LilSugar

Babysugar Diaries: Pregnant Brain Is in Full Effect

babysugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:00:12 -0700

I have always been a wealth of information on past events in my circle of friends. I can remember names and faces of random acquaintances and happenings from our early years. Two years ago, however, my memory began failing me about the same time my belly began to grow a baby.

When scientists came out with a study proving that pregnant women experience more memory loss than a typical person, I was relieved. Unfortunately, I am going through the same process this time around. Instead of recalling my favorite honeymoon restaurant, my brain works over time to store information on preschools, grocery lists, and doctor's appointments.

I am wondering where this will leave me in another six months. Will I have half the memory I once had? In the meantime, I am using it to my advantage. Last night I "forgot" to make a delicious dinner for my family and had to order take–out.
Source

Study Reports Maternity Memory Loss

babysugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 06:00:27 -0800

A while back I wrote about having mush brain when I was pregnant. Now there is scientific evidence to show I wasn't alone.

A new Australian study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, found that pregnant women experience memory loss during pregnancy and it often lingers after the birth.

To learn about the researchers' findings, read more.

One of the Australian researchers behind the study, Dr. Julie Henry said:

What we found is that memory tasks which are more challenging or more novel, or those that would require multitasking -- these types of tasks are likely to be disrupted. For example, a pregnant woman is more likely to forget a new telephone number, but she is able to recall a number she has dialed many times before.

While the researchers don't know what causes the lapse in memory, there are a few theories. One is that pregnant or new mamas are typically dealing with a significant hormonal change. Some believe it's the lack of sleep that expectant women and new mums experience. Others question whether the new lifestyle has caused the brain's focus to shift.

The study evaluated 14 reports that measured the memory performance of more than 1,000 women – mothers, pregnant women and non–pregnant women from various countries and cultures.

Source

Mommy Dearest: Wants Boyfriend to Be at Baby's Birth

LilSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:36:22 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

I am due with my first child on Sept. 13 and am completely accepting of the fact that I likely overshoot this due date. My boyfriend has been supportive the entire pregnancy and very vocal about how he wishes to be in the delivery room, which I am happy to hear! Unfortunately his side of the family suffered the loss of grandmother recently. We will attend the memorial service this weekend, but the burial will take place the weekend after my due date.

The place is about six hours away, so I obviously cannot go if I have not given birth yet, but my boyfriend has made it clear that he will go whether the baby is here or not! I am terrified of being alone for the labor and delivery if he cannot make it back in time. My mother will be there for the delivery, but I have always looked at her being there as more of a secondary support person and am counting on my him to be there so we can experience it together. Since it is my first delivery, it may take a long time and he might make it back in time, but that is not a chance I want to take! Am I being selfish for wanting him to stay home from what would be the second memorial service for his grandmother? How do I approach this topic with him?

- Want Boyfriend There For Birth

To see the response from Mommy Dearest,read more.

Want Boyfriend There For Birth,

You are not selfish - you're a soon-to-be mom who wants to experience the birth of her child with the baby's father. It is completely understandable that you wish and rely on him to be present at the life-changing event. I would approach the topic by telling him how you feel and being supportive in regards to him losing his grandmother. You may also consider having other dads talk to him about their birth experiences and why they think it would be appropriate for him to stay home from the burial if it comes to that point. Good luck!

– Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on our new Community page.

Source: Flickr User salimfadhley

Do You Hope Your Child Inhales Instead of Drinks?

babysugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0700

If you had to pick between two vices for your child, would you rather he take a toke of marijuana or guzzle a beer or two? That is the question many moms are debating these days. As alcohol related deaths continue to make headline news, many pot proponents are advocating the legalization of the leafy drug to help curb the use of alcohol. In the book Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink?, the authors make the argument that the effects of the illegal substance are less harmful than those of alcohol.

To see what both sides argue, read more.

A forbidden drug, marijuana is often blamed for memory loss and the lack of motivation. Alcohol, which is legal on the other hand, can be faulted for a plethora of problems: cirrhosis, alcohol poisoning, reckless driving and domestic abuse. Cannabis supporters claim that the herbal treat mellows the user and has medical benefits as compared to the liquid toxins. And if legalized, the authors believe it will drive people to drink less and inevitably cause the related deaths and abuse to decline as well. The opposing camp believes when more substances are available for abuse, the more people will misuse them. They say adding pot to the mix is only going to encourage people to drink and smoke.

Since the grass (har har) is always greener, it begs the question: If pot becomes legal and everything else remains the same, would things change for the better? I can see it now... a wedding buffet with a hashish bar and hookahs at the table. The Temptations' "Shout" may not get quite the same excitement as a circle of people singing "Kumbaya."

Texts and Tunes: Meditations for New Mothers

babysugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 05:00:54 -0700

One of my dearest friends called me recently with panic and sadness in her voice. Ashamed of her mood, I immediately understood what she was going through - crossing the threshold into motherhood. Most everyone you meet talks about falling immediately in love with their newborn and what bliss it was to become a mother for the first time. Rarely do people talk of the late night feedings, memory loss, night sweats and feelings of incompetence that come with the new title "mother."

In Beth Wilson Saavedra's New Meditations for Mothers ($8), new mothers can read though 300 plus anecdotes and quotes from other mommies. Learning to accept what is offered and giving thanks for what is present are often part of the learning process, as are guilt and exhaustion. Perfect for a baby shower gift or a friend in need, Meditations for New Mothers is a quick read for which any new mom can find time.

First Tooth Box: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

babysugar — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:04:17 -0700

The Jeanine Payer First Tooth Box ($275) is a classic silver resting place for baby's prized first loss. The round box has a hand engraved message that reads:

When a new baby laughs for the first time a new fairy is born, and as there are always new babies there are always new fairies. - J.M. Barrie

Do you think it's a classic must have for the memory bank or does its bank breaking price tag deter you?

Coping With the Loss of a Parent

LilSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:00:43 -0800

While the jarring news of actor Heath Ledger's death shook the world, it left two-year-old daughter, Matilda Rose with one live parent.

Many children experience the loss of a parent so keeping the memory of mom or dad alive is important for the entire family.

Licensed psychotherapist, Sally Sacks, M.Ed says there are nine specific ways you can help your lil one cope. To see her list, read more.

She said:

Don't think that you need to go to a cemetery to express yourself to loved ones. If you teach spiritual development you are aware that the person doesn't live in the cemetery. They live in your heart and mind which are with you everywhere. You want to keep that memory alive by carrying out behaviors of the person.
Create a tangible reminder that you can see everyday. Keep their favorite item in your closet, or favorite picture in your room. Dedicate a sculpture or statue or flower arrangement in your house to them. Plant a tree in your yard for them, or a flower.
Take a balloon and attach letters to them and let it fly free to the universe.
Write to them in a special journal only for them and your private communication to them.
Wear something that they liked to school.
Order their favorite meal, or make their favorite cake on their birthday. You can even take a piece of cake and bottle of wine to the cemetery or their favorite place on their birthday. If you feel sad, let yourself be sad.
Always talk to children about their deceased loved one, reminding them of how they are like that parent or have such good qualities like them. If they are sad, disconnected or don't answer, that's ok; keep doing it.
Get help with yourself for the loss, and dealing with it if you are having trouble helping your children. If you don't get help for yourself you will not be able to help your children with the things that they need to do to keep their loved one's spirit alive.
Teach children to live consciously, day by day in the moment. Life is short and we don't want to miss connecting to anyone that we love, dead or alive.

Source

Baby Wellness: Watching a Bumped Head

babysugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:00:45 -0700

Yesterday, my babe and I were walking up our stone steps when we lost our grasps of each other's hands.

I tried to grab hers, but she lost her balance and fell forward bumping her head on the stair. Wailing from the pain, I scooped her up and ran up the rest of the stairs scared she had injured herself.
To see what happened, read more.

Luckily, she calmed down after I retrieved her crayons. Not terribly relieved, I stared her down for the rest of the afternoon for signs of head trauma.

If your child suffers a blow to the head, you should pay attention to these warning signs:

Loss of consciousness after any trauma to the head.
Confusion.
Headache.
Nausea or vomiting.
Blurred vision.
Loss of short-term memory (you may not remember the actual injury and the events some time before or after the impact.)
Perseverating (repeating the same thing over and over, despite being told the answer each time, for example, "Was I in an accident?")

Obviously if you are concerned for your child's safety, you should check with your doctor immediately.

Luckily, my daughter was fine and the bump is barely noticeable.

Source

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me?: Mush Brain

babysugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 05:00:00 -0800

I thought I was a "with–it" kind of girl before I got pregnant. I used to be on time, scheduled and for the most part, organized. Then it happened - I got pregnant and I got mush brain. I heard people allude to memory loss but thought it was a myth and that I would be immune to it. I was wrong - so very wrong.

Being "with child" for me translated into "without brain". I couldn't remember lunch dates that I had confirmed or even the question someone asked me two seconds previous. I was invited to parties and responded, then claimed to have hurt feelings because I was left off the party list. Thank goodness my friends took notice and had pity on me rather than getting mad at me for being so forgetful and rude.

My mom and I were having dinner one night when I was about seven months pregnant and took a break from our conversation to take a bite of our meals. Not two minutes passed before we both looked at each other dumbfounded by what we had just been talking about. I am afraid of what will happen with pregnancy number two. Will I get more flighty with each pregnancy? It's at times like this when I really start to understand my mother.

What did I just say?

Source