After giving birth to her baby, a mother couldn’t understand what was happening as the room fell into complete, anxious silence. She was beyond terrified of what words would break the peaceful atmosphere.
In 2018, after 9 months of trying to conceive, Eliza Jamkochian Bahnaman, 36, and her husband, Erik, 41, were excited to discover they were having a baby. Bahnaman shared her pregnancy with friends and her sisters, who were simultaneously pregnant and near due dates.
The mother-to-be couldn’t wait for her miraculous baby to come into the beautiful world. However, Bella chose to leave the warm space of her mother’s womb a month earlier than expected. In October 2018, Isa Isabella, or “Bella,” was officially born.
This newborn weighed 5½ pounds after a total of 12 hours of intense labor. However, what was supposed to be a moment of joy quickly faded. Bahnaman noticed a dark silence and whispers filling her room, leaving her bewildered.
Looking back at that moment, she expressed, “Why doesn’t anyone congratulate me? Why is my husband so confused and scared? Why can’t my mom look at me?” Bella was taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where after many tests, she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Treacher Collins. This causes the facial bones to not develop properly.
Because of this, Isa Bella was born with many complications, such as hearing loss and a narrow airway. She then began the difficult path of surgeries and emergency hospital visits. Bella had to attend various therapies, including music classes to address her hearing loss, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Her mother wants to continue raising awareness and educating the public about Treacher Collins’ disorder. Ultimately, Bahnaman wants to inspire others to be kind to those who have this condition. After all, that’s what anyone should do when they meet someone unique and beautiful.
As parents, we all want our children to be healthy and happy. One way to help ensure this is to encourage healthy habits. Here are ten habits that can help children stay healthy:
1. **Eat a healthy diet:** Encourage your child to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
2. **Drink enough water:** Staying hydrated is important for good health. Encourage your child to drink enough water throughout the day.
3. **Exercise regularly:** Physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy weight and having strong bones and muscles. Encourage your child to get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day.
4. **Get enough sleep:** Children need a lot of sleep to grow and stay healthy. Encourage your child to sleep at least 8-10 hours each night.
5. **Wash your hands regularly:** Good hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of germs. Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating or touching their face.
6. **Brush your teeth twice a day:** Good oral hygiene is important for overall health. Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
7. **Limit Screen Time:** Too much screen time can have negative effects on physical and mental health. Encourage your child to limit her screen time to no more than two hours a day.
8. **Wear protective equipment during sports and other activities:** Protective equipment such as helmets, knee pads, and mouth guards can help prevent injuries during sports
and other activities.
9. **Practice stress management techniques:** Stress can have negative effects on physical and mental health. Encourage your child to practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
10. **Socialize:** Social connection is important for mental health. Encourage your child to spend time with friends and family and participate in social activities such as clubs or sports teams.
By encouraging these habits, you can help your child stay healthy and happy.
