Congratulations on your new baby! Diapers won’t be the only thing you’ll change in the months ahead. Your sense of yourself and how you relate to your partner will also be different. If you have other children, expect some emotional swings, as you and your family try out your new roles.
During active labor, your contractions will be stronger and more rhythmic than with early labor. They peak and subside like waves. They may happen 3 to 5 minutes apart and last about 45 to 60 seconds. Read on to learn more.
A peak flow meter can help you monitor your child's asthma. Learn about using a peak flow meter.
Until now, your baby has been cared for in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). You’ve started breastfeeding. And you are now ready to move on to full breastfeeding at home. This sheet can answer some of your questions about making this transition.
Learn about ways to keep your baby's temperature in a normal range, to help them stay comfortable and healthy.
Liquid vitamin supplements are prescribed for many babies when they leave the hospital. Your baby may need vitamins if they were born early, or has certain health conditions. A breastfed baby may need extra vitamins if the mother eats a vegan diet. Vitamin supplements will help your baby grow and develop normally. They are not meant to replace regular feedings.
Healthcare providers will carefully watch your baby's blood sugar level in the neonatal intensive care unit. If your baby's blood sugar is too high or too low, treatment will bring it back under control.
Calories are a measure of the energy you get from food. If you eat more calories than you use, you will gain weight. If you eat fewer calories than you use, you will lose weight.
You'll watch your incision site for bleeding and take all medicines exactly as prescribed. You'll take it easy, but try to get back to your normal routine as much as possible.
A hernia is a bulge at a weak spot in the wall of the abdomen. Tissue or organs may press into the weak spot. This may cause symptoms of discomfort or pain. If left untreated, a hernia can get worse and may lead to serious problems. Surgery can be done to repair a hernia.