15 minute “meet and greet” and a test score is ludicrous, but as my husband said to me the other night,” We got in this game, we have to play it out”.

BUT I think to myself Super Tuesday is coming up and here is something else I deeply care about: the fate of our country. And I do have A VOTE. I know who and why I am voting for, but as I have been watching the coverage and talking to my friends and family I have noticed this: Democrat or Republican, people have very strong and passionate opinions about not just their party but also each candidate in their party. So I pose a few questions: Who is voting for whom and why- I mean are women going to vote for a woman? Are men going to Not vote for a woman? Is it all about religion? Skin color?

No matter what the outcome on Tuesday, history will be made . Just cast your vote so you do have a say (unlike this damn school process). I would love to hear your feelings on who and why you choose a particular candidate.

Nourish yourself well this week,

Deana


Here are my “dish” of must haves, must dos for the week:

Bring your children to see the Royal Water Colors Show. Your kids can see beautiful flowers and vegetables growing in a REAL Prince’s Garden. Free admission and single or double decker stroller –friendly. This exhibit is open until April 12,2008

New York School of Interior Design
161 East 69th St. New York City
Gallery Hours Mon-Sat. 10am-5 pm,, closed Sunday and Holidays


Conscious Jewlery (I LOVE, LOVE my crystal point necklace, I am constantly being stopped when I wear it) My friend and amazing stylist Danna Weiss has designed these eco –conscious , crystals and gem line of necklaces, earning and bracelets. This jewelry may help you breathe more clearly, digest food more fully and even fight depression. I really do feel more “balanced” when I wear my necklace. www.consciousjewelry.com or call 212-721-3073 to order

Go to: www.Tonichome.com to check out their new OLY Studio line of furniture- I just adore this line because it is very nice classic pieces with clean lines. They also have some more “whimsical” throw pillows and tables which makes the entire line together a nice blend.

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Posted by natalie | Filed Under Deana's Dish