Categories
Editors
Meg Dilts's Articles
Popular Baby Names in 2007. Search popular baby names by birth year.
Going home with a new baby is exciting, but it can be scary, too. Newborns have many needs, like frequent feedings and diaper changes. Babies can have health issues that are different from older children and adults, like diaper rash and cradle cap.
Newborn screening identifies conditions that can affect a child's long-term health or survival. Early detection, diagnosis, and intervention can prevent death or disability and enable children to reach their full potential.
Each year in the United States (U.S.), more than 12,000 babies are born with a hearing loss. The cause of hearing loss for many babies is not known, and hearing loss can go unnoticed for years.
EHDI (Early Hearing Detection and Intervention) programs are located in states and territories and are designed to identify infants with hearing loss. Infants identified with hearing loss can then be enrolled in an early intervention program.
The B vitamin folic acid helps prevent birth defects. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before and while she is pregnant, her baby is less likely to have a major birth defect of the brain or spine.
One easy way a woman can be sure she is getting enough folic acid is to take a vitamin that has folic acid in it every day. Folic acid pills and most multivitamins sold in the United States have 100% of the daily value (DV) of folic acid; check the label to be sure.
All women should get in the habit of taking folic acid daily even when they are not planning to get pregnant. For folic acid to help, a woman needs to take it every day, starting before she becomes pregnant.
By following safe preparation and storage techniques, nursing mothers and caretakers of breastfed infants and children can maintain the high quality of expressed breast milk and the health of the baby.
Both babies and mothers gain many benefits from breastfeeding. Breast milk is easy to digest and contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections. Research indicates that women who breastfeed may have lower rates of certain breast and ovarian cancers.
Health professionals agree that human milk provides the most complete form of nutrition for infants, including premature and sick newborns. But, there are rare exceptions when human milk is not recommended.
If you smoke tobacco, it is best for you and your baby if you try to quit as soon as possible. If you can't quit though, it is still better to breastfeed since your baby is at higher risk of having respiratory problems and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Some women think that when they are sick, they should not breastfeed. But, most common illnesses, such as colds, flu, or diarrhea, can't be passed through breast milk.
A baby's feet grow quickly. During the infant's first year, it's important to check the feet regularly to be sure they are developing normally.
Breastfeeding saves on health care costs. Total medical care costs for the nation are lower for fully breastfed infants than never-breastfed infants since breastfed infants typically need fewer sick care visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations.
Many babies, but not all, lose a small amount of weight in the first days after birth. Your baby's health care provider will check his or her weight at your first visit after you leave the hospital.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that for breastfed healthy term infants, mothers and infants should sleep close to each other to help with breastfeeding.
Many moms report that breastfeeding can be tender at first until both they and their baby find comfortable breastfeeding positions and a good latch.
It is normal for your breasts to become larger, heavier, and a little tender when they begin making greater quantities of milk on the 2nd to 6th day after birth. Sometimes this fullness may turn into engorgement, when your breasts feel very hard and painful.
Minimize engorgement by making sure the baby has a good latch and is feeding effectively. Breastfeed frequently after birth. Allow the baby to feed as long as he or she likes, as long as he or she is latched on well and sucking effectively.
It is common for many women to have a plugged duct in the breast at some point if she breastfeeds. A plugged milk duct feels like a tender and sore lump in the breast. It is not accompanied by a fever or other symptoms.
As you approach your due date, you will be looking for any little sign that labor is about to start. You might notice that your baby has "dropped" or moved lower into your pelvis. This is called "lightening." If you have a pelvic exam during your prenatal visit, your doctor might report changes in your cervix that you cannot feel, but that suggest your body is getting ready.
Many women, especially first-time mothers-to-be, think they are in labor when they're not. This is called false labor. "Practice" contractions called Braxton Hicks contractions are common in the last weeks of pregnancy or earlier. The tightening of your uterus might startle you.
Labor occurs in three stages. When regular contractions begin, the baby moves down into the pelvis as the cervix both effaces (thins) and dilates (opens).
The first stage begins with the onset of labor and ends when the cervix is fully opened. It is the longest stage of labor, usually lasting about 12 to 19 hours. Many women spend the early part of this first stage at home.
The second stage involves pushing and delivery of your baby. It usually lasts 20 minutes to two hours. You will push hard during contractions, and rest between contractions. Pushing is hard work, and a support person can really help keep you focused.
The third stage involves delivery of the placenta (afterbirth). It is the shortest stage, lasting 5 to 30 minutes. Contractions will begin 5 to 30 minutes after birth, signaling that it's time to deliver the placenta.
Virtually all women worry about how they will cope with the pain of labor and delivery. Childbirth is different for everyone. So no one can predict how you will feel.
How it feels is more important than how it looks. The latch feels comfortable to you, without hurting or pinching. Your baby's chest is against your body and he or she does not have to turn his or her head while drinking.
Some moms find that the following positions are also helpful ways to get comfortable and support their babies in finding a good latch. You also can use pillows under your arms, elbows, neck, or back to give you added comfort and support.
A breast infection, also called mastitis, is soreness or a lump in the breast that can be accompanied by a fever and/or flu-like symptoms, such as feeling run down or very achy.
You can help relieve soreness and speed healing by applying heat to the sore area. You can use a heating pad or a small hot-water bottle. Cabbage leaves should not be used for a plugged duct.
Many natural methods help women to relax and make pain more manageable. Things women do to ease the pain include: trying breathing and relaxation techniques, taking warm showers or baths.
In waterbirthing, a woman remains in the water for delivery. The American Academy of Pediatrics has expressed concerns about delivering in water because of a lack of studies showing its safety and because of the rare but reported chance of complications.
While you're in labor, your doctor, midwife, or nurse should ask if you need pain relief. It is her job to help you decide what option is best for you. Nowadays women in labor have many pain relief options that work well and pose small risks when given by a trained and experienced doctor.
Sometimes, a doctor or midwife might need to induce (bring about) labor. The decision to induce labor often is made when a woman is past her due date but labor has not yet begun or when there is concern about the baby or mother's health.
Breast milk has disease-fighting cells called antibodies that help protect infants from germs, illness, and even SIDS. Infant formula cannot match the exact chemical makeup of human milk, especially the cells, hormones, and antibodies that fight disease.
Cesarean delivery, also called c-section, is surgery to deliver a baby. The baby is taken out through the mother's abdomen. Most cesarean births result in healthy babies and mothers.
Your doctor might recommend a c-section if she thinks it is safer for you or your baby than vaginal birth. Some c-sections are planned. But most c-sections are done when unexpected problems happen during delivery.
A growing number of women are asking their doctors for c-sections when there is no medical reason. Some women want a c-section because they fear the pain of childbirth. Others like the convenience of being able to decide when and how to deliver their baby.
Most c-sections are unplanned. So, learning about c-sections is important for all women who are pregnant. Whether a c-section is planned or comes up during labor, it can be a positive birth experience for many women.
The doctor will make 2 incisions. The first is about 6 inches long and goes through the skin, fat, and muscle. Most incisions are made side to side and low on the abdomen, called a bikini incision. Next, the doctor will make an incision to open the uterus.
You will be moved to a recovery room and monitored for a few hours. You might feel shaky, nauseated, and very sleepy. Later, you will be brought to a hospital room.
Some women who have delivered previous babies by c-section would like to have their next baby vaginally. This is called vaginal delivery after c-section or VBAC. Women give many reasons for wanting a VBAC. Some want to avoid the risks and long recovery of surgery.
There are still the traditional ways of selecting your baby's name. The first, of course, is using a name that has been in the family for years - perhaps the name of an aunt or uncle, or a grandparent.
Hindu baby names are based on the various facets of art and culture of India, including its colorful celebrations, music, dance and the rich, ancient cultural heritage. Birth of a Hindu child is a religious activity and naming him/her is associated with rituals, feasting and social gathering.
When you first find out you are pregnant one of the first things that comes to mind is naming your baby. In the past you may have considered going to library to research various names, or perhaps purchase a baby name book.
One of the most important decisions that new parents have to make is naming their new baby. For some people the decision is easy because they have had a name picked out for many years.
Naming your baby - the thoughts and ideas. How to name a baby.
Recently Approved Articles
Naming your baby - the thoughts and ideas. How to name a baby.
The day has arrived, quicker than you could ever imagine, your baby’s first birthday! You want to make this first celebration of life fun, significant and memorable for both your little one and your guests, but how? We suspect you still find it challenging to shower and dress by noon, let alone plan an elaborate complicated party.
One of the most important decisions that new parents have to make is naming their new baby. For some people the decision is easy because they have had a name picked out for many years.
Hindu baby names are based on the various facets of art and culture of India, including its colorful celebrations, music, dance and the rich, ancient cultural heritage. Birth of a Hindu child is a religious activity and naming him/her is associated with rituals, feasting and social gathering.
When you first find out you are pregnant one of the first things that comes to mind is naming your baby. In the past you may have considered going to library to research various names, or perhaps purchase a baby name book.
There are still the traditional ways of selecting your baby's name. The first, of course, is using a name that has been in the family for years - perhaps the name of an aunt or uncle, or a grandparent.
Some women who have delivered previous babies by c-section would like to have their next baby vaginally. This is called vaginal delivery after c-section or VBAC. Women give many reasons for wanting a VBAC. Some want to avoid the risks and long recovery of surgery.
A growing number of women are asking their doctors for c-sections when there is no medical reason. Some women want a c-section because they fear the pain of childbirth. Others like the convenience of being able to decide when and how to deliver their baby.
Most c-sections are unplanned. So, learning about c-sections is important for all women who are pregnant. Whether a c-section is planned or comes up during labor, it can be a positive birth experience for many women.
The doctor will make 2 incisions. The first is about 6 inches long and goes through the skin, fat, and muscle. Most incisions are made side to side and low on the abdomen, called a bikini incision. Next, the doctor will make an incision to open the uterus.
Random Articles
Minimize engorgement by making sure the baby has a good latch and is feeding effectively. Breastfeed frequently after birth. Allow the baby to feed as long as he or she likes, as long as he or she is latched on well and sucking effectively.
It is common for many women to have a plugged duct in the breast at some point if she breastfeeds. A plugged milk duct feels like a tender and sore lump in the breast. It is not accompanied by a fever or other symptoms.
Health professionals agree that human milk provides the most complete form of nutrition for infants, including premature and sick newborns. But, there are rare exceptions when human milk is not recommended.
A breast infection, also called mastitis, is soreness or a lump in the breast that can be accompanied by a fever and/or flu-like symptoms, such as feeling run down or very achy.
For all children, adults should check toys periodically for breakage and potential hazards. Damaged or dangerous toys should be repaired or thrown away.
Children under 3 tend to put everything in their mouths. Avoid buying toys intended for older children which may have small parts that pose a choking danger.
Popular Baby Names in 2007. Search popular baby names by birth year.
Each year in the United States (U.S.), more than 12,000 babies are born with a hearing loss. The cause of hearing loss for many babies is not known, and hearing loss can go unnoticed for years.
When you first find out you are pregnant one of the first things that comes to mind is naming your baby. In the past you may have considered going to library to research various names, or perhaps purchase a baby name book.
While you're in labor, your doctor, midwife, or nurse should ask if you need pain relief. It is her job to help you decide what option is best for you. Nowadays women in labor have many pain relief options that work well and pose small risks when given by a trained and experienced doctor.