Did you know . . .

Tummy time is important for our newborn babies, but why?

Placing your baby on their tummy while awake will help your baby strengthen shoulder and neck muscles and increase their motor skills. Tummy time also decreases the risk of developing flat spots on your baby's head. Remember tummy time is putting baby on stomach only while awake.  More to come about tummy time . . .

 Your Breast Milk Changes as Baby Changes

Are you aware that breast milk is designed especially for your baby to meet their specific needs. How healthy is that!! Yet the breastmilk content changes to meet the needs and nutritional demand of your baby at different stages of their life. 

The characteristic in breast milk if you have a day-old newborn, or one month old infant, or a 15-month toddler are completely different. For instance, as a baby gets older, certain immune factors in the milk will change (combat all the different things they put in their mouth). If your baby gets sick, antibodies in the milk adjust to fight infections.

Moms have benefits from breastfeeding, Some of these benefits include:

• Lowing risk of breast cancer by 22%.
• ovarian cancer by 30%, and other diseases later in life.
• Breastfeeding burns up extra calories
• Breastfeeding helps you bond with your baby
• Breastfeeding helps you save money
• Breastfeeding can decrease your risk of depression after your baby is born
• You can breastfeed anytime and anywhere

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer.

About 80% of new mothers and many new fathers experiences baby blues.  A week or so after your baby is born, you may feel:  • Crying easily  • Tired and exhausted • Weepy • Anxious • Sadness • Moody • Grouchy • Angry • Impatient • Tense • Restless • Confused •Upset •Feeling overwhelmed •Lacking confidence as a parent.

Baby blues are normal and rarely last longer than two to three weeks. Baby blues may be caused by hormone changes. Changes in your sleep patterns are also to blame. Baby blues can come because it is a lot of work caring for a new baby. There is a lot to learn. There are many decisions to make. The best help is the love and support of family and friends.

  According to the American Pregnancy Association, 90% of people who birthed their babies by cesarean are considered great candidates to attempt vaginal childbirth, also known as a VBAC or Vaginal Birth.

Here are some ways to improve your chances of have a successful VBAC:

· Choose a caregiver who proves support of VBAC by having a high VBAC attempt rate and a success rate of 70 percent or more. 

· Consider hiring a doula who has had a VBAC herself or has worked with women who have had one

· Take a childbirth refresher class or a VBAC class

· Talk to your PCP about avoiding an induction with Pitocin or Prostaglandins. This increases the risk of uterine rupture.

· Get your support team together. It is important having the support of your partner, family or friends.

· Calm your mind and relax your body during the pregnancy. Look up affirmations that resonate with you so that when labor is becoming difficult.

Wishing you the best, and congratulations!!