Welcoming your little one into this big world can be one of the most magical things a woman can experience in her lifetime. Whether its your first, last, or just a thought; we have prepared a corner just for you. “We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.” – 1 John 1:4
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We prayed for this child and the
Lord has granted us what we asked of Him. – I Samuel 1:27
“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” – James 1:17
“From the fullness of grace we have received one blessing after another” - John 1:16
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Bathing a slippery newborn can be a nerve-racking experience. Your baby may not like it much, either. But stay calm. With a little practice, you'll both start to feel more comfortable at bath time.
A baby bath doesn't necessarily need to be done in a tub of water. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off, and sponge baths are sometimes recommended for premature babies — but often the choice between sponge baths and tub baths is up to the parents.
If you'd like to give your baby a sponge bath, you'll need:
A warm place with a flat surface. A bathroom or kitchen counter, changing table or firm bed will work. Even a blanket or towel on the floor is OK if it's warm enough.
A soft blanket, towel or changing pad. Spread it out for your baby to lie on.
A free hand. Always keep one hand on your baby. On a changing table, use the safety strap as well.
A sink or shallow plastic basin to hold the water. Run 2 to 3 inches (about 5 to 8 centimeters) of warm water into the basin or sink. Check the water temperature with your hand to make sure it's not too hot.
Essential supplies. Gather a washcloth, a towel, cotton balls, mild baby shampoo, mild moisturizing soap, baby wipes, a clean diaper and a change of clothes.
When you're ready to begin the sponge bath, undress your baby and wrap him or her in a towel. Lay your baby on his or her back on the blanket, towel or pad you've prepared. Wet the washcloth, wring out excess water and wipe your baby's face. There's no need to use soap. Use a damp cotton ball or clean cotton cloth to wipe each eyelid, from the inside to the outside corner.
When you're ready to move on, plain water is usually OK. If your baby is smelly or dirty, use a mild moisturizing soap. Pay special attention to creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck and in the diaper area. Also wash between your baby's fingers and toes. To keep your baby warm, expose only the parts you're washing.
**Information provided by Mayo Clinic Staff**
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Umbilical Cord Care
Do's and don'ts
Wonder how to care for your newborn's umbilical cord stump? Simply keep the stump clean and dry — and report any signs of infection to your baby's doctor.
By Mayo Clinic staff
You can describe most bellybuttons as little nubs or crinkly indentations — but not at first. Your baby's bellybutton starts out as an umbilical cord stump about an inch long. Until the stump dries out and falls off, keep it clean and dry.
Taking care of the stump
Your baby's umbilical cord stump will change from yellowish green to brown to black as it dries out and eventually falls off — usually within about two weeks after birth. In the meantime, treat the area gently:
■Keep the stump clean. Parents were once instructed to swab the stump with rubbing alcohol after every diaper change. Researchers now say the stump may heal faster if left alone. If the stump becomes dirty or sticky, wash it with soap and water — then dry it by holding a clean, absorbent cloth around the stump or fanning it with a piece of paper. Return to top
■Keep the stump dry. Expose the stump to air to help dry out the base. Keep the front of your baby's diaper folded down to avoid covering the stump. Change wet or soiled diapers quickly to prevent irritation. In warm weather, dress your baby in a diaper and T-shirt to improve air circulation.
■Stick with sponge baths. Sponge baths may be most practical during the healing process. When the stump falls off, you can bathe your baby in a baby tub or sink.
■Let the stump fall off on its own. Resist the temptation to pull off the stump yourself, even if it's hanging on by only a thread.
Signs of infection
During the healing process, it's normal to see a little crust or dried blood near the stump. Contact your baby's doctor if your baby develops a fever or if the umbilical area:
■Appears red and swollen around the cord
■Continues to bleed
■Oozes yellowish pus
■Produces a foul-smelling discharge
If your baby has an umbilical cord infection, prompt treatment can stop the infection from spreading. Return to top
Feeding Your Baby and Toddler (Birth to Age Two)
What do I need to know about feeding my new baby?
For the first six months of life, your baby needs only breast milk or infant formula to eat. Breastmilk contains a unique mix of fatty acids, lactose, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other important factors that combine to make the perfect infant food. It has everything a baby needs for easy digestion, brain development, healthy growth, and protection from illness. Find out more about deciding between breastfeeding and formula feeding and about feeding your newborn.
You should know that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that [1]:
Breastfeeding is best for all infants, even premature and sick babies, with rare exceptions.
Newborns should be nursed when they show signs of hunger, like being more alert or active, mouthing, or rooting. By the time a baby is crying from hunger, they have already been hungry for a while. In the early weeks, newborns should nurse about 8-12 times every 24 hours, usually for about 10-15 minutes on each breast.
Breast milk alone is the ideal food for the first 6 months of life. If you wean your baby before 12 months of age, give an iron-fortified formula. The formula should be iron-fortified to prevent anemia (low blood count). Return to top
Don't start cow's milk until your child is one year old. Cow's milk does not have the vitamins babies need. There is generally no need to give your breastfed baby water, juice or other foods in the first 6 months.
Breastfeeding should ideally continue for at least 12 months, and as long after that as both mother and baby want to keep on nursing. (The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for two years or more.)
Mother and baby should sleep near each other to make breastfeeding easier at night.
Breastfeeding has important health benefits for babies, such protecting against diarrhea, ear infections, bacterial meningitis, and possibly also SIDS, diabetes, obesity and asthma.
Breastfeeding is healthy for mothers. It can reduce their risk of ovarian and breast cancer, and osteoporosis and hip fractures post-menopause.
**Written and compiled by Kyla Boyse, R.N. ** Return to top
How is a baby's estimated birth date calculated?
Naegele's Rule (Standard Pregnancy Dating Method)
In about 1850, Dr. Naegele determined that the average length of human gestation was approximately 38 weeks (266 days) from conception. This equates to 40 weeks (280 days) after the first day of the last menstrual period. When making this determination he assumed that the average woman had cycles that lasted 28 days and that she ovulated on day 14 of her cycle. Therefore, the egg could not be fertilized until 2 weeks after the first day of the menstrual cycle. He used his data to come up with a mathematical calculation for due dates.
If you know the first day of your last menstrual cycle you can calculate your due date by counting back three months from that day and adding seven days to it. Return to top
Guide to Breastfeeding Your New Baby
If you're like many new moms you have some concerns about breastfeeding. You know that breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby, and that it protects against illness and helps baby's brain develop. But you also might be thinking, "Can I do it?" and "Will my baby get enough to eat?"
STEP 1. Hey, When Do We Eat?
You and baby will find feeding easier if baby is interested but not overly hungry. Begin the feeding before your baby is crying. Look for early feeding cues, like this alert face and open mouth. Tongue and hand movements are also signs that baby is ready to eat.
STEP 2. Help for Sleepyheads!
Some babies will be sleepy the first several days after birth and need a little coaxing to feed. To get baby ready, Dad can undress him down to his diaper and hold baby in an upright position (a burping position). By gently massaging and walking his fingers up baby's back and talking softly, he will help baby become more alert and interested in eating. If baby's skin feels too cool, you can throw a light blanket over his back.
STEP 3. What About Mom?
Gather the things you'll need to be comfortable. Take a few slow breaths. Sip some water and keep it within reach. There is no one best position for breastfeeding. You can be seated in a chair or on a sofa. You can sit or lie in bed. Use cushions, pillows, a nursing stool—whatever you need to support your back and feet. Your goal is to be able to support your baby without straining your back, neck, arms or shoulders.
STEP 4. Get Baby in Position
Once you've made yourself comfortable, position baby. Here our lactation consultant helps Mom make her baby feel secure and supported. A pillow helps place the baby at a good height so neither you nor baby have to strain. Your baby needs to be close to your body to feed easily. Support her body from her head to her bottom. Your baby should be looking straight ahead at your breast with her head, back and bottom in one line. This mom is supporting her breast with her outside hand and supporting baby's body with her opposite arm. Return to top
Step 4b. With Baby by Your Side
This mom supports her baby's shoulders and head with her outside hand. (This is called the "football" hold.) She supports her breast with the opposite hand. To support your breast correctly, have four fingers resting on your rib cage and your thumb resting lightly on top of your breast, back from the areola (the dark part of the breast that surrounds the nipple). In the first few weeks it helps baby if you support your breast for the whole feeding. Later on do what is comfortable for both of you.
STEP 5. Nose to Nipple
Place baby so that when his mouth is closed his nose is level with your nipple. When baby opens wide and you move him forward, he will be well-positioned on your breast. His gums will be on the areola, centered around the nipple. As he feeds, this will feel comfortable to you and satisfying to baby.
STEP 6. Say Ahhh!
Wait until baby opens wide (like a yawn) then bring the baby forward to your breast. With your supporting arm, move the baby's head and body to the breast. Think and do: baby to breast. Be patient. It does take practice. The latch-on may be uncomfortable for a moment or two.Continued breastfeeding should not hurt. If it does, most likely the positioning is not right. Gently break the suction by using your finger to release the nipple. Take a minute for a few calming breaths. Then try again. This is a good time to ask for help. Return to top
STEP 7. Success! What You See and Feel
When baby is positioned correctly, she is tucked in close to the breast with her mouth open wide. Her chin is right up against the lower part of the breast. Baby's nose is near the breast but nostrils are clear and baby can breathe well. Her lips are flanged (opened and flattened outward) and she has a good mouthful of breast. At first, some moms notice the feeling of the nipple being drawn back into baby's mouth at the start of the feeding. You might also feel a mild to strong tingling sensation in your breast. This is the let-down reflex.
STEP 8. Dad's in the Picture
Dad's role in breastfeeding is very important. When Dad has a positive attitude it is easier for Mom to begin and continue breastfeeding. Dads-to-be and new dads can learn about breastfeeding along with Mom. And dads have their own ways to nurture and play with baby—cuddling, changing, bathing, burping and soothing. Babies love to snuggle against Dad's warm chest.
Keep Working Together
When baby latches on, he will take a few quick sucks and then begin to suck a bit more slowly, deeply and rhythmically. He will pause from time to time and then continue. The pauses will get longer as the feeding continues until it is complete.
Your baby may want to nurse on both breasts each feeding or only on one. After baby finishes on one side, give him a few minutes to rest. Then always offer the second side but keep in mind that baby may be full.
Babies have different patterns. But all newborns need to be nursed often. In general, you'll need to breastfeed between 9 and 12 times a day for the first couple of weeks. Return to top
Try to get baby interested in feeding every couple of hours during the day and evening. You don't need to wake your baby unless he sleeps longer than four or five hours, your breasts are uncomfortably full or your baby's health care provider tells you to do so.
Is Baby Getting Enough?
You'll know your baby is getting enough to eat if by the time your baby is a week old he has:
At least six or more wet diapers each day (urine should be pale yellow)
Three or more bowel movements each day (stool will be soft, yellow and seedy-looking)
Steady weight gain—most babies are back to their birth weight in about a week and gain 4–8 ounces per week for the next few months
Periods of contentment for an hour or two after most feedings
If you think your baby is not getting enough to eat, call your doctor or midwife right away.
List of supplies that I will need for newborn
This is a list from which you are free to choose what you think you will need. You may also get ideas for buying gifts for baby showers etc. For newborns you may also delay in the purchasing of some items until your baby is a little older; for example cup and spoon, sip cups etc. Also see
Printable Checklist
For your baby's room:
Crib
Crib Mattress
Crib Bedding
Waterproof mattress pad
Diaper changing table
Dresser or bins for clothing storage
Diaper Pail
Baby monitor
Laundry bag/basket
Baby Monitor Bathing and Baby Care
Before you buy many baby bath supplies, consider whether you want to bathe your newborn in a regular tub, a sink, or in a special baby tub.
Cotton
Baby bathtub
Baby Shampoo
Baby powder
Baby soap or baby body wash
Baby lotion
Hooded baby towels or regular soft towels
Baby washcloths or regular soft washcloths
Baby Nail Clippers
Nasal Aspirator
Digital rectal thermometer
Infant safe sunscreen
Baking soda (ideal for bath water if baby has rash) Return to top
Feeding Your Newborn
Because babies grow so fast in their first few months, they need to eat really often. Before baby arrives, you'll need to decide whether you will breastfeed or bottle feed. Some of these product purchases will depend on which feeding method you choose.
Breastfeeding support pillow
Breast pump
Nursing bra
Nursing pads
Lanolin Cream
Breastmilk freezer storage containers
Bottles and nipples
Bottle Brush
Baby formula (if you intent to bottle feed)
Diapering
Not long after baby eats, you'll need to be ready for a diaper change. Before you buy any diapering supplies, decide whether you want to use cloth diapers or disposable diapers.
Disposable diapers (Remember to check sizes, Newborn etc..)
Cloth Diapers or Nappies (Nappies are cost effective but prepare to wash daily)
Baby Wipes (You may want to use sensitive and unscented until baby is older)
Diaper Rash Cream and/or
Vaselin
Baby oil Return to top
Additional Items you may consider:
Pacifier
Receiving blankets
Fleece blankets
Baby Powder
Comb and Brush
Alcohol Mild detergent /Fabric Softener
Baby Bag
Socks /Bootie
Cap
Newborn Clothing, Monkey Suit/Shimmies( bear in mind babies grow quickly in the first few months so no need to overstock on clothing)
Bib
Album/Frame for special moments
Night light
Shoes (optional)
Antibacterial Handwash (for mom; wash handsBEFORE feedings and after EVERY diaper change)
Some like it hot: More newborns arrive during the late summer and early fall months of July, August, and September than any other time of the year. Return to top
Midweek delivery: The most popular day for babies to make their entrance? It's now Wednesday. (This is the first year since at least 1990 that Tuesday wasn't the biggest birth day.) There were 15.4 percent more births on Wednesday than on the average day. Return to top
Sunday is the slowest day, with 35.1 fewer births than average. The fact that far fewer babies were born on the weekend may be influenced partly by scheduled labor induction and c-sections, according to the CDC. But vaginal births also occur less often on the weekend. Return to top
Only 5% of babies are actually born on their due date. Return to top
If the mother was a premie, there is a 60% chance she will give birth to a premie. (Meaning Premature) Return to top
At birth a baby’s eye is about 75 percent of the size of an adult eye. Return to top
How to change a disposable diaper
1. Unfasten the dirty diaper, but don't remove it yet.
2. Use the front half of the diaper to wipe away any poop. If your baby is a boy, cover his penis with a clean cloth so he doesn’t pee on either of you.
3. Grasp your baby by the ankles and gently lift his bottom off the changing table.
4. Fold the dirty diaper in half under your baby, clean side up.
5. Use a baby wipe or wet cloth to thoroughly clean your baby's front. For a girl, be sure to wipe from front to back (from her vaginal area to her bottom). This helps keep bacteria from causing an infection.
6. Lift both of your baby's legs and clean his bottom with a wipe or wet cloth. Apply ointment or petroleum jelly, if needed.
7. Remove the dirty diaper. Position the back half of the clean diaper under your baby’s bottom and the front half between his legs (spread as wide as seems comfortable).
Try not to bunch the diaper between your baby's legs – it can cause chafing and discomfort. For newborns, avoid covering the umbilical cord. You can buy special disposable diapers for newborns with notches cut out for the stump, or fold down the front half of cloth diapers. For boys, be sure to tuck the penis down so they’re less likely to pee over the top of the diaper.
8. Fasten the diaper securely, making sure it's snug but not so tight that it pinches your baby’s skin. Check the manufacturer's instructions for specific tips.
After disposing of the dirty diaper, dress your baby and wash your hands thoroughly. That’s it – youre done!
*Source: The Baby Center Return to top
Old Wives Tales
Generally, "old wives tales" refer to sayings, practices or stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. They are falsities which may be generally accepted to be facts. Sometimes these practices are superstitious and seem ridiculous.
One of the common wives tales is that if you are carrying low you are having a boy; if you are carrying high you are having a girl.
Another common wives tale is to combine Drano with your urine. Depending on the color change of your urine, you will have a boy or a girl. But there is no specifics of which color means which gender! I have heard that if your urine turns bluish yellow, brownish, brown, black or blue you will be having a boy. If your urine looks more greenish brown, green, blue or doesn't change at all, then you're having a girl.
Some believe the sex of your baby can be determined by your cavings. If you want chocolate you are having a girl...if you are craving really salty/sour foods you are having a boy.
Some say that if your right breast is larger you are having a boy, if your left breast is larger you are having a girl
I have also heard to have the mother to be pick up a key that is sitting on a table. If she pick it up by the round part it will be a boy, if she picks it up by the narrow part she is having a girl. If she picks it up in the middle she is having twins! Return to top
Heard in Jamaica..
I have heard in Jamaica that if a lizard runs across your leg you or somebody you may know is pregnant.
I have heard in Jamaica that if a slug crawls into a slippers of somebody in the household, someone within the household is pregnant.
I have heard in Jamaica that if you get a boil it may be true that someone you know may be pregant.
I have heard in Jamaica that if you dream of many fishes you or someone you know may be pregnant. Return to top
Baby is hungry when..
*moving their heads from side to side
*crying even though not wet, not hot, not cold
*opening their mouths
*sticking out their tongues
*placing their hands and fists to their mouths
*puckering their lips as if to suck
*nuzzling again their mothers' breasts
*showing the rooting reflex (when a baby moves its *mouth in the direction of something that's stroking or touching its cheek) Return to top
Should I Breast feed vs Bottle feed?
Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is one of the first decisions expectant parents will make. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) joins other organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Dietetic Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) in recommending breastfeeding as the best for babies. Breastfeeding helps defend against infections, prevent allergies, and protect against a number of chronic conditions.
The AAP says babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months. Beyond that, the AAP encourages breastfeeding until at least 12 months, and longer if both the mother and baby are willing.
Although experts believe breast milk is the best nutritional choice for infants, breastfeeding may not be possible for all women. For many women, the decision to breastfeed or formula feed is based on their comfort level, lifestyle, and specific medical considerations that they might have.
For mothers who are unable to breastfeed or who decide not to, infant formula is a good alternative. . And you'll still bond with your baby just fine. After all, whether with breast milk or formula, feeding is an important time of connection between mother and baby.
Breastfeeding: The Advantages
Nursing can be a wonderful experience for both mother and baby. It provides ideal nourishment and a special bonding experience that many nursing mothers cherish. Return to top
Benefits of breastfeeding: Infection-fighting.
Antibodies passed from a nursing mother to her baby can help lower the occurrence of many conditions, including:
Ear infections
Diarrhea
Respiratory infections
Meningitis
As a group, breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula-fed infants.
As a group, breastfed infants have less difficulty with digestion than do formula-fed infants. Breast milk tends to be more easily digested so that breastfed babies have fewer incidences of diarrhea or constipation.
Breast milk also naturally contains many of the vitamins and minerals that a newborn requires. A healthy mother does not need any additional vitamins or nutritional supplements, with the exception of vitamin D. Breast milk does contain some vitamin D, and vitamin D is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight.
Breast milk doesn't cost a cent, while the cost of formula quickly adds up. And because of the immunities and antibodies passed onto them through their mothers' breast milk, breastfed infants are sick less often than infants who receive formula. Return to top
With no last-minute runs to the store for more formula, breast milk is always fresh and available. And when women breastfeed, there's no need to warm up bottles in the middle of the night. It's also easy for breastfeeding mothers to be active — and go out and about — with their babies and know that they'll have food available for whenever their little one is hungry.
Some studies have found that breastfeeding may help prevent obesity. Smarter babies. Some studies suggest that children who were exclusively breastfed have slightly higher IQs than children who were formula fed. "Skin-to-skin" contact. Many nursing mothers really enjoy the experience of bonding so closely with their babies. And the skin-to-skin contact can enhance the emotional connection between mother and infant.
Here are a few other reasons women may choose to formula feed: Convenience. Either parent (or another caregiver) can feed the baby a bottle at any time (although this is also true for women who pump their breast milk). This allows the mother to share the feeding duties and helps her partner to feel more involved in the crucial feeding process and the bonding that often comes with it.
Flexibility. Once the bottles are made, a formula-feeding mother can leave her baby with a partner or caregiver and know that her little one's feedings are taken care of. There's no need to pump or to schedule work or other obligations and activities around the baby's feeding schedule. And formula-feeding moms don't need to find a private place to nurse in public. However, if Mom is out and about with baby, she will need to bring supplies for making bottles.
Time and frequency of feedings. Because formula digests slower than breast milk, formula-fed babies usually need to eat less often than do breastfed babies. Return to top
Diet. Women who opt to formula feed don't have to worry about the things they eat or drink that could affect their babies
Formula Feeding: The Challenges
As with breastfeeding, there are some challenges to consider when deciding whether to formula feed. Organization and preparation. Enough formula must be on hand at all times and bottles must be prepared. The powdered and condensed formulas must be prepared with sterile water (which needs to be boiled until the baby is at least 6 months old). Ready-to-feed formulas that can be poured directly into a bottle without any mixing or water tend to be expensive.
Bottles and nipples need to be sterilized before the first use and then washed after every use after that (this is also true for breastfeeding women who give their babies bottles of pumped breast milk). Bottles and nipples can transmit bacteria if they aren't cleaned properly, as can formula if it isn't stored in sterile containers.
Lack of antibodies. None of the important antibodies found in breast milk are found in manufactured formula, which means that formula doesn't provide the baby with the added protection against infection and illness that breast milk does. Expense. Formula can be costly. Powdered formula is the least expensive, followed by concentrated, with ready-to-feed being the most expensive. And specialty formulas (i.e., soy and hypoallergenic) cost more — sometimes far more — than the basic formulas. During the first year of life, the cost of basic formula can run about $1,500.
Possibility of producing gas and constipation. Formula-fed babies may have more gas and firmer bowel movements than breastfed babies. Can't match the complexity of breast milk. Manufactured formulas have yet to duplicate the complexity of breast milk, which changes as the baby's needs change. Whatever nutritional option you choose, be sure to talk to your doctor about the choices available to help you make the decision that's best for both you and your baby.
Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD Return to top
