FAMILY MATTERS
TIPS FOR
NEW PARENTS
WRITTEN BY ZOE ALEXANDER
Congratulations, you’ve just had your first baby! If you are drinking a large cup of coffee and thinking, “Yeah, now what?” … you are not alone. After childbirth comes the real work: caring for your newborn. Yes, there are plenty of resources to learn about baby health, but chances are you are too busy with diapers (or confused by the controversies underscoring key topics) to know where to start. Luckily, some local experts have provided sage advice.
1
CONSIDER BREASTFEEDING
While the choice to breastfeed may not be for everyone, many doctors highly recommend it. Pediatrician Dr. Tristy Shaw of Redondo Beach is an advocate because, she says, “Breast milk offers the optimal nutrition for your newborn (and) is why breastfed babies have fewer colds, gastrointestinal infections and even less allergic disease.” Dr. Shaw also knows that mothers may require assistance and advises, “Plan to get help with breastfeeding. It is a learning process for both mom and baby, and it can be frustrating at times. There is great lactation support in our community.” Visit beachcitiesbabies.com for more info.
2
DE-CLUTTER THE CRIB
This was a unanimous tip from all the pediatricians whom we consulted for this article: keep baby’s crib clutter- free. Resist the urge to accessorize your baby’s bed by simplifying their space. That means no fluffy blankets, pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals, toys, pets or siblings. Dr. Shaw explains, “Babies should sleep … without loose blankets that could cover their heads and cause them to rebreathe their own CO2.”
3
PROMOTE RESTFUL SLEEP
Take these steps to ensure restful sleep for your newborn. Pediatricians recommend swaddling and placing newborns on their backs when putting them down, which helps decrease incidences of SIDS. Dr. Erin Hamilton, pediatrician on staff at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, states, “Do not fall asleep with baby in your bed or while holding the baby on a couch or chair—even if you are breastfeeding. Avoid all second-hand smoke and never leave baby to nap in parent’s bed even if you think the baby cannot roll over yet. (I have had babies break their hips and clavicle because of this.)”
10? Southbay Health 2013 | oursouthbay.com