Do Bird Feathers Carry Disease? (2024)

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From a logistical standpoint, the summer can be a nightmare. Sure, our kids love it, but we need child care! Camp seems like the obvious solution, but it can be expensive and there are so many different options. What’s a parent to do?

One thing’s for sure: These decisions shouldn’t fall solely on one parent to make. It’s too often moms, in heterosexual couples, that hold all the responsibility here. Summer requires real planning!

So how can you share the mental load? Comment “Link” for a DM to an article on managing summer logistics and what the data says about camp.

#parentdata #summercamp #summeractivitiesforkids #summerplanning #childcare #emilyoster

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From a logistical standpoint, the summer can be a nightmare. Sure, our kids love it, but we need child care! Camp seems like the obvious solution, but it can be expensive and there are so many different options. What’s a parent to do?

One thing’s for sure: These decisions shouldn’t fall solely on one parent to make. It’s too often moms, in heterosexual couples, that hold all the responsibility here. Summer requires real planning!

So how can you share the mental load? Comment “Link” for a DM to an article on managing summer logistics and what the data says about camp.

#parentdata #summercamp #summeractivitiesforkids #summerplanning #childcare #emilyoster

It’s been amazing to talk to so many people this week about pregnancy complications and the support that women need. The bottom line is we need more discussion for things to change.

And now I want to talk to all of you! I am doing an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on ParentData about #TheUnexpected and you can submit your questions now at my link in bio. I would also love to hear what you think about the book.

Thanks for being here 💛

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It’s been amazing to talk to so many people this week about pregnancy complications and the support that women need. The bottom line is we need more discussion for things to change.

And now I want to talk to all of you! I am doing an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on ParentData about #TheUnexpected and you can submit your questions now at my link in bio. I would also love to hear what you think about the book.

Thanks for being here 💛

Comment “Link” for a DM to sign up for a free downloadable guide with these questions to ask your provider after a complicated pregnancy, birth, or postpartum experience.

In my new book #TheUnexpected, we encourage you to collect your own data. Every complicated pregnancy is complicated in its own way. We can talk about some general numbers, but your experience is unique.

It’s central to have the details of your own personal experience to understand possible steps in a later pregnancy. Having this information will empower any future attempt at pregnancy you may choose to make.

#emiloster #pregnancycomplications #parentdata #askyourdoctor

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Comment “Link” for a DM to sign up for a free downloadable guide with these questions to ask your provider after a complicated pregnancy, birth, or postpartum experience.

In my new book #TheUnexpected, we encourage you to collect your own data. Every complicated pregnancy is complicated in its own way. We can talk about some general numbers, but your experience is unique.

It’s central to have the details of your own personal experience to understand possible steps in a later pregnancy. Having this information will empower any future attempt at pregnancy you may choose to make.

#emiloster #pregnancycomplications #parentdata #askyourdoctor

I’m calling on you today to share your story. I know that many of you have experienced complications during pregnancy, birth, or postpartum. It’s not something we want to talk about, but it’s important that we do. Not just for awareness, but to help people going through it feel a little less alone.

That’s why I’m asking you to post a story, photo, or reel this week with #MyUnexpectedStory and tag me. I’ll re-share as many as I can to amplify. Let’s fill our feeds with these important stories and lift each other up. Our voices can create change. And your story matters. 💙

#theunexpected #emilyoster #pregnancycomplications #pregnancystory

I’m calling on you today to share your story. I know that many of you have experienced complications during pregnancy, birth, or postpartum. It’s not something we want to talk about, but it’s important that we do. Not just for awareness, but to help people going through it feel a little less alone.

That’s why I’m asking you to post a story, photo, or reel this week with #MyUnexpectedStory and tag me. I’ll re-share as many as I can to amplify. Let’s fill our feeds with these important stories and lift each other up. Our voices can create change. And your story matters. 💙

#theunexpected #emilyoster #pregnancycomplications #pregnancystory

OUT NOW: My new book “The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications” is available on April 30th. All of my other books came out of my own experiences. I wrote them to answer questions I had, as a pregnant woman and then as a new parent. “The Unexpected” is a book not to answer my own questions but to answer yours. Specifically, to answer the thousands of questions I’ve gotten over the past decade from people whose pregnancies were more complicated than they had expected. This is for you. 💛 Order now at my link in bio!

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OUT NOW: My new book “The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications” is available on April 30th. All of my other books came out of my own experiences. I wrote them to answer questions I had, as a pregnant woman and then as a new parent. “The Unexpected” is a book not to answer my own questions but to answer yours. Specifically, to answer the thousands of questions I’ve gotten over the past decade from people whose pregnancies were more complicated than they had expected. This is for you. 💛 Order now at my link in bio! ...

OUT NOW: My new book “The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications” is available on April 30th. All of my other books came out of my own experiences. I wrote them to answer questions I had, as a pregnant woman and then as a new parent. “The Unexpected” is a book not to answer my own questions but to answer yours. Specifically, to answer the thousands of questions I’ve gotten over the past decade from people whose pregnancies were more complicated than they had expected. This is for you. 💛 Order now at my link in bio!

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OUT NOW: My new book “The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications” is available on April 30th. All of my other books came out of my own experiences. I wrote them to answer questions I had, as a pregnant woman and then as a new parent. “The Unexpected” is a book not to answer my own questions but to answer yours. Specifically, to answer the thousands of questions I’ve gotten over the past decade from people whose pregnancies were more complicated than they had expected. This is for you. 💛 Order now at my link in bio! ...

OUT NOW: My new book “The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications” is available on April 30th. All of my other books came out of my own experiences. I wrote them to answer questions I had, as a pregnant woman and then as a new parent. “The Unexpected” is a book not to answer my own questions but to answer yours. Specifically, to answer the thousands of questions I’ve gotten over the past decade from people whose pregnancies were more complicated than they had expected. This is for you. 💛 Order now at my link in bio!

Open

OUT NOW: My new book “The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications” is available on April 30th. All of my other books came out of my own experiences. I wrote them to answer questions I had, as a pregnant woman and then as a new parent. “The Unexpected” is a book not to answer my own questions but to answer yours. Specifically, to answer the thousands of questions I’ve gotten over the past decade from people whose pregnancies were more complicated than they had expected. This is for you. 💛 Order now at my link in bio! ...

“I sat on the couch, staring aimlessly at the television as my husband and family milled about the house. A baby was crying somewhere in the distance. My mom walked into my line of vision with the crying baby asking if I wanted to feed him. I shuddered, trying to clear the brain fog. Right, the crying baby was mine. I had a baby. We were finally home with our baby. I was a mom.” Today, @thebirthtrauma_mama lends her voice to ParentData by sharing her own traumatic birth story and what came after it. Kayleigh is a therapist who is tireless in her efforts to help people feel seen, heard, and understood in these impossible situations. I’m so grateful to her for sharing this with us. Comment “Link” for a DM to read her full essay.

#parentdata #birthstory #pregnancyjourney #birthing #pregnancycomplications #birthtrauma

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“I sat on the couch, staring aimlessly at the television as my husband and family milled about the house. A baby was crying somewhere in the distance. My mom walked into my line of vision with the crying baby asking if I wanted to feed him. I shuddered, trying to clear the brain fog. Right, the crying baby was mine. I had a baby. We were finally home with our baby. I was a mom.” Today, @thebirthtrauma_mama lends her voice to ParentData by sharing her own traumatic birth story and what came after it. Kayleigh is a therapist who is tireless in her efforts to help people feel seen, heard, and understood in these impossible situations. I’m so grateful to her for sharing this with us. Comment “Link” for a DM to read her full essay.

#parentdata #birthstory #pregnancyjourney #birthing #pregnancycomplications #birthtrauma

Is side sleeping important during pregnancy? Comment “Link” for a DM to an article on whether sleep position affects pregnancy outcomes.

Being pregnant makes you tired, and as time goes by, it gets increasingly hard to get comfortable. You were probably instructed to sleep on your side and not your back, but it turns out that advice is not based on very good data.

We now have much better data on this, and the bulk of the evidence seems to reject the link between sleep position and stillbirth or other negative outcomes. So go ahead and get some sleep however you are most comfortable. 💤

Sources:
📖 #ExpectingBetter pp. 160-163
📈 Robert M. Silver et al., “Prospective Evaluation of Maternal Sleep Position Through 30 Weeks of Gestation and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes,” Obstetrics and Gynecology 134, no. 4 (2019): 667–76.

#emilyoster #pregnancy #pregnancytips #sleepingposition #pregnantlife

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Is side sleeping important during pregnancy? Comment “Link” for a DM to an article on whether sleep position affects pregnancy outcomes.

Being pregnant makes you tired, and as time goes by, it gets increasingly hard to get comfortable. You were probably instructed to sleep on your side and not your back, but it turns out that advice is not based on very good data.

We now have much better data on this, and the bulk of the evidence seems to reject the link between sleep position and stillbirth or other negative outcomes. So go ahead and get some sleep however you are most comfortable. 💤

Sources:
📖 #ExpectingBetter pp. 160-163
📈 Robert M. Silver et al., “Prospective Evaluation of Maternal Sleep Position Through 30 Weeks of Gestation and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes,” Obstetrics and Gynecology 134, no. 4 (2019): 667–76.

#emilyoster #pregnancy #pregnancytips #sleepingposition #pregnantlife

My new book, “The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications” is available for preorder at the link in my bio!

I co-wrote #TheUnexpected with my friend and maternal fetal medicine specialist, Dr. Nathan Fox. The unfortunate reality is that about half of pregnancies include complications such as preeclampsia, miscarriage, preterm birth, and postpartum depression. Because these are things not talked about enough, it can not only be an isolating experience, but it can also make treatment harder to access.

The book lays out the data on recurrence and delves into treatment options shown to lower risk for these conditions in subsequent pregnancies. It also guides you through how to have productive conversations and make shared decisions with your doctor. I hope none of you need this book, but if you do, it’ll be here for you 💛

#pregnancy #pregnancycomplications #pregnancyjourney #preeclampsiaawareness #postpartumjourney #emilyoster

My new book, “The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications” is available for preorder at the link in my bio!

I co-wrote #TheUnexpected with my friend and maternal fetal medicine specialist, Dr. Nathan Fox. The unfortunate reality is that about half of pregnancies include complications such as preeclampsia, miscarriage, preterm birth, and postpartum depression. Because these are things not talked about enough, it can not only be an isolating experience, but it can also make treatment harder to access.

The book lays out the data on recurrence and delves into treatment options shown to lower risk for these conditions in subsequent pregnancies. It also guides you through how to have productive conversations and make shared decisions with your doctor. I hope none of you need this book, but if you do, it’ll be here for you 💛

#pregnancy #pregnancycomplications #pregnancyjourney #preeclampsiaawareness #postpartumjourney #emilyoster

We are better writers than influencers, I promise. Thanks to our kids for filming our unboxing videos. People make this look way too easy.

Only two weeks until our book “The Unexpected” is here! Preorder at the link in my bio. 💙

We are better writers than influencers, I promise. Thanks to our kids for filming our unboxing videos. People make this look way too easy.

Only two weeks until our book “The Unexpected” is here! Preorder at the link in my bio. 💙

There’s been a lot of debate recently about whether the CDC’s findings on maternal mortality are overblown or not. Comment “Link” for a DM to an article digging into the data on both sides.

It’s also worth asking a basic question: Why are we fighting about this? Any way you slice it, the U.S. maternal mortality rate doesn’t compare favorably to comparably developed countries. There are also huge inequities in mortality, with maternal mortality rates for Black women far higher than for any other group. For a rich country that spends a lot of money on health care, we should be doing better.

We need to focus on finding solutions! And a full understanding of the data — including trends over time and levels — is crucial for developing them.

#BMHW24 #maternalmortality #maternalhealth #cdc #parentdata #emilyoster

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There’s been a lot of debate recently about whether the CDC’s findings on maternal mortality are overblown or not. Comment “Link” for a DM to an article digging into the data on both sides.

It’s also worth asking a basic question: Why are we fighting about this? Any way you slice it, the U.S. maternal mortality rate doesn’t compare favorably to comparably developed countries. There are also huge inequities in mortality, with maternal mortality rates for Black women far higher than for any other group. For a rich country that spends a lot of money on health care, we should be doing better.

We need to focus on finding solutions! And a full understanding of the data — including trends over time and levels — is crucial for developing them.

#BMHW24 #maternalmortality #maternalhealth #cdc #parentdata #emilyoster

Exciting news! We have new, high-quality data that says it’s safe to take Tylenol during pregnancy and there is no link between Tylenol exposure and neurodevelopmental issues in kids. Comment “Link” for a DM to an article exploring this groundbreaking study.

While doctors have long said Tylenol was safe, confusing studies, panic headlines, and even a lawsuit have continually stoked fears in parents. As a result, many pregnant women have chosen not to take it, even if it would help them.

This is why good data is so important! When we can trust the data, we can trust our choices. And this study shows there is no blame to be placed on pregnant women here. So if you have a migraine or fever, please take your Tylenol.

#tylenol #pregnancy #pregnancyhealth #pregnancytips #parentdata #emilyoster

Exciting news! We have new, high-quality data that says it’s safe to take Tylenol during pregnancy and there is no link between Tylenol exposure and neurodevelopmental issues in kids. Comment “Link” for a DM to an article exploring this groundbreaking study.

While doctors have long said Tylenol was safe, confusing studies, panic headlines, and even a lawsuit have continually stoked fears in parents. As a result, many pregnant women have chosen not to take it, even if it would help them.

This is why good data is so important! When we can trust the data, we can trust our choices. And this study shows there is no blame to be placed on pregnant women here. So if you have a migraine or fever, please take your Tylenol.

#tylenol #pregnancy #pregnancyhealth #pregnancytips #parentdata #emilyoster

Are screens bad? Panic headlines will convince you they are, but these arguments are not typically based on good data. So what should you base your decisions on? 📺 Comment “Link” for a DM to my article on a different way to look at screen time.

One of the most important things to consider is opportunity cost, or what your child could be doing instead (i.e. reading, playing outside, sleeping). For example, when my kids are on an airplane, screen time is pretty much unlimited. Because what else are they going to be doing? But on a school night, when there’s homework and violin lessons and sports practice, there may be no screen time at all. This isn’t seeing screen time as a reward or punishment; it’s simply a reflection of where screens fall in the hierarchy of activities.

A thought experiment that may be helpful is to think of screens as the same as your kid sitting in their room staring at the wall. It’s completely neutral. Not beneficial, not harmful. The question is: when does wall-staring make sense, and when does it not?

So tell me: how does screen time fit into your family?

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Are screens bad? Panic headlines will convince you they are, but these arguments are not typically based on good data. So what should you base your decisions on? 📺 Comment “Link” for a DM to my article on a different way to look at screen time.

One of the most important things to consider is opportunity cost, or what your child could be doing instead (i.e. reading, playing outside, sleeping). For example, when my kids are on an airplane, screen time is pretty much unlimited. Because what else are they going to be doing? But on a school night, when there’s homework and violin lessons and sports practice, there may be no screen time at all. This isn’t seeing screen time as a reward or punishment; it’s simply a reflection of where screens fall in the hierarchy of activities.

A thought experiment that may be helpful is to think of screens as the same as your kid sitting in their room staring at the wall. It’s completely neutral. Not beneficial, not harmful. The question is: when does wall-staring make sense, and when does it not?

So tell me: how does screen time fit into your family?

How many words should kids say — and when? Comment “Link” for a DM to an article about language development!

For this graph, researchers used a standardized measure of vocabulary size. Parents were given a survey and checked off all the words and sentences they have heard their child say.

They found that the average child—the 50th percentile line—at 24 months has about 300 words. A child at the 10th percentile—near the bottom of the distribution—has only about 50 words. On the other end, a child at the 90th percentile has close to 600 words. One main takeaway from these graphs is the explosion of language after fourteen or sixteen months.

What’s valuable about this data is it can give us something beyond a general guideline about when to consider early intervention, and also provide reassurance that there is a significant range in this distribution at all young ages.

#cribsheet #emilyoster #parentdata #languagedevelopment #firstwords

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How many words should kids say — and when? Comment “Link” for a DM to an article about language development!

For this graph, researchers used a standardized measure of vocabulary size. Parents were given a survey and checked off all the words and sentences they have heard their child say.

They found that the average child—the 50th percentile line—at 24 months has about 300 words. A child at the 10th percentile—near the bottom of the distribution—has only about 50 words. On the other end, a child at the 90th percentile has close to 600 words. One main takeaway from these graphs is the explosion of language after fourteen or sixteen months.

What’s valuable about this data is it can give us something beyond a general guideline about when to consider early intervention, and also provide reassurance that there is a significant range in this distribution at all young ages.

#cribsheet #emilyoster #parentdata #languagedevelopment #firstwords

I saw this and literally laughed out loud 😂 Thank you @adamgrant for sharing this gem! Someone let me know who originally created this masterpiece so I can give them the proper credit.

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I saw this and literally laughed out loud 😂 Thank you @adamgrant for sharing this gem! Someone let me know who originally created this masterpiece so I can give them the proper credit. ...

Perimenopause comes with a whole host of symptoms, like brain fog, low sex drive, poor energy, and loss of muscle mass. These symptoms can be extremely bothersome and hard to treat. Could testosterone help? Comment “Link” for a DM to an article about the data on testosterone treatment for women in perimenopause.

#perimenopause #perimenopausehealth #womenshealth #hormoneimbalance #emilyoster #parentdata

Perimenopause comes with a whole host of symptoms, like brain fog, low sex drive, poor energy, and loss of muscle mass. These symptoms can be extremely bothersome and hard to treat. Could testosterone help? Comment “Link” for a DM to an article about the data on testosterone treatment for women in perimenopause.

#perimenopause #perimenopausehealth #womenshealth #hormoneimbalance #emilyoster #parentdata

What age is best to start swim lessons? Comment “Link” for a DM to an article about water safety for children 💦

Summer is quickly approaching! You might be wondering if it’s the right time to have your kid start swim lessons. The AAP recommends starting between 1 and 4 years old. This is largely based on a randomized trial where young children were put into 8 or 12 weeks of swim lessons. They found that swimming ability and water safety reactions improve in both groups, and more so in the 12 weeks group.

Below this age range though, they are too young to actually learn how to swim. It’s fine to bring your baby into the pool (if you’re holding them) and they might like the water. But starting formal safety-oriented swim lessons before this age isn’t likely to be very helpful.

Most importantly, no matter how old your kid is or how good of a swimmer they are, adult supervision is always necessary!

#swimlessons #watersafety #kidsswimminglessons #poolsafety #emilyoster #parentdata

What age is best to start swim lessons? Comment “Link” for a DM to an article about water safety for children 💦

Summer is quickly approaching! You might be wondering if it’s the right time to have your kid start swim lessons. The AAP recommends starting between 1 and 4 years old. This is largely based on a randomized trial where young children were put into 8 or 12 weeks of swim lessons. They found that swimming ability and water safety reactions improve in both groups, and more so in the 12 weeks group.

Below this age range though, they are too young to actually learn how to swim. It’s fine to bring your baby into the pool (if you’re holding them) and they might like the water. But starting formal safety-oriented swim lessons before this age isn’t likely to be very helpful.

Most importantly, no matter how old your kid is or how good of a swimmer they are, adult supervision is always necessary!

#swimlessons #watersafety #kidsswimminglessons #poolsafety #emilyoster #parentdata

Can babies have salt? 🧂 While babies don’t need extra salt beyond what’s in breast milk or formula, the risks of salt toxicity from normal foods are minimal. There are concerns about higher blood pressure in the long term due to a higher salt diet in the first year, but the data on these is not super compelling and the differences are small.

Like with most things, moderation is key! Avoid very salty chips or olives or saltines with your infant. But if you’re doing baby-led weaning, it’s okay for them to share your lightly salted meals. Your baby does not need their own, unsalted, chicken if you’re making yourself a roast. Just skip the super salty stuff.

#emilyoster #parentdata #childnutrition #babynutrition #foodforkids

Can babies have salt? 🧂 While babies don’t need extra salt beyond what’s in breast milk or formula, the risks of salt toxicity from normal foods are minimal. There are concerns about higher blood pressure in the long term due to a higher salt diet in the first year, but the data on these is not super compelling and the differences are small.

Like with most things, moderation is key! Avoid very salty chips or olives or saltines with your infant. But if you’re doing baby-led weaning, it’s okay for them to share your lightly salted meals. Your baby does not need their own, unsalted, chicken if you’re making yourself a roast. Just skip the super salty stuff.

#emilyoster #parentdata #childnutrition #babynutrition #foodforkids

Is sleep training bad? Comment “Link” for a DM to an article breaking down the data on sleep training 😴

Among parenting topics, sleep training is one of the most divisive. Ultimately, it’s important to know that studies looking at the short- and long-term effects of sleep training show no evidence of harm. The data actually shows it can improve infant sleep and lower parental depression.

Even so, while sleep training can be a great option, it will not be for everyone. Just as people can feel judged for sleep training, they can feel judged for not doing it. Engaging in any parenting behavior because it’s what’s expected of you is not a good idea. You have to do what works best for your family! If that’s sleep training, make a plan and implement it. If not, that’s okay too.

What’s your experience with sleep training? Did you feel judged for your decision to do (or not do) it?

#sleeptraining #newparents #babysleep #emilyoster #parentdata

Is sleep training bad? Comment “Link” for a DM to an article breaking down the data on sleep training 😴

Among parenting topics, sleep training is one of the most divisive. Ultimately, it’s important to know that studies looking at the short- and long-term effects of sleep training show no evidence of harm. The data actually shows it can improve infant sleep and lower parental depression.

Even so, while sleep training can be a great option, it will not be for everyone. Just as people can feel judged for sleep training, they can feel judged for not doing it. Engaging in any parenting behavior because it’s what’s expected of you is not a good idea. You have to do what works best for your family! If that’s sleep training, make a plan and implement it. If not, that’s okay too.

What’s your experience with sleep training? Did you feel judged for your decision to do (or not do) it?

#sleeptraining #newparents #babysleep #emilyoster #parentdata