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Are You Late For Your Child's First Dentist Appointment?
Written By Pediatric Dentist Niloo Mofakhami, DDS Many are not familiar with the American Dental Association’s and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s recommendation that we take our children to the dentist when their first teeth start to erupt (at around 6 months) or by no later than 12 months of age. Most of us may have been told that our children should first visit the dentist at 3 years of age, but, unfortunately, this often is too late for many children. Cavities (which are really bacterial infections) can occur soon after the first few teeth start to appear. Your dentist—or more specifically, a pediatric dentist, who has completed an additional two years of specialty training—will be able to work with you to determine the best ways to support healthy dental habits among your children. They can provide information and answer questions about oral hygiene, fluoride use, dental emergencies, pacifier use and thumb sucking, how to alleviate teething pains, and a “tooth-friendly” diet. For the full story, click here.

Are You Late For Your Child's First Dentist Appointment?

Photo Credit: www.clpediatricdental.com/faq.html

Written By Pediatric Dentist Niloo Mofakhami, DDS

Many are not familiar with the American Dental Association’s and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s recommendation that we take our children to the dentist when their first teeth start to erupt (at around 6 months) or by no later than 12 months of age. Most of us may have been told that our children should first visit the dentist at 3 years of age, but, unfortunately, this often is too late for many children. Cavities (which are really bacterial infections) can occur soon after the first few teeth start to appear. Your dentist—or more specifically, a pediatric dentist, who has completed an additional two years of specialty training—will be able to work with you to determine the best ways to support healthy dental habits among your children. They can provide information and answer questions about oral hygiene, fluoride use, dental emergencies, pacifier use and thumb sucking, how to alleviate teething pains, and a “tooth-friendly” diet. For the full story, click here.

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The Real Deal On Breastfeeding...

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The Real Deal On Breastfeeding...

Photo Credit: www.marioncountyhealthdept.org

Live from the milk ducts:

I was excited for baby number two to arrive and make our family that much more complete. I knew his arrival would bring sleepless nights and a lack of routine and schedule to our somewhat predictable lifestyle. But, I had forgotten about the issues and thoughts that come with breastfeeding!

I breastfed my first baby for nine months and I thought I was a rock star. Many women go a lot longer, (hats off to them), but for me nine months was a good amount of time and I was proud of myself. I had forgotten though that those nine months didn’t just happen. It was work, particularly in the beginning....

So, I should disclose here that I am not the breastfeeding poster child. I don’t love the experience, though many women do. The truth is I breastfeed because the media and peer pressure have gotten to me and “It’s what’s best”…or so they say. I breastfeed because I am wonderful example of “Catholic Guilt”. But I will tell you I am jealous of my friends with babies the same age and the freedom they have when bottle feeding. I don’t think any less of them or that they aren’t doing “What is best”. I am just really good at making myself feel awful and holding myself to a double standard. I am attached (literally) to someone every three hours, not leaving much time for me to go elsewhere. Having said all that I love my son and I love that I am with him, but an afternoon out without watching the “milk” clock may help me recharge.

I remember someone saying to me “the first two months are boot camp, hang in there and get through those and you’ll be okay”. I would replay that advice back in my head over and over during the early days with both my children. There are some things or tips I have picked up along the way that would have been helpful knowing going into all of this.

Use cream. During the first few weeks I put cream on after each feeding. I am happy to say I have never had to deal with cracked bleeding nipples that many people speak of – no thanks! I bring the cream to the hospital and start with it from day one! The lactation consultants should give you a sample tube to get you started, ask for it!

Be patient. It truly does get easier. (I HATED when people said that to me). The days of struggling for the perfect latch and wincing through pain will soon be forgotten. As the baby gets older you will learn to have the remote control, phone and a magazine all working while feeding. It’s amazing. And, as feeding lessens, because your little one’s tummy will grow, your day frees up a little.

Seek help! I fought this with my first baby, not sure why. But with my second I have been attending the breastfeeding group at Fairfax Hospital. The group meets on Mondays and Wednesdays. It’s a drop-in group for $5. It’s really a time to share, ask questions and be around other moms who may or may not be having issues as well. I have learned a lot in the few times I have attended. And, not everyone is jumping up and down for breastfeeding. There are many women who are like me – wondering why am I doing this?

Pump and dump is a myth? You do not have to dump your milk if you drink. I am not a medical professional, but what I have learned is that if you have a glass or two of wine it is not horrible. Feed the baby and then enjoy. By the time the baby eats again you’ll be fine. Of course all in moderation, but alcohol is not totally off limits. Again, I am not a nurse, just passing along what I have learned.

Start the bottle early. With both my kids I have introduced the bottle in the first five or six weeks. I pump once a day and my husband feeds the baby a bottle (typically the 11 pm feed). This gives me a break and teaches my child to take the bottle. Not all kids take to it right away, but keep trying and be consistent. It will give you a bit of freedom. And once you have established an eating routine you will gain the freedom to go out and have some “mommy time”. This is also helpful if you plan to return to work.

Some babies are gassy in the beginning of their life. It may or may not be what you are eating. Try testing foods (like chocolate), that may upset a baby’s tummy, during the day. If your baby does experience a bad reaction this will enables you to deal with the aftermath in the afternoon not at midnight!

Oatmeal helps with your milk supply. I see a difference in my milk supply when I start my day with a bowl of oatmeal. I make it from the container of instant oatmeal as opposed to the flavored packets. There is also a tea called “Mother’s Milk”, that is helpful. It’s available at Whole Foods.

Nordstrom offers a nursing room or the dressing rooms at the mall are a great place to feed. You can sit, lock the door, and you have a little bench to change afterward. On road trips, hotels are a great place to stop and feed or even malls. I am not a big fan of public rest stops and germs.

It’s okay if the baby has formula every once and a while. I was not okay with this for my first baby. My second is just bigger and sometimes needs more. His having formula a few times a month isn’t going to hurt him. Don’t resist, it’s okay.

Talk about it. I am an open person and it’s amazing the tid bits and advice I have gained by being a little open with people. You’ll know if what you’re saying is not being received well by someone. The best resource out that is other moms who have “been there done that”. So, ask around. As my best friends said when I was mortified that she was visiting during “feeding” time at the hospital and I was hanging out in all my glory – “we’ve all got ‘em. I saw mine in the shower this morning and now yours are not really any big deal”.

Lastly, set a goal. Be true to yourself and your limits. Do what is best for you and don’t beat yourself up! There are a lot of women who stop and later admit… they wish they would have stopped sooner because they now enjoy their baby so much more. Do what is best for you, your well being and your baby!

For more resources check the Breastfeeding page or email your questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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All About Our Advice Guru Meg...
A native of the Northern Virginia area, Meg is now experiencing a new side of what the area has to offer, as a mom. A mom to an active three-year old and a newborn, Meg feels motherhood is the hardest yet most rewarding job she has had. As with most mothers, Meg admits those early months came with a lot of uncertainty, questions and endless searches for resources (some that really worked and others that failed miserably). She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with our readers. Meg is a graduate of Virginia Tech, who studied Family and Child Development and then gained a Masters Degree in Counseling, also from Virginia Tech. Meg is currently an elementary school counselor. Her passion has always been for children and deciphering what exactly is going on in those little minds. She looks forward to answering your questions and sharing her thoughts that come from years of educational background and hands on experience as a nanny and as a mother. Have a question, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

All About Our Advice Guru Meg...

A native of the Northern Virginia area, Meg is now experiencing a new side of what the area has to offer, as a mom. A mom to an active three-year old and a newborn, Meg feels motherhood is the hardest yet most rewarding job she has had. As with most mothers, Meg admits those early months came with a lot of uncertainty, questions and endless searches for resources (some that really worked and others that failed miserably). She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with our readers.

Meg is a graduate of Virginia Tech, who studied Family and Child Development and then gained a Masters Degree in Counseling, also from Virginia Tech. Meg is currently an elementary school counselor. Her passion has always been for children and deciphering what exactly is going on in those little minds. She looks forward to answering your questions and sharing her thoughts that come from years of educational background and hands on experience as a nanny and as a mother. Have a question, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .