Congratulations You're a Mom!

Mom Info:

Caring for Yourself

The weeks following the birth of your baby are important ones as your body returns to normal after labor and delivery. Knowing what to expect and relying on continuing support of your healthcare team will help you relax through the postpartum experience with as much confidence and comfort as possible.

In the 4 to 6 weeks following delivery, the changes of pregnancy are gradually reversed as the body begins to return to its non-pregnant state. the discharge from the birth canal after delivery is called lochia. During the immediate few days after the birth, lochia is like a menstrual flow. In 3 to 4 days, it then becomes more watery and pale. By the second week, lochia is thicker and more yellow in color. Finally, after 4 weeks, there will only be a small amount as the lining of the uterus heals.

The vagina gradually returns to its previous condition by the end of the third week. The supporting structures and muscles of the pelvic floor may not completely return to normal for 6 to 7 weeks. an episiotomy usually requires 4 or more weeks to heal. Most women will experience their first period within 7 to 9 weeks. Nursing mothers frequently resume menstrual periods by 12 weeks, others not until they have completed breastfeeding.

Hormones, medications, dehydration, perineal pain and decreased physical activity may make bowel function sluggish after delivery. Temporary constipation is not harmful, although it can cause a feeling of fullness and "gas."

Shaken Baby Syndrome

As a parent of a new baby, there may be times when you will become frustrated and maybe even angry when your baby cries. When you feel as if you cannot deal with your baby's crying and have met the baby's basic needs then stop, think and reach for help. DO NOT SHAKE YOUR BABY!

Shaken Baby Syndrome ir SBS is when a baby is "shaken" forcefully.The movement of the baby's head back and forth can cause bleeding and increased pressure on the brain. This can cause death or irreversible brain damage.

Here is a list of things to do if you become frustrated:

• Take a breath.
• Close your eyes and count to 10.
• Put the baby down in their crib and leave for a few minutes.
• As a friend, neighboror family member to take over.
• Give yourself a "time out."
• Do not pick the baby up until you feel calm.
• If you feel he is ill, call your healthcare provider right away or take him to the hospital.

Baby Info:

Infant Sleeping Positions

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant under one year of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation. One of the best ways to reduce the risk of SIDS is to place healthy infants on their backs when putting them down to sleep at nighttime or nap time. Provide supervised "tummy time" during awake periods to promote shoulder and muscle development.