Jaundice and the Newborn

Folks come to me all the time talking about their baby being separated from them to go under bilirubin lights. Occasionally someone insists on bringing their baby home and they use light therapy there or even use the bilirubin blanket. I wanted to share what is actually the issue with bilirubin levels in an infant and some protocol that has been shared with me. I just feel you need to know the facts- know the Pediatric Guidelines and know what you can do to help your baby and your breastfeeding relationship not be interrupted. 

Infant Massage

Do you enjoy a good massage? I have a massage therapist who I find provides me with a little slice of heaven (www.kmiatlanta.com). And if you have experienced a great massage you must also understand how much a baby who has been so used to being constantly touched by his mother's body while in utero would love to be massaged once out.

Newborn Procedures

There are several things that will happen once the baby is born when you are at a hospital- several of these things are not done routinely at a home birth. A great resource for looking at evidence based medicine is here
www.update-software.com/publications/cochrane/

I will offer some things for you to consider in making the choice that is right for you and your baby.

circumcision risks

Today in the local AJC newspaper this was an article I was sent...

"Circumcision victim gets $2.3 million

By Ty Tagami

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

A Fulton County jury has awarded $1.8 million in damages to a boy injured in a botched circumcision.

Sleeping Alone

The reason why we tucked a little baby into the bed with us... the motives were purely selfish. I was 20 years old and mothering was a completely new horizon for me. I had not babysat very much and I was the baby in my family. experience was certainly lacking! This new baby in the house was mixed up and slept all day and was wakeful at night. Now I know how this happens when you first bring them home, but his was happening into the 5th month. I was able to rest some during the day, as I was told to do. but in the morning when I would get up I was irritable and resentful for not having slept much the night before.