Category: Newborn Screening Page 1 of 2

Investment Podcasts 2021 Jeffrey Althoff

Top Podcasts for Pregnancy and Birth

On April 23, 2021

In Child Health Care, Neonatal Care, Newborn Screening, Newborns

Navigating pregnancy and infancy is complex and very taxing. There are many things you need to be aware of at all times. If you are a first-time mother, it can be even more difficult and stressful. There is no one-size-fits-all how-to manual on entering motherhood, but there are helpful resources that exist to help put minds at ease. One of the best resources for those who are busy and do not have time to read a book or attend a class is listening to a podcast. You can play them in the background, on the go, and when you’re multitasking. Let’s take a look at some of the best pregnancy and birth podcasts available, as featured in an article on Big City Moms.

The Birth Hour

This podcast is a saving grace for those who are interested in everything related to birth stories. There are many experiences told by special guest speakers who have all had to go through the process of giving birth; some examples include giving birth in an RV, delivering breech twins, natural births, water births, and c-sections. Their website provides a quiz on which birth setting might be the best for you. Listeners have described this podcast as extremely helpful, and some have said it opened their eyes up to birthing possibilities they did not consider at first.

Informed Pregnancy

Hosted by doula Dr. Elliot Berlin, this podcast contains large amounts of information that new moms should take into consideration. Berlin is a chiropractic doctor and childbirth educator, so it is safe to say that she definitely knows what she is talking about. One of the best episodes on the show is her interview with Ricki Lake. She delves into a wide range of topics such as birth plans, CPR safety tips, and vaccinations so that moms can keep themselves and their babies safe.

40 Weeks Pregnancy

This podcast might be the coolest on our list. You can listen to an episode of this show every week throughout your pregnancy, and it updates you on what to expect and how to deal with particular challenges you might be experiencing. Each week you can tune in to how your baby is likely developing and how to guide yourself through the journey.

Heart Murmur in Newborns: An Overview

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On March 25, 2021

In Child Health Care, Neonatal Care, Newborn Screening, Newborns, Research

The heart has the important job of distributing blood throughout the body. While you typically cannot hear the heart working, there are times when blood can be heard swirling in the heart. This is known as a heart murmur. It is very common for newborn babies to have heart murmurs, which can create a lot of fears for the parents. These are the most important things you need to know about heart murmurs in newborns.

How Is It Diagnosed?

The doctor will be able to diagnose a heart murmur by listening to your child’s chest with a stethoscope. They will likely have to check several spots on the chest to get an accurate diagnosis. It is easiest to diagnose this condition when the baby is not making any noise because the murmurs are very quiet. Once a heart murmur is found, the doctor will grade it based on the volume. A few imaging tests of the heart may also be done.

Is It Dangerous?

There are two distinct types of heart murmurs in newborns. Innocent heart murmurs are completely safe. Some babies are just born with a strong heart that makes a little noise when pumping blood. Most innocent heart murmurs eventually go away as your child gets older.

There is also a chance that the murmur is caused by a congenital heart defect. This occurs when there is a structural problem in your newborn’s heart. This is far less common than innocent heart murmurs. There is a chance that this heart defect will cause your child to experience a few other troubling symptoms. Catching the problem shortly after birth will make treatment much easier.

How Is It Treated?

Since they will not cause any issues, innocent heart murmurs require no treatment. You will not have to change anything about your child’s life when they have an innocent heart murmur. If the extra noises are caused by a heart defect, then you will need to get the issue treated by a medical professional. The form of treatment used will ultimately be determined by a variety of different factors including your child’s age and the severity of the issue. Medications and surgery are the most common forms of treatment for a dangerous murmur.

Understanding Tetralogy of Fallot

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On November 23, 2020

In Neonatal Care, Newborn Screening, Newborns, Research

A tetralogy is a cluster of four abnormalities or symptoms that exist at the same time. Tetralogy of Fallot is a condition where four separate genetic heart issues occur in the same person.

They are a hole between the lower chambers of the heart, or ventricular septal defect. Pulmonary valve stenosis, or a narrowed pathway between the heart and lungs, is another. An overriding aorta means that the aorta is positioned over the hole in the lower chambers. Finally, right ventricular hypertrophy means that the muscle that encases the lower right chamber becomes unusually thick. This is a serious issue because it makes it more likely the heart will become stiff and go into failure.

Usually, Tetralogy of Fallot is diagnosed in small babies. It’s a rare condition, but some of the symptoms are very distinctive. This cluster of symptoms causes oxygen-poor blood to circulate from the heart to the body. As a result, babies with it sometimes have a bluish appearance. This is also known as cyanosis.

Tetralogy of Fallot can vary in degree of severity. It often co-occurs with Down Syndrome or DiGeorge Syndrome. There are children who have other heart defects in addition to the ones in the tetralogy. Some people with less severe forms of this condition aren’t diagnosed until adulthood. Their symptoms can include fainting, clubbed fingers and toes and shortness of breath.

The treatment for Tetralogy of Fallot is surgery. There are two different ways medical teams approach this. Sometimes in babies, the first operation performed is only a temporary one. This can depend on how complicated the case is and what other problems may be present. Later on, a complete repair is completed. In cases with no complicating factors, the first operation may be the permanent, complete one.

Some people who have the surgery will need to see a cardiologist who has extensive experience with congenital defects throughout their lives. Sometimes, follow-up surgeries are required after the first repair procedure. These can include stent surgeries. The causes of Tetralogy of Fallot are mysterious. Sometimes, an infection like rubella can be to blame. At other times, it may be related to dietary deficiencies. There may also be a genetic component.

Irregular Breathing in Newborns: What You Should Know

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On October 27, 2020

In Neonatal Care, Newborn Screening, Newborns

New parents may be alarmed when their newborn has trouble breathing. Babies often breathe irregularly in the hours following their birth and in the first few days of life. Here is a brief overview of irregular breathing in newborns — and what warrants a visit to the pediatrician.

Normal Breathing in Newborns

Newborns typically breathe through their nose rather than their mouth and have smaller breathing pathways. These smaller pathways mean babies can’t take in as much as oxygen and breathe more rapidly. Babies usually take between 30 and 60 breaths per minute while they are awake and 20 breaths per minute during sleep. In comparison, an adult breathes between 12 and 20 times per minute.

It is normal for a baby to take several rapid breaths and then pause for several seconds. This is especially true in the newborn days when the respiration system is still developing. Most breathing irregularities typically resolve within the first few months of life.

Breathing Problems in Babies

Becoming familiar with a baby’s normal breathing pattern can make it easier for parents to distinguish any problems that occur. Some of these problems may include:

Barking cough and/or hoarse cries

Croup often hits in the middle of the night and terrifies parents. It is marked by a barking, seal-like cough, hoarse cries, breathing difficulties and/or a fever.

Whistling noises

Whistling sounds are often due to blockages in the nostrils. Babies breathe through their nostrils rather than their mouths. Any blockage in the nostrils due to allergies or a cold can make breathing difficult.

Wheezing

Wheezing can be a sign of a more serious condition in babies. When the airways become constricted due to asthma, pneumonia or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the baby isn’t able to draw enough oxygen during each breath.

Fast-paced Breathing

Fast-paced breathing is often accompanied by an elevated heart rate. Fluid in the airway from pneumonia or another infection could be the cause.

When to See a Doctor

Breathing problems are common during cold and flu season. An estimated 15 to 29 percent of all hospital admissions in babies are due to breathing problems. If parents notice any changes in their child’s breathing, they should notify a doctor immediately. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if:

the baby stops breathing for more than 20 seconds
a blue color is noticed in the lips, toenails or fingernails
the muscles in the neck pull in during breathing

Taking care of a child when their breathing is irregular can be very stressful. Learning to watch for the signs and knowing when to alert the child’s pediatrician can help keep newborns safe and healthy as they grow.

Top Advice for Neonatal-Perinatal Fellows

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On September 18, 2020

In Neonatal Care, Newborn Screening, Newborns, Research

Becoming a Neonatal-Perinatal Fellow is no easy to task. After all the schooling to get to the point of becoming a fellow, the student has to land a fellowship in their preferred specialty. The tips shared below are from Dr. Patrick Myers who is a fellowship program director.

Medical and Real Life Experience
Something that fellowship directors are looking for on applications is a combination of real-life experience and medical experience. This is great for applicants who may not have taken a traditional path to get to their Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship.

One example of a life experience that looks great on an application is a gap year where the applicant works as a chief or hospitalist. This allows the applicant to work face to face with patients in a clinical setting. Additionally, the applicant gains experience working as a member of a team in the hospital. Patrick goes as far as to say that this experience is a “gold mine” when it comes to applying for a fellowship.

Know your Path
The applicant needs to know what path they want to go down after the fellowship. If the applicant has a change of heart, it is two years that were spent headed in the wrong direction. For some applicants, this may mean taking an intentional gap year to gain experience in the field before applying for a fellowship. This is a win-win situation because the experience will enhance their application and they will feel confident in their path following the fellowship.

Important Skills
While skills will vary from person to person, there are a few skills that are consistently desired among applicants for neonatal-perinatal fellows. One important skill is problem-solving. Neonatal-Perinatal Fellows will be faced with a host of problems that need solving each day that they report to work. Additionally, the fellow will need to work with other specialties within the hospital. This means that communication skills are another must-have. Planning skills are also essential for a successful fellowship experience. These skills will be evident based on prior experience and performance in an interview setting. Additionally, these skills will be helpful in a career when the days of fellowship are in the distant past.

COVID-19’s Potential Impact on Newborns

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On July 6, 2020

In Child Health Care, Neonatal Care, Newborn Screening, Newborns

COVID-19 produces victims of all ages. Concern grows for pregnant women and unborn children. Facilities around the world continue studying the microbe and reveal their findings thus far. Some studies suggest that infants born to mothers having the virus have a high risk of suffering ill effects.

From January 20 to February 5, nine women gave birth to 10 infants in five different hospitals in China’s Hubei province. Eight of the expectant mothers tested positive for COVID-19 before delivery. One mother tested negative. However, a fever and a CT scan of her chest revealed pneumonia that could not be contributed to any other underlying cause but the virus.

The women suffered a variety of prenatal complications that included intrauterine distress, ruptured members prior to the onset of labor, amniotic fluid abnormalities and placenta previa. Seven of the mothers delivered their babies via cesarean section. The other two women had normal vaginal deliveries.

The mothers were treated with Tamiflu or a combination of the antiviral plus interferon following delivery. After birth, all of the infants were tested for COVID-19 via oral swabs. All of the tests were negative. Four of the babies were full-term and six were premature. All of the infants exhibited unusual symptoms that included fevers, difficulty breathing, elevated heart rates, inability to feed, vomiting, gastric bleeding and bloating from liver malfunction. Seven of the infants exhibited abnormal chest X-rays. Two of the premature babies died nine days after birth.

A team of researchers from Northwestern University in Illinois recently discovered that the virus damages the placenta in expectant mothers. The study involved 16 pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19. Following delivery, the placenta tissues were evaluated. The team discovered that the blood vessels within the placentas exhibited abnormal development or were otherwise damaged. However, all of the infants tested negative for the virus and were in reported good health.

Researchers from the University of California San Diego expanded the MotherToBaby program to gain a better understand the short- and long-term effects of the virus on expectant mothers and infants. Previously, the program was designed to evaluate medications and environmental factors that might affect pregnant women, newborns and breastfeeding.

The study will involve the examination of medical records and phone calls to women who volunteer for the research. The program also includes monitoring the neurological development of children to determine possible emotional, learning or memory issues.

Exploring Current Neonatology Trends

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On February 24, 2020

In Neonatal Care, Newborn Screening, Newborns

As technology has aided in advanced medical care over the last few decades, neonatology treatments and care options have improved and grown in number. Maternal mortality prevention is the goal of neonatology, and these trends are helping caregivers achieve their goals.

Here are a few prevailing neonatology trends to keep an eye on in 2020.

More Resources for Practicing Neonatologists

There are more available than ever for practicing neonatologists, primarily because of the growing need for more highly capable practitioners. The increasing number of mothers who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, increasingly poor nutrition, diabetes and high blood pressure are some driving factors of this trend. Neonatologists and medical professionals with similar disciplines can connect with the Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine (SONPM) website, which is an affiliate of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Preventing Neonatal Sepsis

Neonatal sepsis is another condition that affects millions of children every year. This is a bacterial bloodstream infection (BSI) that is potentially life-threatening to babies, especially those of low birth-weight. This can happen quite unexpectedly and for many reasons, including pneumonia, meningitis and gastroenteritis. This makes the detection of neonatal sepsis before it fully takes hold of the child imperative. Treatments can be applied speedily to rid the bloodstream of the infection when it’s detected early.

Improving Communication with Parents

When your newborn child is in the intensive care unit (ICU), it can be the most trying experience of your life. To reduce the stress and anxiety that can come from not knowing, neonatologists are trying to be more transparent and open to communicating with the parents. In cases of premature infants, this can mean encouraging skin-to-skin contact between the parents and the baby. Research has even shown the babies’ vital signs tend to suddenly improve when they are being held by their parents. The relief the parents feel to know their child is in good care is an added benefit.

With the help of specialized supplements for newborn babies, malnutrition is no longer a problem. However, optimizing the use of breastmilk is a tradition that most neonatologists are trained to believe in. Breastfeeding is encouraged, but when this can’t happen, donor milk is promoted as an option before other methods for nutrition aid are considered.

Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis: What is It and How is it Managed?

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On January 31, 2020

In Neonatal Care, Newborn Screening, Newborns, Research

Necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, is a serious intestinal affliction that affects one in every 2,000 to 4,000 infants. The disease process more commonly occurs in premature babies born before the 32nd week of gestation. But, the disorder has been found in babies born at full term who also have heart anomalies or other health conditions. NEC develops when the large or small intestine becomes inflamed or injured by naturally occurring bacteria. The affected site may eventually weaken, which enables the bacteria to pass through and cause a life-threatening systemic infection.

NEC Causes

Researchers have not determined a specific cause for the disease development. However, there is a theory that a number of factors contribute to the problem.

Abnormally high level of intestinal bacteria
The presence of invasive bacteria or viral colonies that instigate an infection
Insufficient blood flow and oxygen to the intestine
Intestinal lining injury
Baby formula
Underdeveloped intestines

Necrotizing Enterocolitis Signs and Symptoms

Infants develop symptoms within the first month after birth. As the disorder progresses, the infant’s abdomen swells, becomes red and tender. The child may become constipated or pass dark, bloody diarrhea. The infant may vomit green bile. The baby’s body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate decrease. The infant becomes lethargic.

NEC Treatment

Once diagnosed, feedings are temporarily discontinued. The infant receives fluids and nutrition via IV supplements. A surgeon inserts a gastric or a nasogastric tube into the stomach, which enables air and fluid to escape. The presence of infection, or to prevent infection, requires antibiotic treatment. The baby undergoes frequent abdominal exams and X-rays to monitor progress. The child’s stools are monitored for stool changes. Blood tests determine anemia or infection. In severe instances, the child may require surgery.

If the child’s condition worsens or does not respond to treatment, surgery may be necessary to repair any perforation or to remove dead tissue. In the event that a large area of the intestine suffers damage, the surgeon may reroute the remaining tissue to an opening in the stomach, which is known as a stoma.

When the medical team deems that the infant’s condition is improving, they typically recommend that the child receive breast milk. Breast milk boosts immunity, is easier to digest and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Becoming a Neonatal Professional: The Basics

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On December 30, 2019

In Child Health Care, Neonatal Care, Newborn Screening, Newborns, Research

Neonatal professionals are skilled and trained to properly care for newborn infants, specifically within their first twenty-eight days of life. Neonatal nurses specialize in caring for healthy newborns, while neonatal nurse practitioners specialize in caring for infants that may need special care and attention. These infants may include those in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), emergency rooms, delivery rooms or specialty clinics. During the first twenty-eight days of life, infants are at high risk of infections and possibly developing abnormalities. It is the extensive training and education that neonatal professionals are required to have that prepares them for this line of work.

One of the first steps in becoming a neonatal professional is to earn a high school diploma or GED, this is a key requirement to begin a registered nursing program. A registered nursing program will set the foundation of a career as a neonatal professional. Nursing students may obtain an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing, this could take 2-4 years. Typically, the curriculum for these degrees focuses on anatomy and physiology, lifespan development, microbiology, community health nursing, and principles of ethics among other studies.

After the successful completion of a registered nursing program, registered nurses (RNs) need to pursue a suitable master’s program. This can be a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Generally, an MSN program may require the completion of approximately 550 clinical hours and a DNP program may require the completion of 1,000 clinical hours. MSN programs are usually completed in two years, while DNP programs can take between 3-4 years for completion. During this time nurses experience working in neonatal settings with infants and their families.

With years of studying, training, experience and successfully completing an accredited master’s program, it is important to obtain proper licensing and certification. There are multiple ways to obtain national certification and state licensing. The American Nursing Credentialing Council offers a pediatric nursing certification, while most neonatal credentials are administered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC). Proper certification and licensing for practicing may vary from state to state. These certification requirements typically include a three-year revision. Maintaining certification also includes a “continuing competency specialty assessment”, which will determine the number of continuing education hours needed. Becoming a neonatal professional is a process and can take years of hard work and dedication but is also very rewarding.

Neonatal Intensive Care Burnout: An Overview of a Growing Issue

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On December 30, 2019

In Child Health Care, Neonatal Care, Newborn Screening, Newborns, Research

Nurses who work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have a unique and demanding responsibility. Caring for the tiniest, most vulnerable patients new to life requires a genuine heart, individual attention, and authentic nurturing.

A NICU Podcast interview sheds light on the day-to-day challenges NICU nurses face. In addition to providing round the clock service to life-clinging babies, NICU nurses are also the support to and for parents, who, in their own way, are emotionally fragile and sensitive. To these parents, the critical state of their child calls for heightened attention and empathy. The nurses’ position is both guardian and savior, and this can take a toll on nurses who themselves are only human.

On top of normal stresses that come with the job is a growing demand to implement sophisticated technology. On the one hand, technology is bettering our lives every day, making it easier to complete tasks faster and more smoothly. However, research shows this increase in digitization is taking a toll on medical staff. Nurses are now required to maintain reports and data in ways their jobs did not involve before. This learning curve calls for specialized training, which is yet another level of duties for nurses to cover.

As essential as the NICU nurse’s position is in the livelihood of their most precious patients, many times, their efforts and care go unnoticed. Physicians‘ status gets much attention, but the backbone of care and service falls on the nurse staff.

Research among NICU nurses found burnout rates among nurses in NICU are much higher than physicians. In fact, burnout was prevalent for non-physician, day-time, and veteran nurses of more than five years.

The effects of burnout are significant. Emotional suffering, physical exhaustion, depression, weight gain or loss, and reduction in job performance are just a few. Burnout affects work-life balance, socialization, relationships, and one’s perspective on life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is now recognized as a chronic health condition. Unfortunately, many NICU nurses are falling victim to this condition as a result of their working environment.

NICU staff carry the burden of high standards, critically positioned babies, and anxious parents. On top of all this, an enthusiastic spirit that wants to be available, do their best at providing care, and occasional loss of an infant makes for extremely stressful conditions. Burnout is not a myth, but a reality, and one that needs immediate attention — sooner than later.