Caregiver Answer: Foreign Food Markets & “World Marts” May 15, 2009

Do you have a craving for cilantro? Does the thought of using ghee make you giddy? Maybe you are in search for certain spice.  In either case in nearly every city a new chain of stores have been popping up.  They usually have a red sign bordered (with multinational flag emblems) that says WORLD MART.  In addition to selling international foods (fresh, frozen and non perishable) they often sell international phone cards.

While these stores are popping up in places like Daejeon, Pyeongtaek  [both are near the KTX station in the respective location] and other places with a medium to large population of Foreigners, other stores (not associated with the chain) are also easy to find in areas that are near the military bases.  The most popular of these is the “Red Door” in Iteawon.  This store is famous for having items that are directly from the base and thus no one really knows how to give directions, they “just know how to get there”.  However, if you’re not into purchasing “black market” from behind the “red door” there are other more popular stores in Iteawon.  The most famous of these is on the way to “What the book”.  It is famous for Haal foods and grains/legumes like chick peas and other lentils.  For comparison shopping there is another market on the way to the “big Mosque” in Iteawon.  Lastly, In Haebongchang there is a small store close to the Indigo restaurant that sells drinks and other small items as well.

If anyone lives in (or frequently visits) other cities with these markets, please let us know.

Caregiver Answer: Indentify and Treat Torticollis Right Away May 1, 2009

Just a heads up for new moms that your baby can develop a neck condition called “Torticollis“ (sometimes called wry neck). It’s not that uncommon.  My Anonykid always leans to the left…never to the right. According to the doctor and to what I’ve read, this preference and subsequent leaning to one side can develop as early as in the womb and progressively gets worse and worse. If left untreated, there can be serious complications, like face paralysis and spinal problems. Then surgery is needed.

The good news is that it can be easily corrected with baby physiotherapy. Over a few months, the neck can return to normal. I just wanted to post this so that you can keep an eye on your little one. If you notice that he/she is always leaning to one side, you should mention it to your doctor and get it taken care of.

Caregiver Answer: Building a (Bilingual) Birthplan May 1, 2009

So you’ve heard that some 40% of women who give birth in Korea have C-sections and you want to use Hypnobirthing?  You know the baby has to have check ups but can’t get any rest because you’re afraid some nurse is going to cart your bundle away while you’re asleep?  You’ve heard that eating the placenta provides nutrients or you’re just curious to see it?  Whatever your “plan” is many a seasoned mom suggest that you write it down and discuss it with your doctor long before your delivery.  Some people worry that they won’t have the Korean ability  to ask for what they want  (some doctors worry they won’t have enough English ability to understand).  Below is pretty solid skeleton of a bilingual birthplan.  Please feel free to cut and paste it (although that might require some reformatting) or email thekoreancafe@gmail.com so that you can be fully prepared to have the birthing YOU, your birth companion and your baby choose!

Happy birthing!!

BIRTH PLAN FOR THE ~ FAMILY(~ 패밀리를 위한 분만 계획서)I prefer a natural, vaginal birth. Please help me achieve this in the following ways.(저는 가능한 한 자연 분만을 원합니다. 아래에 적힌 내용을 참조해 주세요.)1st stage of labour (분만 1기)I prefer1 No males, students or non-essential personnel to be in the room.(분만실에 꼭 필요한 분이 아닌 인턴이나 실습생, 특히 남자분들을 들여 보내지 말아 주세요.)2 To avoid internal vaginal examinations unless they are medically necessary or I request them.(꼭 필요하거니 제가 원할 때에만 내진을 해 주세요.)3 To avoid having my membranes ruptured unless medically indicated or discussed with us.(꼭 필요한 상황이 아니면 양수를 인위적으로 터트리지 말아 주세요.)4 To manage my pain on my own. Please do not offer drugs for pain relief. I will ask for it if I need it.(진통 경감을 위한 약을 쓰지 말아 주세요. 필요 시엔 제가 말씀 드리겠습니다.)5 If the baby and I are fine, to be free of time limits.(저와 아기만 건강하다면 너무 진통 시간에 연연하지 말아 주세요.)2nd stage of labour (분만 2기)I prefer1 Not to lie on my back(똑바로 눕지 않게 해 주세요.)2 To adopt whatever position feels right for me at that time (for example, squatting, side lying, on all fours(진통 중 가능한 한 제가 마음대로 자세를 바꿀 수 있게 해 주세요.)3 To be allowed to rest and wait if I do not have the urge to push straight away, if the baby and I are fine(아기와 제가 괜찮다면 힘주기때 너무 급하게 재촉하지 말아 주세요.)4 To push instinctively rather than be coached or told when to push(힘주기때 제가 스스로 알아서 할 수 있도록 너무 코치를 하지 말아 주세요.)5 Measures taken to try and ensure an intact perineum (warm compress, massage with lubricant, gentle pressure on baby’s head to stop it coming too quickly)(perineum이 제 역할을 잘 할 수 있도록 따뜻한 마사지나 지압을 좀 해 주시고 아기 머리가 너무 빨리 나오는 것을 방지하도록 아기 머리를 부드럽게 눌러 주세요.)6 To risk a tear rather than have an episiotomy (unless a medical emergency)(위급한 상황이 아니라면 회음부 절개보다는 자연적인 tearing을 원합니다.)After birth (분만 이후)I prefer1 To wait until the umbilical cord stops pulsating before it is clamped and cut(탯줄이 스스로 pulsating이 멈출 때까지 자르지 말아 주세요.)2 Skin to skin contact with my baby(아기와 제가 스킨십을 바로 할 수 있도록 해 주세요.)3 Not to have my baby’s nose and mouth suctioned unless it is medically necessary(응급상황이 아니라면 아기의 코와 입에 suction을 하지 말아 주세요.)4 Time to allow the placenta to deliver spontaneously(태반이 자연적으로 배출되도록 기다려 주세요.)5 To avoid injection to help control bleeding and deliver the placenta, unless medically necessary(의학적으로 꼭 필요한 경우가 아니라면 지혈이나 태반출산을 돕는 주사나 약물을 사용하지 말아 주세요.)6 To delay newborn procedures (weighing and measuring, etc) until I have had time to breastfeed my baby (제가 충분히 아기에게 수유를 한 후에 아기 체중 측정이나 키 측정 같은 신생아 관리를 스케줄대로 해 주세요.)7 To wait until after I have fed my baby before having stitches, if possible(스티치(봉합)를 하기 전에 제가 아기에게 먼저 수유할 수 있도록 해 주세요.)In case of C-section (만약 제왕 절개가 필요시)I prefer1 Regional anaesthesia (epidural or spinal block) if possible(전신 마취가 아닌 경막외 마취를 해 주세요.)2 To avoid a chest X-ray(X-ray는 찍지 말아 주세요.)3 If a chest X-ray is necessary, please cover my baby with a lead apron(꼭 X-ray가 필요시엔 앞치마나 천으로 제 배를 가려 주세요.)4 To hold my baby after the C-section, if possible(가능하면 수술뒤 바로 아기를 제게 안겨 주세요.)5 To delay newborn procedures (weighing and measuring, etc) until I have had time to breastfeed my baby, if possible (제가 충분히 아기에게 수유를 한 후에 아기 체중 측정이나 키 측정 같은 신생아 관리를 스케줄대로 해 주세요.

)Other:Breastfeeding support (모유 수유시)

1) I would like a lactation consultant to check the progress of breastfeeding my baby during the days after birth(분만후 모유 수유 전문가가 일정한 시간마다 저를 방문해서 모유수유를 도와 주시기를 바랍니다.)2 Please provide a breast pump, if needed(유축기가 필요 시엔 좀 준비해 주세요.)Infant vaccination (신생아 예방접종)1 Please vaccinate our baby against Hepatitis B.(간염 B 예방 접종을 해 주세요.)Thank you. (감사 드립니다!)

Caregiver Answer: FREE Ocean Surf/White Noise Clips April 5, 2009

Need some calming ocean sounds to “wash” a way the day?  Perhaps your kiddo likes the sound of white noise when s/he is trying to sleep.  Pediasleep.com has a collection of audio tracks to help you relax both you and the baby.  They are offering the first two for FREE.  When you visit http://www.pediasleep.com/free.html you’ll be connected to a 10 minute sample of both, which you can then download…loop and drift away in to a relaxing state of mind…

Enjoy!!

Caregiver Answer: Books for Sleep Help March 18, 2009

If anyone is having sleep issues with their baby, I really recommend reading “Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child,” by Marc Weissbluth. I haven’t even finished reading it yet, but I’ve learned so much from it. He talks a lot about the science behind sleep and the importance of catching those times with baby is tired.

The best thing about it is that he doesn’t believe crying is a good way for a child to fall asleep. He says that “sleep begets sleep” and no crying is needed if you carefully observe your baby and put her to sleep before she becomes overtired. Some books I have read push the crying to sleep idea. “Babywise,” for example, was a good read, and I picked up some good ideas from it, such as the “eat, wake time, nap time” pattern, but they do support crying to sleep.

I’m also reading “The No-Cry Sleep Solution” by Elizabeth Pantley, which is good, but it’s written from a more emotional point of view. But I like the honest advice she gives, like to lower your expectations and try to treasure the time you spend feeding your baby during night wakings. I like that she doesn’t claim to solve sleep problems overnight. She admits that it takes time to change sleep patterns and associations, sometimes weeks or months. There is no overnight solution.

Anyway, I’m dealing with sleep problems now (she gets overtired easily and goes to bed too late), but Weissbluth’s book is making me understand where these problems are coming from — much of it is simply biological…and like many people keep telling me –> it will pass! Sometimes it’s hard to accept that though.

Feel free to make posts about books that have helped you.

Caregiver Answer: How to avoid “Yellow Dust” March 17, 2009

If you want to keep your kid away from the yellow dust, here is a good link to check the current situation*:

http://www.seoul.amedd.army.mil/sites/yellowsand/default.asp

Please note this link is default set to Yongsan.  If you are interested in another area, please locate it on the banner head!!

Caregiver Answer: Baby Language Video February 22, 2009

Thought this was an interesting video-trying it right now.Any Aussies or other Moms tried this,is it true?

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=oprah+priscilla+dunsten&emb=0&aq=f#

Caregiver Answer: 5 reasons for nightwakenings January 23, 2009

I’ve gotten this from website: http://www.babysense.co.za/peaceful-nights

I’ve written before about the book “Baby Sense and Sleep Sense” (and toddlersense) – it is from an OT and pediatric nurse  and they focus a lot on the sensory input, stimulation and environments of children – and how it relates to calmness, sleep patterns and normal development. And how mommies can help to regulate it when baby’s nervous system is still to immature to regulate it themselves.

1. Your expectations are too high for your baby
Simply put, you need to examine what you expect from your baby. Newborns wake often at night. If your baby less than 6 weeks old is stretching for three hours or more, they are doing the right thing. Solution – adjust your expectations. If your young baby is waking more than two hourly or not settling at all after a feed, you are right to be concerned. Solution – swaddle your newborn tightly and play white noise; don’t change her nappy at night unless she has soiled it. Nappies are generally absorbent enough for urine not to disturb her and by changing her nappy you may wake her up to much during a night feed, which may make her unsettled thereafter.

2.Your baby is hungry
At around 5 months babies start to wake more frequently again as they start to need a little extra nutrition at night. Solution – Either reintroduce a night feed such as the early morning (1am) one and feed when she wakes OR if she is over 4 ½ months and there is no history of allergies, you could introduce rice cereal.After 6 months some babies start to wake more often because they need certain Essential Fatty Acids that are found in proteins. Milk no longer supplies all the EFA’s your baby needs. Solution – If your baby is over 6 months old introduce proteins such as chicken, lamb, beans, legumes, cheese and yogurt. If your baby is older than 9 months add in fish, egg and nuts as well (if there are no allergies to these in your family).

3.Your baby is not sleeping enough during the day
As strange as it sounds, if your baby is over tired because she is not sleeping enough during the day, she will wake more often at night. Solution- Make sure she has enough day sleeps by watching her awake times (refer to Baby Sense). Once she has been awake for her age appropriate awake time, watch for her signals and put her down to sleep.

4.Your baby is uncomfortable
If your baby has been a good sleeper or can effectively put herself to sleep in the evening and most nights and then suddenly wakes at night frequently, you can bet your bottom dollar she is uncomfortable. Solution – Make sure she is warm enough and not too hot. Invest in a room thermometer and maintain the room temperature at around 20 degrees Celsius. If it is cool in the early mornings, use a sleeping bag. Check that your baby is not teething – make this decision during daylight hours – if you can see or feel a tooth under the gums. If your baby has lost her appetite and feels like she has a fever take her to your doctor as she may be ill.

5.Your baby has developed a bad habit
Frequent night waking can be put down to habits if your baby is over five months old (particularly common from 7 months onwards) and need to be fed, rocked or patted to sleep in the evening and for day sleeps. Solution – You will need to help your baby relearn strategies to self sooth that she can use independently. Dummies must be put into her hand so she learns to do it herself. ‘Doodoo’ blankies or teddies are great as they are easy to use. At the end of the day some sleep coaching may be necessary as you teach your baby to sooth herself.Frequent night wakings are the bane of a new parent’s life. The good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel and most babies do sleep through consistently eventually. However along the way, all babies have period of disrupted nights until they are in pre-school.

Caregiver Answer: Free Vaccines January 17, 2009

Some of you may not be aware that the Korean government provides free vaccines. If you have Korean insurance, which I assume most of you do, you are eligible. Each district (gu) has a public health center called a Bu Gon So. You just take your baby to the pediatrician like you do at any hospital here (they don’t have an appointment system, btw). Make sure to bring your vaccine schedule, of course, when your child is due for an inoculation. There is a pediatrician, as well, and you will have a consultation with the doctor. The nurses also do a height/weight check- it’s like any normal doctor’s office, and you can go there for free medical treatment, too.

My son had a round of vaccines and we spent about 150,000 won on 1 visit to the pediatrician near our house (Miz Medi). I wish I had known sooner because we could have saved that money! Anyway, some of the more prominent hospitals, esp. (like Miz Medi, Severance, etc.), tend to use more expensive, imported vaccines- they think it’s what their patients want, so that’s why sometimes the shots are so expensive. And they make more money off you.

Just one more FYI- the Bu Gon So offers the regular set of vaccines- MMR, etc. If you want your child to be inoculated for everything under the sun (i.e the Japanese standard), like Meningitis, etc., you will have to go to your regular pediatrician. Oh, almost forgot- if you have already started some vaccines and just need boosters, you may need to continue using that same brand of vaccine, but sometimes not- it depends on the vaccine! I hope I’m not being confusing! Your best bet is just to go to (or call) your local health center and bring your vaccination schedule and they will tell you if you need to return to your pediatrician for boosters or if they can give them there.

As I’m sure you know, don’t expect them to speak English. I always bring my phone and call my husband if I’m confused about something, so hopefully you have a Korean friend who can help you out if you can’t fumble along like I do!

I really hope I’ve managed to save some of you some hard-earned $$$!!

These are the free compulsory vaccinations offered in Korea at public health centers and supposedly at hospitals:

BCG
DPT
MMR
Polio
Hep B
Chicken pox

There are recommended, but you have to pay for them:

Hep A
Meningitis
Japanese Encephalitis
pneumonia

You can go to a public health center in your “gu” any time. You don’t make an appointment. But for the vaccinations that are a series of several shots (like Hep B), once you start at one place, you probably have to get the other shots there…something about sticking with the same brand of vaccination.

Also, the BCG shot offered at the public health center and the hospital are different. The one at the public health center is the old style vaccine which can leave a scar. The one at the hospital is newer and is “less likely” to leave a scar — but it’s 50,000 won.

Anonymom