Children's Health: Promoting Baby Health

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Promoting Baby Health

Daily Bread

As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
Joshua 24:15

Steps moms can take to help their babies thrive

Expectant mothers hope and pray that their babies will be born healthy. Parents can take an active role in protecting their child’s health both before and after birth.

Prenatal care is of utmost importance. Regular prenatal checkups allow doctors to monitor the health of Mom and her developing baby. Health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can be detected early and treated. Left untreated, high blood pressure can be detrimental to mother, cause low birth weight in babies and lead to serious health complications. Diabetes can cause major birth trauma, heart problems and other medical conditions.

Once baby is born, it is vital that parents put babies to sleep on their backs, said Dr. Jane Hayden, M.D., a neonatologist at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and a clinical professor at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Hayden said some moms like to bring their babies into bed with them to make breastfeeding easier during the night, but co-sleeping is not a good idea. “A soft, soft bed is not a place for baby to sleep,” Dr. Hayden said.

In some instances, parents have inadvertently rolled over onto their babies and smothered them. “The number one thing you can do to prevent SIDS is to put babies to sleep on their backs,” Dr. Hayden said.

Cigarette smoking is another contributing factor to SIDS so babies should never be around cigarette smoke.

Breastfeeding is another excellent way to promote health in infants, Dr. Hayden said. “If a mother can successfully breastfeed, it decreases the chances of infections and respiratory problems.” Through breast milk, mothers pass on antibodies they have developed against infections. Breast milk also has higher nutritional value than formula.

Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women has lactation consultants on staff to help new mothers learn about breastfeeding. Consultants visit with new mothers in the hospital and are available for support and consultation after mom and baby go home. Baptist also offers support groups for new mothers.

Even before becoming pregnant, prospective mothers should follow good health habits. Women should eat a healthy, balanced diet; take a daily multivitamin; stay away from cigarette smoke; and get plenty of exercise.

That’s a good idea for everyone!

Published: Aug. 16, 2006
Source: Dr. Jane Hayden, M.D., a neonatologist at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and a clinical professor at the University of Tennessee
Writer: Elizabeth Todd Bartholomew, MA, APR

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