babies

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

What's the purpose of the umbilical cord?

How long will my baby have an umbilical stump?

Does the stump require special care?