After having a baby, it is essential to have a list of essential items for your baby’s nursery, including large pads, mesh underwear, OTC pain relievers, perineal numbing spray, perineal squeeze bottle, stool softener, nursing pads, nursing bras or tops, and more. Postpartum, or the fourth trimester, starts immediately after birth and lasts for 12 weeks. Essential items include basic toiletries, disposable mesh underwear, thick sanitary pads, menstrual pads, onesies, and basic comfort items like Tylenol, maxi pads, and vaginal anesthetic.
Hospital bag essentials for you, your partner, and your baby include nail scissors, baby hair brush toys, baby monitor dummies, breast milk storage bags or containers, saline drops, nipple cream, plastic nipple shields, nursing bras, nursing tank tops, breast pads, breastfeeding book, and nursing cover. The right supplies can make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable for you and your baby. Remember to stock up on onesies and nipple cream to help with postpartum bleeding.
📹 OB/GYN Packs Hospital Bag for Mom, Partner, and Baby #2 | Labor & Delivery & Postpartum Essentials!
This week, The Doctors Bjorkman share what they have packed in their hospital bags in preparation for the arrival of baby #2 in …
What do you need when baby is first born?
To ensure a safe and comfortable baby’s stay, consider using all-in-one jumpsuits, disposable or cloth nappies, muslin or cotton wraps, sleeping bags, singlets, bodysuits, beanies, and socks. Always remove your baby’s head covering before going to sleep. A baby bath can be used instead of a sink or basin, and consider sitting in a comfortable position to avoid straining your back. Your baby’s towel, washcloths, cot sheets, and a baby blanket are essential.
Toiletries include a gentle baby bath wash, nappy wipes, and barrier cream for nappy changes. Additional items to consider include nail scissors, baby hair brush, toys, baby monitors, dummies, breast milk storage bags, saline drops, sensitive detergent, and a nappy bag for when you leave the house. Ensure to use a safe and comfortable environment for your baby’s safety.
What is the priority care of a newborn immediately after birth?
The text emphasizes the importance of immediate care at birth, including delayed cord clamping, thorough drying, assessment of breathing, skin-to-skin contact, and early breastfeeding. It also discusses the role of thermal care, resuscitation, breastfeeding support, nurturing care, infection prevention, health problems assessment, and timely referral. The text also discusses the collaboration with countries to implement the Every Newborn action plan, strengthen data availability and quality, coordinate the development of indicators, and regularly update clinical guidelines for newborn care. It also supports countries in implementing these guidelines.
What do I need immediately for newborn?
Baby registry essentials should include nursery furniture, baby linens, babyproofing gear, feeding gear, diapers, hygiene and grooming essentials, baby clothes, travel gear, entertainment, baby gear like swings and play mats, and first aid and baby care equipment. Each category should be customized to fit the needs of each family. For example, a crib and crib mattress are essential nursery furniture. The list can be modified to suit individual families’ preferences as they set up their baby registry.
What do babies need right after birth?
Following a normal vaginal birth, newborns require skin-to-skin contact in order to feel secure and warm, which has been demonstrated to reduce crying, promote breastfeeding, and maintain body temperature. This initial contact has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of newborn crying, facilitate the initiation of breastfeeding, and ensure the health and well-being of the infant. Subsequent to the initial contact, the newborn is weighed, measured, and observed to ascertain their well-being.
What to do immediately after a baby is born?
Breastfeeding after a baby’s birth is recommended as babies are highly alert and should be placed in direct skin-to-skin contact with their mother immediately after delivery. Most babies begin nursing within the first hour or so, and it’s not necessary to panic if the newborn struggles to find or stay on the mother’s nipple.
Ask for help with breastfeeding while in the birth room or recovery room, and later in the postpartum unit, where there may be a lactation consultant for one-on-one coaching or group breastfeeding support. It’s important to find out ahead of time what resources will be available and ask for help if you’re uncertain.
If a baby has a C-section, they are taken to a nurse or doctor immediately after birth, dried off, suctioned, and given Apgar assessment. They will receive any other necessary attention.
What should I buy first for a baby?
A newborn’s first few days are crucial for their development, and it’s essential to consider the following items: a crib, linens and blankets, nappies, medication, clothes, a baby tub, bibs, feeding necessities, and a car seat. A Moses basket or 3-sided crib is a crucial piece of baby furniture, especially if the baby plans to sleep in your room. A cot can last up to three years of age for longevity. Linens and blankets are also essential, including a fire-retardant mattress that fits the crib. Babies should avoid pillows or fluffy comforters, but crib sheets and blankets are necessary.
In summary, a newborn’s first few days require a crib, linens and blankets, nappies, medication, clothes, a baby tub, bibs, feeding necessities, and a car seat. Choosing the right items can help make the process of preparing for a new baby more enjoyable and stress-free.
What does a newborn need first?
The fundamental requirements of infants can be distilled to three primary categories: love, nourishment, and warmth. To facilitate the transition, it is advisable to plan in advance and ensure the availability of essential items. Given the rapid growth of infants, it is advisable to limit the number of garments required during the initial postnatal period. A modest selection of comfortable, soft, and easily washable attire is sufficient. It is advisable to plan ahead in order to avoid overwhelming new parents with an excessive number of items. It is important to remember that babies require love, care, and safety.
What immediate care is given to baby after delivery?
The text emphasizes the importance of immediate care at birth, including delayed cord clamping, thorough drying, assessment of breathing, skin-to-skin contact, and early breastfeeding. It also discusses the role of thermal care, resuscitation, breastfeeding support, nurturing care, infection prevention, health problems assessment, and timely referral. The text also discusses the collaboration with countries to implement the Every Newborn action plan, strengthen data availability and quality, coordinate the development of indicators, and regularly update clinical guidelines for newborn care. It also supports countries in implementing these guidelines.
What not to do right after giving birth?
After giving birth, it’s essential to avoid certain activities, such as putting anything in the vagina, overdoing it, ignoring pain, hiding struggles, forgetting birth control, ignoring social support, neglecting nutrition, and smoking or misuse drugs. These actions can lead to unexpected changes in the vagina, such as increased bleeding, and may prompt a reluctance to resume certain activities, such as sex and using tampons. It’s crucial to seek help when needed and find resources for support when needed.
What is the 5 5 5 rule after birth?
The needs of vaginal birth and cesarean birth mothers are similar, but they require significant rest. Research shows that early rest, particularly sleep, is crucial for faster and more effective healing. To prepare for the fourth trimester, follow the 5-5-5 rule: 5 days in the bed, 5 days on the bed, and 5 days near the bed. This allows for two weeks of focused intentional rest. Prioritize your priorities with eager visitors, who will see the baby but not make the rules. These boundaries are essential for your family’s health and well-being during this transition.
Organize your resources around self-care activities, such as walks, showers, time with friends, exercise, and maintaining a clean kitchen. Make space for these activities and organize resources around them. Self-care is essential for tethering you to who you were before the baby and what you need in the now.
To prepare for the fourth trimester, grab the free Postpartum Plan Workbook and use it to organize all this information.
📹 OBGYN + Pediatrician Share Postpartum: What to Expect the 1st 24 Hours After Birth for Mom & Baby
This week, The Doctors Bjorkman, a board-certified OB/GYN and Pediatrician couple share videos from their hospital birth of their …
Post partum is also tough. The bleeding, fluid retention, crying because of hormones. My body was doing al sorts of things after I gave birth, I was swollen, had an eye infection, my throat was sore from vomiting during labour and screaming. My lips were chapped, I had a bit of a fever due to my breastmilk coming in. Sore nipples and the worst of all I had insomnia for two whole weeks. Every time night fell I couldn’t sleep and I would get extremely sad and depressed because I knew I had a hard time to fall asleep. I wanted to keep our baby safe because birth was so hard. Thank God my husband helped me through those nights and was there for me. I cried almost every night and he had to hug me tightly. Now our baby is 5 weeks old and I’m starting to feel better everyday.
My doctor immediately cut the cord and the nurse took baby for a bath within 15 minutes of birth while my husband stepped out. To birth the placenta, the nurse was pushing repeatly on my abdomen with such force, it was excruciating. Not all doctors in the U.S. automatically do the things they discussed in this article, so you MUST be your own advocate – which can be difficult immediately after givinf birth. Pregnant with my second child and we will not be circumcizing. Wishing the US was more up to date on what’s best for babies.
I am actually thankful to hear all this step by step. I know a woman who was NOT cleaned after birth at all. Her husband had to get wipes and try and help clean her up. Of course because he didn’t know what to do or where to be gentle it was a painful process. Getting ready to give birth myself I keep hearing everything that is left out. Knowing what to ask for and what treatment we should be getting is key!
Many of your articles have been helpful, but I think this was the most helpful of all. As I stumbled to the bathroom of my hospital room, legs still weakened by the epidural, and activated another cold pad, I replayed this article in my head, thinking “this is normal, expected, I got this.” Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this article when you had so much else on your plate.
My first baby was born at 34 weeks I was not prepared at all and had lung issues and was in the NICU for 10 days his neonatologist was not interested in explaining to me what was happening. He accused me of not being sure how far along I was and was very rude to me. God bless the NICU nurses they were so helpful ❤
Oh, man! First time viewer here. Wish I had access to this kind of content 19 years ago! I took all the classes and read all the books before my first baby, went to a midwife/physician clinic, etc. and was still totally shocked by the experience after birth. I knew all about labor and how hard that would be, but I never even thought about what I would feel like afterwards, besides the obvious fatigue everyone talks about. I still remember my horror when I took a shower in the hospital and felt the damage “down below” while washing. I was just not expecting it, so it was so scary! I think that (the difficulty of my physical recovery) set me up for some serous baby blues and just overall feeling of inability to cope with being a new mom. Don’t worry, we all faired well in the long run and the next two were a breeze comparatively! But thank you for sharing this content. I think it will help so many new mothers and hopefully prevent them from feeling as overwhelmed and scared as I felt.
I know that first hour is so important. I know I’m not alone in being one of the many women who wasn’t able to get the first hour with baby due to complications. And hearing about it so much makes me almost grieve an experience I so dearly wish I could have had. It’s heart wrenching. That’s nearly 4 years after my son was born it’s still raw.
Congrats on your new baby boy! I also delivered my baby boy last week and introduced him to his toddler sister so I am right there with you mama! Thank you for being honest, and not sugarcoating the realities of this time. So many of these articles glaze over how rough postpartum can be for mama physically. So thank you and congrats
I remember they had me walk to the bathroom after being stitched up and try to pee. I couldn’t do it and then walking back I almost passed out. Thankfully there were enough people to hold me so I didn’t hit the floor. When I got down to my postpartum room, they again had me try again and I couldn’t. Finally did a few hours later so I didn’t have to have a catheter–yay! I remember my stomach feeling so loose and sloshy, the pressure and swelling on my pelvic floor, and challenge it was to pee and poop. Argh, no one also told me that hormones can cause the challenge of pooing postpartum. So for the first 6-8 weeks postpartum, it hurt! Even with stool softeners and Miralax, it was not easy…. Bless you to all the women who do this!!
“This is the time for circumcision standardly for most people in the U.S”: While it may be a common practice in the US, circumcision is not a necessary or beneficial procedure. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend routine circumcision, and many medical professionals around the world do not support it either. “It needs to be done later by a neurologist”: There are many reasons why a circumcision may need to be performed later in life, such as medical conditions or personal choice. However, it should only be done when absolutely necessary and with proper anaesthesia. “Local anesthetic and sugar water is able to like help keep the baby calm and comfortable during that procedure”: While local anaesthesia can help alleviate pain, the procedure itself is still painful and traumatic for the baby. Infants are not able to provide informed consent, and subjecting them to unnecessary pain and risk is unethical. “After that time the skin actually changes and it just becomes like more difficult to do the procedure more bleeding Associated and other things too and so yeah doing it in that first couple days of life is really helpful”: This claim is not entirely accurate. While the skin may be thinner and easier to cut in the first few days of life, it is also more delicate and prone to infection. Waiting until the child is older and can make their own informed decision is a more ethical and safe option. “In those first you know 24 hours after they have their circumcision done their their little their penis is a little sore and raw and you have to keep a lot of Vaseline on it constantly”: This statement confirms that the procedure causes pain and discomfort for the baby and that constant care and maintenance are necessary to prevent complications.
I didn’t get that golden hour until a few hours later because I had a c section. By the time they put baby on me, I was so exhausted from a 24 hour failed induction that I literally couldn’t keep my eyes open. I was begging for someone to hold my arms up so I wouldn’t drop my baby. She’s 1 month old now and I’m just now starting to really bond with her. I hate that my relationship with her started that way, though I’m glad we’re both safe.
I found your website 2 years ago when me and my then fiance now husband started trying to conceive thanks to fertility treatments and luck we are now happily almost 5 weeks pregnant I’ve heard so many stories from my friends from my sister and everybody’s teasing me about oh you think it’s bad now just wait. Thankfully your articles have been so much help and so far knock on wood this has been a pretty easy pregnancy but it’s still very early early early early days I can’t wait to share these articles with my husband because we both tend to worry about our little tidbit considering how long we’ve waited for them thank you so much for doing what you do
I loved my ONGYN and you look like a really cool doctor. I tell everyone to find an OBGYN that you will love bc you will be married to that person while pregnant. Mine still delivered my babies even if she was not Oncall. Social media was not around with my first baby in 2005. Now she’s graduating in May. I love how informative you guys are!!!! Congratulations on the birth of your son!!!
Just had my baby less than two weeks ago. I want to note for any expectant moms: you can decline the vitamin k n hep b shots, the pku test, n pitocin after birth if you choose – but you’ll want to tell your hospital before n they make you sign a form declining the shots n test. I was hoping to do a home birth initially but my midwives were concerned I would hemorrhage because of lower platelets so I gave birth in the hospital. I declined pitocin after birth unless needed n I ended up being fine n my bleeding went down quickly. It’s up to you to decide what goes in yours n your baby’s bodies! Be both of your advocates. If you can, pls have someone else that will be your advocates as well. I declined the pku test as well but they never provided the form to decline n it was done when I was in the shower – didn’t know until late the same day. Be vigilant n keep an eye on your baby.
Lots of good advice generally. However, I’d like to point out a few things: a women in a coma can give birth to a baby. It is a natural physiological process that DOES NOT necessitate intervention. You might want to consider the possibility of Hypnobirthing; breathing techniques; tens machines; water birthing etc. ALL interventions have consequences. For example: epidural and opioid analgesics can increase drowsiness and nausea/vomiting in the mother and can cause the baby to be unresponsive or have breathing problems when born. Having a caesarean increases the chances of placenta issues and complications in subsequent pregnancies and means you are more likely to need another caesarean. It also has effects on the baby’s breathing as the mucus is not squeezed out as it would be vaginally, not to mention the bonding hormones that are released as the baby is born vaginally. Of course, there are emergency (less than 30minutes fast intervention times) reasons why a caesarean is necessary, but for the vast majority of women, they have been told a caesarean is an emergency (then wait an hour +)- this is not a life/death emergency. Forceps increase the risk of bleeding in your baby’s brain due to the trauma. However, the statistics for clotting complications are 1:9500 (UK figures) and are usually caused by risk factors such as low platelets and haemophilia. If your baby does not have these risk factors, consider why you would need to give your baby Vitamin K. In ED we only give vit K to patients who are actively haemorrhaging.
Sad to see some people who give their opinions kn topics are mad that other people’s opinions are not the same as theirs, and get so offensive towards something that someone else chooses to do. Good for you guys for sharing your experience with your boy, and the ways you do things. My daughter had a tongue and lip tie that i got cut(the tongue) in the hospital, and then had to do the tongue and lip again a few weeks later at the dentist, some people thought I was crazy for that. But it helped her with breastfeeding. Stop shaming moms for what they do!!!! The world does too much of this!
So glad you mentioned the difficulty of breastfeeding, that was such a shock to me with my first. I like to think that I gave you guys inspiration for your little guy’s name 😄 my Bo Henry is 4 months now. Love your honesty and vulnerability! I can’t believe you filmed some just after birth – I wanted to just lie down and disappear for a few weeks 😆 Hope y’all are having a great day.
I’m always surprised by the difference in vaccination policy between countries. The hep B vaccination is the only one considered non essential for babies here in Germany. We can opt between the 6-fold and 5-fold vaccine at 2-3 months (TDAP, Polio, h. Influenza are in both vaccines but the 5fold vaccine doesn’t have hep B). Edit: also circumcision is a no go here – it got legally allowed for religious reasons in 2013 but other than this unless it is strictly medically necessary it is illegal ( no cosmetic circumcision allowed). And even like this doctor are reluctant to perform it. Ps. I don’t mean to start the vaccination and circumcision debate here, just noticing how different the country policies are.
You are so incredible for recording this after giving birth, thank you so so much for this. I just had my first baby 4 weeks ago to the day and your articles helped me so much to feel prepared and calm. She was born vaginally en caul which was so so cool! Also epidurals are magical, I fully get it now haha 😂
I gave birth in Hungary 3 weeks ago. My labor was very streamlined, the midwife came in once or twice an hour, the doctors showed up at the very end. I had a CTG machine attached throughout and my husband and I had to keep it from falling off. My cervix dilated quickly but later I got a dose of oxytocin because the baby was not coming down. My blood pressure was never measured. Neither was my blood sugar even though I had diet controlled GDM (baby’s blood glucose was fine and the diabetes seems gone but I won’t be sure until my 6 week OGTT). They did an episiotomy as in the majority of vaginal deliveries in Hungary. Baby’s head was 36 cm and I’m a small person. The stitching up part was somewhat painful and I was not offered pain relief. I was never offered an epidural. In the end I’m proud of pulling through and my baby is healthy and beautiful.
You’re absolutely amazing ❤ I’m not expecting but it will be about time in another year or so and birth is terrifying to me as it is to so many other women. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for this article and all of your other ones. ❤❤❤ helps me feel better when I’m empowered with knowledge. It’s nice not to go in blind 🙂
I’m getting ready to have my 5th child. I really don’t want to stay in the hospital after birth. However, I do know that post delivery care is very important. Is there any way the baby and I can set up outpatient care rather than staying in the hospital? I definitely will be discussing this at my next appointment. Just wanted some feedback from other’s experience.
One thing that I didn’t know about until my 4th kiddo is that there are two types of bilirubin and both typically get tested. Indirect bili being elevated means you need to nurse more, sunlight, and maybe the light blanket. Direct bili being elevated means there’s a liver issue. My youngest was born with biliary atresia and didn’t know it was even a thing!
Did you deliver at st joes hospital in Ypsilanti/Ann arbor? I had my daughter there in January 2021 and my son in October 2022 (21 months apart). I had amazing nurses and doctors! Congrats on your little new one! I hope your daughter enjoys her baby brother as much as my daughter enjoys “her” new baby. I love your guys articles I wish I found your website before I had my babies but still get so much out of them. Thank you for always being so honest and down to Earth meanwhile giving us evidence based information!
My hospital did not provide any of the items that you talked about like the ice pack pad. And for a lot of the things I had to go out of my way and ask for them specifically like pads, mesh undies, etc. because they weren’t just given. Also I was induced on a Friday and didn’t give birth until 4:19pm, so there weren’t any lactation consultants available during my hospital stay because it was the weekend. During my stay I was having a very difficult time breast feeding and she would not feed. She would latch and then immediately fall asleep. We tried everything to try to keep her awake. I was severely depressed because I couldn’t get her to feed and I kept asking for help and not receiving any. Then by the time we saw the pediatrician on Tuesday I get scolded for my baby losing too much weight and not supplementing with formula. At that point I was so down both me and my husband left that appointment in tears and I went to exclusively pumping because of it all. I was going to have to pump when I went back to work, but this is not the journey I would have chosen.
This is going to be a unique comment. I hope if this is your experience say me too haha. I had no vagina stinging afterwards. I had minimal bleeding I was wearing my regular thin pads. I skipped my motrin few times and my vagina didn’t hurt so much. I only used Motrin for two days postpartum. My belly went down to normal size three days after. It never felt like jello, I felt like my former self. Pooping and peeing was just like before. I pooped an hour after delivery. I never felt sore. Am I a unicorn? For clarity, It was a vaginal delivery with an epidural. Second degree tear, this is my first baby. Funny tid bit, I don’t like cold stuff on my body. It drives me nuts, it makes my skin numb and weird. I didn’t like the dermaplast spray, it’s like someone shot me with a bullet. Like I said I just wore my regular period pads and I was happy and my own underwear too. Breastfeeding journey was terrific. I had my scares about supply but that’s just from not eating enough.
Can you guys make a article on what to expect after an emergency delivery. There’s thousands of articles for regular deliveries and nothing could’ve prepared me for giving birth to my son at 29 weeks after getting severe eclampsia and losing my eyesight, continuous mag drip and not meeting my son for 3 days, and how hard it was too try to pump and recover and be a mother after complications. There’s too many of us who go through complicated deliveries and there’s absolutely no resources online that can help us deal with those situations.
Thank you so much for such a truly informative article!! It’s super helpful!! My due is middle February so I’m happy that I found your website and can be more ready now ) One question: what do you think about silicone shields for the nipple care? Is it a really huge difference between silver and silicone one from Amazon? Thanks again in advance
Would you guys consider doing an episode on what to expect for nicu parents? I went into preterm labor at 30 weeks and bam, the nicu world is a whole new ball game. Especially the pumping, ect. I was SO lost. And the guilt associated with it having baby too early, along with having to be discharged before baby, I was a complete disaster! You both have so much knowledge. I understand it hasn’t been your birth story, but I’m sure you are very much involved with the steps, ect.
It’s so funny because I’m perusal this a second time mom and you were mentioning nurses cleaning you up & taking the epidural out, labor was such a blur I honestly don’t remember much…. Haha! This time around I hope to have a calmer labor experience with hopefully no heart decels 🙏 also, congrats on baby!!!
Hi! First time mom here, can you guys do a article on vaccines in the first year or two of life? I loved the info you gave in this article about the Hep B vaccine and why it’s given when it’s given. I’d love to know more about spacing vaccines out vs giving them all at once (pros and cons), etc. I know it’s up to me and my doctor, but I’d love to hear your take on it.
Thank you for this article. I really appreciate the details, people say you deliver baby then placenta see a lactation consultant, then go home after a while. Nothing mentioned about caring for sore penis after circumcision or how to deal with meconium or that the birth certificate isn’t just simply given to you after you fill out the names.
Thank you so much for sharing this article! My second child was born with a CCHD and thankfully a lovely L&D nurse noticed symptoms that were off. I don’t believe using a pulse ox is standard practice in Canada, I’m in Ontario. It definitely should be as my son’s heart defect (TGA) is apparently fairly easy to miss at anatomy scans.
The difference in the Uk is crazy, we don’t get the hep b shot, we don’t get fundal massage, we don’t routinely circumcise at birth and we give the placenta an hour before it’s classed as retained, we get put on a ward with other moms . We have baby and basically get left alone once placenta is delivered unless there is complications and get discharged within 24 hours, the only thing they will do is made you pee in a cardboard potty to check your blood loss on your first pee and we don’t get any postpartum care bits. 😮
It should probably be mentioned that the golden hour is not likely possible if you have a C-section. I got a few precious minutes of skin to skin with my babe after my C-section, but she was taken away for vitals and I was getting stitched up etc. Our golden time was an hour or so later, but it was still beautiful and amazing. 🥰
Hey guys! Love your articles and all the great educational information you provide! This one was a bit difficult for me though. You spoke a lot about how crucial the “golden hour” is, trying to nurse, skin to skin with mom etc, etc. Unfortunately however, postpartum looks really different for everyone. Not everyone gets the privilege of getting that hour. In my case, my son was born preterm and was taken to the nicu right away. I’m thankful I did not see this article in those early days, as compounding all of the benefits my child and i missed out on in addition to just how difficult that time was, would have been far too difficult for me. I think for future reference, it may be in better taste to just state how different this time looks for everyone, but what you guys chose to do, and why you made those choices. That would help keep it educational, with out feeling like those who chose or were forced to do something different, did something “wrong”.
The heel prick for blood testing for my baby looked so painful and traumatic. It wasn’t a drop – it was like 10 drops the nurse wiped on a piece of paper in different spots. But they had to like milk her little heel to get enough blood out. It took at least 5 minutes of very harsh pushing, rubbing, and squeezing. The nurse was so rough her little foot was all bruised afterwards. Baby was quiet though because of sugar water- but I’m sure it hurt! I should have complained but as a first time mom I thought maybe it was normal?? I’m considering rejecting the heel prick this time or asking for something different. It felt so harsh and unnecessary to push and squeeze that hard for that long.
I think the fact that you’ve received this reaction from your fans re: circumcision should be a sign that some reflection is needed. There is a reason why few doctors outside the US agree with you: the data does not side with you. It is true, there is some minor reduction in UTI and STD rates in some studies, but when applied broadly, this fails to hold up. European nations have lower or relatively equal rates of UTIs, STDs, and penile cancer, which suggests either that the data is wrong or that there is more to it than just circumcision. It disheartens me how unable to see from a broader lens a lot of Americans seem to be. This is something that is either going to be a big topic of change and discussion in the US in the coming years or already is, and I frankly don’t see history looking down favorably on your position. I genuinely hope your son never comes to hold resentment against you for your decision, which is something that an increasing number of kids find themselves feeling.
I feel I’ve lost a lot of trust and don’t agree with how easy you talk about circumcision. Evidence and research also disagree with most US practices that are routinely given for pregnancy and birth and beyond. Though deforming a babies genitalia, is very concerning and worrying. This is most certainly NOT a routine practice or mentioned in Australia… for good reason..
From the standpoint of someone who lives in a place where its not normal to circumcise babies, I do find it a little bit problematic how casually you discuss the post circumcision care, and as professionals recominding it gets done early without even a sligt nod to the ethical issue around it. I know its normal in the US but that dosent make it ethical, so should we really contribute to further normalising of it? I would have liked to at least se at little nod towards adressing that it’s not something you should feel like you have to do(+ not normal to do it in most of the world), has some side effects and no heath benefits.
Wow so many interventions early on. Circumcising your baby is completely unethical and unnecessary and should be banned. This article makes me think of how approximately 40% of women in Denmark have home births. All this intervention seems unnecessary and overkill at best. I honestly am appalled that anyone thinks circumcising your baby is ethical. There is literally no reason for it, imagine if we did this to little girls. How disgusting and unnatural and unethical.
So shocking to hear you speak so casually about “circumcision” but at least you don’t make a distinction between those with the gender inclusive form and your own culture’s male exclusive form, although that was probably a slip. You speak a lot about breastfeeding and the importance of bonding at this time and then this brutal blood sacrifice which completely disrupts it in the worst possible betrayal of trust! Small wonder so many American mothers have issues with babies going on strike refusing breastfeeding! No, the skin does not change making the cutting less bloody, in fact quite the opposite with the danger of death from haemorrhaging being greater the younger the victim. A days old neonate only needs to lose a very little blood before it becomes life threatening with many examples of fatalities. It is not limited to physical complications either as the trauma is most likely a factor in the high prevalence of autism in US, triggering autism in those genitically disposed. Cot deaths have likewise been linked to the trauma.
Sarah, how were you standing so easily the first day of PP?! I felt like I was hobbling around for the first 3 days; even when we went to my son’s circumcision, I had to hold on to the wall rail for the short walk. You’re amazing! Even though my little one is about to turn one, I’m still so excited for this newborn series. It reminds me of that amazing time when I first met my son and became a mom.
Man I wish my birth went this well. They whisked him away after my emergency c-section. Neither of us were doing great. After a few hours he was given to us and his nurse came to us. They did take him every hour back to the NICU for the first 2 days. I’m scared to have another because it was so awful.
This is wonderful – I am a first time expectant mom, and a great deal of articles are just too much. Yours are perfect – not overwhelming and provide a good overview of information that is helping to ease my anxiety of not particularly knowing what to expect. I also am grateful for you cut down on diaper bags – I’ve found myself saying “do I really need ALL of that” with some of these Youtube articles, and it was becoming overwhelming. I am due next month and this was just what I needed to watch. Thanks again 🙂
For my first two kids, my placenta doesn’t detach on their own. My OB will have to dip their hands into my vagina to get them out. I don’t really like it. 😅Am I doing something wrong? Lol! I am expecting my 3rd now, and I am hoping my placenta can come out on its own. What are your thoughts? Congratulations once again on arrival of baby.
I’m not sure what it is but whenever I put your articles on the sound is so quiet compared to other articles even at full volume – I find it hard to put on when I’m trying to listen in the background whilst doing other tasks. Small issue but just wondering if you were interested in knowing so you can look into it. Thanks 😊
I lost a lot of weight during postpartum and of course the time after that. My baby is now 6 months old and I only breastfeed. Could you talk about this? I feel like in the pregnancy where I didn’t like my body but know to the other side of the balance 😢 sometimes I have the feeling that I look sick and emaciated. What can I do to recover my normal weight ? I do eat, but I’m not hungrier than normal eve though I only breastfeed. I would really love if you talk about this.
don’t know what hospital/state you’re going to.. but it is not exactly like that everywhere lol… I had my first 8 years ago in Myrtle Beach SC. they placed her on me for only a few minutes and then took her to do all the things(measurements, weight, tests), and my husband watched them do that while they had me push again to deliver placenta/stitched me up, and then they also came in very shortly after that, and pulled out my epidural and immediately made me get up and walk. even though I couldn’t feel my legs yet. They said I had to get up and walk.
Why don’t they test baby for thyroid hormones ??? Isn’t it very important for brain and overall development, i am worried because my tsh was 2.9 at beginning of pregnancy, then my doctor refused to check it again any time for the whole duration of pregnancy, now its delivery time and i am worried that my baby will be difficient too !!!! How can i convince the doctor to run this test !!!! I have a family hx of hypothyroidism and iam 39 yo
I know its out of context but can you please make article about pelvis girdle pain. I am just 16 weeks pregnant and having left hip pain for 10 days. First it was mild and was there from getting out of the bed and will stop after walking a bit. But for two days, its just unbearable. I cant even walk. And moving even slightly in bed in impossible. I feel like handicapped. I researched on internet and it seems like Pelvic Girdle Pain. Sarah, have you ever had any patient with such pain? How did you help her surviving it. I am crying full day thinking how will I survive it for around 24 weeks. Normally it happens late but its early for me. My ob gyn said she didn’t encounter ang such case ever. I don’t know what to do. Please help.
My biggest question is will a doctor allow you to not seperate the placenta from the baby. I want that to fall off it’s own the amount of blood and nutrients the baby will get from it is some thing that’s really important to me but I feel and I’m scared that doctors will not allow such a thing because it’s not very common practice.
Let the hate begin………mom’s and dad’s, every 24 hours after birth is different for each individual. There may be smiliar circumstances but please do not advise new parents. They need to learn. Every baby is different, Dad is different mom is getting over labor and is probably overwhelmed or natural instincts kick in. As people we need to stop looking to others and learn for yourself. Humans are amazing ❤❤❤❤❤❤
So….long question. My son was advised on not to get a circumcision because one of his testicle didn’t drop and then we missed the 0-3 month window and were not told that. If I have another boy, I really want to get a circumcision newborn days because we had surgery for our little man at 9 months and it was really hard. Thoughts? Was that the right decision? They brought down the testicle and did hernia surgery too / but honestly wished that we would’ve gotten the circumcision done earlier. Thoughts??
Seems like the “you need to know what time your baby pees and poops in order for hospital staff to allow you to take YOUR baby home” is a great endorsement for home births. As long as the baby isn’t showing signs of medical distress, parents should be able to take him home. They shouldn’t be held against their will while staff watch the baby for normal functions if nothing looks abnormal. Why not “if the baby isn’t eating, peeing, or pooping, go to a doctor” the same way it is for the rest of his life?
You don’t need vitamin k shot unless you are circumcising a son and even then you should opt for the preservative free version. Or just wait to do the circumcision until their blood clotting abilities naturally rise after a week. And you only need eye ointment if you have gonorrhea or clamydia. And obviously everything is a higher risk for a newborn than other people with fully functioning gut health and immune systems, so be extra vigilant and safe and careful with your precious baby, don’t get them shot up with crap like the hep shot on their first day of life…. Don’t let people scare you into doing things that don’t make sense or give you an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of your stomach. You are momma and you can educate yourself and protect your baby with full confidence if you just research these practices prior to birth rather than being talked into them out of fear last minute when you are in the hospital.
Just my two cents on the topic of their choice to circumcise their son… Let’s all remember it is their choice. It may not be your choice, you may think it should be outlawed or whatever or that it’s not ethical, but here in the states it’s a choice parents are allowed to make and many do. I don’t even agree with it myself, but I will respect their decision and I think we should all take a minute to remember it’s not for us to judge anyone. Should the US allow it? Should it be so normalized as it is here? Should pediatricians be advising parents for or against the procedure? Is there any actual benefit to be had or is it just a social/religious thing? These are all questions for another day that we can discuss and debate in another article. This article is just them graciously sharing some things about their experience with their new son and the delivery/recovery process they had. You don’t have to agree with their choice, but please don’t judge them either.
The lactation specialist is a resource they charge you for! She was pointless and I’ll never use that “resource” again. Maybe I just have too many friends and family who’ve nursed their babies to help me through it or because I look everything up that I have questions about? Yeah, lactation specialists are pointless for me and many women I know, which is unfortunate.