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FAMILY WELL-BEING:
HOW TO KEEP THE NEW BABY HEALTHY AND HAPPY. |
G.M.
Laidlaw Butte,
MT |
Everything that I have read always leads to the same conclusion. The number one way to keep your baby healthy is to make all of your pediatrician's appointments." Certainly if you get your baby all of their shots, and have your doctor regularly watch their growth and development, you should be good.
A lot of baby experts agree that an important factor in a baby's health is breastfeeding. Mother's breast milk has the best nutritional ingredients for baby's health. The store-bought formulas don't even come close according to what I've been told.
Doctor's claim that breastfed babies get important immunity boosters and protection through breast milk for everything from diarrhea to SIDS.
Of course, if you are not producing enough milk, or your baby isn't taking it, or you are not able to breastfeed, then probably the best thing for your baby is to switch to a bottled formula. "
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FEEDBACK: If you can, breastfeed your baby exclusively for your baby's first six months. of life and that 'there is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding.
Try not to feed your baby juice or water. Water and juice are not necessary for your baby's health. If you think that your baby is thirsty, just feed them.
Choose an iron fortified infant formula if you choose not to breastfeed. Low iron formulas, homemade formulas, cow's milk, and goat's milk, are not good substitutes. CY, Denver, CO
There are a lot of finatics out there evangelizing about the importance of breast milk. Don't be intimidated by them. Decide what is best for you. NM, San Diego,CA
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T.I.
Wong
Merced,
CA
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I have six happy healthy children, but I know that one of the biggest fears facing new moms and dads is that somehow they are going to do something wrong, or forget to do something that they are supposed to do. Hopefully, this will help you feel confident that you are doing everything that you should be for your baby.
Putyourimagination and subconscious to work and write down yourthoughts pertaining to each of the things you expect to improve.
Never, ever shake your baby. Shaking your baby can cause Shaken Baby Syndrome, with severe head injuries, brain damage, and even death.
Try to always put your baby to sleep on their back. This will decrease your baby's risk of SIDS.
Don't expect your baby to sleep through the night until they are much older. Your new baby will likely only sleep for two or four hours at a time, although you can expect them to sleep for six to eight hours by the time they are about three months old.
Try to respond to your baby when she cries. You are not going to spoil your baby by responding to their cries right away at this age, so feed, change, hold, or soothe your baby when he is crying.
Never leave your baby alone where he could fall. Even though your new baby isn't very mobile, it is still a good idea to never leave them alone where they might fall. If you wait until your first see them roll over before you start being more careful, their first roll might be right off of the changing table or bed.
Always support your baby's head and neck when you pick her up.
A new baby is not strong enough to support the weight of her own head, so be sure to avoid injuries by carefully supporting her head and neck when you hold, carry, or pick your baby up. Always make sure anybody else who picks up your baby does the same thing. Never assume they know this.
Try to never heat your baby's bottles in the microwave. Microwave ovens heat liquids unevenly, and so can leave super heated pockets of formula in your baby's bottle. Even if you vigorously shake the bottle afterwards, heating bottles in the microwave should be avoided.
Those are the basic do's and don'ts that I've used with my six. I hope they can help you gain the confidence you need to be the best Mom you can be.
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FEEDBACK: Parents Support Groups and Mom's Clubs can be one of the most important resources for a new mother. From first-hand advice to organizing at-home support services for the first days home fromthe hospital, don't hesitate to reach out to these organizations as soon as you are sure that you are in a family way. it may prove to be the best call you ever make. MM, Taggert, DK
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S.W.
Mathias
Mt. Cisco,
NY |
Obviously the health management of your new baby begins with scheduling your pediatrician appointments. The first visit to the doctor is usually advised when your baby is two weeks old. If this is your first baby and your are breast feeding and had an early discharge from the nursery, then you should see your doctor within one to two days for a recheck.
At the two-week checkup, you can expect your doctor to check the weight, height and head circumference of your baby and review his growth and development. He will probably have a repeat of his newborn screen test and may have his first Hepatitis B vaccine (unless it was already given in the nursery).
The next check up with your pediatrician will be when your infant is two months old (although some doctors also recommend a visit at four weeks of age).
If you have questions for your doctor, be sure to include as much information as possible with your questions, including your child's age, what the problem is, when it begin, how often it occurs, what makes it better, what makes it worse, associated symptoms, and what treatments have already been tried.
You should also include information on your child's past medical history, including any chronic medical problems (such as asthma, down syndrome, etc), past surgeries, and current medications.
Of course there are times when you should not wait for your next regularly scheduled appointment. If your child is acutely ill, with a high fever, difficulty breathing, lethargy, irritability, bleeding, persistent vomiting, etc. then you should seek immediate medical attention from your own physician or local emergency medical services. |
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Keep a file or envelope for all of the medical records, information, prescriptions or other materials you receive from your doctor or medical care provider. Make sure you know where it is at all times in case of an emergency and keep the number of your physician and local hospital in clear view so you don't have to waste time looking for it during an emergency. Sometimes seconds make all the difference with a newborn.
CK, Nyack,NY |
N.R.
Wells
Travis,
PA
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People won't generally tell this to a new mother, but one of the most important things you can do is to take some time out of being a new mom. That's right, take time for yourself. A lot of new moms go through what they cal the "baby blues," or postpartum stress.
This happens because your body goes through so many changes during pregnancy. These "blue" feelings may happen to you before your baby is born or directly afterwards. You may feel discouraged or tense up, or even feel like crying over little things that would never usually bug you.
Don't worry. These feelings are normal and very common among new mothers. They certainly won't last forever, but they should not just be ignored. For example, you may have trouble sleeping. If you do, it is extremely important for you to force yourself to take time to rest.
When you are under a lot of stress. getting some rest may help you handle your feelings a whole lot better. It also may help to talk about your feelings with other family and friends.
Try to find out if there are any parent groups in your community. Your Church or local religious organizations may be able to help you find someone to talk to.
You may also want to talk to your doctor. If you have friends or family who will help you with meals, housework or shopping, now is certainly the time to ask. It is also the perfect time to let your baby's father help out. Especially at diaper time.
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FEEDBACK: That's why it's important to share your feelings with anybody who will listen. Chances are, you and your wife are both exhausted and anxious. Talking about what's bothering you -- such as a strained budget or difficulty soothing the baby -- can help you both stay connected. A shared laugh can help lighten the darkest mood.
Don't hesitate to encourage your wife to relax her household standards. Hide the broom and leave dust bunnies where they lie. Store clean clothes in the laundry basket until she needs them -- or in stacks on the floor, for that matter. Learn to clean the bathroom with a fresh diaper wipe. And yes, let her know that cold cereal is acceptable to you for dinner fare once in a while. Since you can't call on FEMA you will have to depend upon the understanding of your friends and family that your home is now a disaster area until further notice. AV, Northumberland, MD
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to replace the advice of the physician who cares for your child. The information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician. All medical advice should be considered incomplete without a physical exam, which is not possible without a visit to your Pediatrician. This advice is meant for informational use only. |
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EXPERT OPINIONS |
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Once you have a new baby, and you are a proud parent, you |
| can sometimes feel excited but also a little nervous about taking care of the little angel. Don't worry. You are like most newparents in this regard.
One thing that you should be aware of is that even in the first days of life, your baby is starting to find out who you are. Research has found that very young babies know the difference between their parents and strangers.
There are many changes that take place and new things to learn when you become a parent. It doesn't happen overnight. Learn to be patient with yourself. The love you have for your baby will help you learn to become a good parent.
Just as no two babies are exactly alike, no two parents take care of a baby in exactly the same way. Be a loving parent. Do your best. Enjoy your baby! But mainly, don't be afraid or ashamed to ask questions of medical authorities or even other parents, if you need help.
Janice Denny
Nurse Practitioner
Seattle, WA
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It is important to have your baby is tested for certain |
medical conditions when he or she is born. Many conditions can be treated if they are found early enough.
This early treatment assures that your baby will grow up healthier. Certain newborn tests are given in the hospital right after birth. Additional tests are given again at your baby's first checkup.
The second series of tests is important. It must be done one or two weeks after the first tests. Be sure to take your baby to the doctor or clinic for this second series of tests.
At this visit, your doctor will also check other things to make sure your baby is doing fine. A small amount of your baby's blood will be taken. It will be tested and you will be told if there is any cause for concern. Your doctor or nurse can answer questions about the tests.
If you don't have health insurance for your baby, you can learn about resources in your state by contacting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Insure Kids Now Program.
To learn more, call 1-877-KIDSNOW or visit their Web site at www.insurekidsnow.gov.
Chester Shareef
Social Worker
Newark, NJ
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In my humble opinion the main job for the parents of a |
| newborn is to help them grow. And in the first year, they will do it in a big way. In that time most babies triple their birth weight and increase their length by about 50%.
From your baby's first day, health care providers will keep track of your baby's weight, length, and head size. Why all this interest in your baby's size? Because growth is a good indicator of a newborn's general health. A child who is growing well is generally healthy, while poor growth can be a sign of a problem.
Just like adults, newborns come in a range of healthy sizes. Most babies who are born full-term (between 37 and 40 weeks) weigh somewhere between 6 pounds, 2 ounces (2,812 grams) and 9 pounds, 2 ounces (4,173 grams). The average length for a full-term infant usually ranges from 19 to 21 inches (48 to 53 centimeters).
If your full-term newborn is lighter or heavier than the average range, he or she is probably perfectly fine but might receive extra attention from the doctors and nurses after delivery just to make sure there are no problems.
Being small or large at birth doesn't necessarily mean a baby will be small or large later in childhood or as an adult. Plenty of towering teenagers began life as small babies, and the biggest baby on the block can grow up to be a petite adult. By and large, by the time they're adults, kids tend to resemble their parents in size. Genetics, as well as good nutrition and your attention, will play a large part in determining how your baby grows in the years to come.
Whether your baby starts out large, small, or in between, in the next few months you can expect your infant to keep growing fast.
Velma Tigaron
Midwife
Sacramento, CA
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A newborn baby can and will bring a whirlwind of activity |
| and excitement to your life, and plenty of stress and fatigue as well.
Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned vet the round-the-clock aspect of newborn care can turn your life upside down. The best advice is to appreciate the joy your new baby brings to your life -- and cope with the rest one day at a time.
First, to be of any use to your baby you have got to take care of yourself. Resist the urge to count caffeine as a major food group. Instead, eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water and get some fresh air. Do something you enjoy every day, either with your baby or on your own. Good health habits will help you maintain the energy you need to take care of your newborn.
Next, you need to get plenty of rest. Sleep is at a premium right now. Grab it when you can! Sleep when your baby sleeps. Work out a nighttime schedule with your husband that allows both of you to rest and care for the baby.
Don't be reluctant to establish visiting hours. Friends and loved ones may come out of the woodwork to admire the new baby. Don't hesitate to let everybody know what time works best, and ask anyone who's ill to stay home. When you have visitors, don't be afraid to set aside your social graces or the need to be the "Hostess with the Mostest". Let the friends or family care for the baby while you get some much-needed rest.
Finally, go with the flow. It's never too early to establish a routine, but let your baby set the pace. Allow plenty of time each day for nursing sessions, naps and crying spells. Keep scheduled activities to a minimum. When you need to head out, give yourself extra time to pack your supplies and check and change the inevitable out-the-door dirty diaper.
Your stress is your baby's worst nightmare. These tips can help you keep your stress down to a mild scream in the bathroom or linen closet. Whatever it takes to make for a happy, healthy baby.
Marge Stillwell
Registered Nurse
Davenport, IA
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The way your baby grows in her first year can affect her |
| health for life. Obviously Medical Checkups are a normal and important thing for babies.
Even though your baby may seem healthy, she should get checkups at one to two weeks of age, and at two, four, six, nine, and 12 months of age.
Your baby's first visit to the doctor will be a week or two after birth. This is the time to ask your doctor for the results of the hearing screening if it was done in the hospital. If a hearing test was not done, ask your doctor for a referral for the test. You need to know as soon as possible if your baby has hearing problems. If she does, she may need special help now so she can communicate with people. This will help her when she learns to talk and read.
At each checkup, the doctor or nurse will examine your baby's head, eyes, ears, heart, lungs and other body parts and measure your baby's length, weight and head size.
The doctor or nurse will ask about your baby's hearing and vision and about how she eats, sleeps and acts. At this point they will also provide you with information about how a baby develops and grows.
Their main objective will be to provide you with the confidence you need to be the best parent you can possibly be.
Betty Davison
Family Councilor
Westport, CT
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A Chinese proverb says, No man is wise by himself. The same holds true, |
| It's tough to listen to your baby cry. To take the best care of your baby, it's important to take good care of yourself, too. Here are five things you can do to keep up with the challenges of being a new parent:
* Take a break. When you've done what you can, ask your spouse or another loved one to take over for a while. Take advantage of baby-sitting offers from friends or neighbors. Even an hour on your own can help renew your coping strength.
* Make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat healthfully. Make time for exercise, such as a brisk daily walk. If you can, sleep when the baby sleeps -- even during the day. Avoid alcohol and other drugs.
* Remember that it's temporary. For most babies, crying spells often peak at about six weeks and then gradually decrease.
* Know when to call the doctor. If you're concerned about the crying or your baby isn't eating, sleeping or behaving like usual, call your baby's doctor. He or she can help you tell the difference between normal tears and something more serious.
* Recognize your limits. If your baby's crying is causing you to lose control, put the baby in a safe place -- such as a crib -- and go to another room to collect yourself. Contact your doctor, a local crisis intervention service or a mental health help line for support.
Mildred Weren
Post Natal Therapist
Boston, MA
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David Swann
Art Director
Fantazzzmia
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This is for all you new Dads out there. I hope that you were expecting the a roller coaster of emotions that breezed into your house with that new little bundle of joy your wife brought home from the hospital. You can expect top go from adoring your new baby and marveling at those cute little tiny fingers and toes to grieving your loss of poker nights and golf weekends to worrying about your ability to care for an infant, all in the space of a single diaper change.
Get your wife out of the house. If you're going stir-crazy with a fussy newborn, take the mother and baby out for a walk. If you can, let someone else take over for a while and the two of you take a walk. Don't forget to hold her hand.
Accept a helping hand. When friends and loved ones offer to help, take them up on it. Suggest holding the baby, folding the laundry, running a few errands -- whatever would help your wife the most. And don't you go AWOL when it's time to do the dishes, scrub the bathtub or vacuum the house.
Encourage your wife to nurture other relationships with you. Your newborn needs your love and attention, but the two of you won't let your baby down by spending time with others. Set aside one-on-one time with your other children. Schedule dates with your wife. Meet a friend for lunch or a movie. But be sure to keep your perspective. The newborn days won't last long. Both of you need to step back and appreciate the moment, even amid the chaos.
And most of all. Don't forget to tell her how beautiful she is and how much you love her. She just went through 9 months of pain and tubbiness. Positive reinforcement that she still has "it" ( in your eyes) is your biggest responsibility right now |
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Millicent Plum
Human Resource
Coordinator
Fantazzzmia |
| In any given day, the average newborn cries for more than two hours. First you have to find out why babies cry -- then you need to cope with the tears. A feeding or diaper change may be enough to stop tears in their tracks. Sometimes it takes more effort -- and sometimes there's nothing you can do but comfort your baby as the crying runs its course. Here is what those tears could be trying to tell you according to the Mayo Clinic
I'm hungry!
Most newborns eat every few hours around the clock. If your baby is hungry, it's time for a nursing session or bottle.
Some babies become frantic when hunger strikes. They may get so worked up by the time the feeding begins that they gulp air with the milk, which may cause spitting up or more crying.
To avoid such frenzy, respond to early signs of hunger. Rocking, cuddling or another soothing activity may help calm your baby before the feeding. If your baby begins to gulp during the feeding, take a break.
I need to burp!
During and after each feeding, take time to burp your baby. But don't stop there. Your baby may need to burp between feedings as well.
I pooped!
For some babies, a wet or soiled diaper is a sure-fire way to trigger tears. Gas or indigestion may have the same effect. Check your baby's diaper often to make sure it's clean and dry.
I'd rather be bundled.
Some babies feel most secure in a swaddle wrap. Try this:
* Spread a receiving blanket or other small, lightweight blanket on the floor.
* Fold down one corner of the blanket.
* Lay your baby face-up on the blanket, with his or her head on the folded corner.
* Pick up the right or left side of the blanket. Pull it over your baby and tuck it snugly beneath him or her on the other side.
* Fold up the bottom of the blanket to cover your baby's feet.
* Wrap the other side of the blanket around your baby. Keep his or her head and neck exposed.
It's time for a nap!
Tired babies are often fussy. Make sure your baby is getting enough sleep. For newborns, this often means up to 16 hours -- or even more -- every day.
Look for early signs of drowsiness, such as fussing, drooping eyelids and rubbing the eyes. Responding to these early cues may help you avoid full-blown bawling if your baby becomes overtired.
Where is everyone?
If your baby's feeling lonely, simply seeing you, hearing your voice or being cuddled may stop the tears. In fact, babies who are held or carried during most of their waking hours are less fussy than those left in a crib or infant seat. Some babies who squirm and struggle when you try to hold them respond to gentle massage or light pats on the back.
I want to move!
Sometimes a rocking session or rhythmic walk through the house is enough to soothe a crying baby. In other cases, a change of position is all that's needed. Keeping safety precautions in mind, try a baby swing or vibrating infant seat. Weather permitting, head outdoors with the stroller. You may even want to buckle up for a ride in the car.
Who turned up the heat?
A baby who's too hot or cold is likely to be uncomfortable. Add or remove a layer of your baby's clothing as needed.
What did you feed me?
If you're breast-feeding your baby, he or she may be fussier than usual after you eat spicy or gas-producing foods. Too much caffeine may be an issue as well. If you suspect a certain food is causing trouble, avoid it for several days to see if it makes a difference.
A few babies cry after feedings because they have trouble digesting a certain type of formula. Ask your baby's doctor if a formula switch may be in order.
I'd really like to suck on something.
Sucking is a natural reflex. For many babies, it's a comforting, soothing activity. If your baby isn't hungry, try a clean finger or pacifier.
Enough already!
Too much noise, movement and visual stimulation may drive your baby to tears. Move to a calmer environment or place your baby in the crib. "White noise" -- such as a recording of ocean waves or the monotonous sound of an electric fan, vacuum cleaner or ticking clock -- may help your baby relax.
It's just that time of day.
Many babies have predictable periods of fussiness during the day. There may be little you can do to prevent these episodes.
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