Guest Blog: Tips for New Moms

Guest Blogger, Katie Moore, shares her recent article with my readers.  :)

Tips for New Moms: Prevention and Treatment of Diaper Rash

Having a newborn in the home can present many challenges for a new mom. Along with figuring out feeding and sleeping schedules, a new mom will also have to learn how to comfort her baby when he is uneasy.

 
One of the most common problems that results in discomfort for baby, and added stress for mom, is diaper rash. It was long thought to be representative of neglect, but this hypothesis is patently false. Inflammation does result from infrequent diaper changes, but there are many more causes. Prevention and timely treatment are the best ways to minimize or eliminate this problem.

Preventing Diaper Rash
Contact dermatitis is the inflammatory erosion of the epidermis. It occurs with prolonged contact between skin and feces or urine. This type of diaper rash only affects areas in direct contact, and it is recognizable in this manner. Other causes include disruption of the skin's beneficial bacteria and allergic reaction. Knowing these causes immediately suggests several preventive measures.

* Disposable diapers often contain a variety of chemicals, including whitening agents, chlorine, perfumes, dyes, and synthetic materials for added absorbency. Moisture and warmth cause skin pores to open and allow entry to these chemicals. It is worthwhile to investigate chlorine-free and hypoallergenic diapers.
* Cloth diapers are washed in different detergents. These are possible allergens. If this type of allergy is responsible, it will likely result in a rash anywhere touched by the dampened cloth, so this is easy to test.
* Skin bacteria and yeast are not understood well by modern science. There is a definite interaction between intestinal flora and skin populations. Antibiotics for baby or breastfeeding mom are sometimes responsible for diaper rash.
* Dietary changes also cause changes in intestinal bacteria and presumably diaper rash. Instead of switching to formula in one day, try mixing formula and breast milk in increasing amounts over a week or more. If carrots will be introduced as baby food, a breastfeeding mom can eat carrots too and only provide them to baby in small but increasing amounts.

Treating Diaper Rash
Researchers estimate 25 percent of babies visit the doctor for diaper rash. These visits are largely unnecessary. The rash is rarely serious enough to warrant treatment and is easily treated with a couple of tactics. The first step is to allow the skin to dry and cool. A sheepskin sleeping blanket is easy to clean and waterproof, so diapers are unnecessary during sleeping hours. Zinc oxide, vitamin A and D enhanced ointments, and herbal preparations of witch hazel are all useful. 

If the diaper rash does not go away with treatment, or if you have questions and concerns prior to treating the rash, do not hesitate to call your doctor. Just like your OB doctor was a resource throughout pregnancy for guidance on topics such as immunizations, cord blood banking, and circumcision your baby’s Pediatrician will guide you in these sorts of situations.

The most important factors influencing propensity to diaper rash are nutrition and hygiene. Staying clean and gradually changing the diet will prevent most occurrences. If a rash fails to clear with the suggested treatment, it is time to visit the doctor. Keeping baby healthy is the best way to reduce mom's and baby’s stress.

Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.