Post-Pregnancy
Newborn Screening Tests
Most babies are healthy upon birth. All babies should be tested for rare problems that could result in things like mental retardation or death.
A few drops of blood are taken from your baby’s heel and tested. You will be contacted if there are any problems. Retesting may be required if there is a problem with the sample or if the first test showed a possible health issue.
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Breastfeeding
Breastmilk is the best choice of food for your baby. It is nutritional, easily digestable, readily available, and will help you get back into shape more quickly.
Drink plenty of water, juice, and milk each day. Have 6-8 glasses of water daily. Avoid caffeine or limit it to less than 2 cups per day. Do not smoke or consume alcohol. If you have a drink, do it right after breastfeeding and do not nurse for at least two hours.
Check with your doctor before taking any medications. Cut back on foods high in fat. Do not take diet pills or supplements as they do not work and can be harmful to you and your baby.
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Feeding your Infant
Do not start your child of solid foods too early. Look for readiness signs:
- Your baby can sit up in your lap or on a high chair with no help and can control head movement.
- Your baby can move food from the front to the back of its mouth. Toungue control is something babies will slowly develop.
- Is the baby showing interest in the foods you are eating? If so, try feeding him/her iron fortified rice cereal. If your baby doesn’t show interest, wait another 2-3 weeks and try again. Never force your baby to eat solid food.
- If your baby has doubled in weight since birth.
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Baby’s First Check-Up
Immediately after birth, your baby will be wrapped up in a blanket a hat will be placed on his or her head. Your baby is born wet and needs to be kept warm. Your baby will then be tested with the Apgar score. This tests your baby’s health condition. Your baby will have a sample of blood taken for testing as well. A vitamen K shot will be given to your baby because your baby is unable to make vitamen k immediately upon birth. Eye drops are given as well to protect against bacterial infections from the birthing process.
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Post Pregnancy Fitness
You can begin excersize after birth in about 48 hours with the proper training. Intense workouts can lead to incontinence and back pain because your pelvic floor and abdominals are not ready. Over time you can begin walking, jogging, and running with proper nutrition.
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