 Congratulations!
A joyous event is about to occur with the birth of your child.
Visiting Your Baby's Doctor
Please call the doctor's office of your choice to arrange for care of your baby about 2 months before your due date. Your baby should visit their doctor about six times during the first year of life to make sure the baby's growth and development is on target, and to receive vaccinations to protect the baby from illness.
Prenatal Care
It is important that you understand ways to take care of yourself to assure the health of your new baby. It is extremely important that you maintain a healthy diet and include all food groups in your meal planning.
About Folic Acid
Folic Acid is a vitamin supplement which, when taken one month before you become pregnant and throughout the first trimester, has been proven to reduce the risk of neural tube defects by as much as 70%. It is critical that your take a vitamin supplement containing 400 micrograms of folic acid daily.  About Alcohol
Alcohol ingestion of 2 or more drinks per day may result in fetal alcohol syndrome causing birth defects including congenital anomalies, growth retardation, and neurological impairment. It is important that you do not drink alcohol or take nonprescribed drugs during your pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
The America Academy of Pediatrics recommends support human milk as the preferred feeding for at least the first year of life, and longer as mutually desired by mother and child. Suggested breastfeeding practices include: - Breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth, preferably within the first hour of life
- Continuous rooming-in for the mother and newborn during the postnatal period to facilitate breastfeeding
- Refraining from giving supplements such as formula or water to breastfeeding newborns unless medically necessary
- Expressing human milk when direct breastfeeding is not possible
- Breastfeeding exclusively for about the first 6 months after birth, after which time iron-enriched solid foods can be added to complement the breast milk diet.
- Advocating formal evaluation and documentation of breastfeeding performance by a trained observer during the first 24 to 48 hours following delivery and again at a follow-up visit 48 to 72 hours after discharge
This policy statement concludes that breastfeeding is primary to achieving optimal infant and child health, growth, and development, and human milk feeding ensures the best possible developmental and psychosocial outcomes for the infant. For additional information, E-mail breastfeed@aap.org. Please note - If you plan to breastfeed, please schedule an appointment with one of our Lactate Consultants before delivery (about 2 weeks), by calling 256-4051 and read a resource book on breastfeeding. Immunizations
Immunizations are important to protect your baby against illness. Please review this schedule and discuss your questions with your baby's doctor. | Vaccine |  | | | When
Recommended | | | | Date
Received | DTP
(Diptheria-Tetanus-Pertussis) | | | | Five doses. One each at 2, 4 and 6 months; 12 or 15 months; and between 4 and 6 years. | | | | 1 ___________
2 ___________
3 ___________
4 ___________
5 ___________ | | | | | | | | | | | Hepatitis B | | | Three doses. One each at birth; 2 or 4 months; and between 6 and 18 months. | | | 1 ___________
2 ___________
3 ___________ | | | | | | | | | | HIB
(Hemophilus Influenza Type B) | | | Four doses. One each at 2, 4 and 6 months; and 12 or 15 months. | | | 1 ___________
2 ___________
3 ___________
4 ___________ | | | | | | | | | | OPB
(Live Oral Polio Vaccine) | | | Four doses. Once each at 2 and 4 months; 15 months; and between 4 and 6 years. | | | 1 ___________
2 ___________
3 ___________
4 ___________ | | | | | | | | | | MMR
(Measles, Mumps and Rubella) | | | Two doses. One each at 12 or 15 months, and between 4 and 6 years or 11 and 12 years. | | | 1 ___________
2 ___________ | | | | | | | | | | Varivax
(Chicken Pox) | | | One dose anytime after 12 months; a second dose may be required. | | | 1 ___________ |
Keeping Your Baby Safe
After the delivery of your baby, the Nursery Staff will ask the new parents to participate in our "Baby Safe" program. There are several procedures we follow to keep your baby safe and we need your participation. In the delivery/birthing room, the baby will be foot printed and identification bracelets will be placed on the baby's wrist and ankle. The mother and father will also have matching bracelets. The nurse will also review our other special safety procedures after the birth of your baby. Please pay close attention to our "Baby Safe" program. The nursery doors are locked.
What Does My Baby See?
When you hold your baby in your arms, your face is 8 to 12 inches from his eyes, precisely the distance at which his vision is most accurate. Your baby will not only gaze at your face intently, but will follow you with his eyes by turning his head for about 45 degrees to each side. What Does My Baby Hear?
Hearing loss is an invisible handicap. It is present in 5 to 6 infants out of I 000, but because a hearing impaired newborn may appear like every other baby, it is only as the infant fails to develop speech or is slow in learning language that the loss becomes obvious. Until now, the average age when children were identified as having moderate to profound hearing loss with 24 months. If you notice a problem, speak with your baby's doctor and obtain a referral to a qualified audiologist with experience testing young infants.  About Smoking
Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of fetal growth retardation (smaller babies). Smoking also decreases the amount of oxygen that your baby receives. Second hand smoke from cigarette smoking increases the risk for respiratory disease in your newbom baby and with all other members of your household. Quit smoking! Your Baby's Health is at Stake!
About Sleeping Positions
When it's time for baby to sleep, place your baby on their back or side. This is the safest bedtime position for healthy, full-term infants under the age of one, advises the American Academy of Pediatrics. This recommendation came about after research indicated that infants who sleep on their stomachs are at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Also, avoid the use of soft sleeping surfaces for infants under one year old. Do not put your baby to sleep on a down comforter, bulky quilt, bean bag or soft pillows. Babies do not need pillows and these soft surfaces may trap the carbon dioxide a baby exhales and contribute to SIDS. Your Baby's Growth & Development
As new parents, you will want to be aware of your baby's growth. The best idea is to refer to a baby book that outlines this information from birth through 12 - 24 months. Again, another idea for a shower gift from one of your friends! Car Seat Safety
State law requires the use of a car seat for all babies. Please obtain a car seat that meets federal safety standards. Do not use a car seat with a shield or lap pad, it can push on your baby's face and neck. Obtain a car seat that allows your baby to sit without slumping to allow the baby to breathe easily. A car seat that meets all federal safety standards is a great shower gift! | 
