On the day you deliver your baby, you'll probably be overcome with visions of your future with your child - first smiles and steps, birthday parties and sports events, and holidays and life milestones. Your little one ever becoming seriously ill will probably be the last thing on your mind.
Many parents assume that all birth defects are severe or even fatal, but the fact is that many are treatable, often immediately after birth - and sometimes even before the baby is born. It's especially important to know the risk factors involved and what you can do to prevent birth defects. However, it's also important to realize that most children born with congenital defects are born to two healthy parents.
Fortunately, preparing for a second child can be as rewarding and special as the first time. Helping your older child understand what to expect can lessen anxiety for both of you, and being aware of the changes involved in having a second child is the best way to prepare for this joyous event.
In the happy haze of early pregnancy, you're probably already thinking of baby names and planning to shop for baby clothes. The reality of labor and birth may seem extremely far off - which makes this the perfect time to start planning for the arrival of your baby by creating a birth plan that details your wishes
There are plenty of decisions to consider during pregnancy. Opting for prenatal testing, selecting a doctor for your baby, and deciding who will be present during your baby's birth are among the more challenging decisions you'll need to make. But where you choose to give birth - whether in a hospital or in a birth center setting - is one of the most important decisions you'll make before delivery.
If you are having a child for the first time, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by questions, fears, and just not knowing what to expect. Many new parents find that birthing classes can really help calm their worries and answer many questions.
A family history of hearing loss does put a newborn at higher risk for having a hearing loss. But rest assured, your baby's hearing can be monitored closely so that if there is a problem, treatment can begin as soon as possible.v
Cradle cap It's not pretty to look at, but cradle cap is a harmless scalp condition common in newborns. Your baby may have a mild case of flaky, dry skin that looks like dandruff, or a more severe case marked by thick, oily, yellowish, scaling, or crusting patches.
What is it? A baby who refuses to breastfeed, and is not in the process of being weaned, is said to be on a "nursing strike." A nursing strike is your baby's way of telling you that something's wrong. And it'll probably take a little detective work to figure out the problem. What causes it? According to the La Leche League International, some of the most common reasons for a nursing strike include:
Whooping cough (say: hoop-ing kof) - also called pertussis (say: pur-tuh-sus) - is one of those illnesses. It's a bacterial infection of the respiratory system, which includes your lungs and breathing tubes. Whooping cough got its name because kids who had it would cough a lot, and in between coughs, they'd make a "whoop" sound when they tried to get a breath.
WHY MASSAGE Besides the fact that it is just plain fun to touch your baby, infant massage helps babies grow and develop better. Other cultures highly value touch to help babies grow. In some Eastern societies a mother is reprimanded if she doesn't give her baby a daily massage. One of the most exciting areas of research is the connection between touch and growth. Touched babies thrive, and here's why.
Baby-care basics:Getting Help After the BirthHandling a
NewbornBonding and Soothing TechniquesDiapering Dos and
Don’tsBathing BasicsCircumcision and Umbilical Cord CareFeeding and
Burping Your BabySleeping Basics
Baby-care basics: Getting Help After the Birth Handling a Newborn Bonding and Soothing Techniques Diapering Dos and Don'ts Bathing Basics Circumcision and Umbilical Cord Care Feeding and Burping Your Baby Sleeping Basicsv
These small whiteheads might be surrounded by reddish skin. They can become more pronounced when your baby is hot or fussy or if his skin is irritated by saliva, spit-up milk, or fabric that's a little rough or that's been washed in strong detergent.
So how do you get your child to bed through the cries, screams, avoidance tactics, and pleas? How should you respond when you're awakened in the middle of the night? And how much sleep is enough for your child? It all depends on your child's age.
So how do you get your child to bed through the cries, screams, avoidance tactics, and pleas? How should you respond when you're awakened in the middle of the night? And how much sleep is enough for your child? It all depends on your child's age.
Everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest adult, experiences anxieties and fears at one time or another. Feeling anxious in a particularly uncomfortable situation never feels very good. However, with children, such feelings are not only normal, they're also necessary. Experiencing and dealing with anxieties can prepare young people to handle the unsettling experiences and challenging situations of life.v
Once a baby is born, he or she needs to breathe continuously to get oxygen. In a premature baby, the part of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) that controls breathing is not yet mature enough to allow nonstop breathing. This causes large bursts of breath followed by periods of shallow breathing or stopped breathing. The medical term for this condition is apnea of prematurity, or AOP.
For many expectant parents, ultrasounds offer a window into the world of their growing unborn baby. Unlike most standard prenatal tests that involve nothing more than a urine cup or a needle, ultrasounds present the opportunity to get a sneak preview of what's to come and to actually see what's going on inside - if the heart is beating normally or if the baby registry should contain pink or blue items.
