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Selecting the Right Birth Hospital

Many expecting couples automatically expect their baby to be born at the hospital where their attending doctor has privileges. That doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Couples – especially the expecting wife-should have input into the hospital that is selected. Taking the time before to research and pick a hospital in advance will help make the birthing experience easier.

Every hospital has its own set of policies. Some of the policies are written in stone; others have some flexibility built in. One of the first questions to ask is how long does the hospital allow the mother to stay after birth. Typically, most hospitals discharge the mother after one or two days.

Other immediate questions to ask include the availability of birthing classes, where to check in when it is time to deliver, visitor policies during labor, and what paperwork needs to be completed in advance.

Medical questions are also important. Is there an obstetrician on duty 24 hours a day? If the pregnancy is high risk, make sure the hospital has a Level 2 or Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Does the hospital’s cesarean rate fall in line with the national average of 23 percent?

The hospital being considered should be open to the father staying with the mother after birth and for the baby to stay in the same room as the mother. The hospital should also be willing to follow the mother’s birthing plan.

Health insurance is another major consideration. The couple needs specific answers from the insurance company regarding what is covered by co-pays and deductibles, and find out what tests and procedures are covered. The final hospital bill will most likely contain errors and should be reviewed carefully and brought to the hospital and insurance company’s attention for correction.

Research, ask questions and even take a tour. Being satisfied and confident in the choice of a hospital is worth the time and effort.

Filed Under: Medical Care Tagged With: , , ,

Bringing Home a Newborn

Bringing home a firstborn infant can leave even the best novice parents second-guessing themselves. To make the transition easier, accept the fact that life from here on out is going to be decidedly different than it was before. You will not be getting a good night’s sleep tonight, or any other night in the immediate future. Even the dishes will start to pile up higher in the sink than you would have allowed before. Decide right now that this is okay. The slate of your routine has been wiped clean. You must be flexible enough to make room for whatever schedule the baby carves out on any given day. Learn to embrace flexibility.

Along those lines, learn to love those moments of chaos. Savor each and every experience you have with your little one, even the messiest ones. Don’t be afraid to spoil your newborn and cherish the bonding you’ll have.

Accept any offer of help that comes your way. You may feel a twinge of guilt letting relatives hold the baby too long, but take those moments to relax. It’s vital to give yourself quality time to re-energize.

You can never have enough diapers. Don’t be surprised to find you’re going through a dozen diapers a day with your newborn. Hopefully you would have stocked up during the baby showers, and acquired other essentials such as diaper rash ointment, wipes, and a diaper bin.

Always keep a diaper bag packed, and get out of the house often. Visit family and friends or drop the baby off with a relative to have a date night with the hubby. This will bring a sense of normalcy back into your new topsy-turvy routine.

Talk to your baby often, and sooth him with singing. The sound of your voice can be calming during a fussy restless night, and it also helps with the language skills that will develop later.

Most importantly, relax! And enjoy the experience.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: , , ,

Packing a Diaper Bag

New moms are often at a loss as to what should go in a diaper bag. Obviously, diapers are the first things that come to mind, but how many? And what other essentials should be included in this crucial carryall?

This all depends, generally, on whether or not you are breastfeeding. You will need less equipment in your bag if the sources of your baby’s nourishment are carried inside the bra beneath your blouse. If not, you will need clean bottles and containers of formula. You’ll want to throw in some burp cloths and a couple of bibs.

As for diapers, you’ll need several, but this depends on how long you plan to be out and about for the day. In general you need one for every two hours you plan to be out, plus a few extra just in case (you never know when diarrhea may strike). You’ll also need a travel-sized container of wipes, a changing pad, diaper rash ointment, and plastic bags for easy (and hygienic) soiled diaper disposal. It’s a good idea to bring two changes of clothing for the baby and, depending on the weather, hats and extra socks.

Have a spare pacifier in the bag as well, just in case one gets dropped. You should also have a couple of blankets, plush toys, and teething rings if appropriate.

For safety, always keep a supply of band-aids, hand sanitizer, tissues, antibiotic cream, sunblock, and fever reducer in the bag. If you’re using the diaper bag in place of a purse, ensure you have your cell phone, spare keys, and some cash on hand for emergencies. Packing a camera will ensure you capture every special memory. It can also come in handy if you’re in an accident and need pictures for insurance purposes.

Lastly, don’t forget your own needs. Pack some bottled water, a container of your favorite beverage, and mommy snacks. You never know when you might need them.

Filed Under: Child Development, Education, Family Tagged With: , , ,

Vaccination Information

The intense immunization schedule an infant faces in the first few months of life may seem daunting to new parents. These vaccinations provide numerous benefits by giving the immune system a boost, protecting the child from all sorts of infections. When weighing the pros and cons of vaccines, there are a few things to consider.

On the positive side, these injections help protect babies from 14 potentially fatal diseases and have been proven to save lives. They are generally safe but side effects do occur on an extremely rare basis. Vaccines also prevent the outbreak of epidemics, ensuring a healthier society. They are also cost-efficient the cost of a vaccine pales in comparison to the cost of treatment that could be spent on trying to cure a disease.

However, some children, like those with egg allergies, can be allergic to vaccinations. There is also concern that vaccinations are linked to autism. Some parents may also disagree with the use of animal and human tissue in the creation of these vaccines. Also, no vaccine is 100% effective or safe, and some children can develop side effects. They can also be harmful when the vaccine is not stored properly. In these cases, make sure you gather enough information to reach the best conclusion for your family.

The following immunization schedule is recommended:

Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis given at two, four, six, and twelve to fifteen months.

The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) can be given with the oral polio vaccine (OPV) at twelve to eighteen months. If doing one or the other, IPV or OPV can be given alone at two, four, and twelve to eighteen months.

MMR and Chickenpox should be given between twelve to eighteen months.

Hepatitis B administered around birth, four months, and six to eighteen months.

H. Influenzae Type B at two, four, six, and twelve to fifteen months.

These are general guidelines so be sure and check with your child’s primary care pediatrician for more information.

Filed Under: Medical Care Tagged With: , ,

Helping Mom Find Assisted Living

Your dad recently passed away and your mom is worried about how she will get along alone. She has asked you to help her find an alternative place to live, but you do not even know where to start. There are so many things to take into consideration. Many thoughts are probably running through your head: who you should talk to about options, how you will know if the place is right for your mom’s needs, whether or not your mom will be happy. You will have to do a little research to begin this process.

The first step is speaking with people you know and trust. Find out if there is a facility close to your mom’s current home that is known for its hospitality and cleanliness. Once you have a couple places in mind, it is time to schedule an appointment. Start at the top. Call the administrators of the assisted living facilities that you and your mom are considering. Make an appointment to visit the administrator and tour the facility. During this appointment, be ready to ask pertinent questions. Find out what services are included, whether or not the stay is covered by a long term healthcare plan or medicare, if medical services are available for those who need them and how much say a resident has over their schedule. Also, be sure to inquire about meal preparation and available activities.

Finding the right facility for your mom might take some time. Be ready to look into several different options. You want to make sure that your mom’s needs are met in the best possible way, so being prepared is essential to this process. When you think you have found the right place, be sure your mom is comfortable and that all of her questions have been answered. This makes the transition as smooth as possible for both of you.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , ,

Newborn Feeding Times

First time parents may feel anxious over their baby’s feeding times, and may need guidelines to ensure they are doing it properly. A newborn infant needs frequent feedings around the clock, every two to three hours.

When breastfeeding, newborns should be fed on demand. Generally this equals eight to ten feedings daily. If using formula, feeding every three to four hours should be enough, but adjust this according to your baby’s demands and the recommendations of the product. You can usually get away with feeding according to a pediatrician-recommended schedule in the first couple months, but after that the baby will have individual needs. In that case, it may be a good idea to chart your baby’s demands to develop an individualized feeding schedule. Feeding on a regular schedule will also stimulate reliable milk production.

Starting off, it’s a good idea to keep the baby in your bedroom for those nighttime feedings. It’s less disruptive, especially when you’re breastfeeding, considering you don’t even have to be fully awake. Having a bassinet or even bringing in the crib next to your side of the bed will make for easier nights. All you need to do then is bring the baby into bed with you for nursing.

At one to four months of age, the number of daily feedings will decrease because the baby will have started to sleep for longer periods of time at night. For formula feeding at this age, you should start to notice the baby is satisfied with being fed every four to five hours.

At four to six months, the first solid foods can be introduced. Usually this means trying an iron-fortified rice cereal. Once the baby has accepted that, you can begin feeding strained fruits, pureed vegetables, oatmeal, and other grains. Try only one new food at a time to check for allergies. If the baby develops diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash, this is a sign of an allergic reaction.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Help People Find Your Cause

The days have been cruel, a collection of tired hours and agonizing seconds — your time is spent in a hospital room, among the suffocating sterility, the wilting flowers. Your child is ill, unable to laugh as he once did, unable to charm with a smile. He doesn’t move from his tiny bed. He doesn’t even try. His strength is gone, stolen by disease and the medication chosen to combat it. And your thoughts wander through the minutes, strained as they’ve never been. You worry about a sickness, about the dollars it will eventually demand, about the healing that is so slow. You can’t afford it.

That doesn’t have to be the desperation it seems, however.

There are ways to ease the burden of your situation — and these ways involve nothing more than the efficiency of a computer.

Help people discover your situation through internet connections. Offer your story to forums, online advertisements, social networking sites and blogs — asking others to contribute whatever they can. Every spare penny will be a relief and every kind word will be happily received.

Too many think this crude, somehow an insult to tragedy. They compare the action to marketing and believe it to be vile. The truth, however, is that it is simply embracing the abilities of the Internet: allowing yourself to reach out to the world and have countless individuals reach back. Charity is not a dying notion. It’s instead flourishing online — and you are deserving of it.

Create a page for others to find; use the necessary techniques to make it appear within searches (such as keyword strategies, affiliating and careful placement within the correct engines); and allow yourself to receive aid. This is not an insult to pain. This is instead an alleviation.

Offer yourself to the virtual world. The help you ask for will be given — and effort is worth the result.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , ,

Infant Allergies

If you suspect your infant may have an allergy, it can be frustrating trying to pinpoint the culprit. An allergy can develop as a result of an immune reaction to an allergen substance in the environment. The body mistakes this substance as a potential hazard and releases chemicals, such as histamines, to combat it. The chemicals being released cause allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose, and coughing. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock can occur, posing a life threatening risk.

If your baby continually has a runny or stuffy nose, sneezes a lot, has red, watery eyes, and irritated skin, she may have a nasal allergy. The symptoms generally mimic a cold, but allergies don’t simply go away after a week to ten days. If cold-like symptoms persist for longer than that, it may be allergies.

Common substances resulting in nasal allergies are dust mites, mold, and animal dander. Cigarette smoke can make allergic symptoms worse.

For a baby experiencing hives, breathing difficulty, eczema, bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting, there may be a milk allergy. This can be mistaken as gastrointestinal problems, but dairy is one of the most common allergens among young children. This could also be intolerance to milk protein, a condition where the body is unable to digest casein or whey. In either case, avoiding milk and dairy derivatives is necessary. Soy formula can be an option for many, but just like milk, soy is a common allergen. There are hypoallergenic formula alternatives, but be sure and read labels since many of these are made from cow’s milk.

You may not know right away that your baby has an allergy, since it can take some time for allergies to develop. Allergies can also be inherited, so if you are allergic to pet dander, there’s a good chance your baby could also develop this allergy. To prevent allergy development, protect infants from exposure to common allergens like cigarette smoke, dust mites, and mold.

Filed Under: Medical Care Tagged With: , , ,

How to Breastfeed Properly

Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to bond with your baby. It provides your infant with the essential nutrients only you can give, arming the baby with disease-fighting antibodies. It’s even beneficial to you mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of diabetes and breast cancer but learning to breastfeed takes practice and patience.

The best thing to do is start as soon as possible. Breastfeeding a newborn within the first hour of life is the best nutritional choice.

Learn how to feed in a comfortable position so you can relax. Support your back so you will not tire quickly while supporting the baby during the feeding. A nursing pillow is a valuable tool for making the feeding as comfortable as possible for you both. To ensure your milk is being released, feel for a tingling sensation. This signals the release of the breast milk.

When using a breast pump, purchase a quality product. Squeeze or gently massage your breasts, starting at your armpits and working toward the nipple, during the pumping. Creating a routine pumping schedule can get your body used to producing milk regularly.

A common misconception is that breastfeeding is uncomfortable, but that’s only true if it’s done improperly. You may have some tenderness or soreness in the breasts at first, but this should go away as the milk begins to flow regularly. The nipples will probably be uncomfortable at first, but if the baby is positioned correctly and has latched-on properly, this soreness will go away in a few days. If pain continues, consult a lactation specialist.

To help with initial soreness, massage a few drops of your milk into the nipples and let them air-dry. Avoid soap in the shower because it strips the natural oils from the skin, which may cause cracking. If your nipples are tender, a lactation consultant may suggest wearing breast shells.

Breastfeeding will quickly become a rewarding experience one of the firsts in motherhood.

Filed Under: Education, Resources Tagged With: , , ,

Choosing a Pediatrician

Selecting a pediatrician for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make as a new parent. He or she will not only be the go-to person for vaccinations and childhood illnesses, but the one person who will be most influential in helping you develop your own parenting style and educate you on childhood development stages.

Choosing a doctor for your baby doesn’t have to happen after the birth. Ideally, you have already thought about making prenatal interviews with pediatricians to get acquainted with them and their facilities. While some physicians charge for these types of visits, you may find some offering the prenatal interviews free of charge.

Come to your interview with a list of questions. Ask about their office hours, after-hour emergencies, and what types of insurance are accepted. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like, “How do you feel about circumcision,” “What are your views on alternative medicine,” or “How do you feel about breastfeeding?” If these questions are important to you, they need to be on your list.

This visit will also give the pediatrician a chance to get to know your family. He or she will most likely ask you about the progress of your pregnancy, if there have been any complications, and what sorts of medical conditions you or your other children have.

One of the best ways to decide on a doctor and facility for your new baby is to ask around. Talk to friends and family and let them know you’re looking for a good physician for your kids. Generally everyone will have an opinion, and they will be the ones most likely to give you an unbiased one. Other sources are obstetrician referrals and local hospital recommendations. There are many Internet sources with doctor reviews now, so finding a highly recommended facility shouldn’t be a difficult task. Just make sure you take your time and do some research.

Filed Under: Medical Care Tagged With: , , ,
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