Yo, Momma . . . November 2005

"It is not good enough for things to be planned - they still have to be done; for the intention to become a reality, energy has to be launched into operation." --Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan

I couldn't have said it better myself! Planning and action both take energy, and what better way to create energy than through physical activity! As moms, we all know that life is busy. We're constantly being pulled in a million different directions by dozens of tiny hands and voices. The pressure is on! But, what if we took a few minutes out of each crazy day just for ourselves? What if we put ourselves first for just a moment? Wouldn't that rejuvenation time pay-off tenfold in the amount of increased energy we have the rest of the day? So, put away your guilt and pull out your cross-trainers! Taking time for YOU is a gift to your whole family!

Welcome to our new and improved "Yo, Momma . . ." e-newsletter! I've missed corresponding with y'all over the past couple of months while we've been moving our website and newsletter to the new server. I hope that all of you have stayed safe during the recent hurricanes and tropical storms that seem to be coming with more and more force. For those of you impacted by Mother Nature's recent wrath, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

• What's New on FitFor2.com? In case you haven't paid us a visit recently, we have a whole new look! Come check us out and share your thoughts on our new design and new content. We are committed to making your time on the web more productive - giving you what you want when you want it. So, if there are products you'd like us to find for you or specific information you need regarding staying fit during and after pregnancy, please let us know! You can email me directly at li-@fitfor2.com ; - I look forward to hearing from you! While we're talking about new looks, how do you like the new format for "Yo, Momma . . ."???? Is there information you'd like to see us include in future issues? Do you have some tips to share on making time for fitness or preparing healthy meals in a pinch? We're open to new ideas! Remember: this is your newsletter, so don't be shy!
• Fit For 2 in Georgia: Be sure to come see us at the Real Savvy Moms Mall Tour at Northpoint Mall in Alpharetta November 11-13. We'll be leading pre- and post-natal fitness demonstrations as well as participating in some awesome giveaways. See you there!

  Also for those of you in Atlanta, Fit For 2 is once again partnering with StrollerStrides to offer you a special price during the month of November. Fit For 2 and StrollerStrides will each offer a 10-class card at the special price of $100 that will include five StrollerStrides classes AND five Fit For 2 classes. This special card will have an expiration date three months after the date of purchase. Click here for more information.

• Fit For 2 Instructor Training: Ever considered becoming a group fitness instructor? Like working with pregnant women and babies? If you answered "YES" to these questions, then WE NEED YOU! If you are interested in becoming certified to teach Fit For 2 classes, please contact me so we can get an Instructor Training date on the calendar. Click here for more information.
• Web Site of the Month: Visit GoCityKids .com for great information on family activities in your city. The website is free to use, as is the weekly e-newsletter. You just sign up to receive information on your particular city or town, and GoCityKids does the rest!
• Book of the Month: "Busy But Balanced" by Mimi Doe helps you get a grip on your family life, re-prioritize, and take action for a calmer, more efficient way of living. Read more here!
• Tip of the Month: The following information regarding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is from the American Academy of Pediatrics

  WASHINGTON, DC -Despite major decreases in the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) over the past decade, SIDS is still responsible for more infant deaths beyond the newborn period in the United States than any other cause of death during infancy. In an updated policy statement on “The Changing Concept of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Diagnostic Coding Shifts, Controversies Regarding the Sleeping Environment, and New Variables to Consider in Reducing Risk,” the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) addresses several issues that have become relevant since they last published a statement in 2000. The AAP no longer recognizes side sleeping as a reasonable alternative to fully supine (lying on back) sleeping. Studies have found that the side sleep position is unstable and increases the chances of the infant rolling onto his or her stomach. Every caregiver should use the back sleep position during every sleep period. Bed sharing is not recommended during sleep. Infants may be brought into bed for nursing or comforting, but should be returned to their own crib or bassinet when the parent is ready to return to sleep. However, there is growing evidence that room sharing (infant sleeping in a crib in parent’s bedroom) is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. The AAP recommends a separate but proximate sleeping environment. Research now indicates an association between pacifier use and a reduced risk of SIDS, which is why the revised statement recommends the use of pacifiers at nap time and bedtime throughout the first year of life. The evidence that pacifier use inhibits breastfeeding or causes later dental complications is not compelling enough to discredit the recommendation. However, it is recommended that pacifier introduction for breastfed infants be delayed until one month of age to ensure that breastfeeding is firmly established. In addition, if the infant refuses the pacifier, it should not be forced. There is a slight increased risk of ear infections associated with pacifier use, but the incidence of ear infection is generally lower in the first year of life, especially the first six months, when the risk of SIDS is the highest. The following have been consistently identified as risk factors for SIDS: prone (lying on stomach) sleep position, sleeping on a soft surface, maternal smoking during pregnancy, overheating, late or no prenatal care, young maternal age, preterm birth and/or low birth weight and male gender. Consistently higher rates of SIDS are found in black and American Indian/Alaska Native children - two to three times the national average. The policy recommendations include:

  • Back to sleep: Infants should be placed for sleep in a supine (wholly on back position) for every sleep.
  • Use a firm sleep surface: A firm crib mattress, covered by a sheet, is the recommended sleeping surface.
  • Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib: Pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys and other soft objects should be kept out of an infant’s sleeping environment.
  • Do not smoke during pregnancy: Also avoiding an infant’s exposure to second-hand smoke is advisable for numerous reasons in addition to SIDS risk.
  • A separate but proximate sleeping environment is recommended such as a separate crib in the parent’s bedroom. Bed sharing during sleep is not recommended.
  • Consider offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime: The pacifier should be used when placing infant down for sleep and not be reinserted once the infant falls asleep.
  • Avoid overheating: The infant should be lightly clothed for sleep, and the bedroom temperature should be kept comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.
  • Avoid commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS: Although various devices have been developed to maintain sleep position or reduce the risk of rebreathing, none have been tested sufficiently to show efficacy or safety.
  • Do not use home monitors as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS: There is no evidence that use of such home monitors decreases the risk of SIDS.
  • Avoid development of positional plagiocephaly (flat back of head): Encourage “tummy time.” * Avoid having the infant spend excessive time in car-seat carriers and “bouncers.” Place the infant to sleep with the head to one side for a week and then changing to the other.
  • Assure that others caring for the infant (child care provider, relative, friend, babysitter) are aware of these recommendations.

If you have a pregnancy, parenting, or fitness tip or a recipe you'd like to share, please email it to us. We'll publish it in an upcoming issue of "Yo, Momma . . ."


Thanks for visiting us at Fit For 2. If you have comments or suggestions, we want to know! Contact us at webma-@fitfor2.com or call 770-509-8078. Because we lost so many subscribers during our server move, please forward this message to anyone you know who is pregnant or has recently had a baby. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!