DFWChild Baby 2020

dallas-fort worth’s hyper-local resource for all things pregnancy and baby 2020

How to survive bed rest Best resources for moms-to-be Checklist: your mental health after baby How to prepare for breastfeeding The facts on postpartum hemorrhaging Get big brothers and sisters ready for baby

Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. Š2020 Baylor Scott & White Health.

Exceptional dental care, one smile at a time!

Board Certified Diplomates, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry 632 E. Sandy Lake Rd., Coppell, TX 75019 972-393-9779 www.RozasDDS.com

Dr. Melissa Rozas

BABY QUESTION #516

IS SCREEN TIME OKAY FOR MY BABY?

Newborn questions? We’ve got answers.

When you’re a new parent the questions never end. At Cook Children’s our pediatricians are here to help answer all of them. Schedule a consultation with a pediatrician and explore the many articles from experts in newborn care at newborncenter.org.

contents

VOLUME 31 ISSUE 1

Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief joylyn niebes CREATIVE + CONTENT DIRECTOR heather vance devers Editorial

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

carrie steingruber

Pregnancy 8 Mom-To-Be Kimber Westphall Clonts

The best baby advice this PR pro has gotten so far

10

Our mom-to-be shares the skin care products she’s loving

MANAGING EDITOR

alexis patterson

CALENDAR EDITOR

elizabeth smith

ASSISTANT EDITOR

emily yearwood Art

CONTRIBUTING EDITORIAL DESIGNER

lesley busby

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

12

Breastfeeding: Be Ready

14

Rest Well

16

Best: Soon-To-Be Moms Winners

DIGITAL

DIGITAL EDITOR

DIRECTORY EDITOR

lexy davis

Advertising

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

alison davis nancy mcdaniel andi tijerina

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

isabel pisani

angelyn horrell

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ILLUSTRATION BY MARY DUNN

Janie’s Mommy Must-Haves

Our third-time mom’s picks for a growing family

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Big, Meet Little

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Stock Up

Preparing your child for a younger sibling Where to find our featured moms’ must-haves

column Truths 46 Mommy Sleep-deprivation strangeness

and more LOL moments of new parenting

Bradley’s Baby Must-Haves

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Not So Sweet Emotions

28

Stop the Bleeding

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Best: Moms & Babies Winners

ann mathai

On the Cover: Zia, Carrollton Photography: Cindy James

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Our new mom shares her favorite items for her son

BUSINESS MANAGER OFFICE MANAGER/ BOOKKEEPER

The Biscuit Bar owner is skilled at managing “controlled chaos”

The Luella & June founder’s overwhelming baby love

Administration leah wagner

Your doctor put you on bed rest— now what?

Baby Mom 22 New Bradley Agather Means

Marketing

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

What to know before baby arrives

Hospitals, childbirth instructors, doulas and midwives loved by local moms

susan horn

sydney blalock ritchie

Kimber’s Pregnancy Must-Haves

Family Mom … Again 38 New Janie Burkett

A mental health checklist for new moms The 411 on postpartum hemorrhaging

From sleep consultants to infant swim classes, here are more reader favorites

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DFWChild Baby is published once per year by Lauren Publications, Inc. Address: 4275 Kellway Circle, Ste. 146, Addison, TX, 75001. Phone: 972/447-9188. Fax: 972/447-0633. DFWChild Baby is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Only DFWChild Baby authorized distributors may deliver or pick up the magazines. Additional or back copies of DFWChild Baby are available for $2 per copy. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed.

Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for any material to be returned. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. DFWChild Baby is ©2020 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.

2020 | baby

5

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Versatile Virtuous Valiant

Vigilant.

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We are Vivi. The doctors who know .

Our female-led practice welcomes you with open arms and

hearts, and treats you with respect and dignity, no matter what you are facing. We believe in the power of connection while delivering the highest care possible in the safest way possible.

WOMEN’S HEALTH | GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS |

vivifw.com

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2020 | baby

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pregnancy

8

baby | 2020

INTERVIEW CARRIE STEINGRUBER

I

Mom-To-Be: Kimber Westphall Clonts

have just felt so, so happy,” Kimber Westphall Clonts beams. “The amount of joy I felt when we found out we were pregnant surpassed what I even anticipated I would feel.” With debilitating morning sickness now under control, Westphall Clonts is riding that joyful high into her second trimester. The Dallas PR maven, fitness instructor, writer and consummate planner has started tackling her before-baby checklist, embracing her pregnancy body and teasing out the logistics of the family’s “new normal” with husband James. “I feel like our marriage is already very rich and blessed, and this is really going to be the cherry on top.”

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO? The

thing that I keep envisioning is just my husband, me and the baby walking to get ice cream in the evening, or in the mornings getting up and taking the baby in the stroller—having very simple moments of gentle joy. I won’t be able to just hop in the car with my yoga mat and go to a class on a whim, but I’m totally happy with that change.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIMBER WESTPHALL

YOU HAVE SO MUCH GOING ON. DO YOU PLAN TO SLOW DOWN AFTER YOU HAVE THE BABY? I definitely want to still

be working. My PR firm is so important to me, my workouts are important to me (hopefully I’m teaching a class the day before I deliver the baby) and of course my writing, and all of that really makes up the fabric of what makes me, me. So I definitely want to keep doing that; I just know that we’ll have to find a new normal. I might not be able to get up at 3am for

a TV segment like I have before.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE GOTTEN? The idea of

being patient and knowing that you’re not going to be a perfect mom right away. The good thing to remember is the pure intent, that you love the child and you are doing your best. There’s going to be meltdowns, there’s going to be episodes of tears, there’s going to be moments of frustration, but in the end, it’s all going to be OK because you’re doing your best.

HAVE Y’ALL FOUND OUT THE GENDER YET? We’re going to

be surprised.

THAT’S UNUSUAL THESE DAYS! WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO TEAM GREEN? I was hav-

ing lunch with [a friend] even before we were thinking about becoming pregnant, and she was like, “You know, not finding out, having that moment in the delivery room with just you and

your husband, it’s so special, and it’s literally one of life’s last surprises.” So I thought, Why not? And regardless of when you find out, it’s still a surprise, but we wanted to have that moment just with the two of us.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’RE SCARED ABOUT? I’m definitely

nervous about the actual delivery. There’s just so many unknowns. Are you going to have to have a C-section? Are you going to be induced? Since I’m such a planner, that has been a challenge for me.

HAVE YOU STILL FELT REALLY CONFIDENT IN YOUR BODY, OR HAS THE CHANGE OF PREGNANCY BOTHERED YOU?

It has bothered me. I feel like I’ve gotten a little too comfortable with the eating, and I’ve been splurging. I had kind of a breakdown moment in the doctor’s office last week because they weighed me, and I’m like, “Oh my gosh, I did not think I weighed that much.” So that did—I’m going to be very honest—that really did bother me.

But then everyone was reassuring me. They’re like, “Your only job right now is to grow a healthy, safe baby.” And I’m just trying to think of it as like, OK, I’m literally nourishing this tiny human who’s growing inside of me. I’m realizing that—it’s not about me, it’s about the health of the baby. ● Editor’s note: Bridget “Birdie” arrived healthy on Aug. 26.

Congratulations to Mom and Dad! 2020 | baby

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pregnancy

INTERVIEW CARRIE STEINGRUBER

Kimber’s Pregnancy must-haves

2

“My skin has been a little extra dry, especially my lips, so there’s this Hourglass lip oil that I love.

It’s very soothing.”

3

“There’s an organic line called FarmHouse Fresh based out of McKinney. They have this Whoopie! Cream Shea Butter that I’ve been using a lot, because for a while my lotion was making me nauseated, but this scent is really good. It’s light, but it’s still fragrant.”

4 “There’s this Moroccanoil body oil that I’ve been using, and it has little flecks of sparkles in it. I use the hair oil too. And Davines has this OI hair oil and hair milk—it’s like a spray you put on.

I am loving that.”

5

“I went to Verbena Parlor & Social House last week and got a pedicure. All of their products are nontoxic; it was just very clean. And they have lattes with your pedicure or your manicure.

So that’s going to be my go-to.”

6 “You’re getting bigger, and your body’s changing, so I’ve been working out for sure. I’ve still been doing One Lagree. It’s kind of like Pilates. And then I teach kickbox at Equinox.” ● 10

baby | 2020

FIRMING FLUID: EMINENCE; LIP OIL: HOURGLASS; SHEA BUTTER: FARMHOUSE FRESH; HAIR OIL: MOROCCANOIL; HAIR MILK: DAVINES; PEDICURE: VERBENA PARLOR & SOCIAL HOUSE; KICKBOXING: ©ISTOCK

1 “Obviously you can’t get any fillers or injectables [during pregnancy], so I’ve been doing a lot of research on things that you can do that are still good for the skin and age preventative. I love Eminence bamboo firming fluid. It smells so good. I put that on morning and night.”

pregnancy

WORDS SYDNEY BLALOCK RITCHIE

Breastfeeding: Be Ready hile breastfeeding is completely natural, it’s not always straightforward. So get your gear and get prepared! Here are some of our suggestions to help you be nursing-ready.

NO HARD-AND-FAST RULES

There’s a lot of conflicting information about when you should feed your baby. Is it every two hours? Three? Should you feed on a schedule, or on demand? Local lactation consultant Mellanie Sheppard, with For Babies Sake, says the reality is that it’s impossible to make hard-and-fast rules about breastfeeding—because every mom and baby pair is different. “[There are] general guidelines that you can tweak for your family,” Sheppard explains. “Most newborns eat 10–12 times per day,” and you should expect the intervals between feedings to be erratic, ranging from 30 minutes to three hours. “As babies get older, there may be more predictability,” she says.

When they’re first born, babies may require help to wake up for feedings, especially if they’re swaddled. Sheppard notes that after babies have regained birth weight (and are about 2 weeks old), you can begin feeding based on hunger cues. “Feeding babies according to their hunger cues is the best way for your body and your baby to get in sync, to stimulate milk production and to help baby learn their body’s signals for hunger and satisfaction.”

LEARN NURSING NUANCES

Cleo Marchese of Natural Beginnings in Richardson 12

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recommends learning the difference between active nursing and nibbling. “When your baby is actively drinking milk, the jaw moves up and down,” says Marchese. “The movement is so strong that the ears twitch and sometimes the forehead moves.

Your baby will also make a ‘kaw’ sound when swallowing milk.”

GET SUPPORT

In addition to lactation consultants, there are many groups out there that provide breastfeeding support. For example, La Leche League of Texas has groups across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. You can find a meeting close to you at texaslll.org.

Check with the hospital where you gave birth or other hospitals for more support group information. Additional hospital perks: Some offer breast pump rentals and supplies as well as lactation support from staff.

In certain cases, these hospital benefits are open to all moms— not just those who deliver there.

GET GEAR

If you’re planning to exclusively breastfeed, find a good pump.

Consider the pump’s weight, noise level, hands-free capability, cleanability and cost. If traveling often, a lightweight pump may be useful. If you’re pumping around others, a quiet pump could be helpful. Want to multi-

task? Grab a hands-free pump.

Some new models can even be worn under your shirt.

Take care of your nipples—it’s not uncommon for them to get sore, raw and potentially crack. Kara Rosales, another For Babies Sake lactation consultant, recommends soaking your nipples for a minute or two in half a teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. She also suggests Motherlove nipple cream (or any nipple cream with calendula in it).

For babies who have trouble latching, you might need to get a nipple shield. These flexible, silicone accessories act as an extended nipple and are especially helpful with preemies, or if you have flatter or more inverted nipples. They’re generally considered temporary solutions, so be sure to use nipple shields in consultation with your baby’s pediatrician or your lactation consultant.

Finally, bring on the breastfeeding pillow. This will help prop your baby up next to your breast while simultaneously taking the load off your arms (in addition to preventing neck and back strain). These pillows tend to be most helpful before babies gain control of their head and neck.

BE PATIENT

Ultimately, realize that breastfeeding is a process. It might not happen smoothly right away, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be successful. Get help if you need it. And whether you nurse through the toddler years or turn to formula, remember that the important thing is a healthy, happy baby. ●

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what to know before baby arrives

Seeking Participants for an Infant Development Study We are looking for families with 6-month-old infants for a new study on language development.

Currently, you can participate in research from the comfort of your home! Families will receive up to $420 for participating.

Interested in learning more? babybrainlab@utdallas.edu | babybrainlab.org

BABY BRAIN LAB IS PART OF THE SCHOOL OF BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS.

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W O R D S A L E X I S PAT T E R S O N

Rest Well or every 100 moms-to-be reading this, 18 of you are on bed rest—or will be. The most common reasons include symptoms of pre-term delivery, high blood pressure and placenta conditions. Bed rest may be prescribed for home or the hospital, and it could last for days or months. Wherever and however long you’re off your feet, here’s how to get through it.

CONSIDER THE EFFECTS ON YOUR MIND. Sure, an extended

rest sounds kind of nice. But bed rest can really do a number on a mom, even after a brief period.

If you’re on bed rest, you’re probably already experiencing some anxiety. And then there’s depression. “For a lot of women, the stress of the pregnancy complication combined with relative isolation and lack of normal activities can affect their mental health,” explains Paula Miltenberger, Ph.D., founder of Women’s Mental Wellness and a psychologist who regularly provides therapy to patients on bed rest at Medical City Dallas.

Moms are providers and caretakers by nature, so getting those roles taken away, to some extent, is hard. “Bed rest can be a huge burden on families.

If patients are working, many times, they end up not having a job to go back to when they’ve taken that much time off,” explains Dr. Elizabeth StevensonGargiulo, who practices with Baylor Scott & White Park Lane OB/GYN Associates. She adds that bed rest can be an added weight on spouses taking care of the home and other kids.

Miltenberger says the best mental health defense is a 14

baby | 2020

schedule. “Wake up at a normal time and plan out ways to spend your day,” says Miltenberger. “If you just lie there, that’s when the worry can really take over.”

While your bed rest schedule may not be filled with your typical activities, you can use the time for things that you’ve always wished you could do: learn a new language, sort old photographs, take an online class.

Miltenberger also recommends that women incorporate mindfulness. “Apps like Headspace and Calm can help you meditate and relax.”

Normalcy is also helpful. There are mobile beauty services, and you may be able to complete some work from bed if your doctor approves.

TV and movies are also a good way to pass time—but if you lie in bed all day, hitting “yes” each time Netflix asks if you’re still watching, you’ll probably end up feeling not so great. “The idea of a schedule is giving yourself structure, a sense of productivity and control—in a situation that is largely out of your control,” says Miltenberger.

Many therapy practices offer tele-appointments. And if you’re worried about all the things that aren’t getting done

while you’re laid up, you have options. Relatives and friends are prime sources of support; there are also doulas and assistants who can handle everything from laundry to nursery decorating.

CONSIDER THE EFFECTS ON YOUR BODY. Bed rest has

physical ramifications as well.

Research shows that muscle deterioration begins within six hours of starting bed rest, according to Stevenson-Gargiulo.

With prolonged bed rest, women can have massive muscle loss and experience difficulty walking after it’s over. When patients are in the hospital, a physical therapist will often come by and help them with appropriate exercises.

For women at home, Stevenson-Gargiulo says muscle loss is typically not as much of an issue. That form of bed rest isn’t as strictly regulated, and women move around more than hospitalized patients. If you’re at home and truly not getting out of bed, you may consider a physical therapy consultation. StevensonGargiulo says your doctor may recommend blood thinners or compression devices that help prevent blood clots.

KNOW THE FACTS. “We don’t know exactly what causes preterm labor. We don’t have any great medications to stop it,” says Stevenson-Gargiulo. “The reality is that even with bed rest, so much of what is going to happen is just going to happen.”

The point? Try to be calm, talk to your doctor and seek support when you need it. ●

BED: NOUN PROJECT

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getting through pregnancy on bed rest

Steven Morse, M.D.

OB-GYN “I believe the first step in patient care is empathy and listening. I am dedicated to communicating openly with my patients to make well-informed decisions. Caring for each patient with an individualized, personalized approach is my passion.”

As an experienced, board-certified OB-GYN, Dr. Morse provides individualized, expert care for women. He is passionate about providing excellent care during every phase of a woman’s life, stays up-to-date on the latest techniques and is excited to join the Burleson and Fort Worth communities.

Call 817-806-1135 to schedule your appointment 11803 S. Freeway | Texas Health Huguley Medical Office Building 2 | Suite 213 TexasHealth.org/THMA | Part of Texas Health Medical Associates

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pregnancy

Best: Soon-To-Be Moms Winners etween blogs and Facebook groups and What To Expect When You’re Expecting and friends and your mom, you might be suffering from information overload. We get it, and we can help. Every year, we ask our readers to vote for the people and places they trust to support them on their journey to motherhood—childbirth instructors, hospitals and more. So if your head is spinning with all the resources to be found in DFW, take a look at these recommendations, and breathe. You’ve got this. (The winners were originally announced in the February 2020 issue of DFWChild.)

TARRANT COUNTY TONYA BUFFINGTON, CD – RIGHT HAND DOULA

Best Doulas DENTON COUNTY MARIA POKLUDA, CLD – GREAT EXPECTATIONS BIRTH

With about 13 years of experience serving families, Maria Pokluda’s main goal is to help moms determine the best childbirth plan for their needs.

Great Expectations Birth offers services ranging from childbirth classes and lactation support to full doula care. (Readers also voted Pokluda “Best Childbirth Instructor.”) Although she assists families with a variety of care needs, because of her own experience with infertility, she has a special passion for helping families coping with infertility themselves, in addition to supporting families who deliver at hospitals and are planning VBACs. greatexpectationsbirth.com 16

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Inspired by her own experience with professional birthing support, Tonya Buffington decided to pursue a doula certification.

Now with 12 years of doula experience, Buffington (who has assisted at over 400 births) is a placenta encapsulation specialist and post-birth belly binder too.

Our readers call on her for her passion for assisting new moms and families; through Right Hand Doula, Buffington provides birth plan assistance, labor support and breastfeeding support. righthanddoula.com DALLAS COUNTY MELISSA ESPEY-MUELLER, PRODOULA CD LABOR & EDUCATOR, CLE – NORTH DALLAS DOULA ASSOCIATES

As owner and director of North Dallas Doula Associates, Melissa Espey-Mueller offers doula services to thousands of families each year; moms trust

her for her dedication to each birth and array of services.

Espey-Mueller—a DONA- and ProDoula-trained, master-level doula—keeps up with moms after delivery through postpartum doula support (from emotional support to pumping and bottlefeeding aid) and offers placenta encapsulation, pre-conception planning and certified lactation consulting—to name a few of her services. She also is a gynecologic teaching associate (GTA) through Texas A&M Health Science Center and was voted Dallas County’s “Best Childbirth Instructor” by our readers.

107 Murray St., Dallas northdallasdoulas.com COLLIN COUNTY LAURA FORTNER, CD (DONA) & PRODOULA CD LABOR – NORTH DALLAS DOULA ASSOCIATES

Though she was our Collin County winner, moms all over DFW count on Laura Fortner for her nonjudgmental support and impressive expertise—she’s attended more than 400 births, including home and hospital births, C-sections and VBACs. Part of the North Dallas Doula Associates family, she offers birth doula services and lactation assistance for her clients (who can get other services, including placenta encapsulation, through NDDA).

In addition to her certifications as a birth doula and lactation educator, this year Fortner will add VBAC Link certification—becoming one of only a few doulas

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north texas’ top childbirth resources

WORDS LISA SALINAS

in North Texas with three doula certifications.

107 Murray St., Dallas northdallasdoulas.com

Best Midwives COLLIN COUNTY AMY GILES, CNM, DNP – ALLEN BIRTHING CENTER

A veteran Best: Moms & Babies winner, certified nurse-midwife Amy Giles offers full maternity care at Allen Birth Center (which she co-owns with her husband), and attends births at hospitals and homes too. Her resume is impressive—in addition to having served over 1,500 families, Giles received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in 2018. Her birth center provides nitrous oxide for delivering mamas, along with hormone therapy and neurofeedback for clients and their families.

406 W. Main St., Allen allenbirthingcenter.com DALLAS COUNTY TAYLOR HOUSER, DNP, CNM – DALLAS MIDWIFE ASSOCIATES

Led by a belief that every woman deserves choices, certified nurse-midwife Taylor Houser (who holds a doctorate of nursing practice) has seven years of experience serving women and babies. Along with her mother, she founded Dallas Midwife Associates, where she offers boutique-style prenatal, labor, birth and postpartum care. Additionally, the practice provides well-woman services, including pre-conception counseling and family planning options. This year, DMA welcomed a fifth midwife to the practice and is expanding its postpartum program to offer amenities like a fitness series and support group.

3611 Swiss Ave., Suite 200, Dallas; dallasmidwifeassociates.com DENTON COUNTY JEAN SALA, CNM, APRN, MSN – INANNA BIRTH & WOMEN’S CARE

The owner of Inanna Birth & Women’s Care (voted “Best Birthing Center” in Denton County), Jean Sala has attended close to 3,000 births. What the certified nurse-midwife loves most about her job is watching women tap into their strength during labor—and realize they have the power to tackle life’s other challenges too. In addition to midwifery care, Sala offers childbirth and CPR classes and is a certified neonatal resuscitation instructor, which gives moms and dads that extra peace of mind that their growing family is in safe hands.

1823 N. Locust St., Denton inannabirth.com Editor’s Note: The original Denton County winner, Donnellyn Dominguez, is retiring this fall after almost 15 years of providing midwifery care to local moms.

Congratulations to Dominguez on an influential career!

TARRANT COUNTY CARLA MORROW, DNP, CNM – FORT WORTH BIRTHING & WELLNESS CENTER

With two decades of midwifery experience, Carla Morrow (who holds a doctorate of nursing practice) was chosen by readers for her dedication to supporting new moms and their families.

In 2013 she founded the Fort Worth Birthing & Wellness Center, and she’s just opened a new practice in Arlington that offers in-hospital midwifery care. Her services range from routine prenatal visits and postpartum care to childbirth classes and lactation consulting. Morrow

also provides well-woman exams and screening for anxiety and depression.

622 Hemphill St., Fort Worth fwbirthcenter.com

Best Hospitals To Have a Baby COLLIN COUNTY MEDICAL CITY PLANO

Moms trust Medical City Plano on the big day for its plethora of amenities, services and on-site level III NICU, should (heaven forbid) little ones need extra care upon arrival. In-room amenities include adjustable lighting, Spotify access, memory-foam beds, a kitchenette and a lounge area—after baby arrives, you might not want to leave. The hospital boasts a newborn nursery and photography services by Mom 365. Plus, to ensure every measure of safety, the labor and delivery nurses hold several life-saving certifications. Call for a virtual tour.

3901 W. 15th St., Plano medicalcityplano.com DALLAS COUNTY BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Our Dallas readers go to Baylor University Medical Center for its attentive physicians and comfortable amenities—for moms and their families. The New Family Center includes private rooms and a daybed for your support person. Services include nitrous oxide, wireless fetal monitoring, aromatherapy and snacks upon entering the postpartum room.

After birth, baby will stay with you in the Family Center as you both receive care together. This is part of Baylor Dallas’ mission to promote education and confi2020 | baby

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DENTON COUNTY TEXAS HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL DENTON

Comfort is key on the big day, so Denton County families look to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton’s attentive physicians and state-of-the-art NICU and delivery rooms. The hospital renovated its neonatal unit in 2018 to allow space for moms to stay with their babies.

Plus, labor and delivery rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, a rocking chair and recliner, as well as a personal bathroom; other hospital amenities include breastfeeding support.

3000 N. Interstate 35, Denton texashealth.org/denton-baby TARRANT COUNTY TEXAS HEALTH HARRIS METHODIST HOSPITAL FORT WORTH

When it’s time for baby, Fort Worth moms rely on Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth’s experienced and attentive delivery team (nurses check on moms about every hour during their stay, and more often when necessary) and desire to help moms give birth the way they want to—for example, the hospital offers tub births and gentle C-sections, which allow families to watch their little ones emerge from the womb. Seventeen personal maternity suites boast amenities such as a private bathroom, free internet access and a flat-screen TV so Mom feels right at home. Plus, she and her support person receive a complimentary meal to celebrate baby’s arrival. And if little ones need extra support, the hospital has a level III NICU on-site.

1301 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort 18

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Worth; texashealth.org

Best Birthing Centers COLLIN COUNTY PLANO BIRTHPLACE

At Plano Birthplace, birth suites boast comfortable beds, tubs and walk-in showers for a spa-like environment. Amenities aside, our readers trust Plano Birthplace for its certified nurse-midwives, who in case of emergency can continue to care for moms at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. Plus, moms receive individualized, personal attention, as the center cares for only seven to eight moms a month.

Schedule a tour online.

5172 Village Creek Drive, Suite 101, Plano; planobirthplace.com DALLAS COUNTY LOVERS LANE BIRTH CENTER

For the birth center experience or birthing at home, our readers choose Lovers Lane Birth Center, a midwifery practice in Richardson (near Cottonwood Park).

Located in a quiet neighborhood, the center is decorated in calming colors, like soft blue and green, plus there’s a family room and kitchen. Here, soon-to-be moms can opt to see the center’s midwives early on for prenatal visits; discussions touch on overall health, including the best diet and supplement options. The midwives typically check on moms two to three days after the birth too. Sign up online for a tour.

304 S. Cottonwood Drive, Suite A, Richardson; dallasmidwife.com DENTON COUNTY INANNA BIRTH & WOMEN’S CARE

Quaint and comfy, Inanna’s birthing suites are equipped with tubs and birth balls, and

moms are free to move around during labor. The center’s two certified nurse-midwives, owner Jean Sala and Elaine Candeloro, offer childbirth and CPR classes, prenatal care and gynecology services. But Dad and the kids aren’t left out—Candeloro, who is also a family nurse practitioner, can provide health care for the whole family. Call to schedule a tour.

1823 N. Locust St., Denton inannabirth.com

TARRANT COUNTY FORT WORTH BIRTHING & WELLNESS CENTER

Located only two blocks away from Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, the Fort Worth Birthing & Wellness Center has plenty of Cowtown flair mixed with modern style and amenities.

Founded seven years ago, the center offers services from family planning to prenatal, birth and postpartum care, which includes two- and six-week postpartum visits. The center currently has six certified nurse-midwives (with expertise in gynecology, fertility and more) who collaborate in order to support clients.

622 Hemphill St., Fort Worth fwbirthcenter.com

Best Childbirth Instructors COLLIN COUNTY STACY HUTCHINS, AAHCC – BIRTHING … NATURALLY

Stacy Hutchins knew birth education was her calling after having her firstborn. As part of the team at Birthing … Naturally, the mother of four teaches sevenweek classes that touch on all things childbirth, from the labor process to relaxation techniques and comfort measures. For moms who took childbirth classes

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dence between you, your family and your new baby. Baylor Dallas also recently partnered with North Dallas Doula Associates to offer childbirth classes.

3500 Gaston Ave., Dallas bswhealth.com/dallaschildbirth

during a prior pregnancy, Hutchins offers a oneday, three-hour-long refresher course to go over the basics, such as labor stages. She is certified in the Bradley Method and Spinning Babies. birthingnaturallydfw.com DALLAS COUNTY MELISSA ESPEY-MUELLER, PRODOULA CD LABOR & EDUCATOR, CLE – NORTH DALLAS DOULA ASSOCIATES

As director of new parent education at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas and Medical City Las Colinas, Melissa Espey-Mueller believes that the best birth is an informed and supported birth. Given her slogan and extensive experience (she’s celebrating 20 years at North Dallas Doula Associates), it’s no wonder our readers vote for her in our survey year after year. Her class menu includes just about every topic you could imagine (seriously!), from Prenatal Wellness to Rocking Dads—yep, partners are included too. Bonus: All of NDDA’s childbirth classes are now available virtually.

107 Murray St., Dallas; northdallasdoulas.com DENTON COUNTY MARIA POKLUDA, CLD – GREAT EXPECTATIONS BIRTH

Certified doula and mother of four Maria Pokluda teaches natural birth classes and a breastfeeding course; she even offers private lessons through her doula agency, Great Expectations Birth. (Pokluda was also voted “Best Doula” in Denton County.) Courses focus on communication between expecting moms and their partners, and interactive lessons home in on mindfulness and physical exercises. Her full birth and breastfeeding classes are online too. greatexpectationsbirth.com

Sensory learning, neuromuscular activities, and spatial awareness, otherwise referred to as,

TARRANT COUNTY BARB DAVIS, CD-LABOR, CBE, PES – BIRTH | FORT WORTH

Our readers love doula Barb Davis’ instruction, particularly the Your Best Birth Class, a one-day course on all things childbirth offered through birth | Fort Worth. Besides the in-person and virtual lessons, every new mom leaves with a free one-year membership to Natural Breastfeeding for an Easier Start. Plus, you also receive Davis’ personal cell number, so you can stay in contact throughout your pregnancy. This year, Davis is debuting the Your Best Birth Class Academy, which consists of virtual childbirth class supplements and customized classes.

4255 Bryant Irving Road, Fort Worth birthfortworth.com ●

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baby | 2020

INTERVIEW

H E AT H E R VA N C E D E V E R S

New Mom: Bradley Agather Means

B

radley Agather Means is no stranger to doing her research to find the latest and greatest in lifestyle, fashion and beauty products for readers of her blog. But the Luella & June founder (luellajune.com) admits she isn’t fully versed on all things baby—even months after her son’s arrival.

“I’m not somebody who grew up babysitting. I didn’t know much about babies. Definitely every single day is a learning process,” Agather Means shares. That doesn’t mean she hasn’t fully immersed herself in parenting (with a super healthy mindset, in our opinion) since having George 4 months ago. “I can’t worry if he is eating as much or sleeping as much as this [other] baby. It’s going to be fine. He’s still going to go to college.”

WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF MOTHERHOOD? I had no

GEORGE & BRADLEY: BRADLEY AGATHER MEANS; MOUSE: NOUN PROJECT

expectations. It’s a totally new and different and exciting and wonderful thing. I think that the best way to describe postpartum is that everything is weird and special and wonderful all at the same time.

HOW WAS YOUR PREGNANCY?

My pregnancy was wonderful.

Again, I went into it with absolutely no expectations. I was just grateful to be pregnant. I’ll be honest; I think it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s just a total change. I think that you become a mom the second that you are pregnant, like your body is not your own anymore.

WHAT HAS AMAZED YOU THE MOST? The overwhelming love

that I feel for this baby. Really—

the sheer amount of love there is. I love this baby so much, and loving something that much can be scary, because they’re just the best thing and you want the best for them and the anxiety of that.

IS THERE ANYTHING THAT SURPRISED YOU THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE? I had heard

about [mom shaming] from friends, but there’s a lot. I think that it’s [often] well intentioned and coming from a good place.

Take what you will with it and tune out the rest; pick your person or pick your two people to get advice from, because you need the help and you need the advice. But learning to not let [other people’s opinions] affect you is not easy. It is important to do, because otherwise I would just be nuts.

DO YOU THINK YOU’LL HAVE MORE CHILDREN? I don’t know,

I really don’t. I’ve never been someone who plans like that.

I think we’re so grateful and happy with one—maybe never say never, but if this is just the one that I’ll have, then I’m OK with that too.

IS GEORGE A GOOD BABY?

When people ask me that, I sort of hesitate because I’m like, I think he’s the best damn baby that ever existed. He’s definitely the best part of my day. I just think he’s wonderful.

HOW HAS YOUR HUSBAND BEEN AS A NEW DAD? He is

amazing, and I really think that having a great partner is probably the reason I’m sitting here telling you that I have the best baby. Because I have somebody who is doing it with me.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LESSON SINCE BECOMING A MOM? I think probably

the greatest lesson is asking for help, and being present—not taking yesterday into today. If yesterday was a bad day, let’s wake up today and it’s just new and it could be totally different. Babies really teach you that. They’re changing all the time and it’s like, just be present where you are and know that it will change. Be accepting of it. And I’m not necessarily that great with change, but I’m learning. Also, it’s amazing the things you can do with one hand. ● 2020 | baby

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I N T E R V I E W H E AT H E R VA N C E D E V E R S

Bradley’s BABY Must-Haves 1

“George wears pajamas all day right now. We love Kissy Kissy because they’re super soft and wonderful.”

2

“I love books. Reading is really important to me, obviously, as a writer. So reading to George is really important to me. I just think having a collection full of books is great. I love The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”

3

“If you are an expecting mom, the Doona car seat and stroller combo needs to be at the top of your registry. It’s a total game changer. And get the two bases so that you can have one in your car and one in your husband’s car.”

5 “When I was registering, there was a girl who helped me at The Tot. It was awesome. They do a consultation, which I thought was awesome for someone who doesn’t know anything about babies and was kind of overwhelmed by options.”

6 “In the middle of the night, I love a zip onesie for a quick diaper change without having to mess with buttons. KicKee Pants has some great options that are super soft and seem to stretch. And there’s a [kids clothing] website called Primary; they’re really inexpensive and have fun prints.” ● 24

baby | 2020

PJS: KISSY KISSY; BOOK: PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE; STROLLER: DOONA; BOOT: MINION CROSBY; ONESIE: KICKEE PANTS

4 “I have learned that I really enjoy buying for [George’s] future self—buying something fabulous and wonderful for when he’s older. I bought him cowboy boots that will fit him when he is 8.”

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baby

Not So Sweet Emotions t’s 3am. Your baby is crying (or is that you?). Blearily, you go to feed for what seems like the 87th time today, while your own stomach growls, the pile of laundry looms threateningly, and you try not to think about the skyscraper in your kitchen sink. And when was the last time you showered?

No wonder new moms feel overwhelmed. Besides recovering physically, they’re dealing with a huge life change and what seems like the loss of their old selves. “Mothers tend to feel a flood of mixed emotions, even mothers who were super excited about having a baby,” explains Dr. Aparna Iyer, a Frisco-based psychiatrist with a special interest in pregnancy and postpartum mental health. “Sometimes that can be pretty uncomfortable to sit with.”

So if you aren’t feeling like sunshine and daisies, you aren’t alone. The first few weeks after giving birth, many moms experience the baby blues.

“You find yourself crying and you don’t even know why, you may feel overwhelmed, or you may feel like, ‘Why in the world am I a mother? I’m not a very good mom,’” says Tania Lopez, certified nurse-midwife at UNT Health Science Center Healthy Start. “The hormones are changing, and those are normal feelings.”

If those feelings don’t go away, or if they suddenly appear weeks or months after giving birth, then you’re still not alone.

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New moms (and dads!) can face postpartum mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress, and psychosis—often in combination. Women with a history of mental health issues are at greater risk, but these conditions can afflict any new mom, especially if she has a traumatic delivery or things don’t go as planned regarding the birth, bonding or breastfeeding.

Ten to 20 percent of moms experience postpartum depression, and it’s likely underreported. After all, it can be hard for newly minted moms to admit they’re feeling inadequate or less than joyful.

“You’re thinking to yourself, ‘I’m supposed to be happy, and I’m not.’ And so that starts the spiral of feeling guilty,” Lopez says. “Sometimes it’s seen as a sign of weakness, like, ‘I’m not tough enough; I’m not strong enough to be a mom because

I’m feeling this way.’”

No matter what your critical inner voice says, it’s crucial to seek help from your provider if you’re not feeling good. The pros are equipped to diagnose your symptoms and help you get better through counseling or medication. “Treatment is actually very, very effective,” says Iyer.

Besides watching for red flags, is there anything else you can do to promote your own mental health after giving birth? The typical self-care go-to’s (getting plenty of rest, exercising, eating regular meals…) are pretty incompatible with new motherhood.

One of the best ways to take care of yourself is to ask friends, family, neighbors or professionals to pitch in so that you can shower or sleep occasionally. Repeat after me, Mama: It’s OK to ask for help.

You can find support and solidarity on the web too. Both Lopez and Iyer recommend Postpartum Support International (postpartum.net), which has a helpline, resources and support groups. “When you hear other women are having these same thoughts or these same reactions, it helps you to feel not so isolated,” says Lopez. ●

©ISTOCK

i

feeling bad postpartum? you’re not alone

WORDS CARRIE STEINGRUBER

Mental Health Checklist

Here are some questions to ask yourself during the first year after baby’s birth.

Aparna Iyer and Tania Lopez say any of these symptoms could indicate a mental health condition that needs treatment:

Helping children thrive through integrative, natural and holistic pediatric care Our passion is integrative pediatrics—a combo of traditional, complementary, alternative and holistic approches to provide the most effective and least invasive way to treat your child.

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Are you struggling to bond with your baby?

Are you struggling to connect with your partner?

Have you lost your appetite—or, conversely, are you eating way more than usual?

Are you crying a lot?

Are you irritable or having mood swings?

Do you feel sustained sadness or hopelessness?

Christie Potter, APRN, CPNP-PC Annalise Clayborne, APRN, CPNP-PC Rebecca Greco, APRN, CPNP-PC Eileen Yearwood, APRN, CPNP-PC 3535 Victory Group Way, Suite 305, Frisco, TX 75034

972-324-3480 // 877-637-1611 info@naturalchoicepediatrics.com

NaturalChoicePediatrics.com

Do you frequently feel guilty, ashamed or inadequate in your role as a mom?

Do you have repetitive thoughts that harm is going to come to you or your baby?

Are you frequently anxious or worried?

Have you had panic attacks?

Do you feel like you can’t or don’t want to take care of your baby?

Have you had thoughts of harming yourself or harming your baby?

If you said yes to either of the last two, seek help right away from a provider you trust.

Maybe you said yes to only one or two questions, or you’re still in those first few weeks when the baby blues are common—that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tell your provider about your symptoms.

“If you don’t feel good, there is nothing wrong with expressing that concern to your practitioner to see what their opinion is,” says Iyer.

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baby

WORDS ELIZABETH QUINN + CARRIE STEINGRUBER

Stop the Bleeding

i

t was exactly one week after Kristen Kimmel’s healthy baby Kate was born. The in-laws were over; her husband, Tom Mathews, was making lunch. Earlier in the week, she had even taken the dogs for walks. Everything was fine.

As Kimmel sat down to breastfeed her daughter, she felt some unusual cramping.

“They tell you that as your uterus continues to shrink, that [cramping] is normal, especially if you breastfeed,” says Kimmel, who lives in Dallas. So she didn’t think much of it. When she went to the bathroom, she noticed some clots in her pad—again, it’s normal to have spotting after giving birth … but there shouldn’t be large clots, and you shouldn’t go through pads quickly.

As a safety precaution, Kimmel called her OBGYN, who told her to watch the bleeding and call back if it worsened.

It did. Kimmel says within 20 minutes, she began feeling heavy and ran to the bathroom. When she looked behind her, she saw a trail of blood. “I passed a clot, but it was a clot the size of a softball,” she reveals. She called her OBGYN again, and this time, she was told to go straight to the office.

As Kimmel stood up to leave, she almost passed out. Her terrified husband helped her to the car, and they rushed to the doctor.

How was it possible to be feeling perfectly fine one moment, and bleeding excessively the next?

WHAT IS PPH?

One of the leading causes of maternal mortality is postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)—that is, if it’s left untreated. But only 3–5% of women experience PPH, says Dr. Brian Rinehart, director of the maternal high-risk program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas.

What exactly is PPH? It’s defined as excess bleeding after delivering a baby—some professional organizations say 500 cubic centimeters (or 500 milliliters) after a vaginal birth or 1,000 cc after a C-section;

however, the World Health Organization suggests it is 1,000 cc or greater of blood loss in the first 24 hours. Rinehart explains that, ultimately, how much blood is too much will vary patient to patient.

Then there’s also late or secondary PPH, the rarer form, which occurs after the first 24 hours. That’s what Kimmel experienced.

There are three main reasons that PPH occurs: • uterine atony (when the uterus doesn’t contract after the baby is born) • lacerations (or tears) at birth • retained placenta or placenta fragments.

We know the immediate causes of PPH, and research suggests that certain conditions (including placenta previa, overdistended uterus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, obesity and having multiple babies) may increase the chances of PPH. But in the majority of cases, there are no underlying risk factors, says Rinehart—so technically, there’s no sure way to prevent it.

“There is no magical dietary supplement or routine to make yourself healthier to avoid [PPH],” he says, adding that

“There is no magical dietary supplement or routine to make yourself healthier to avoid [PPH].”

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baby | 2020

BLOOD DROP AND CRAMPING: NOUN PROJECT

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significant bleeding is harder on someone who is unhealthy. “The best way to prepare is to be in the best shape you can be during pregnancy, so that if this should occur, you can tolerate it.”

BE PREPARED

Kimmel was still bleeding when she and her husband arrived at the doctor’s office. “I was like, ‘You guys are going to want to have me come back right away, because I don’t want to leave blood in your waiting room,’” she says. Paramedics were called; Kimmel was taken to the hospital. She remembers asking her doctor if she was OK, and the doctor saying only, “You’ve lost a lot of blood.”

At Texas Health, the patient teams are prepared for PPH through regular drills, Rinehart says, and there are medications to treat PPH in every labor and delivery room. Having the right meds, uterus clamps, blood banks, anesthesia (if necessary) and procedures down to a science can save precious minutes.

“It’s not about preventing it because it’s not preventable, but how to deal with it in a timely fashion, so Mom doesn’t get sick,” Rinehart explains.

He adds that the vast majority of patients respond to manual stimulation of the uterus (to make it contract) or medication; surgery is considered a last resort.

“Most women recover from postpartum hemorrhage within the normal recovery time for 30

baby | 2020

birth,” he says. “Those that require surgical intervention and transfusion of large amounts of blood may stay in the hospital for a few extra days.”

For moms with secondary PPH, treatment is a little different. Kimmel was quickly hauled in for a dilation and curettage (or D&C) to remove part of her placenta that was still inside the uterus. This condition is rare, but when it does occur, it can become life-threatening, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The surgery went well, and by the end of the day, Kimmel was on her way home. She was given medications to help increase her iron levels, and she says it took about a week for her face to gain color again.

“Don’t be shy about asking those questions [about PPH],” she shares. “Trust your gut.” You know your body better than anyone else—if you suspect that something’s wrong after you’ve given birth, call a health care provider immediately to save time and ensure your safety.

And if you’re pregnant and concerned about PPH happening to you, find out what precautionary measures your delivery hospital has in place.

WHAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN?

Since recovery time is usually brief, the aftereffects of PPH may be primarily mental or

emotional—for example, offers Rinehart, PPH can interrupt bonding or breastfeeding, which is hard on some moms.

Losing a lot of blood is obviously very scary and stressful as well. Some women may therefore be fearful of having another child and experiencing the trauma of PPH yet again.

“We had always kind of thought we’d have multiple children, and after that I was very scared for my health,” Kimmel admits.

Though you are more likely to experience PPH if you’ve gone through it previously, the reoccurrence risk is only 15%, says Rinehart. If you’re worried about another delivery after PPH, make sure your provider knows you had it last time, and that they’re equipped to handle it if it happens again.

Despite their worries about having a second child, Kimmel and her husband finally “decided to go for it,” she says. They had moved, and she felt very confident in her new health provider, who listened and took extra precautions. Baby Jorie arrived, and Kimmel says she breathed a sigh of relief when the first week passed without incident.

“It’s not a topic I’d ever want to scare new mothers about,” Kimmel says, “but at the same time, I think it’s important to know about. I think it’s good to be aware.” ●

TRANSFUSION: NOUN PROJECT

“It’s not about preventing [pph] because it’s not preventable, but how to deal with it in a timely fashion, so Mom doesn’t get sick.”

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Best: Moms & Babies 2020 Winners local moms’ picks for all things baby

Best Child Care Center

Best Babysitting Service

Our readers trust Primrose Schools, which was founded over 30 years ago, for their babies’ educational growth. The private preschools provide care and classes for littles as young as 6 weeks old, nurturing infants’ development through movement, music, sign language and more.

Titled Balanced Learning, the curriculum places equal value on a variety of learning areas so kids leave fully equipped to enter preschool or big-kid school.

All teachers have experience in child development and are first aid– and CPR-trained.

Multiple locations primroseschools.com

32 baby | 2020

When our readers and their partners need to take the night off, they call Mom’s Best Friend—a household staffing agency (with decades of experience serving families) that is quite literally a mom’s best friend. Much more than a babysitting service, MBF matches families throughout DallasFort Worth with full- and part-time nannies, housekeepers, personal assistants—even chefs. Their sitters are all certified in CPR and first aid, in addition to completing a 10-step screening process. They can care for littles as young as newborns. Calling or search online to find a sitter. mbfagency.com

COLLIN, DENTON, DALLAS & TARRANT COUNTIES PRIMROSE SCHOOLS

COLLIN, DENTON, DALLAS & TARRANT COUNTIES MOM’S BEST FRIEND

Best Parent & Baby Classes

COLLIN, DALLAS & TARRANT COUNTIES THE LITTLE GYM

For fun time with a side of educational play, The Little Gym’s parent-and-child classes are a favorite among our readers. The 45-minute classes (for babies as young as 4 months) involve age-appropriate activities and exercises; the theme, music and gym setup change each week.

As young children are exploring and learning about the big world around them, classes focus on developing strength, balance and spatial awareness, plus social skills.

Locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Keller, Mansfield, Plano and Saginaw; thelittlegym.com DENTON COUNTY WIN KIDS

Win Kids is a perennial favorite among our readers and their kids. During 45-minute parentand-child classes, littles as young as 6 months learn the fundamentals of gymnastics. Depending on the child’s age and skill level, activities range from gym basics such as rolls and trampoline to handstands and cartwheels (for 2- to 3-year-olds). Win Kids is also offering a Ninja Tots class for parents and toddlers, which still focuses on basic gymnastics skills while incorporating obstacle course activities. Call for a

STROLLER: NOUN PROJECT; BOTTLE: ©ISTOCK

Y

ou’ve got enough to worry about, Mom—let your fellow mamas help you check off some of your todo’s, like finding the right child care provider and signing up for parent-and-baby classes. Every year, we poll our readers to get their top choices for child care, swimming lessons and more. Here are the winners, including people who specialize in helping you get that elusive thing called “sleep.” (The winners were originally announced in the February 2020 issue of DFWChild.)

WORDS

free introductory class.

3000 Waketon Road, Flower Mound; winkids.net

Best Infant Swim Classes COLLIN, DALLAS & TARRANT COUNTIES EMLER SWIM SCHOOL

With heated, saltwater pools (with a max depth of 4 feet), it’s no wonder families flock to Emler Swim School for kiddos to earn their fins. As an added bonus, pools boast ultraviolet water purification systems, and some locations have dehumidifiers. The veteran Best: Moms & Babies winner offers year-round swim lessons for children as young as 2 months. Swimmers move up levels as they get older and master breath control and independent movement; until then, as your little one splashes away, you are right there in the water with them.

Locations in Allen, Coppell, Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Plano, Sachse and Southlake emlerswimschool.com

CRADLE: ©ISTOCK

DENTON COUNTY AQUA-TOTS SWIM SCHOOL

For teaching their kiddos to safely navigate the water, our readers trust Aqua-Tots Swim School. Thanks to an indoor heated pool, Aqua-Tots offers lessons (for littles as young as 4 months) all year long. Parentand-baby group lessons have a maximum of four students per class, but the school also offers private and semi-private lessons.

And if you happen to miss a class (because let’s face it—life gets busy), Aqua-Tots has make-up lessons too.

6060 Long Prairie Road, Suite 100, Flower Mound; aqua-tots.com

LISA SALINAS

Best Sleep Consultants

Best Sleep Disorder Experts

Families in North Texas turn to Live Love Sleep to help their littles start catching their ZZZs. Founder Kaley Medina starts working with families as soon as baby comes home to set them up for success before sleep training can begin (around 3 months old). LLS creates a customized sleep plan depending on your family’s needs, taking into account your parenting style and your child’s personality. Local parents typically select the in-home consultation, during which LLS experts pay a visit to review the new sleep plan and help you implement techniques to get your baby to sleep.

Recently, LLS also began offering services for adults—because we’re all at our best when we’re rested. livelovesleep.com

Sleep is baby’s (and Mom’s) best friend, we know. So when things are going awry in the snooze department, our readers call the Children’s Health Sleep Disorders Center. Their boardcertified physicians, psychologists, respiratory therapists and sleep technologists (yep—it’s a whole team!) determine your child’s diagnosis and come up with a personalized plan. Plus, their facilities feature amenities for ultimate kiddie comfort, including TVs, games and themed rooms.

2620 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas 7609 Preston Road, Suite P1100, Plano; childrens.com

COLLIN, DENTON & TARRANT COUNTIES LIVE LOVE SLEEP

DALLAS COUNTY REST TO YOUR NEST WITH MARY CANTWELL

Our readers continually trust certified sleep consultant Mary Cantwell for her dedication to bringing restful nights to families across Dallas-Fort Worth (and beyond). Rest To Your Nest was born from Cantwell’s own exhausting struggles with sleep upon giving birth to her first son. Her program (which takes a holistic approach) begins with an evaluation call, followed by a customized sleep plan. Cantwell educates families on the art and science of sleep, with the goal of bringing clarity and sanity back to your brood. resttoyournest.com

COLLIN & DALLAS COUNTIES CHILDREN’S HEALTH SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER

DENTON & TARRANT COUNTIES SLEEP CENTER AT COOK CHILDREN’S

When their littles are tossing and turning, our readers trust Cook Children’s Sleep Center to diagnose their troubles and help them get some muchneeded rest. The center has pediatric sleep medicine physicians and a sleep psychologist on-site and boasts kid-friendly rooms so your child feels right at home during overnight testing. This year, the center is welcoming a new nurse practitioner who specializes in sleep disorders. Though the Fort Worth center has the overnight sleep lab, sleep specialists also see patients in Denton, Southlake, Alliance and Mansfield. Cook Children’s is welcoming pediatric sleep patients at its brandnew Prosper location this year too.

1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth cookchildrens.org ● 2020 | baby

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mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Mom Approved 2020 When it comes to your health and the health of your baby, there’s no room for compromise.

Each year we call upon our readers to nominate a special doctor who’s gone above and beyond. Visit our website’s Mom Approved directory to find your favorite future doc.

dfwchild.com/directory

Jim Schermerhorn, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology 6x Mom Approved Women’s healthcare and grandkids are Dr. Jim Schermerhorn’s passions. He and his family have been living and working in the East Dallas area for over 30 years. The moment you walk into the office, you’ll be treated like family. Dr. Schermerhorn provides the most up-to-date medical care, from obstetrics to minimally invasive treatments like robotic da Vinci® surgery, aiming to get you back to your life quickly.

His medical care focuses on your very specific needs.

Your story is what matters, and Dr. Schermerhorn will take the time to learn about you. Let Dr. Schermerhorn show you that personalized, family-centered medicine still exists! In fact, Dr. Schermerhorn personally delivers almost all of his patients’ babies. His practice is located close to White Rock Lake. Serving as chairman of the Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics Department, Dr. Schermerhorn is your healthcare champion in the White Rock community. Please call today to speak with a staff member about scheduling your appointment.

James E. Schermerhorn, MD, FACOG 1151 N. Buckner Blvd., Ste. 206 Dallas, TX 75218 • 214-320-8447

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mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

J. Diane Colter, DDS Pediatric Dentistry 8x Mom Approved Dr. Diane Colter’s passion to be the most caring and compassionate pediatric dentist led her to open All About Kids Dentistry, which specializes in treating infants, children, teens and kids with special needs. She loves working with children and has a very caring and compassionate personality.

It is of utmost importance to provide outstanding care along with an inviting atmosphere where both the parent and child will have a positive experience.

Dr. Colter grew up in Athens, Texas. She completed her degree from Baylor College of Dentistry, where she graduated in the top of her class. She completed a Residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of California Medical Center in Los Angeles, serving as chief resident.

Dr. Colter is a board-certified pediatric dentist recognized as a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She also holds a staff appointment at Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Colter is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Texas Dental Association and Dallas County Dental Society. Dr. Colter has also been recognized many times by her fellow dental professionals as a top pediatric dentist in the area as published in D Magazine D Best and Texas Monthly’s Super Dentists.

Away from the office, Dr. Colter enjoys spending time with her husband, Dr. Shandon Colter, their beautiful children, Sydney and Landon. Dr. Colter also enjoys traveling, and time spent with friends and family.

All About Kids Dentistry

12300 Inwood Rd., Ste. 220 Dallas, TX 75244 972-233-4439 allaboutkidsdentist.com

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Holistic Pediatrics with a Heart

Putting Care Back Into Healthcare INTEGRATIVE PEDIATRIC MEDICINE

Preventive Pediatric Services and Acute and Chronic Care Wellness visits, Sick visits, Sports physicals, PANDAS/PANS, ADHD, Autism, Depression & Anxiety

Dr. Alina Olteanu MD, PhD & Friend

• • • • • •

Nutrition Functional Medicine Acupuncture Chiropractic care Traditional Chinese Medicine Stress Management & Meditation

214.736.1954 • WholeChildTexas.com 3550 Parkwood Blvd., Suite B-100 • Frisco, TX 75034

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I N T E RV I E W A L E X I S PAT T E R S O N

New Mom … Again: Janie Burkett

F

or Janie Burkett, family and career are all about growth these days. With husband Jake, Burkett welcomed baby Byron just over a year ago; he joins brother Banner, 2, and sister Blake, 4. The Burketts’ business, The Biscuit Bar, recently opened its fifth location in the Fort Worth Stockyards (in addition to restaurants in Dallas, Plano and Arlington); new locations are coming in early 2021 to Coppell, Addison and Abilene.

The venture came about following a tragic season: Born premature, daughter Brycee Jo passed away in the NICU, while sister Blake remained in the hospital for two months.

Loved ones gathered for biscuits and other comfort food— inspiring the Burketts’ journey forward.

HOW DID YOU KNOW YOU HAD THE COMPONENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL RESTAURANT?

When we brought Blake home, we couldn’t go anywhere because it was RSV season. So all our family came to us for Christmas. We were making biscuits and gravy and fried chicken. I was like, “Where can I buy this, so I don’t have to clean up my kitchen?” My husband, whose background is in venture capital, said, “I bet the margins on this could be great.” That’s how The Biscuit Bar was born.

BURKETT FAMILY: THE BISCUIT BAR

HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED YOU? The pandemic

has drastically impacted our business. But we have done our best to pivot to online ordering and third-party delivery while safely reopening our dining rooms. As a family, we were impacted by having our New York relatives come live with us

for five months. It was fun!

HOW DO YOU MAKE IT ALL WORK? I do have help; our

nanny lives with us. And we now have corporate offices a block from home. I can go home to breastfeed Byron. And I leave my computer at the office and am able to more fully focus on my kids at home.

THE ROAD TO PARENTHOOD WASN’T EASY. We had been

trying for seven years to get pregnant, then we saw fertility specialists. I had my first round of [intrauterine insemination] and got pregnant with triplets.

We lost baby C in the first trimester, then both baby A and baby B had umbilical cord defects. At 24 weeks I went into the hospital, and at 28 weeks we had to deliver. Brycee Jo was doing well but developed a severe infection, and she passed.

Since Blake was born quite early, she has some developmental delays in her speech, but it’s getting better.

Banner was born at 35 weeks and has had more delays due to poor eyesight and moderate hearing loss. Since we’ve had his sight corrected with glasses and hearing corrected with ear tubes surgery, he’s really catching up!

Byron was born at 36 weeks.

DID YOU GO THROUGH FERTILITY TREATMENTS TO HAVE BANNER AND BYRON?

With Banner, yes. Byron is here to tell me that I’m no longer infertile. It was a very, very big surprise. Moms, know that you can get pregnant while nursing.

HOW IS IT WITH A LITTLE ONE AND BIGGER KIDS? I was

always worried our middle child, particularly, was going to jump on him or something! Banner is much gentler now, but he wants to high-five Byron all the time—and lots of times he misses and hits him! There was also an instance when Banner tried to stand on the baby to get on the couch. You’ve got to keep an eye out.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT. It is a circus, that’s for sure. I was kind of scared of having this baby; I didn’t plan for him and I was like, “Oh my gosh, three under 3? This is impossible.” I think my expectation was low enough that it’s not been that bad. (Laughs.)

It’s controlled chaos. ● 2020 | baby

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I N T E RV I E W A L E X I S PAT T E R S O N

Janie’s Mommy Must-Haves 1 “I love the UppaBaby VISTA because it gives the flexibility to put three babies at different ages all on the same stroller. Also, they have a style called Bryce, the name of our oldest baby who passed in the NICU.” 2 “Try the Angelcare Baby Bath Support. If you have a single basin kitchen sink, the Angelcare will fit right in. It is much easier on your back to bathe a baby in the kitchen sink!”

3 “Neora Wellness Chews Sleep Formula helps me fall asleep quickly while still being able to get up with the baby in the middle of the night if he wakes.”

5 “My favorite Biscuit Bar menu item is The Hoss. It was named after my daddy (whose ‘Grandpa name’ was Hoss), as he passed away just two months before we opened our first restaurant.

The biscuit is our best seller and features fried chicken, sausage gravy, bacon, jack cheese and honey butter inside one of our fresh and fluffy biscuits.”

6 “My kids absolutely love The Biscuit Bar’s Chicken Nuggets Kids Meal! It comes with tater tots or apples, a drink and a small scoop of rainbow sherbet.

Obviously the sherbet is their favorite part (hello, sugar!), but they love dipping their chicken nuggets into our house-made ranch as well.” ● 40

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VISTA: UPPABABY; BATH SUPPORT: ANGELCARE BABY; SLEEP FORMULA WELLNESS CHEWS: NEORA; BIKE: PELOTON; THE HOSS & CHICKEN NUGGETS KIDS MEAL:THE BISCUIT BAR

4 “For post-pregnancy workouts, I got the Peloton bike and love it!

They have workouts that are only 10 or 15 minutes long. Since I’m nursing, and was also pumping before, I don’t really have time for more than that.”

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family

Big, Meet Little s baby No. 2 on the way and you’re not sure how to prepare your firstborn for siblingdom? The truth is, there is only so much you can control, and it is perfectly normal (and expected) for kids to act out in some way once a new baby arrives. Still, as a former parent educator and life coach, I can tell you there are steps you can take to smooth the transition before and after the arrival of your new family member.

WAIT TO TELL A YOUNG CHILD YOU ARE PREGNANT UNTIL YOU ARE REALLY SHOWING.

It is often hard for little ones to understand pregnancy, especially if your belly looks the same as it did before. Wait until you are showing and then gently explain that you have a baby in your tummy. Use age-appropriate language, with only as much detail as needed. Additionally, I highly recommend waiting until your risk for miscarriage lowers. As hard as loss is on us, it is far harder for our little ones to understand and can be scary and even traumatizing for them.

TIME MAJOR CHANGES TO YOUR HOME AND ROUTINE CAREFULLY. If your older child

is about to start using the potty or sleeping in a big-kid bed, start this well in advance of baby’s arrival (if possible). If they’re going to move into a new room, shift the attention to them becoming a big kid and away from making space for the baby.

Keep other routines or activities (soccer, dance, swimming les42

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sons, etc.) as consistent as possible. Kids need consistency to feel safe, secure and grounded.

SPEND AS MUCH QUALITY TIME AS YOU CAN TOGETHER BEFORE (AND AFTER) YOU GIVE BIRTH. Build memories

with your older child and strengthen the bond you share before the new baby arrives. Go to the park, get down on the floor, take silly photos together, get ice cream, go for walks, read together, get manicures, cuddle just a little longer in their bed at night and read that extra story.

Build on the foundation you already have with your child; reassure them of your bond, of your love, of their importance to you. Maintain special time with your older child once baby arrives. Much of your attention will be going to the new baby, so having that special one-on-one time with your older child will be rewarding for both of you.

INVOLVE YOUR OLDER CHILD AS YOU PREPARE FOR BABY.

Many moms find it helpful to

read books to their children on becoming a big brother or sister. You can also talk with them about possible baby names, as it can be a fun and lighthearted way to talk about the baby. It might be useful to show your child photos of when they were a baby and how excited you were when they first came home. Or, consider a gift “exchange” between the baby and the older child. Talk to your child about being a big brother or sister and how important they will be to their little sibling.

INCLUDE YOUR OLDER CHILD IN THE EXPERIENCE ONCE BABY ARRIVES. Dallas mom

of two Jennifer Helms let her son hold his baby sister before anyone else and stresses that she feels this is extremely important no matter what time of day or night the baby is born (when extra visitors are again allowed at hospitals). Treat baby’s arrival like a birthday party, and celebrate as a family with bubbles and simple decorations—ask the kids to help you pick out a gift for baby.

Older kids, even preschoolers, can help out at home by handing you a fresh diaper or fetching a towel during baby’s bathtime.

These little gestures of inclusion give siblings a sense of purpose and make them feel loved and important.

EXPECT YOUR OLDER CHILD TO REACT IN SOME WAY

BABY: NOUN PROJECT

I

prepping your kid to be a big brother or sister

WORDS GALIT BIRK

Precious Miracles Lactation Services Offering support, education, and guidance for your breastfeeding family

AS THEY DEAL WITH THE TRANSITION, ESPECIALLY IF THEY’VE BEEN AN ONLY CHILD THUS FAR, AND ALWAYS MEET THEM WITH LOVE. Remember that your child is used

to being the only child and that it is natural for them to react in some way. Have empathy for your child and help them to process those new emotions. Never tell your child to not be jealous or angry or frustrated; those are all human and acceptable emotions. Rather, teach them how to experience such emotions in a healthy manner and let them know that you understand, that you love them and that it is all OK. And breathe. Sleep. Take care of yourself, so that you can take care of all your kids. ●

Michele Gaudette, RN, IBCLC-RLC 30 years experience

Read All About It

817-542-3554 preciousmiracleslactation.com

We think books are a great way to start conversations with kids. To help your little ones prepare for an even littler sibling, check out these titles: Welcome to the Family: A Celebratory Journal for a New Big Sister or Brother

by Scarlet Paolicchi. This journal lets children get creative while processing their feelings and learning what life will be like with a sibling.

Where minds grow in a loving place

6 weeks–5 years

You’re the Biggest by Lucy Tapper and Steve Wilson. This book celebrates the important job (and perks) of being a big brother or sister. The authors’ Welcome to the World book makes a nice gift for the older child to give the new baby.

• Gymnastics • Spanish • Soccer • Ballet Ads with © are © of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2020.

JOURNAL: ROCKRIDGE PRESS

Babies Don’t Eat Pizza by Dianne Danzig.

How do babies grow in Mom’s tummy?

How is a baby born? What does a baby do? There are kid-friendly answers to these questions in this book, which covers waiting for the new arrival through having a toddler around.

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parkcitiesdayschool.org PCdayschool@sbcglobal.net 5923 Royal Ln., Dallas 75230 2020 | baby

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resources

STOCK UP

T

he featured moms in this issue—PR pro Kimber Westphall Clonts, Luella & June founder Bradley Agather Means, and The Biscuit Bar owner Janie Burkett—shared their picks for everything from self-care to keeping your family fed. We’ve compiled their favorites in this list, which includes where you can find each must-have product or place and the cost. Check them out—maybe these will become your new must-haves too!

One Lagree Studios // 3858 Oak Lawn Ave., Suite 440, Dallas onelagree.com Equinox // Multiple locations equinox.com

Kimber Westphall Clonts’ pregnancy Must-Haves From page 10

Eminence Organics Bamboo Firming Fluid, $62 // emstore.com Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil, $49 // hourglasscosmetics.com Whoopie! Cream Shea Butter, $30 // farmhousefreshgoods.com Moroccanoil Shimmering Body Oil, $48 // moroccanoil.com Davines OI Oil, $23 // us.davines.com Davines OI All in One Milk, $35 // us.davines.com Verbena Parlor & Social House // 2626 Howell St., Suite 166, Dallas verbenaparlor.com

Bradley Agather Means’ baby Must-Haves From page 24

Kissy Kissy Pajamas, $36–$73 // kissykissy.com The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, $5.76 // amazon.com Doona Car Seat & Stroller, $499 // shopdoona.com The Tot: Eco-Friendly Baby Products, Mama & Baby Gear // thetot.com KicKee Pants Pajamas, $31–$47 // kickeepants.com

Primary Clothing // primary.com

Janie Burkett’s mommy MustHaves From page 40

UppaBaby VISTA, now available in the VISTA V2 model, from $929.99 // uppababy.com/vista Angelcare Baby Bath Support, $24.99 // angelcarebaby.com Neora Wellness Chews Sleep Formula, $53 or $40 for monthly auto-delivery // neora.com Peloton indoor exercise bike, from $1,895 // onepeloton.com/ bike The Biscuit Bar, kids meals $4.50, The Hoss $8.10 // Multiple locations thebiscuit.bar ●

CORK YOGA MATS • No chemicals or toxins • Eco Friendly • Perfect Mommy & Me product • Cleans with soap and water

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Confessions

CO M P I L E D BY E M I LY Y E A R W O O D ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN

Mommy Truths

hey, you’re not the only sleep-deprived mom out there “I enthusiastically yelled, ‘Hey, baby!’ from my car. A random WHEN MY guy twisted his neck back so quickly. To his disappointment, I YOUNGEST WAS was greeting my baby boy in his car seat while opening the back 1 MONTH OLD, door.” —JENNIFER, BURLESON

I FILLED UP A BOTTLE WITH SUGAR-FREE COFFEE CREAMER INSTEAD OF LIQUID BABY FORMULA, THEN HEATED IT UP AND FED IT TO MY NEWBORN. I FREAKED OUT AND CALLED POISON CONTROL, WHICH REFERRED ME TO MY PEDIATRICIAN, WHO THEN LAUGHED AT ME!”

“My baby was in front of our media console, and a fully protected cord was poking out. He started convulsing and let out a yell. I panicked and convinced everyone that he got electrocuted. We rushed to the hospital only to find out four hours later that he was constipated and the convulsing I witnessed was just him pushing poop out.” —LINDA, DALLAS

—HOLLY, ARLINGTON

“Every time my son gets mad at something, he scrunches his face up and says ‘EEERRRRRRR,’ pretending to be a dinosaur. I can’t help but laugh every time. It’s so stinking cute.” —ELIZABETH, RICHARDSON

“My son has always been a big boy. When he learned to walk, he would swing his right arm to help him move faster. It made me crack up every time.” —HEATHER, FRISCO

After having my second, I’m pretty sure that my husband wanted to commit me. At one point I was so sleep deprived that I was having staring competitions with myself in the mirror.”

—ALLI, DALLAS

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At the Carter, connecting with art is easy at any age!

Check out our family events designed to encourage art exploration, inspire curiosity, and spark creativity for babies, toddlers, and beyond!

Visit cartermuseum.org/family for details and dates.

Itty-Bitty Art (Up to 24 months)

Introduces babies to art using early learning techniques

Toddler Studio (2-3 year olds)

Teaches toddlers about art through play

Carter Playdates (3-5 year olds)

Includes hands-on activities and storytime

Where moms and babies are cherished and protected.

From the clinical excellence and specialized care you expect, to the thoughtful amenities and enhanced precautions you deserve – at Medical City Healthcare every mom and baby is cherished and protected.

Visit WeDeliverDreams.com to design a customized birth experience just right for you and your family.