​Look no further. After more than 150 years of maternity experience and with a history of delivering more babies than any other hospital in Westchester County, St. John’s have been recognized as a 5 Star Maternity Department for over 13 years and we know how to make moms, partners and their babies feel well cared for.
 
The St. John’s Riverside Hospital Maternity team consists of the area’s leading doctors and compassionate nurses all of whom are certified in neonatal resuscitation. St. John’s Riverside Hospital Maternity team delivers the latest and most advances care in a comfortable, home-like environment that includes updated labor, delivery, and recovery rooms.
 
In addition, the Maternity Department now features all brand new state-of-the-art, private, luxury post-partum suites for the comfort of all our new moms. Most of the suites have sweeping river views.
 
The personalized pre-natal education program enhances the birthing experience providing comprehensive classes from Lamaze to breastfeeding.  Once your baby is delivered, you can rest assured that our state-of-the-art, Level II, Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery is equipped to provide comprehensive medical service if your baby is born prematurely or has other special needs.
 
St. John’s Riverside Hospital offers its Maternity patients large private Hudson River view rooms, award winning obstetrical care, nationally recognized safety program, a neonatal intensive care unit and a peaceful, post-partum recovery which overall offers a unique and comfortable environment for the newest members of our community.
 
If you would like a tour of the Maternity Department or a referral for an OB/GYN physician, feel free to call 914.964.4DOC or email info@riversidehealth.org.

More Articles You May Enjoy

​These medical professionals bring a personal dimension to your delivery.  

Despite midwives being the norm in Europe, the trend has been slow to catch on in the US. Only 8% of American women use a midwife for birth. Often times, misconceptions about this profession cause many women to miss out on a comprehensive, holistic and safe approach to pregnancy and delivery.

Here are the three biggest misconceptions about midwives – all cleared up:

Midwives Are Medical Professionals
Midwives (translated to mean with women) are medically trained and certified in gynecological and obstetrical care. Many are registered nurses and have master’s degrees. They are qualified to sub in for a physician during a low-risk birth and should not be confused with doulas (who are not medically trained and play more of a general support role for the mother). At White Plains Hospital, our midwife program is integrated within our OBGYN practice – patients are seen in the same office and there is close collaboration with the physicians when needed.


Midwives Provide a Personal Touch to Standard OBGYN Care
With a midwife, obstetrical care is approached holistically rather than specifically through a medical lens and incorporates all aspects of pregnancy such as social skills, coping mechanisms and exercise programs. But perhaps the biggest difference between midwives and OBGYNs is the time that these professionals spend with the laboring mother, either at the hospital or at home. We are there from the beginning, and provide 100% support in labor, including guiding the mother through different positions to help her be as comfortable as possible. As a midwife, I strive to give our patients as close to a “homebirth” experience as possible -- within our modern, comfortable delivery suites at the hospital. If an emergency arises, everything we need is right outside the door, including access to an OBGYN who is always on call and available. 


Midwives’ Role Extends Beyond the Delivery Suite 
After the birth, midwives stick around to help with lactation. The profession advocates for exclusive breastfeeding, which is known for providing superior benefits for mother and baby, and they will continue to support new mothers once they are discharged home. Midwives will continue to provide postpartum support and gynecologic care, including pap exams and education, until the patient is ready to have their next child and the process starts all over again. 
​

Midwives can add a holistic, personal touch to your birth experience, with the peace of mind of knowing that the traditional medical resources and expertise is readily available should it be needed.

Written by Lucille Milne, a certified nurse midwife, seeing patients in White Plains. To make an appointment, please call 914-328-8444.

More Articles You May Enjoy

You don’t need expensive toys to give your baby’s development a boost. 
 
Marketers do a great job at making parents feel guilty for not buying the latest baby toy, promising hours of entertainment and developmental benefits. They soon find out that a baby’s attention span is about two to three minutes per year of their age, meaning that your six-month-old is going to lose interest very quickly. In baby terms, think of “play” as simply encouraging them to move and to see, touch, and hear new things and experiences.

These tried-and-true methods are very effective at boosting your child’s development. They are also free and allow you to put your toy money much better use, such as compounding in a 529 college savings account.

Here are some helpful ideas to stimulate your baby:
​

• Find a colorful garden and let your baby look around for visual stimulation.
  
  
• Watch moving cars from your window – this helps with object tracking and building visual skills.
  
  
• Place baby on his or her back, and let them swat at a mobile to build their motor skills and learn to understand cause and effect
  
  
• Pull out your favorite playlist and jam to the tunes while your baby watches and listens – all genres of music are baby-friendly and helps to develop language skills (just make sure not to crank the volume too loud).
  
  
• Guide them through the motions of clapping, peddling the bike and stretching their legs to develop motor skills.
  
  
• When they are able to lift their head, place them on their tummies for 3-5 minutes, three times a day to build neck strength. Challenges can be fun too!
  
  
• Have a blast at bath time! It offers tons of different tactile, fine motor and sensory experiences.
  
  
• Also, there’s a reason peek-a-boo has been the go-to baby game for generations – it never ceases to entertain, and it teaches object permanence – understanding that things they can’t see still exist, which is a steppingstone to other milestones.
  
  
• Finally, when your infant is older and eating solids, encourage play with food of different textures and tastes – hopefully at least some of it ends up in their mouth!
  ​
  
  

If you have a particular concern about an aspect of your baby’s development, make sure to raise the issue with your pediatrician at your baby’s next well visit. 

Written by Dr. Ellen Lestz, a board-certified pediatrician, seeing patients at White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness in Armonk. To make an appointment, please call 914-849-7900

More Articles You May Enjoy

Moms have had a rough year. In general, moms’ mental health has experienced declines and can be considered in crisis. Moms who work for pay outside the home may have endured additional mental health symptoms of anxiety and depression due to stress from disruptions in childcare and intense pressure to be both the ideal worker and the ideal mom. So what do you do if you feel overworked, wherever and however you work? Try to work on taking care of yourself. 
 
I firmly believe that moms can’t take care of others if they are not taking care of themselves. If you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, try to engage in the following strategies to improve your mindset little by little. With time and practice, it could become as easy as A-B-C!

 
Adjust Your Perspective

Strive to be kind to yourself and give yourself grace. With a compassionate-focused therapy approach, you can overcome your self-critical tendencies by highlighting the positives, the same way you likely would for a friend who came to you for guidance. It’s also helpful to accept any negative feelings, which are natural. Being mindful of your emotions in the present moment and acknowledging that it is just a moment – meaning, temporary – is an extremely effective way to create calm. A conscious shift in perspective can change a distorted thought (“I’m a bad mom for not being able to put my kids to bed because I have to work instead”) to a to a rational one (“I have a lot of work to get through tonight and I need time to focus. I am feeling sad right now because I won’t get to tuck in my kids, but I know they are safe and that they love me. I will feel relief as soon as tomorrow when this project is complete, and then I’ll be able to really focus on family time.”).
 

Be an Advocate for Yourself

The ability to advocate for yourself, whether at work, home, or otherwise, is integral to achieving your goals. Try speaking honestly and directly with your partner and family’s inner circle about your mental load and what would be valuable to alleviate it (if applicable, for example, perhaps the kids’ dad can handle their doctors’ appointments and school meetings). In the corporate world, many companies and industries are still behind when it comes to their family-friendly policies; they may simply need a request for change to be made, and who better to make a request that would improve your life than you? To learn more about how to successfully advocate for better workplace policies and find support while doing so, please join me on June 17, 2021 in Scarsdale at a free happy hour & shopping networking event; optional contributions will be donated to a nonprofit committed to accelerating equity for working moms of color.

 
Connect with Your Community
​
After all these months of isolation due to literal social distancing, it’s common to feel lonely and like your network is in shambles. But it is more crucial than ever to foster relationships and build your village. Try going for a walk or running an errand with a friend. Catch up with a long-distance relative on the phone while driving or cleaning. Rely on a trusted neighbor to watch your kids while you handle a meeting or other things on your to-do list, and you can return the favor at a later date. And if you’re feeling a bit lost, perhaps because of a pandemic-related move to a new town or other life transition, look for opportunities with others who share your interests or current life stage. It’s been meaningful to see how several moms in the parent groups I facilitate, who were in quarantine for most of their pregnancies, appreciate the opportunity to share with others who can relate to their daily struggles while offering ideas and encouragement. Everyone requires various forms of assistance at different times for different reasons. It is so important to get the support you need!
 
 
Written by Lauren A. Tetenbaum: a social worker, lawyer, professional coach, and Westchester Mom whose mission is to empower and support women, including working and new moms. To learn more about her clinical therapy and consulting services, please email Lauren@LATCounseling.com.

More Articles You May Enjoy

As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease and more Americans (especially those of us in New York) are getting vaccinated, you might be feeling a huge sense of relief not having to worry as much about a severe case or long-term effects from COVID-19. However, while COVID-19 case numbers are dwindling, there are many other health risks to consider as we move into the warmer summer months. 
 
As a mom-led urgent care, we know that your family calendar is likely starting to fill up with vacations, beach days and BBQs – we’re so excited for these events with our families too! As you are penciling in your various plans, be mindful of these five common health concerns so you can maximize your fun summer moments.
 

1. Healthy habits for skin protection as you enjoy fun in the sun 

We’re all craving days at the beach or pool to soak up some vitamin D. How can you and your family prepare for your fun day in the sun? We recommend staying hydrated, protecting your skin with sunscreen and limiting the amount of time you spend in the sunlight, especially during the peak hours (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) when the sunshine is the strongest. 
 
To help prevent dehydration, make sure your family is drinking clear fluids consistently throughout the day. If you’re like some of the parents on our medical team, you probably love a refreshing iced coffee, but remember that caffeine is a diuretic which means an excessive amount can affect how hydrated you are.  
 
While most sunburns do go away on their own, there may be a chance that sunburns could blister or scar if severe enough. Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the day to minimize the risk of such injuries. Every two hours or so, reapply sunscreen on yourself and to your little ones, especially if they are sweating or enjoying ocean waves or some time in the pool. 
 
Lastly, you can prevent your body from overheating, which can result in possible heat stroke, by limiting the amount of time spent in the direct sun or hot weather. A fun way for families to do this is to check out a local ice cream shop or head inside for a cool afternoon movie.  
 

2. Tips and tricks for planning a safe and relaxing pool or beach day 

As many of our medical team are working moms and dads (our chief medical officer is the mom of three and our regional medical director is a dad to five), we know that now is the time when many of us take off our pool covers or head over to our local community pools, lakes or beaches. Whether your child is just learning how to swim or you have been a seasoned swimmer for many years, we want you to ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe in the water this summer.
 
Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
 
In an effort to avoid swimming injuries or drowning, never leave a child or someone who does not know how to swim unattended, swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards when available and maintain constant supervision of those in the water. If your children have a small kiddie pool in your yard, designate a responsible adult to supervise playtime in the water. 
 
You may see news stories or social media posts warning of “dry drowning” or “secondary drowning” — this is when a person ingests water through their nose or mouth and later experiences symptoms like difficulty breathing, fatigue or irritability. It can be successfully treated, and the earlier it’s caught, the better.  While it’s important to remember that this is fairly uncommon, it’s best to see a medical provider if your child or a loved one has spent time near the water and exhibits any symptoms related to secondary drowning. 
 

3. What to keep in mind as you dust off your grill and fire pit 

Many of us have long-waited for the end of winter to reconnect with loved ones around a campfire or in the backyard. Before you invite your family and friends over to grill or make s’mores, we suggest creating a safety plan. Your heat-related safety plan should include a checklist to ensure your grill or fire pit are a safe distance from your house, deck railings, and overhanging tree branches. We also recommend having a hose or fire extinguisher nearby.  
 
To grill up perfect hot dogs and keep your kids and guests safe, don’t leave your grill unattended while it’s on. While you likely will take care to not burn yourself in your backyard, make sure to cover any burns with a clean, dry cloth in the event of an accident. If you have any concerns, our centers in Mamaroneck, Mohegan Lake and Somers are open seven days a week to check out any concerning burns or other injuries. You can schedule a virtual visit or check-in ahead of time on our website here.
 

4. Steps to avoid food-related illnesses at your backyard BBQs  

Most of our fondest summer moments occur at our summer picnics and BBQs with family and friends. However, when the temperature gets warmer outside, foodborne germs are more common (including Norovirus and Salmonella). 
 
Before you flip a juicy burger or leave a delicious potato salad out for your child to eat once they’re done playing, we recommend following the CDC’s four steps to food safety - Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. These steps will ensure that you and your loved ones don’t develop food poisoning or other related sickness. A general best practice is that hot foods should stay hot, and cold foods should stay cold. Leaving any food too long at ambient temperature increases the changes of bacteria growing and can make you sick. 
 
We also recommend staying vigilant when using sharp objects to cut your meats or any other items you plan on grilling. Some general guidance to avoid cooking injuries includes wearing gloves resistant to punctures, cuts, or moisture; selecting the right tool for the job; sharpening cutting tools and knives on a regular basis (dull blades require more force and may be more likely to slip, cutting the handler); and taking care to cover/store/dispose of sharp objects properly. 
 

5. Advice to help keep rashes and bug bites at bay this summer 
​
Getting outdoors after a long cold winter in quarantine is great for our physical and emotional health. If you plan on hiking, spending time in or near wooded areas, or participating in other activities where you may encounter plants or bugs, you may run across poison oak, poison ivy and sumac, or find yourself with an insect sting or bite. 
 
To avoid the unpleasant rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac remind children to be careful brushing up against or near any plants. While mowing the lawn or gardening, wear clothing or protective equipment to reduce the likelihood of a reaction to these plants. 
 
Bites from mosquitos, horse flies or other bugs can also cause a reaction.  If you or your child is bitten by an insect or any kind of animal, be sure to clean the wound properly to avoid any type of potential infection. If you have any concerns about wounds like these, you can seek treatment at facilities like a PhysicianOne Urgent Care location near you.
 
Check the scalp, elbows, behind the knees and all over for ticks after being in long grass or wooded areas for ticks. If you find a tick on you, monitor for any flu-like symptoms days or weeks after being bitten by a tick or notice that the skin surrounding a tick bite is becoming more swollen with enlarging areas of redness. These symptoms can indicate Lyme disease or something more serious. Consult a doctor or visit PhysicianOne Urgent Care to have the bite, rash and any Lyme symptoms evaluated.  

From our team to your family, we hope you have a summer full of much needed fun and relaxation. PhysicianOne Urgent Care is led by moms like you who understand what it’s like keeping a family safe throughout the year – we’ve got you!

​Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube for more health tips and to stay connected.

More Articles You May Enjoy

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine has just been approved for 12 to 15-year-olds – here’s what you need to know and why you should schedule a shot as soon as possible.
 
As a pediatrician and someone who is very familiar with all types of childhood vaccines, I encourage everyone to sign their tweens and young teens up for a vaccine appointment as soon as they are able to do so. As the parent of a 14-year-old (and an 18-year-old who is already vaccinated), I know I will – and here’s why:

​
1. COVID-19 cases are growing in children. 
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children now represent over 20% of all new infections. With the loosening of restrictions at school, as well as more transmissible mutations, this is a concern. While the effects in children have been reported to be less severe than adults, COVID-19 is still a serious illness that has resulted in pediatric hospitalizations and even deaths. Young children are also more likely to be asymptomatic carriers and could put our more vulnerable or unvaccinated family and community members at higher risk. 


2. It’s safe! 
Despite the false perception that this vaccine was “rushed,” the mRNA technology that is being deployed in the Pfizer vaccine has been under development for the past decade. This technology essentially “tricks” our body’s defenses into activating without the virus actually being present (it bears reminding that there are no live viruses in the vaccine). These advances were one of the reasons the vaccine was brought to market expeditiously – because we already had all the molecular-level background to begin work on a safe and effective vaccine against it. 


3. It likely works even better in kids.
While studies are still under way to prove just how much better the vaccine works in children, it makes sense this would be the case. As has been shown in some of the other routine childhood vaccines that we administer, the immune system of younger children recognizes and responds to the “appearance” of a viral infection more robustly than older children or adults. You can be confident that the vaccine is doing its job in protecting your most cherished asset and closing the door on this health pandemic.


Written by Dr. Ellen Lestz, a board-certified pediatrician, seeing patients at White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness in Armonk. To make an appointment, please call 914-849-7900. 

More Articles You May Enjoy

Your child’s pediatrician is often attuned to subtle signs of preventable problems.  
Written by Dr. Amanda Menco, Pediatrician
​
When it comes to kids’ health, the sooner you can identify a problem, the less of a big deal it may become. Sticking to regular well-visits is an opportunity for your child’s doctor to look for those less obvious signs that something may be off with their physical and mental health. It may turn out to be nothing, but sometimes it allows us to catch a condition early when it is most easily treated or can be evaluated further by a specialist. 

Here are four common conditions that pediatricians look for:

Speech Delays
A large part of your child’s development happens in early childhood, even before the age of four, and their social development is extremely important during these years. During the pandemic, many children were unable to play with other kids and were not exposed to a normal amount of language outside the home. This has led to an increase in pediatric speech delays, so much so that the State’s Early Intervention program has been inundated with scheduling evaluations, leaving many private speech therapists overwhelmed with referrals. With speech development, time is truly of the essence, so the sooner your pediatrician identifies an issue and can make an appropriate referral the better. 

Accelerated or Delayed Growth
Early adolescence is a critical time to check in with your pediatrician to monitor your child’s growth and development. It’s no secret that the pandemic caused many families to delay regular visits this past year. With this drop-off, we are suddenly picking up many cases of “precocious,” or early, puberty and advanced bone age. When a child’s skeletal and reproductive growth outpaces their chronological age, this can lead to various problems including inability to reach their full height potential. With proper imaging, we can confirm this condition and refer you to an endocrinologist who can provide various treatment options to slow down the process, so your child grows normally.

Chronic Digestive Problems
Tracking your child’s growth year-over-year also allows us to watch the trend on their growth chart more clearly. While a small drop in either their height or weight percentile usually isn’t cause for concern, seeing a significant drop in one percentile or the other, or even a subtle drop in both measures, can alert us to a possible chronic digestive issue like celiac disease or Crohn’s – even if the child doesn’t yet exhibit any gastrointestinal symptoms. 

Depression
Kids who sleep a lot more than usual, or who are always tired and bored, especially in their teenage years could be suffering from improper thyroid function…. but these symptoms could also point to depression and anxiety. Allowing us to talk with your child and check simple bloodwork can help us discover the exact cause as quickly as possible so we can make the proper referrals. The past year has been incredibly stressful on kids who are lacking social interaction, struggling for privacy with everyone working from home, and, for high school seniors, trying to make immense decisions about college with limited access and information. The amount of referrals to therapists and psychologists has been tremendous lately, so the sooner we identify the issue, the sooner we can get your child the support he or she needs.
​
Now is a great time to check in with your pediatrician to make sure your child’s health is on track and to beat the summer camp and back-to-school rush. Let us know how we can help!
​

Dr. Amanda Menco is a pediatrician with Scarsdale Medical Group, seeing patients in the Mamaroneck location. To make an appointment, please call the Pediatrics Department at (914) 989-1111. 

More Articles You May Enjoy

The dreaded daylight savings is upon us! We "spring forward" Sunday, March 14th at 2:00 am. It often feels like we just recovered from one time change, and another is approaching.  So what can we do to help our kids adjust to this change (and keep our sanity!)?

In an ideal world, we could to begin to shift our children’s schedules a week ahead of time. Every few days we’d move their sleep and mealtimes by 15 minutes, so by the time daylight savings hits, they’ve already adjusted. Despite this being the “official recommendation” for a smooth daylight savings transition, I’ve yet to meet one person to actually do it (myself included with my own kids!).  The world outside our homes doesn’t accommodate such a gentle shift; school starts when school starts and you need to get to work on time, not 15-45 minutes late. 

Never fear! Here are some tips to help your children adjust to the new time.

Expose your children to lots of sunlight during the day.  Our circadian rhythms align with the sun, so exposure to natural light helps our bodies adjust to the appropriate time.

Now that it’s lighter later, children often protest going to bed when the sun is up.  About 30 minutes prior to bedtime, dim the lights to help the body transition to nighttime.  Room darkening shades can really help with this, too.  Keep the environment calm, and quiet before bed to get children relaxed and ready to sleep. 

​Stick with your bedtime routine.  If you don’t have a bedtime routine already, now is a great time to start. Children thrive on routines, so having one can be incredibly helpful to give structure to the time before bed.  A quiet routine is calming to them and helps them relax and ease into bedtime. It can be as simple as pajamas on, brush teeth, read a book/sing a song, lights out.  Don’t make it overly complex. You want this to be replicable daily, and easily done by a babysitter in your absence.  

Minimize exposure to electronics at least an hour prior to bedtime. This is true all year round, but especially now when we’re trying to help kids adjust to daylight savings time. Electronic screens emit a blue light that mimics a bright, sunny sky and tricks the body into thinking it is daytime. The result of this is that melatonin, the hormone that helps induce sleep, is suppressed, making it more challenging to fall asleep.

If all else fails, find a big mug and fill it with coffee. I’m sure you’ll be in good company!

Lauren Lappen is a Certified Sleep Consultant and co-founder of Wee Sleep Solutions.  As a mom of daughter Ellie and twins Rebecca and Kira, Lauren recognized the importance of self-care and sought to instill healthy sleep habits in her children so that she could ensure her own rest and be at her best as a parent, wife and friend.   
 
Lauren studied under Deborah Pedrick, a pioneer in the field and founder of the Family Sleep Institute (FSI) and International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. She is thrilled to be able to educate families on the importance of sleep and to empower parents with the knowledge and ability to teach their kids to love sleep as much as her girls do!

More Articles You May Enjoy

Congratulations! You’re pregnant! Have you talked with a genetic counselor yet? At one time, talking with a counselor and pursing genetic screening was something reserved only for older moms, typically those over 35 year of age. But today, leading maternal-fetal medicine experts are recommending that women of all ages should be offered genetic screening.

So, who are genetic counselors and what do they do? These licensed professionals work closely with your OBGYN to identify and recommend screening for potential genetic abnormalities that could affect your baby’s health. While age does raise the chances of certain risks, your birthdate is not the only factor you should consider. 
 
The first step is having sit-down meeting, usually informal to start, so the counselor can get to know more about you. They will speak with you to get more information about any inherited diseases and ask questions about your medical history.
 
“Genetic counseling can add so much to the experience of being pregnant,” says Dr. Caroline Stella, Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at White Plains Hospital. “Even if you aren’t interested in having a genetic screening, it always helps to sit down with a counselor and hear about various options.”
 
Not all counseling sessions lead to testing. Sometimes just talking it through and getting the facts can help to set your mind at ease or help you make a decision about next steps. But if you are at least 10 weeks along, you may be offered non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS). You’ll be asked to give a blood sample that looks for small fragments of DNA circulating in your blood, as well as undergo an ultrasound to try to spot any physical signs of abnormality.  
 
The conditions doctors are specifically looking for include:  

• Down syndrome (presence of an extra chromosome 21)
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome – the presence of an extra chromosome 13)

• Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome – the presence of an extra chromosome 18)

  

Of course, this test is also a great opportunity to learn your baby’s gender. Sex chromosomes XX means your baby is a girl while an XY combo reveals that a son is on the way!

Should the screen come back positive or any of the abnormal conditions, further testing will be used to definitively confirm or rule out a condition. Genetic testing can also be customized based on family history or specific concerns, and additional tests include cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy, among others.

“It’s not just about getting excellent maternal-fetal care, it’s about supporting the expectant parents’ emotional aspect during this exciting time of life, and all the worry and hopes that go along with it,” says Dr. Stella. “Genetic counseling is one important part of that. We want to make sure our patients have the most comprehensive experience possible, including access to various diagnostic testing options should they be needed, depending on what the results of the screenings determine.”
​
To find an OBGYN at White Plains Hospital, call (914) 681-MyMD.

More Articles You May Enjoy

2020 was quite a year.  But it is now behind us (ahhh... big sigh of relief). A new year feels like a fresh start. A clean slate. And now more than ever that feels GOOD! 

Many of us enjoy making New Year's resolutions as a way to look forward, establish better habits, improve areas of our life that we want to work on, focus on our health, and jump start our ambitions. New year, new you, right?!

Over the course of this pandemic I immersed myself in the world of self-help books to find some inspiration, motivation, entertainment and guidance to make life feel a little more opportunistic. A little more in control. A little less overwhelming. Reading stories about others overcoming obstacles, having life altering experiences and finding love can be so inspiring. 

I discovered four books that really filled me up. They taught me a lot. Made me laugh. Made me cry. Gave me epiphanies. Helped me let go of past disappointments. Uncovered ways to be the best mom I can be. Motivated me to start taking care of ME. Gave me the courage to accept that there are things I do not like and have the power to change... NOW. Perhaps they will bring the same comfort and inspiration to you. And give you the tools and guidance to build your own resolutions for a transformational 2021.

I'm sure many of the moms out there struggle to find the time to read. I struggle with that too. So I found a way to combine exercise and books by listening to them while walking or jogging. You can also listen to them in the car or at home if you find that convenient. 

Check out these four books to get you inspired to develop your New Year's resolutions, start making positive changes and pave the way for— what might just be— the best year of your life.

Wishing all of our readers a happy and healthy 2021! You got this.

More Articles You May Enjoy

​One thing we love about raising our families in Westchester is that we have access to state-of-the-art pediatrics without the hustle and bustle of the city. Westchester is filled with great institutions such as Westchester Health, part of Northwell Health Physician Partners and an affiliate of Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center. With a team of board trained and certified physicians who specialize in providing a broad range of comprehensive care, managing both common and complex illnesses in infants, children, adolescents and young adults 21 and under, we know our babies are always in good hands. (They’ll always be our babies, right?!) 
 
As a fellow mother, it’s so reassuring to have this exceptional resource nearby. Knowing I have trusted and caring doctors so close to home makes routine checkups and the possibility of unforeseen emergencies so much less nerve-wracking. Plus, should there ever be an emergency, affiliate Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center boasts 88 outstanding sub-specialties and programs and was named the largest provider of pediatric health services in New York State and one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
 
Westchester Health Pediatrics is there for all of parenthood’s what-ifs, from “How do I get my baby to sleep at night?” to “Why does my teen sleep all day?” With pediatricians who have extensive experience in their field, using the latest technology and techniques to diagnose, treat and provide preventative care for all types of children’s illnesses, injuries and medical conditions, including asthma, acne, obesity, diabetes, learning disabilities, STDs, eating disorders, ADHD, depression and more, Westchester Health has you covered.

As a parent, nothing is worse than feeling like your concerns aren’t being heard, which is why the team at Westchester Health firmly believes that good treatment starts with good listening. This ethos extends to their belief that the best patient is an informed patient, and that patient education is critical to long-term health (not to mention your health as a worried mother!). Whether you have been with Westchester Health for years or are new to the practice, you quickly recognize that their Pediatrics Department truly cares about each and every one of their patients and their families.
 
If you are interested in learning more about Westchester Health Pediatrics, you can call 914-232-1919 to talk to a Westchester Health specialist or find the location nearest you.
​

Sponsored Post

More Articles You May Enjoy

Life is full of challenges these days, one thing for certain, making time for self-care doesn't always seem like the priority. 

As moms we are dealing with homeschooling, the pandemic, the holidays and trying to keep up with everyday responsibilities. This can feel, well, overwhelming. Under normal circumstances mothers are faced with multiple demands, but the duration and chronic nature of this situation is unprecedented. 

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I provide counseling, spending my days helping others navigate through the stressors of life. Recently, I find myself wondering if I have enough emotional energy to do the same for myself.  On a typical day I am trying to work from home, stopping constantly to help my children, juggling laundry, dishes, the dog etc. etc. But recently I began asking myself how am I caring for me?  What do I need to be able to be available for my family?

This reminded me of the instructions given when flying on an airplane, put your oxygen mask on first before you place it on your children. At first that order seems wrong.  When it is symbolic of something, we all must do before we can help anyone else.  When we are sleep deprived, hungry, stressed or worn down we don't have much left to give.

Self-care is not a treat we give ourselves as a reward; it should be part of our everyday, a moment we take to refuel to go the distance and be our best self. So, prioritize making time for you. Here are a few other quick tips.

• Take care of your physical needs- Make sure you get enough sleep, eat nutritiously, and find ways to move your body regularly.
  
  
• Practice gratitude- Each day, take a few minutes to think about the things in your life you are thankful for. Try a guided gratitude meditation cultivate gratitude during the holidays  and  guided gratitude meditation.
  
  
• Surround yourself with positive people- Make sure you’re spending time with people who support your goals and encourage you when times are tough.
  
  
• Do mini check-ins several times a day- Throughout the day, take a few deep breaths and do a quick body scan. Notice and release tension and ask yourself what you can do in that moment to care for your needs. 
  
  
• Ask for help when you need it- Don’t overthink it. Be specific,clear and direct and ask for what you need.
  
  
• Be kind to yourself- We are all doing the best we can, in this moment in time. Ask yourself, would I ever speak to a friend the way I  am speaking to myself? If not, change it.​

Written by Robin Hershkowitz, LCSW-R

Robin Hershkowitz is a  Licensed Clinical Social Worker and  Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at  New York Medical College where she provides counseling to students. Robin is also a therapist in Psychiatry at Memorial Sloan Kettering, working with young and older adult patients and caregivers.  She has over 20 years of experience working in Hospital Systems, Nonprofit Organizations, and Health Services Programs. Robin has earned her Masters of Social Work Degree and a Post Master’s Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice from New York University as well as being certified in Problem Solving Therapy, trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Crisis Prevention Intervention. 
 
Robin currently lives in Westchester with her husband and two children.  She can always be found spending time volunteering at her children's school, local Synagogue or anyplace that asks nicely. 

More Articles You May Enjoy

It feels like the phrase "Why didn't anyone tell me this was going to be so hard?!" comes out of our mouths five times a day as parents. When it comes to feeding our little ones, we think about it for every meal. Yes, we all know that nutrition is critical for our children’s healthy development— but between trying to find fresh, nutrient-dense meals to figuring out how to get our kids to actually eat their food, all on top of our daily to-dos, the anxiety can really start to kick in. 

Little Spoon was started because of these exact pain points, so when we say we’ve been there, we’ve really been there. We created Little Spoon to make parents’ lives easier, with all of our products delivered right to your door and our community just a click, call, or message away. We know how crucial nutrition is during the first few years of life, and how difficult it can be to get your little to eat what’s good for them, so we do the heavy lifting for you. Our Babyblends and toddler & kid's meals, Plates, are made with recipes that keep nutrition and development top of mind, using only the freshest ingredients and free of preservatives, GMOs, additives, and added sugar. 

Here are eight reasons Little Spoon is the ultimate parenting hack:

1. Delivered right to your door
   Put down the kitchenware. Little Spoon delivers fresh, nutrient-dense Babyblends and big kid meals right to your door. We make sure that all your littles, from baby to big kid, are covered at mealtime so you don’t have to. 
   
   
2. Nutrient-dense, balanced recipes
   Little Spoon works alongside renowned pediatricians and nutritionists to create nutrient-dense, balanced recipes for your little one. We use fresh and diverse ingredients to expose your mini to critical vitamins, minerals, and key nutrients that they need at every step of development. Whether you’re looking for an immunity-boosting Babyblend like our Carrot Apple Ginger blend or veggie-packed Plate like our Broccoli Bites, we’ve got you.
   
   
3. Clean, preservative-free ingredients 
   Most grocery store kids products have preservatives, added sugars, and other things you can't pronounce. At Little Spoon, making the safest, highest quality food for your little is our priority. That’s why we have a zero-tolerance policy for preservatives, fillers, additives, and heat-processing. Our Babyblends are made using 100% organic, non-GMO ingredients while our Plates include antibiotic and hormone-free protein, non-GMO fruits and veggies, and organic ingredients where it matters most. 
   
   
4. Meals for babies AND big kids 
   Little Spoon is there to cover everything from first bites to big appetites, making it easy for your mini to transition from Babyblends to Plates. Both menus incorporate a wide variety of recipes made for all developmental stages, so that your mini can eat right every step of the way.
   
   
5. Say goodbye to picky eaters
   From babyhood to big kid and every phase in between, Little Spoon is here to help your kiddo develop a diverse palate. Even from your babe’s very first bites, it’s vital to expose them to a robust array of flavors, textures, and foods. Our Babyblends are carefully crafted with over 100 ingredients, with options for every type of eater. Starting with our single-ingredient blends such as Pear or Zucchini will help prime your babe for the more complex blends that incorporate flavors like mint, spirulina, and hemp like our ever-popular Sweet Potato Apple Blueberry Flax blend. Introducing complex flavors helps expand your little’s palate until they’re ready to dive into our veggie-packed toddler meals. Our Plates menu offers everything from kid classics like Chicken Super Nuggets to adventurous toddler meals like Cheesy Black Bean Pupusas, packed with veggies and superfoods in every bite.
   
   
6. Clean line of vitamins and natural remedies 
   From iron deficiency to cold prevention and constipation, Little Spoon’s line of clean vitamins and natural remedies was created to give your kiddo that extra boost. Sneak our easy-to-use powder formulas into your mini’s Babyblends, breast milk, water, you name it; say hello to your new superpower. 
   
   
7. Online community of mamas who like to get real 
   Ever find yourself asking one of your mom friends “but seriously...is this normal?” You’re not alone, that’s why Little Spoon created Is This Normal a parenting portal and online community of parents who like to have candid conversations about the ins and outs of parenting. 
   
   
8. Here for you, 24/7
   We know that being a mama means absolutely no days off. That’s why Little Spoon’s Care Team, an epic group of mamas who just get it, are here to help you with any questions or concerns you have, day or night. Whether you have a question about your order or need a little help introducing your babe to a new ingredient, we’re here for you.

Ready to give Little Spoon a try? Head over to littlespoon.com to get started and use code WMBLENDS75 for $75 off Little Spoon Babyblends or code WMPLATES75 to save $75 on Plates!

By Little Spoon,  Originally published on Is This Normal.

More Articles You May Enjoy

​There are different types of UI like leaking with laughing or sneezing, leaking with a strong urge to urinate or even a mixture of both.

So when this happens to us, what do we do? Most of us reach out to our girlfriends, sisters or mothers and it is all too common that we hear similar stories that reinforce the thought that we just have to deal with this issue or that there is nothing you can do about it.

But there is good news- you ​CAN​ do something about it. Your pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that affect your ability to hold in your pee. If you optimize those muscles, you can help improve your leaky bladder! Sometimes we leak because our muscles are too weak, sometimes we leak because our muscles are coordinating incorrectly, and sometimes we leak because our muscles are holding too much tension.
​

Not sure if you are leaking because your pelvic floor muscles are too weak, uncoordinated or too tight? Not sure what foods, drinks or activities are affecting your ability to stay dry? Want to improve your bladder situation as much as you can regardless of WHY it might be happening? Many women go see a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, but that requires going to an office, spending a good amount of time and money. As Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists, we acknowledge that not everybody can invest in themselves in that way, especially during these uncertain times.

That is why we created a self-paced, online program for moms of any age who are leaking! It’s called ​Leak-Free After Baby Bootcamp​.

Learn how to help yourself live leak-free from the comfort of your own home and on your own time! It’s jam packed with ​Five 30 minute educational videos​, ​Three Coaching Calls over the time of the course, ​handouts​ for each lecture and ​bonus videos​. Learning how your body should work and how to heal yourself using the tricks we give our clients all the time!

This is our pilot program and we are offering a special introductory price of $99, but the entire course is valued at over $300. ​There are only 15 spots available. Once filled, the course will be closed and we don’t know when we will offer it again.
​

Reference: ​https://www.ics.org/publications/ici_4/files-book/comite-1.pdf

​More Articles You May Enjoy

Cognitive and Behavioral Consultants (CBC) has announced openings in their ongoing intensive program for young adults and their families. SAGE, The System for Adult Growth and Emergence, formerly known as the STEPS program, is available to clients using a state-of-the-art virtual platform.
 
Admission is now open for SAGE which utilizes both CBT and DBT strategies and is designed for young adults with a primary diagnosis of a mood or anxiety disorder who have difficulty regulating emotions and behaviors and present with multiple problems. The program, which will be conducted virtually, is for young adults whose lives may have been further disrupted by school closings, loss of part-time employment, difficulties transitioning from college to full-time jobs, and enforced social isolation. Parents, who also attend virtually, may particularly benefit from learning validation and conflict resolution skills at a time when more young adults are living at home, and families are spending many hours together.
 
“Our group and individual virtual therapy sessions are designed to support young adults whose lives may have been further disrupted by school closings, loss of part-time employment, difficulties transitioning from college to full-time jobs, and enforced social isolation,” says Dr. Lata K. McGinn, co-founder of CBC. “Parents may also benefit from the coordinating parent program, learning validation, and conflict resolution skills at a time when more young adults are living at home, and families are spending so many hours together.” Accepted participants are generally high school graduates aged 18 to 26, with a primary diagnosis of mood or anxiety disorder.
​
SAGE for Young Adults is a 2-part program with a Coordinating Parent program.
 
In Sage 1, Young Adults, typically between the ages of 18-26, attend groups between 10 am-12:30 pm four mornings per week for six weeks. New members join each Monday.
 
Sage 2 is for young adults who have completed SAGE 1 and is aimed at increasing skills generalization and improving executive functioning skills, as well as learning new skills. Clients attend two groups per week for a minimum of six weeks and work on specific, measurable goals. After six weeks, as goals are met, clients may attend one group session a week.
 
CBC also provides a coordinating Parent Program to help parents learn skills to communicate effectively to their young adults and to regulate their emotional responses.
 
Young adults are required to be in ongoing individual therapy in addition to the SAGE program, which may be provided by one of our therapists. Parent management training, couples therapy, or individual therapy for parents may be recommended on a case-by-case basis. 
 
Interested participants should contact Dr. Michelle Greenberg at (914) 385 x 1150 to schedule an intake assessment with Dr. Suzanne Davino or another SAGE team member. Visit the CBC website to learn more about the SAGE program at this link: SAGE Program for Young Adults.
 
Cognitive and Behavioral Consultants (CBC) is an evidence-based clinical and training center comprised of internationally recognized mental health professionals who have researched, pioneered, and are highly experienced in delivering cutting edge treatments that help adults, adolescents, and children live more fulfilled lives. Founded in 2004 by Dr. Lata K. McGinn and Dr. Alec L. Miller, leaders in the fields of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, the CBC team provides a large array of Clinical and Wellness services to the public, provides Custom Designed Programs for schools, agencies, and businesses, and Continuing Education for Professionals in the field of psychology. More information can be found at www.cbc-psychology.com  or by calling 914-385-1150.
 
 
SUMMER GROUPS ANNOUNCED 
Social Anxiety Summer Virtual Groups:
www.cbc-psychology.com/events/social-anxiety-group-for-high-schoolers-and-young-adults
These groups are for teens and young adults who would benefit from learning skills to reduce anxiety in social situations. Participants will learn strategies to challenge worry thoughts experienced in social situations, enhance conversational and assertiveness skills, and practice these skills in different real-life activities through exposures.
Interested participants should contact Dr. Michelle Greenberg at (914) 385-1150 x 1 or email mgreenberg@cbc-psychology.com
 
DBT Summer Virtual Groups:
www.cbc-psychology.com/events/summer-dbt-skills-groups-for-young-adults
Designed to support a successful transition into young adulthood, this group is for young adults (18-26 years old) who would benefit from learning skills to regulate their emotions, tolerate distress, improve their interpersonal relationships, and increase their self-awareness and focus.
To attend this group, participants must meet regularly with a therapist or psychiatrist (who may be outside of CBC).  Interested participants should contact Dr. Michelle Greenberg at (914) 385-1150 x 1 or email mgreenberg@cbc-psychology.com
 
CBC offers comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluations to help identify problems in cognitive, motor, behavioral, linguistic, and executive functioning in children, adolescents, and adults. We also offer both individual and group coaching for individuals who present with executive functioning difficulties. 
 
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations - The range of presentations in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders can make these patients difficult to diagnose. Our evaluations include an ADOS-2, as well as other tools to evaluate cognition, social skills, language pragmatics, and behavior. Significant components of the evaluation process include a thorough clinical history and comprehensive treatment planning.
 
CBC also offers the Parent Child Interactive Program. The PCIT program is an evidence-based treatment for young children between the ages of 2-7 who display emotional and/or behavioral difficulties. It teaches parents specialized, therapeutic parenting strategies to use with children who have these difficulties. 
 
If you are interested in additional virtual programs for your child or yourself, please contact us. 914-385-1150, option 1.

More Articles You May Enjoy

​A recent study from the New England Journal of Medicine out of Kaiser in Northern California, which is a large integrated healthcare HMO in the region, showed a significant decrease in patients coming into the hospital with an acute myocardial infarction, or what we know as a heart attack, during late March and April of 2020 (ref 1). This is very concerning, because it is unlikely that the number of people suffering from a heart attack during this time period actually decreased – instead they did not seek care in time. This is an extreme, possibly life-threatening example, but it represents a reason why we should not delay medical care during this COVID-19 pandemic. Especially now that the incidence of the disease is slowly decreasing in the New York and New Jersey areas, it is very important that people not delay medical care. 

ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP, opened our doors back up to in-clinic patient visits on April 27. We have been taking extreme safety precautions and social distancing to prevent the spread and to make sure it is very safe for all of our patients and staff to be in our offices. All staff and patients are wearing face coverings, temperatures are being checked, patients are questioned for recent exposure, surfaces and clinic rooms are being cleaned regularly, and chairs are spaced out in our waiting room. We are seeing fewer patients per hour than usual in order to keep our waiting rooms from overcrowding.

​Patients are still having acute asthma attacks, rashes, ear infections and sinus pain and problems smelling. Your allergist and immunologists are available for asthma treatments. Your difficulty smelling may have started from a COVID infection many weeks ago, maybe even an asymptomatic one, but if it continues to persist this could actually be caused by nasal polyps, which need to be diagnosed and treated.  A persistent sinus infection that is not properly treated can continue to get worse, and you need a physical exam to actually determine whether your sinus symptoms are a bacterial infection, possibly a viral infection, or just allergies.  Though we are still providing telemedicine services for those who need it, it is very difficult to discern between these diagnoses without a physical exam in clinic.  We are in the midst of the spring allergy season now, and we are providing testing and immunotherapy for those who are suffering. 
 
Ear infections are difficult to treat over telemedicine because there is a big difference between an external ear infection (or swimmer’s ear) or a middle ear infection, which is often associated with a sinus infection or cold. The treatments for these conditions – antibiotic eardrops vs oral antibiotics, are very different, and it’s not good to unnecessarily take antibiotics as this can cause resistant and gastrointestinal symptoms. That ear pain you have could actually just be temporomandibular joint dysfunction, ear wax impaction, or just some noninfected fluid in the ear, or just eustachian tube dysfunction. We are here to physically look into your ear and explain what is happening. If you are suffering from dizziness, we are equipped here to give you a full evaluation, including a hearing test if needed, and help figure out what is causing it.
​

Finally, surgery centers are open. They are also taking extra precautions, testing patients and healthcare workers for the virus. The ENTA physicians are now available to resume sinus surgeries, septoplasties, rhinoplasties, ear tube placements, tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies, as well as all of the other procedures we offer. If you had been waiting to have a surgery right before the pandemic hit, call your local ENTA office to discuss scheduling it.

ref 1: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2015630?query=featured_coronavirus

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has officially changed our lives. Between weeks-long school closures, social distancing, quarantining, working from home, home schooling, binge food buying and a never ending quest for toilet paper, this feels overwhelming.

This situation is certainly unprecedented and we are all taking things one day at a time. Our hope for our community is that we support one another, even from a distance, take the recommendations from our leaders seriously and stay positive.

The following resources have been shared with us and we thought it would be helpful to provide them to you as well.  As the situation continues to evolve, new resources will be introduced. We welcome your comments to provide our community with additional resources and will update this article on an ongoing basis.

For up-to-date information, you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter (most up-to-date) and Instagram.
​
Wishing everyone good health over this challenging time.

• CDC Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Coronavirus Page
• NY Governor Cuomo​ & Latest Case Numbers in NY
• Westchester County Coronavirus Page
• Check also your local town and school district websites as well for additional information

• Lohud is making local coronavirus coverage free to read
• News 12 Westchester

• The Childcare Council of Westchester is available to help parents find temporary child care, and all services for parents are free. Even if your school district or child care provider is not closed, the Council is urging parents to act now to prepare alternate arrangements, which may include things like a patchwork of care with family/friends and/or splitting child care duties with neighbors; hiring a nanny (do your due diligence as they are not covered under any regulations or oversight); or calling the Council for a list of OCFS-regulated child care programs/providers who may be willing to offer temporary care. Contact the Council at 914-761-3456 x140 and leave a message. Your call will be returned. NOTE: If your child or a family member is sick or has any possible exposure to #coronavirus, do not bring them to another child care provider until you receive proper guidance from the Department of Health. 

• WhizKidz Distance Learning & Virtual Tutoring sessions can help bridge the gap to ensure that your child doesn’t slide backwards in learning while out of school -- and that you don’t lose your sanity!Their tutors are available daily with flexible virtual-teaching schedules to meet the needs of at-home students and working-parents alike.  Phone: (914) 200-3512.
• Check your local library for free online resources and tutoring services. Due to the coronavirus, most libraries are closed, view the list of library closures on the WLS website. Please hold onto any library materials that are due; most libraries are forgiving fines during this period.
• New York Times: ​Home Schooling Tweens and Teens During Coronavirus Closings
• Check with your school for access to online learning resources.
• Distance Learning
  • The best educational apps for kids to game during coronavirus
  • Coronavirus closed schools. Here are online education classes for every age and grade​
  • 36 Free Educational Websites Parents Can Access While Schools Are Closed
  • Free Online Learning Links:
    • ST MATH: www.stmath.com
    • SCHOLASTIC: classroommagazines.scholastic.com
    • EDUCATION.COM: www.education.com
    • FUNBRAIN: www.funbrain.com
    • BRAIN POP: www.brainpop.com
    • DUO LINGO: www.duolingo.com
    • PRODIGY: www.prodigygame.com
    • MATH PLAYGROUND: www.mathplayground.com
    • PBS KIDS: pbskids.org
    • SPLASH LEARN: www.splashlearn.com
    • MATH GAME TIME: www.mathgametime.com
    • KHAN ACADEMY: www.khanacademy.org
    • DISCOVER MINDBLOWN: www.discoverymindblown.com
    • NASA KIDS’ CLUB: www.nasa.gov
    • AMAZING SPACE: amazing-space.stsci.edu
    • CODE ACADEMY: www.codecademy.com
    • CRASH COURSE ON YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com
    • WHO WAS? www.whowasbookseries.com
    • NAT GEO KIDS: kids.nationalgeographic.com
    • TIME 4 KIDS: www.timeforkids.com
    • SMITHSONIAN FOR KIDS: www.si.edu
    • HELLO KIDS: www.hellokids.com
    • VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS: virtual field trips

• Letter to Parents & Guardians  (from NYSDOH, NYSED)
• Be aware of false information circulating on the internet. Accurate and up-to-date information is available from the State Health Department at www.health.ny.gov/coronavirus or its hotline at 1-888-364-3065, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website and social media platforms at www.cdc.gov/COVID19
• How can I be tested for COVID-19? Upon a physician's order, New York State processes tests for COVID-19 at its state laboratory and has partnered with public and private labs to expand testing availability. In addition, New York's first drive-through COVID-19 mobile testing center is operational in New Rochelle. The mobile testing center is prioritizing tests for individuals that are part of the highest risk population. New Rochelle residents who would like to be tested can make an appointment by calling 888-364-3065.  
• Hotline Phone Numbers:
  • People under self-quarantine or exposure to known case, call (866) 588-0195
  • NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline (888) 364-3065
  • Westchester County COVID-19 Information Call 211
• American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations
• Hospitals in Westchester County
• The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
• Talking to Children about Social Distancing
• Is the Playground Safe from the Coronavirus?
• Self-Quarantine? Isolation? Social Distancing? What They Mean And When To Do Them

• PBS for Parents: ​How to Talk to your Kids about Coronavirus
• NPR: ​Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus
• NASP: ​Talking to Kids About Covid-19 - A Parent Resource
• Child Mind Institute: ​Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus
• UNICEF: ​How to talk to your child about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) 
• SAMHSA: ​Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
• AFSP: ​Protecting Your Mental Health During Corona Virusa
• SAMHSA: ​Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During
  Infectious Disease Outbreaks
• NBC News: ​How to talk to your kids (and ease their fears)
• New York Times: ​How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus
• New York Times: ​5 Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety About the Coronaviru​s
• Easter Seals: ​Coronavirus Social Story to use to explain the Coronavirus and school closures to children with Autism
• Understood.org: ​How to Talk About Coronavirus with Kids

I saw this post come through on Facebook from a friend and though this positive perspective was worth sharing...

No birth is completely pain free, but luckily there are many options available today for women to manage discomfort during labor. Whether your preference is to go as natural as possible, or to opt for the peace of mind of safely monitored medication, consider these methods:

Breathing and meditation techniques. Going drug-free during labor may be the most painful, but bounce-back is quicker for the drug-free mom and there are no side effects to worry about. Consider a prenatal class that will review the pros and cons of the different pain management options available in case you find yourself changing your mind in the thick of it (it happens!). A prenatal yoga and meditation class can prepare your body physically for birth through a variety of stretching and strengthening poses, as well ways to help you use breathing techniques and visualizations to relax and calm the mind during labor. 

Nitrous Oxide. Yes, laughing gas! When mixed with oxygen at lower levels, nitrous oxide has analgesic and anxiety reducing properties that can distract you from the pain of childbirth. It’s safe for both mother and baby to use. It’s more common in Europe, but White Plains Hospital is one of the few hospitals in Westchester that offers this option to women. “It takes the edge off, helps to relax you,” notes Kerry Dineen, the hospital’s OB Navigator. “It works well for patients who don’t want pain medications, and those who labor so fast there isn’t time to administer an epidural.”

Analgesics. These drugs lessen pain without the loss of feeling or muscle movement. Typically narcotics, these drugs are usually given intravenously, and usually not an hour before you give birth because the side effects could make you groggy and your baby sleepy, making it more difficult to breastfeed – and look perky for those Insta snaps!

Epidural/Anesthesia. Administered via injection (usually around the spine) for the purpose of blocking nerve sensations, anesthetics prevent pain in one area of the body. They usually target the nerves that carry feeling to the vagina, vulva and perineum. There may be some loss of feeling in the lower part of your body, but you will remain awake and alert during the birth. 
It’s common to use a combination of the above during delivery. Working with your doctor, both before and after the birth, you can create a plan and outline what you are willing or not willing to be open to when the situation arises. Or, when you find yourself in the moment, you can do a total 180. As long as you are in a hospital with a skilled and compassionate labor and delivery staff, that honors your personal preferences, and uses evidence-based procedures, you and your baby will be in good hands no matter how you decide to help him or her enter the world.

The arrival of a baby is a roller coaster ride for all parents.  At the beginning, the thought of leaving the house to go to the pediatrician can be a full day endeavor. Parents wonder how they’ll ever get their tired selves, AND their baby, AND all their STUFF (and there’s just so much stuff!) out the door and to their final destination. While daunting for sure, parents quickly realize that at some point, they do need to go out for the day, or even travel for longer. (If the thought of this sounds insurmountable to you right now, bookmark this post and come back when you’re ready!)  If you are ready for the adventure, read on for the top tips for sleep on the go!


Stick to Your Schedule
Whether your schedule is focused around feedings (for babies 4 months and under), or based on nap times (for babies 5 months and older), the key to peace of mind is having a schedule and sticking to it.  Do your best to maintain this schedule no matter your location. Particularly if there are other family members around when you travel (think adoring grandparents who want nothing more than to play with your kids and nothing less than for them to nap!), it’s ok to ask them to honor your baby’s sleep needs. Your children will be happier when better rested, and will give bigger smiles for all the pictures.


Recreate your Home Environment
To the best of your ability, it’s helpful for children if we can recreate their home environment for sleeping. Babies sleep best in a dark, quiet environment and there are some great baby products to help you on the go. If your children sleep with white noise, you can buy a portable white noise machine, or simply download a white noise app onto your phone. Babies accustom to sleeping in dark environments will benefit from a travel black out shade, or in a pinch, you can hang a sheet or towel over a window (put the tacks in the top of the window sill so they’re hidden!). And make sure you bring your baby’s sheets, and swaddle blankets or sleep sacks so they can enjoy the comforts of home while they sleep.


Accept Imperfection
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, sticking to a schedule is impossible. The airline schedule may not be accommodating and if traveling between time zones, you’re all sure to be a bit off.  Similarly, your baby may or may not sleep well on the go. There’s only so much we can do to create a healthy sleep environment on an airplane or in the car. Just be prepared to ride the wave and regroup when you land. Keep in mind that if your baby is well rested 99% of time time, they should be able to more easily tolerate a bumpy travel day. Once you reach your final destination, do your best to apply the tips above and enjoy a change in scenery. 
​

Written by Lauren Lappen, Certified Sleep Consultant and co-founder of Wee Sleep Solutions.  As a mom of daughters Ellie and twins Rebecca and Kira, Lauren recognized the importance of self-care and sought to instill healthy sleep habits in her children so that she could ensure her own rest and be at her best as a parent, wife and friend.   
 
Lauren studied under Deborah Pedrick, a pioneer in the field and founder of the Family Sleep Institute (FSI) and International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. She is thrilled to be able to educate families on the importance of sleep and to empower parents with the knowledge and ability to teach their kids to love sleep as much as her girls do!

​Breastfeeding has tons of benefits for mom and baby, but one thing it doesn’t have is predictability. Your new baby may be nursing just fine while at the hospital, and it may only be when you get home that problems start to crop up. 
 
Maybe she is no longer latching right, or you’re too sore, or you’re sick or depressed or utterly exhausted. Maybe your baby was born premature and you’re having to pump and carefully measure baby’s consumption. Or dozens of other very valid medical or personal reasons.
 
“Mothers need support during the postpartum period as they adjust to the breastfeeding lifestyle,” says Ann Cunillera, a registered nurse and coordinator of the lactation program at White Plains Hospital. “Many moms are discharged from the hospital before the baby is latching effectively, or before they’ve established an adequate milk supply.” 
 
As lactation coordinator, Cunillera has been supporting new moms in their breastfeeding efforts for nearly 20 years at White Plains Hospital. In addition to the lactation team, the mother-baby unit is staffed with highly trained registered nurses – all of them are also certified lactation counselors. 
 
White Plains Hospital offers a family-centered birthing approach: families are supported from the prenatal period through discharge and beyond. For instance, expectant mothers can sign up for the Breastfeeding Basics class to learn about the benefits of nursing, proper positioning, establishing a good milk supply and other common concerns. After delivery, the nurses guide and counsel new mothers one on one through the proper technique, achieving a good latch, as well as helping to facilitate skin-to-skin contact and bonding. 

After discharge, moms are invited to attend a breastfeeding support group, run by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (the most expert level available), for as long as they want or need. These specialists work with mothers on breastfeeding specific issues, in addition to creating feeding plans and providing baby weigh-ins. Women connect, share general parenting tips, laugh, make new friends and enjoy being part of a robust and welcoming community that is a critical part of the parenting journey.
 
This support that new mothers get from friends and others who have faced the same challenges they are experiencing is one of the biggest predictors of breastfeeding success. 
 
Want to learn more? Click to learn more about White Plains Hospital and its Maternity Support Programs.

Breast milk has often been called "liquid gold" because  it is incredibly beneficial for babies' growth and development and comes only from human moms, who are able to produce it.

Breast milk has benefits for babies, but not every mother is able to produce enough and many parents who adopt children would like them to get this healthy start.

​Fortunately, in Westchester County, breast milk for babies in need is available. The New York Milk Bank is the first comprehensive nonprofit milk bank based in New York State. They collect milk from carefully screened donors, pasteurize it and distribute to infants in New York State and the surrounding area. They currently serve 31 hospitals including these four Westchester hospitals:
Westchester Medical Center, White Plains Hospital, Phelps Hospital, and Northern Westchester Hospital.

So whether you want to give or receive milk, this is an incredible local resource for moms.
​

Milk is being delivered in an usual way--  from women on motorcycles, who are are using their bikes to help moms and babies in need as part of a special program that is the first of its kind in New York. Dubbed the “milk riders,” the women are part of the Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club. When they roll up to homes on their Harley’s carrying donated breast milk, it is cause for a celebration.

“When we had this opportunity to help mothers and babies, we were like, ‘we’ve got to do it,’” Sandra Fleming, of Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club, told News 4.

​“They delivered milk at midnight in the middle of winter to some of our hospitals,” NY Milk Bank Founder Julie Bouchet-Horwitz said. “They were amazing.”

​Babies like Viviana are thriving because of the donated milk. She was born by emergency c-section in May with doctors concerned that she may have suffered brain damage. Her weeks in the NICU made it hard for her mom to keep up her milk supply and now she thanks the “village” of people who helped her daughter.

“She does so well because of so many people,” mother Stephanie Noonan said. “We are just so grateful to everyone who’s involved. The women who donate, the bank and the ‘Milk Riders’ who deliver it.”
The donated breast milk is collected, tested and pasteurized at the New York Milk Bank in Valhalla – the only milk bank in the state.

​The 1,700 women who donated milk to the milk bank all went through a rigorous screening process. Since the milk bank opened three years ago, officials say it has helped thousands of babies – both in hospitals and at home – stay healthy.

The milk bank is always on the look for donations from carefully screened donors to provide breast milk for New York’s infants in need. So if you have a large supply of unused milk that you would like to give to someone who needs it, this is the perfect option.

If you are interested in donating, you must be screened for health concerns and communicable disease and meet the following basic requirements:

• In good health and able to breastfeed, with a surplus of milk.
• No use of nicotine products or regular use of milk enhancing herbs, including fenugreek or blessed thistle.
• Minimal use of medications. Call and they’ll help determine whether a medication is safe for milk donation.
• Willing to undergo a thorough health history screening and get a free blood test for communicable diseases.
• Able to donate at least 100 ounces of milk, unless you are a bereaved mother, in which case we will gladly accept any size donation.

They are able to accept previously frozen milk stored for 3 or 6 months prior to your approval date depending on the type of freezer you are using.

There are two convenient drop off locations in Westchester County:

Westchester Depot
19 Pine Avenue
Ossining, NY

The New York Milk Bank
401 Columbus Avenue
Valhalla, NY

Ready to get started? Fill out this form on their website or call 212-956-MILK (6455).

​When it’s freezing outside and the sun sets before 5:00pm, do you often find yourself just wanting to stay indoors, binge on Netflix, and scroll through your phone until it’s time for bed? When it’s cold and dark out, indoor activities – which often involve digital devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets – tend to take precedence. But what is all this screen time doing to our eyes?

With the prevalence of technology use at work, home, and play – by people of all ages – digital eye strain is becoming a significant concern. Cases of dry eye, blurred vision, eye fatigue, neck and back pain and headaches are on the rise, and are associated with our ever-increasing use of devices as well as indoor light sources such as LED light bulbs, which all emit High-Energy Visible (HEV) blue light. In addition to the physical discomforts listed above, some studies suggest this blue light may also cause damage to eye health in the long term.
 
Other effects of increased exposure to blue light include sleep disruption: lower-energy blue light is beneficial to the eye in proper doses during the day, but when the eye receives too much blue light at night in the hours before bedtime, this can cause not enough melatonin (the hormone that signals it’s time for sleep) to be produced. Even moderate nighttime device usage – including pillowside social media scrolling, late-night online shopping, and “catching up on work emails” – can disrupt one’s circadian rhythm.
 
Research on the long-term effects of blue light exposure is ongoing, but as many eye care professionals have acknowledged, this is a growing issue positioned to become more serious as digital device use increases among the population. With daily hours spent in front of screens hitting double digits, people of all ages are advised to see their eye doctor regularly (once every 1-2 years depending on age, vision correction needs, health history and other risk factors) for a comprehensive eye exam to check both vision and eye health, and to discuss how to mitigate the effects of daily technology use on the eyes.

Eye care providers can prescribe eyewear (prescription or non) with Blue Defense lenses that cut glare and filter out the harmful blue light rays emitted from devices; children, whose eyes’ crystalline lenses are still developing, especially benefit from limited exposure. 

It is also important to modify daily habits when using devices, and the easy-to-remember 20/20/20 Rule is a great place to start: every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for at least 20 seconds, at an object 20 feet away. Also, be mindful of blinking – when you’re staring at a screen, blink rates drop, contributing to dry, red eyes. 
 
Our lives are become increasingly more “connected,” as countertop iPads replace cookbooks, novels are swapped for e-readers, and classroom chalkboards go the way of the 8-track. Today’s children are as savvy with a tablet as they are with Legos, if not more so – rendering proper eye care and protection crucial to ease the effects of digital eye strain, and prevent potentially more serious conditions.

Content Provided by Central Eyes Optical, a locally owned small business serving Hartsdale since 2000. Located in the Hartsdale Shopping Center at 161 S. Central Ave. 914.948.1700∙centraleyesoptical.com

Sponsored Post

Just deciding that it’s time to start your family is cause for celebration! Because there’s just so much to do during this exciting time, here’s a checklist to help you focus on some of the tasks at hand now and during the subsequent nine months:

Understand your cycle. Timing is everything – especially when most women have just a three to five day window every month to get pregnant. Today there are tons of apps that can help you chart changes in your menstrual cycle and identify the ideal time to try for baby. If you have been attempting to get pregnant for over a year, your doctor can test you and your partner for infertility issues. Certain medical conditions can also affect your ability to get pregnant, so it’s always good consult with an expert. 

Make your health a priority.Your body is going to go through a lot over the next nine months – you want it in top shape, which means paying more attention to diet and exercise. Women who have underlying medical issues like diabetes and hypertension should be even more diligent about their overall health.

Stop smoking and cut down on caffeine as much as possible. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid soft cheeses (which may contain listeria – a bacteria common that leads to food poisoning that is not healthy for babies) but go ahead and enjoy that sushi! Research shows certain types are safe for pregnant womento eat. 

Exercise and activity is important before, during and after pregnancy -- after all, you’ll be creating, carrying and squeezing out another human being through your pelvis! A lot of women swear by prenatal yoga, which includes a variety of stretches (particularly targeting the hips and pelvis) and breathing exercises, to help ease discomfort both during pregnancy and during delivery. 

Find a good OBGYN. A good doctor is a must from the start. They will be your most valuable resource during your pregnancy. The birth process is extremely personal, so you will want to find an OBGYN who will be your partner and respect your personal preferences in the delivery room.
 “The single most important way to find an OBGYN is word of mouth, through people who have had that full experience,” says Dr. Yoni Barnhard, Director of OBGYN at White Plains Hospital. “Also, speaking with other health care providers in the community that you can trust is a good source of information, especially if you know any labor and delivery nurses.”

During the first visit, your doctor will take your medical history so they can be aware of any conditions or prior issues that would make conceiving difficult. They will discuss lifestyle issues and identify any bad habits that might work against you, such as smoking.

If you aren’t up to date on your exams, your OBGYN will do a Pap smear, take a urine sample and draw blood to make sure you are current on important vaccinations, including chicken pox and rubella. They’ll do a blood typing and Rh factor to keep handy in case complications arise during delivery.

Planning and surrounding yourself with a caring healthcare team will go a long way in helping to make this next phase of life a joyful and healthy one.

​You’ve picked a name and color for the nursery, but have you chosen your hospital yet? Many expectant parents don’t give this a second thought, thinking all hospitals are equipped to deliver babies, right? Not all hospitals have the same philosophy, equipment or level of staff expertise and specialty, especially in high-risk situations. As you plan for the delivery, it’s good to know you will be someplace that supports your personal preferences, has a philosophy that puts mom and baby first, and that you will be surrounded by a team of experts to handle every possible scenario. 

Here are a few critical questions to ask to make sure you make the right choice:

Is it baby friendly? In the old days (and not so old days), nurses would quickly scuttle baby away after delivery to let mom rest peacefully. But this doesn’t facilitate bonding or support nursing (and it’s not that easy to rest when your newborn son or daughter is way down the hall). A hospital that encourages “rooming in” practices, where the baby is with mom 24/7, facilitates bonding, helps mom rest more easily and helps her and her partner figure out how to change that diaper before they are left to their own devices at home. Of course, a hospital should be “mom” friendly, too. This includes providing women continuous support throughout labor, as well as afterward. Those who are exhausted after delivery need to know their newborn is well cared for in the nursery while they are getting some well-deserved recovery sleep.

Does it have an NICU? Don’t take for granted that all hospitals have one – they don’t, and not all are the same. In the event that a baby with critical needs is born in a non-NICU hospital or one not equipped for more significant care, they would need to be transferred to a different facility. Ask what level the NICU is, especially if you are having a high-risk pregnancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics assigns NICUs one of four levels – one being basic care, four being highly specialized critical care -- based on the complexity of care the hospital is equipped to provide, and the age of the premature infant. 

Does it have a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist? You probably have an OBGYN, and for most women with normal pregnancies, that’s all you need. But for women of a certain age or who are at risk for complications, MFM specialists are OBGYNs who completed a few extra years of training to subspecialize in high-risk pregnancies. Hospitals with higher level maternity programs have these physicians on-staff and on-call 24/7 -- not just for patients who have been monitored for high-risk issues all along, but in case of an unexpected accident or complication that arises during labor.

 Do the rooms offer privacy? New moms need sleep, bonding time with their baby, and the ability to have their partner or family with them for as long as they like or need. Breastfeeding is an important part of new motherhood, and new mothers need their personal space and privacy during feedings. With all the new regulations surrounding health information, you deserve to be in a space where your rights, and the rights of your baby, are protected at all times. 

The dreaded transition from daylight savings is upon us (the clocks fall back on Sunday, Nov 3, 2019)!  It often feels like we just recovered from one time change, and another is approaching.  “Falling back” can be particularly challenging for parents of young children. While folks without young kids are excited about an extra hour of sleep, those of us with wee ones actually have to get up earlier; our adorable, sleeping baby who used to rise at 6:30 am now wakes at 5:30 am (and yes, they’re slightly less adorable at that hour!).  So what can we do to help our kids adjust to this change (and keep our sanity!)?

In an ideal world, we could to begin to shift our children’s schedules a week ahead of time. Every few days we’d move their sleep and mealtimes later by 15 minutes, so that when the time change hits, they’ve already adjusted.  Despite this being the “official recommendation” for a smooth transition from daylight savings, I’ve yet to meet one person to actually do it (myself included with my own kids!).  The world outside our homes doesn’t accommodate such a gentle shift; school starts when school starts and you need to get to work on time, not 15-45 minutes late. 

Never fear! Here are some tips to help your children adjust to the new time.

Expose your children to lots of sunlight during the day.  Our circadian rhythms align with the sun, so exposure to natural light helps our bodies adjust to the appropriate time.

Be sensitive to your child’s needs and mood. The clock now reads 8 pm for your child’s regular 7 pm bedtime.  If you were used to protests at bedtime, you may have an easier transition, as your children should be more tired at the “new” 7 pm.  On the flip side, you run the risk of having an overtired child if you insist on bedtime being according to the clock. Accept that bedtime may be influx for a few days and that’s ok. It generally takes about a week for our internal clocks to shift, so know that any schedule change should be temporary.  To prevent an overtired child from unraveling, about 30 min prior to bedtime, dim the lights to help the body relax and transition to nighttime.  Room darkening shades can really help with this, too.  Keep the environment calm, and quiet before bed to help children unwind and ready to sleep. 

Stick with your bedtime routine.  If you don’t have a bedtime routine already, now is a great time to start. Children thrive on routines, so having one can be incredibly helpful to give structure to the time before bed.  A quiet routine is calming to them and helps them relax and ease into bedtime. It can be as simple as pajamas on, brush teeth, read a book/sing a song, lights out.  Don’t make it overly complex. You want this to be replicable daily, and easily done by a babysitter in your absence.  

Minimize exposure to electronics at least an hour prior to bedtime. This is true all year round, but especially now when we’re trying to help kids adjust to a time change. Electronic screens emit a blue light that mimics a bright, sunny sky and tricks the body into thinking it is daytime.  The result of this is that melatonin, the hormone that helps induce sleep, is suppressed, making it more challenging to fall asleep.

If all else fails, find a big mug and fill it with coffee. I’m sure you’ll be in good company!

Lauren Lappen is a Certified Sleep Consultant and co-founder of Wee Sleep Solutions.  As a mom of daughter Ellie and twins Rebecca and Kira, Lauren recognized the importance of self-care and sought to instill healthy sleep habits in her children so that she could ensure her own rest and be at her best as a parent, wife and friend.   
 
Lauren studied under Deborah Pedrick, a pioneer in the field and founder of the Family Sleep Institute (FSI) and International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. She is thrilled to be able to educate families on the importance of sleep and to empower parents with the knowledge and ability to teach their kids to love sleep as much as her girls do!