Without words, they manage to let their parents know when they want to eat, learn, play, or rest. They also can use their bodies and some awful noises to send unmistakable signals when they need a break (or a diaper change!).

In the past, experienced friends and family members were there to help moms “decode” baby messages. These days, many new parents are on their own in trying to understand their babies’ signals, called “cues.”

Join us on

Tuesday January 16th

at 5:30

as we help you translate the seemingly random movements and sounds that your baby makes into comprehensible messages.

We’ll also learn about the stages a baby goes through when they are first born…

and how it all relates to breastfeeding!

Bring your partner…or bring a friend!

Like this:

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“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."

Wishing you happiness.
                                                                                          –Helen Keller

Ah, the holiday family gathering. Sometimes fun. Usually hectic. Always an adventure. And when you’re pregnant, the family get-together takes on a whole new dimension. If you will be pregnant during the upcoming holiday season, here a few tips to help you remain happy, healthy, and sane among family and friends.

Drink up – Well, not those kinds of drinks. It’s easy to get caught up in conversation, cooking, and general merry-making when among friends and family during the holidays. As others refill their glass with bubbly, fill yours with water to stay hydrated.

Smile & nod – A growing bump and a family gathering prompts lots of advice, suggestions, and birthing war stories. With unwanted advice, many women find it easier to just smile and nod. Or, reply with, “My doctor/midwife has advised us to ______” Hard to argue with medical advice. If people feel the need to share their negative/scary birth story, say, “Shhh! No bad birth stories — the baby can hear you!”

Have seconds – And thirds, and fourths. If you’re in your third trimester, eating a large meal in one sitting may push you past your comfort level. Instead, eat small portions of your holiday meal throughout the afternoon and evening.

BYO crackers – If you’re in your first trimester and experiencing nausea, consider bringing your own side dish to dinner — crackers. No one will care that you can’t partake in Grandma’s favorite casserole or pumpkin pie — more for them!

Hands off – Some women love for others to fuss over and touch their belly while pregnant. Other women hate it. If you fall into the latter category, come up with a game plan to politely (or bluntly — whatever your style) let people know that you’re not comfortable with their touching. Perhaps a special t-shirt?

Take a break – The holidays are the perfect time to “pull the pregnancy card.” Feel free to retreat, take a seat, put your feet up — growing new life is hard work!

During…

…The last month of pregnancy, you will want to pack for the hospital. Labor is not the time to start packing. Trying to remember to bring what you need while you are timing contractions isn’t easy. You will be more relaxed and will remember to bring what you need if you plan ahead. Think about what you will need during labor and for your stay in the hospital when packing your bag.

Packing for Mommy

Consider what you will need while you are in the hospital. Do you want to wear a hospital gown or do you prefer your own pajamas? Pack two or three different pajamas if you plan to wear your own. Pack a few nursing bras and bring your own underwear. The ones the hospital gives you may not be comfortable. You will be taking a shower in the hospital, so bring along anything you will want for the shower.

A Checklist for Mom

• Change of clothes to wear home from the hospital. You won’t be in your pre pregnancy clothes just yet. Choose something roomy and comfortable for the trip home.
• Underwear and bras
• Pajamas, if you want to wear your own
• Shampoo, conditioner, gel, brush, deodorant, toothbrush and paste
• Make up
• Scrunchies, barrettes or clips for your hair
• Baby Basics Book or a blank journal to record your thoughts
• A pen for filling out any necessary paperwork or to write in your journal
• Breast pads
• Socks to keep your feet warm and slippers
• A robe

Packing for Baby

You will need to pack an outfit for the baby to wear home from the hospital. Choose an outfit that is comfortable and suitable for the season. A onesie under the outfit will keep your baby warm. Be sure to include a cap for the baby’s head and socks for his feet. Bring a blanket for the trip home. Choose a light cotton blanket for the warm Florida weather.

You will need a car seat to bring your baby home. Indian River Medical Center will check to be sure you have an appropriate seat for your baby when you are released . You won’t be able to take the baby home without a seat. Install the car seat when you pack your bag. The seat will be ready when your baby arrives. Studies have shown that most parents install the seats incorrectly. The local Sherriff’s department may offer free safety seat checks to be sure it is installed properly. Call in advance to find out if an appointment is needed and when the service is offered.

What to Bring for Labor

You will want to bring along some items to help with labor. You may want to pack a separate bag with labor supplies, or include these items in your regular bag. Consider what you find soothing and comforting. This bag is very important if you plan to give birth without pain medication.

A Checklist for Labor

• CD Player
• Music or relaxation CDs
• Massage oil
• Lotion
• Lip gloss
• Hair ties or clips
• Socks for your feet
• Massage balls or a few tennis balls in a sock for back massages
• Aromatherapy oils or lotions
• Your own pillow
• Birth ball or any other equipment you want to use

Packing a Bag for the Coach

Your husband, partner or coach will need to pack a bag for the hospital. If this is the first baby, he may not realize how long he may be staying at the hospital. In some cases, it can take a day or even longer for the baby to arrive. Consider what will be needed both during and after the labor. Pack a change of clothes and a bathing suit. If mom wants to get in the water, she may want you there. Bring along a snack for the coach. You may get hungry and be unable to leave the room to get food.

Once the baby is born, you will need to start notifying family and close friends that the baby has arrived. Make sure you have your cell phone, change for the pay phone or a calling card to make your calls. You will want to pack the camera and video camera to record the baby’s first moments. Don’t forget the batteries!

A Checklist for the Coach’s Bag:

• Change of clothes
• Snacks
• Something to drink
• Camera and film or memory card
• Video camera with batteries charged and any necessary cartridges or tapes
• Change for vending machines or phones
• Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste and any other toiletries
• A copy of the birth plan

To A wonderful Birth and organized bag!

Let your voice be heard…so you are even further protected to breastfeed and pump at work!

LATEST INFO ON THE BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION ACT OF 2011:

The US Breastfeeding Committee is encouraging supporters to contact their
Members of Congress to ask them to expand working mothers’ right to
breastfeed. The Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2011 includes two provisions that
would protect and expand working mothers’ right to breastfeed by

 
1) amending civil rights law to protect breastfeeding mothers from being
fired or discriminated against in the workplace; and

2) extending the existing federal provision to ensure that an additional
13.5 million executive, administrative, and professional employees, including
elementary and secondary school teachers, have break time and a private
place to pump in the workplace.

For more information, or to send an email to ask your Representative and
Senators to co-sponsor the Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2011, go to
_http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5162/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=7980_
(http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5162/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=7980)

Soon, your baby, you have been nurturing all of these months,

will be on the outside of your body!  Such a beautiful time of learning

for both of you…all of you.

All baby’s go through a series of stages after birth…and all of them show us

what they made need with body and sound cues.

Come learn about these early cues

and how they can assist you with

breastfeeding success!

Tuesday September 6th at 5:30

at Partners.

bring family. bring a friend.

It can truly be your best friend during pregnancy

and certainly labor!

Here’s what you stand to gain while using the big blue ball:

Conditioning -Gentle exercise on the birthing ball can strengthen the abdominal "pushing" muscles, as well as the lower-back muscles that minimize back pain. So starting early with the birthing ball is a plus.

Physical Relief -Kneeling over the ball can ease back strain and encourage the baby to settle into an optimal position.

 Comfort -During the last few weeks of pregnancy, especially, the birthing ball is often more comfortable than a chair or bed – not to mention, easier to get onto and off of!

 
Relaxation -The ball can be used for massage and general relaxation as well as for practicing birth positions.

Join us Tuesday August 16th at 5:30 at Partners

         to learn more about this helpful orb!

     we will be giving away 2-3 of them in class

growin’ great babies!

Join us NEXT Tuesday August 2nd for a

Mini Lamaze class!

5:30 at Partners

see you there!

Well I have a deal for you! Come join us at a wonderful and informative class about baby wearing.

Yes, learn about all of the different ways to wear your baby. Hands free. Happy baby, happy mommy. happy daddy (yep…dads too!)

Baby wearing professional Ginger Duer will bring an assortment of slings and front packs for you to try on and try out!

Learn how to properly fit the slings and wraps…..learn about the few that are unsafe!

Tuesday July 12th at Partners 5:30

bring your babies and any wraps or front packs or slings you may have.

some prizes to give away….come one come all!

Birth plans are ideas and expectations that you have about the birth of your baby. They are used to help people, who come into contact with you during your labor and birth, know a bit more about you, how you have prepared for this baby, and what you want from the birth.

A lot of people misunderstand and assume that you are writing orders for people to follow. Ah, if only labor would allow us to do this.

there are many topics that may be addressed in a birth plan. All of these topics should be discussed prenatally with your care provider.

By coming to the next hospital tour on:

Tuesday June 28th

{we meet in the main lobby of the hospital at 5:30}

We will go over a birth plan worksheet… so that the staff at Partners in Women’s Health and the staff at the hospital, who you don’t know, will know your preferences.

There are many types of birth plans in written format. Some are many pages long, and some are just a single paragraph that simply "set the tone" for the birth. There is always a happy medium and only you will know what works for you.

Good luck and good birth!