5 Ways Nutrition Affects Your Child’s Mood

cute black girl chewing sweet baked dessert

We have a lot of moody kids now, and nutrition is the culprit! Here’s how nutrition could be the problem. As a parent, giving good and nutritious foods to your child(ren) is key to your child’s physical growth. Amazingly, food in our children’s guts could impact their mood (Cryan and Dinan, 2012). And yes, food doesn’t just fuel their bodies—it influences their emotions, too!

How Does Nutrition Affect Your Child’s Mood?

When it comes to your child’s mood, several factors are at play, but the easiest one to control is their diet. Firstly, foods that affect their blood sugar such as candy or soda, could lead to blood sugar spikes and mood swings. Secondly, nutritional deficiencies such as iron deficiencies, vitamin deficiencies, and omega-3 deficiencies can lead to anxiety and emotional instability in children (Richardson, 2012). Even if your doctor finds any genetic factors influencing your child’s behavior, adjusting their diet can still make a world of difference. Here’s what you need to know:

Foods to Avoid:

  • Artificial Coloring: Surprisingly, many countries have banned artificial coloring due to its harmful effects on children, including headaches, ADHD, anxiety, and severe mood swings. These colorings are often found in sweets, yogurt, and even bread. While sugar is often blamed for hyperactivity, artificial coloring is a hidden culprit that parents should avoid.
  • Preservatives: Preservatives keep food fresh longer, but can also negatively affect your child’s behavior. Common preservatives like nitrates, nitrites, and sodium benzoate are linked to hyperactivity and other behavioral issues. You’ll find these in deli meats, dairy products, and sauces, so it’s best to limit their intake.
  • Foods high in trans-fat: Foods high in trans-fat are not only bad for your child’s mood due to inflammation, but can also affect their overall health. Rather than giving your child food high in trans fat, replace their diet with fruit smoothies and mashed fruits.
  • Highly processed and fried foods: This type of food not only disrupts the sleep and behavioral patterns of children, they also causes increased stomach aches and digestive problems. Due to its availability, you might be tempted as a parent to always make this your children’s first meal choice, but homemade meals will always be a healthier choice in the long run.

Foods to Embrace:

  • Minerals (Magnesium and Zinc): Magnesium and zinc are powerful mood boosters for kids. Zinc, a key component of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid found in cold-water fish), supports brain development, mood regulation, and better sleep. Magnesium, on the other hand, helps reduce anxiety and improves focus, especially in kids with attention disorders.
  • Vitamins (B and D): Vitamin B plays a crucial role in producing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. Foods rich in vitamin B—like nuts, seeds, whole grains, and veggies—are essential for a happy, healthy mind. Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” also enhances mood, energy levels, and sleep. It’s found in liver, oily fish, and egg yolks, especially if you live in a less sunny climate.
  • Protein: Protein isn’t just for building muscles—it’s vital for brain health too! Essential amino acids from protein-rich foods like poultry, lean meats, seafood, and dairy help your child stay focused, energized, and in a good mood. Without enough protein, kids might feel sluggish, moody, and unable to concentrate.

Conclusion

Now that you know how nutrition can shape your child’s mood, remember that balance is key. Kids can be picky eaters, so finding healthy foods they enjoy might take some effort. But as a parent, you know your child best. Don’t look out for only their moods, keep their dental and overall health in mind. However, you can quickly notice if certain foods are affecting their behavior. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult your child’s doctor for advice.

Have you noticed any foods that seem to change your child’s mood? Share your thoughts.

Reference:

  1. Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behavior. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(10), 701-712
  2. Richardson, A. J., & Lukens, E. J. (2012). Omega-3 fatty acids: mechanisms of action in anxiety and depression? Journal of Affective Disorders, 140(3), 281-290.
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Should I Bring My Breast Pump to the Hospital?

hospital breast pump for new moms

When preparing for your hospital stay, one important question you might ask is: Should I bring my breast pump to the hospital? We know that having a baby is exhausting, so making sure you have everything you need to stay comfortable and well-rested is essential. If you’re wondering about what to pack, this guide will help you decide.

What to Pack for Your Hospital Stay

It’s important to have everything you need to stay comfortable. If you have a favorite pillow, bring it along for a better night’s sleep. Don’t forget slippers or socks; you’ll need to be up and moving soon after delivery to reduce the risk of blood clots. The hospital’s maternity pads can be bulky, so consider packing some maternity underwear and thin nighttime sanitary pads for extra comfort.

Before packing snacks and drinks, check with your doctor about what’s allowed during labor. If it’s okay, stock up on your favorite treats. Snacks can also be helpful if you have other children waiting with you. Here’s a quick list of essentials to bring during labor:

  1. Entertainment: Phone charger, tablet, playlists, and speakers.
  2. Baby Supplies: Two outfits, baby book, blanket, socks, and mittens.
  3. Breast Pump: Essential if you plan to pump.
  4. Other Essentials: Hands-free bra for pumping, cord blood collection kit, and a copy of your birth plan.

Why a Breast Pump is Important

Breastfeeding in public can be challenging, and using a breast pump can offer a practical solution. A good breast pump helps nursing moms store milk so their babies can benefit even when they’re not around. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a working mom, or recovering in bed, a breast pump lets you keep your baby fed and gives you some much-needed personal time.

Breast pumps are also useful when a baby has trouble latching but the mother has plenty of milk. This is especially important for feeding premature babies who need extra care. Regular pumping can also prevent issues like engorgement and breast heaviness.

Should You Bring Your Breast Pump to the Hospital?

You usually don’t need to bring your breast pump to the hospital, but if you plan to use it often, it might be worth bringing. The lactation nurses can help you get comfortable with your breast pump and show you how to use the hospital’s equipment. If you expect to rely on your breast pump frequently, having it with you could be beneficial.

Takeaway

Remember to talk to your doctor about the hospital’s rules and guidelines to know whether you should bring your breast pump. If you feel you’ll need it, make sure to inform your doctor so they can accommodate your needs.

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How to Politely Tell Guests No Kids Are Allowed at Your Wedding

wedding invitation

Congratulations on finding your special someone! Planning a wedding comes with countless decisions, and one of the trickiest can be whether to have a child-free wedding. If you’ve decided that a child-free celebration is the best choice for your big day, it’s important to communicate this clearly to your guests.

4 Ways to Politely Inform Guests No Kids Are Allowed at Your Wedding

  1. Send an Email
    If you have the email addresses of your guests, sending a polite and brief email about the “no kids” policy is a good approach. Make sure your message is clear and considerate, so there are no surprises on the day.
  2. Mention It During the Engagement Party
    If you’re hosting an engagement party, consider mentioning the “no kids” rule in a compassionate tone during a pause in the festivities. This allows you to convey the message in a relaxed setting, where guests are already in a celebratory mood.
  3. Include It on Your Wedding Invitation
    Your wedding invitation is the perfect place to communicate essential details, including the “no kids” policy. A simple note on the invitation ensures everyone is informed well in advance.
  4. Spread the Word Personally
    If your wedding is small and intimate, you might prefer to inform your guests directly. During conversations about your wedding plans, gently mention the “no kids” rule to ensure everyone understands your wishes.

5 Strategies to Ensure a Child-Free Wedding

  1. Ensure Guests Are Aware
    Make sure your guests are fully informed about the “no kids” rule through your wedding invitations, emails, and personal conversations. Confirm their understanding by requesting a response that acknowledges the policy.
  2. Inform Both Families
    Discuss the “no kids” rule with your family and your spouse’s family. They can help reinforce the policy and ensure everyone is on the same page.
  3. Mention It on Social Media
    If you’re announcing your wedding on social media, consider mentioning the child-free policy in a polite and friendly manner. This will help spread the word to a broader audience.
  4. Include It in Reminder Emails
    When sending out reminder emails for your wedding, reiterate the “no kids” rule. Frame it in a positive light by saying, “Let the kids enjoy their day while mom and dad celebrate with us.”
  5. Provide a Backup Plan for Defaulters
    Despite your best efforts, some guests might still bring their children. To avoid any scenes, consider setting up a small kid’s corner at your venue. Keep this plan discreet to prevent it from being an incentive for others to bring their kids.

Conclusion

By clearly communicating your “no kids” policy and taking steps to ensure everyone is aware, you can enjoy a peaceful, organized wedding day. Remember to hire a professional photographer to capture every beautiful moment of your special day.

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Get Your Child to Start Reading Before Age One

mom and child reading

You should not be skeptical of the fact that motherhood has become the most fulfilling task in our current world. As a matter of fact, each milestone of your kid’s development is demanding and challenging. If you are a mother, you will certainly concur with the fact that after taking the first step and speaking the first words by your kid, the next step is to enlighten him on how to read.

Research has claimed that the first years of child development are very important since it has an effect on his or her personality. That being said, children learning reading is a special comprehensive digital program designed primarily to teach your child to read even before going to school. Also, this program offers step-by-step systematic training to guardians or parents on child development.

In addition, this program intends to offer complete instructions on phonic and phonemic awareness to both parents and kids. Phonics awareness is not the same with phonemic because it concentrates on the growth of the ability of identification, hearing, and manipulation of distinctive phenomes. That being said, your kids should comprehend the sounds of the smallest part of constantly spoken words before you can read a text to them.

According to various studies, phonemic awareness is very effective especially in terms of enlightening your kid on how to decode written and printed words. It is also effective on how to manipulate the individual letter sounds and their formation.

Without going further, if you want to access the program and enable your child learning and reading abilities to be effective, simply click on the link below;

An Overview of the children learning reading program;

  • 1. Concentrates on children learning and comprehension abilities and improve his reading fluency
  • 2.Establish the fundamentals of learning and reading
  • 3. Enable children learning and reading process easy, swift, shorter, and smooth.
  • 4. Includes phonemic and phonics awareness, that is, the link between the sounds and alphabets.
  • 5.Introduction to easy and complicated advanced words
  • 6.Short and interesting stories and nursery rhymes
  • 7. Incorporates enjoyable and fun activities to learn and practice.

What are the advantages of reading this book?

  • 1. It develops phonemic and phonics awareness in every child
  • 2. It is a complete comprehensive e-book
  • 3. All the topics are concise and short
  • 4. It will be of assistance in interpreting letter sounds and demonstrating the right pronunciation in a child.
  • 5. Each topic is productive and highly  effective

A few of the Cons include;

  • 1. It involves every parent’s involvement and devoted efforts.
  • 2. You can only access the program in a digital format.

You should know that a child who is lacking phonic and phonemic awareness will find it very tough to read. This can eventually result in the child being a slow reader. The concept of either of these features is to teach your children to read by identifying the individual alphabets and sounds. These features also enable your child to read new and complicated words.

Your child shouldn\’t be left behind by their mates. If you\’re interested in getting your child to start reading before they\’re ONE, click the link below to watch video.

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Why Some Labor Periods are Longer Than Others

labor period

A special experience for women is certainly childbirth. In some situations, the labor period may be quick while in another labor period, it may take time. That being said, the length or the signs of labor depends on so many factors involved.

First of all, what is labor? Well, it is a series of intense and repeated muscle contractions. The contractions usually assist the baby in coming out from the womb. It is in your lower back area and belly that most women feel the contractions. This is often referred to as labor pains.

On average, women who are giving birth for the first time usually stay in labor for 12 to 18 hours. If you have been pregnant before and given birth to a child, it is usually quicker to conceive.

Why are some labor periods longer than others?

Well, the labor stage usually determines prolonged labor. As a matter of fact, when there is failure in progress in conceiving a child, then you are experiencing a prolonged labor. In addition, if you are unable to conceive after approximately 20 hours of constant contractions, then you are in a prolonged labor.

Besides, some experts in the field stated that you can know a longer labor period when it stays between 18 to 24 hours.

Now, what are the signs of labor that can stay for an extended period?

  • 1. When the head of your baby is too big or if the baby is too big and is unable to pass through the birth canal
  • 2. When you have a weak contractions
  • 3. When the contractions are too tiny for the baby to pass through
  • 4. When your baby in the womb is placed in an abnormal position. In other words, every baby head down in the womb should be facing your back.

What may occur if the labor stays for an extended period?

When it is the due date for a woman to give birth, certainly she will want to experience fast labor and swift delivery. But let us assume your labor is taking more time than what you expected, what you should try to do is to take comfort in knowing your nurse, doctor, or midwife. The reason is that these professionals will certainly help when there is a problem and will also closely monitor you.

As a matter of fact, these professionals may constantly check;

  • 1. The strength of your contractions
  • 2. How often you have contractions.

How can one treat labor that stays for a long period?

Let us assume you are experiencing a prolonged labor, what you should first of all consider is to rest for a while. At times, you may be given drugs to reduce the pains, since you might want to change the position of your body.

Also, assuming your baby is in the birth canal, special tools such as the vacuum device, forceps, etc may be used by the doctors or midwife to help pull out the baby through the vagina. You may also receive Pitocin, but only if your doctor feels that your contractions must be stronger. This certain drug will help to increase the speed of your contractions and also make it more powerful.

Finally, you may need a C-section if after everything mentioned above proves to be futile. You will certainly need a C-section if the baby is too big or the medicine fails to speed up delivery.

Do you want to reverse infertility and get pregnant naturally in the space of 60 days? Click the link below.

Get Pregnant Naturally In 60 Days

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Reverse Infertility and Get Pregnant Naturally in 60 Days

baby

You should not feel awkward if you and your partner are unable to get pregnant. According to recent statistics, more than 2 million married couples experience infertility. Also, this recent statistics indicates that more than 6 million women between the ages of 16 to 44 have not experienced child birth.

That being said, what do you understand by the word ‘infertility? Well, it can be defined as not being able to get pregnant irrespective of the fact that you had unprotected sex and frequent sex. Now, what are the symptoms of infertility? Obviously, the main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant but the other symptoms include; irregular or absent menstrual periods, hormonal issues such as changes in hair growth.

What are the causes of Infertility in both Male and Female?

In the Male gender;

  • Abnormal sperm production or function as a result of genetic defects, undescended testicles, health issues such as infections, gonorrhea, diabetes, Chlamydia, etc.
  • Issues with the delivery of sperm as a result of sexual issues like premature ejaculation, genetic diseases, etc.
  • Damage associated to cancer
  • Overexposure to certain environmental factors like radiation, pesticides, and other chemicals.

In the Female gender;

  • Cervical or uterine abnormalities such as polyps in the uterus, abnormalities in the opening of the cervix, shape of the uterus, etc.
  • Ovulation disorders which certainly has a negative effect on the eggs from the ovaries. This includes hormonal disorders like the polycystic ovary syndrome.
  • Fallopian blockage or tube damage which is certainly as a result of inflammation from the fallopian tube.
  • Pelvic adhesions; it is a bands of scar tissue that attaches organs after appendicitis, pelvic infection, or pelvic or abdominal surgery.
  • Endometriosis. This can occur when the uterus has a grown endometrial tissue. This certainly has a negative impact on the function of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.

In Both Male and Female;

  • If you and your partner are not able to get pregnant and either of you is overweight, know that being overweight can have a negative impact. Being overweight can affect the chances of getting pregnant. As a matter of fact, it can result to hormonal imbalances, ovulation problems, etc.

What Are the Natural Ways to Get Pregnant

According to many scientists and doctors from different parts of the world, people with infertility can enhance fertility. Not only that, these scientists and doctors claimed that there are certain ways to improve hormonal imbalance, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (pos), and premature ovarian failure. These doctors and scientists claimed that women who possess any of the mentioned above can still get pregnant and give birth to healthy babies naturally.

Now, before we recommend this guide titled ‘The Pregnancy Miracle,’ you need to understand the state of your body as an individual. It is critical for conception to occur and as a woman, it is also important to conceive.

The guide titled ‘The Pregnancy Miracle’ is authored by Lisa Olson, a certified nutrition specialist, and a medical researcher. She created this guide to help couples who are unable to get pregnant. Lisa, on the other hand, has also experienced infertility disorders.

So, if you want to get solutions in reversing infertility and getting pregnant naturally, then you need to buy and read the book.

To access the book, simply click on this link below;

I Need \”The Pregnancy Miracle\” Guide

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How to help a baby choking

prevent baby choking

What can you do when you see your baby choking? Even though it is something every parent or guardian does not want to imagine, knowing the basics can be of assistance in potentially dislodging an object.

In this article, we will provide the basic methods you can help a baby choking and also list a few tips to prevent choking accidents in your home.

What are the steps you need to take assuming your baby is choking? Well, a lot of stuffs can occur quickly in emergencies. Therefore, we have made our point clear enough.

Step One: Check if your baby is actually choking

You may notice that your baby is gagging or coughing. We all know that any of them can be scary, but assuming it is just noise and they can breathe, then the baby is not choking.

Choking only occurs when a baby is not able to cry or even cough. The baby would not also be able to make any noise or breathe since their airway is fully hindered.

Step Two: Reach out to 911

The best idea you can think of when you find out that your baby is choking to reach out to a friend or family member or 911 services. Make sure you give a full explanation of the operation and give updates. It is very critical that you give vital information to the operator.

Step Three: Place your baby face down on your forearm

For support, simply use your thigh. Then, use the heel of your free hand to deliver five blows to the area between their shoulder blades. If you want these blows to be effective, then they should be strong and quick at the same time. Your baby’s airway should then experience vibrations and pressure that will hopefully force the object out.

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Step Four: Place your baby over their back

Place your baby on your thigh and also place their head lower than their chest. After that, use your index and middle fingers to locate your baby’s breastbone. Use enough pressure to press the chest down. Make sure you do this at least five times. When you perform this action, then the air from the lungs will be pushed into the airway. This will also potentially force the object out.

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Step Five: Repeat Step One to Step Four

Let us assume the object dialed to dislodge, simply go back and repeat the same instructions. In other words, give vital information to the 911 operator immediately your baby loses consciousness. Then, repeat the chest thrusts.

What can make Babies Choke?

It can be scary to even imagine this scenario, but it can happen. You may even be astonished that food can also result in your baby choking. That is why it is critical to introduce only age-appropriate foods, particularly purees, to your baby after they are four months old.

Foods such as hot dogs, grapes, nuts and seeds, popcorn, chunks of meat, chunks of vegetables or raw fruits, hard candies, chewing gum, peanut butter, etc can result in your baby choking. Other stuffs that can make your baby choke are as follows;

  • Dice
  • Pen caps
  • Marbles
  • Button batteries
  • Coins
  • Toys with small parts
  • Latex balloons and
  • Other tiny small household items
How to Treat Baby Sore Throat
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6 Ways Your Baby Loves You

What makes you feel that your baby loves you? Well, this article will provide some sweet and fascinating ways a baby loves you. In other words, the parent or guardian.

According to a professor of psychology at Lehigh University, Debbie Laible, P.h.D, ‘attachment is a process.’ When you watch over your baby and also take care of your baby, the baby will certainly fall in love with you.

Below, are six ways your baby shows he loves you unconditionally;

1. He knows you are you

According to the author of the philosophical Baby and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Alison Gopnik, PHD, ‘within a few weeks, babies can recognize their caregiver and they prefer her to other people.

Also, according to the director of the Irving B. Harris Infant Studies Program at Erikson University, Linda Gilkerson, PHD, ‘ When a baby is distressed and his parents respond, he learns he can count on them for relief and comfort and that he matters.’

Linda Gilkerson also added that research has proven that caregivers are in ideal sync with their babies only about 40 percent of the time. What is even more crucial is that you (guardian or parent) will learn to recognize and respond when your baby needs you.

2. She stares at you all the time

Once a baby is born, that baby can recognize the mother’s face, smell, and voice. What should be done later is connecting those smells and sounds he trusts with something he can see. That is the basic reason he will begin to study your face as if he is attempting to memorize it. He is actually doing it in a way. He is trying to be sure he knows what love and comfort looks like. So, assuming you notice your baby is staring at you intensely, simply give him time to drink you in.

3. The baby may give you smooches

A baby of around 12 months old may begin to give you kisses. According to the director of the parenting institute at the NYU child study center, Richard Gallaher, Ph.D., ‘Evvi’s enthusiasm shows she has been paying attention to the way her mom shows affection, and she wants to do the same.’ When it comes to physical affection, babies are eager learners and there is no one they would rather practice on than Dad and Mom.

4. She will pull away from you, then run back

As you baby start crawling, you will begin to notice this. From Gopnik explanation, ‘your baby may be thinking I can crawl, let me go out there to find out what is in the world. She goes out there and feels insecure. Then, she will conclude to go back and make sure Mom is still there.’

5. The baby does what you do

Anyone that claimed that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery must have raised a baby or toddler.  Even though a baby is lugging a briefcase down the stairs or cooing over a baby doll, he is certainly displaying how cool he thinks you are. Just like matured people, babies imitate the activities and behaviors of the individuals they cherish the most.

6. They cry when your leave

Your baby tells you she doesn\’t want you to go by wailing and crying when you leave. This means that she acknowledges your absence and your absence signifies some sadness in them.

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Covid Vaccines to Protect Pregnant Women: New Study

Scientists have accumulated a small but steadily growing body of evidence that the covid vaccines are safe and effective during pregnancy. Preliminary results from two continuing studies provide additional encouraging news.

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines produce robust immune responses in pregnant and lactating women and are likely to provide at least some protection against two dangerous coronavirus variants, according to a study published in JAMA.

Vaccinated women can also pass protective antibodies to their fetuses through the bloodstream and to their infants through breast milk, the research suggests.

Covid presents serious risks during pregnancy. Research has shown, for instance, that pregnant women with coronavirus symptoms are more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit, require mechanical ventilation and to die from the virus than are symptomatic women of a similar age who are not pregnant.

Because of these risks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that the covid vaccines at least be made available to pregnant people, many of whom have opted to receive the shots.

The researchers also found neutralizing antibodies in the breast milk of vaccinated mothers and in umbilical cord blood collected from infants at delivery. “Vaccination of pregnant people and lactating people actually leads to transfer of some immunity to their newborns and lactating infants,” said Dr. Ai-ris Y. Collier, a physician-scientist at Beth Israel who is the first author of the paper.

The results are “really encouraging,” Dr. Iwasaki said. “There is this added benefit of conferring protective antibodies to the newborn and the fetus, which is all the more reason to get vaccinated.”

The study will continue, with researchers monitoring women’s longer-term immune responses. And larger epidemiological studies are still needed to confirm these lab-based results, Dr. Collier noted.

More Information Here

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9-months Old Baby Dies at Unlicensed Aurora Home Daycare

Aurora Police confirms the death of a very young child under the age of 1 last week. The cause of the death was an item found to be a dried pinto bean, which was in a sensory bowl that “included dried pinto beans, hair bows, pacifiers and rubber balls” the infant was given. The child care center (Bright From the Start) has been ordered to close immediately following an investigation into the death of an infant in its care, according to the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.

According to WalbNews, during its investigation, Bright From the Start found the infant, after being dropped off that morning, was “engaged in an inappropriate-age activity where (it) had access to an item too small” and which was “capable of causing asphyxiation or strangulation,” prior to its death, according to the closure order.

According to the order, the infant put its hand in the bowl, took a fistful of beans and moved it towards its mouth. A staff member took the items from the infant’s hand and checked its mouth to see if there was anything else in it.

Staff members spotted the infant’s “abnormal” and “labored” breathing shortly after that, the order states.

Later that day, staff noticed the infant’s breathing was worse than before. The order states the center’s director took the child into an office, reached a family member and called EMS. When the infant’s mother arrived, the baby was “pale and crying,” the order explains.

The mother said she would drive her child to the hospital, which was a few minutes away, but the center director said she was in no condition to drive and that they should wait for EMS, the order states.

EMS was called several more times and eventually, the infant was taken to Coffee Regional Medical Center.

The order states the child suffered a heart attack while waiting for treatment and was then airlifted to a hospital in Savannah. A peanut-shaped item was found in the child’s throat and surgery was attempted.

“The attempts to remove the blockage caused the obstructive item to break into pieces,” according to the order. “After three attempts to remove the blockage from the infant’s airway, the infant died.”

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