Thank you very much.
Parenting is a journey of discovery.
Around each corner are new challenges and excitement that only your baby can bring.
Along the way you'll receive support from family, friends, and professionals.
This video can help too, along with information from your doctor and nurse.
This tape will help you plan ahead and understand how to take care of yourself and your newborn.
Watch it several times during your pregnancy and again after your baby's born.
Jot down questions so that you can discuss them with your doctor or nurse.
Here's Dr. Art Lane.
As an obstetrician and a father, I understand the excitement you feel as an expectant parent.
I also know the decisions you face.
I've experienced many of the same with my own children.
While the journey to parenthood may be challenging, there's so much you can do during pregnancy to plan ahead.
Even now, you can prepare labor and delivery and to have a healthy baby.
In the first program, we'll look at some dramatic photography of early fetal development,
the same amazing development that's occurring inside you.
I think you'll also see how your health care choices during pregnancy can affect your baby
and why it's so important to see your doctor and nurse regularly.
Now that you're 22 weeks, let me see what I can show you.
What a special moment.
For the first time, Jana and John Buckeyes see the feet she's carrying.
A heartbeat.
Movements.
Their baby.
Pregnancy is like no other time in your life.
It's full of excitement, anticipation, even anxious waiting.
In the next few minutes, we'll describe the changes you're experiencing.
You'll see how rapidly your baby develops. It's truly amazing.
We'll also show you how your health affects the fetus inside you
and how the choices you make during pregnancy can help lead to a healthy baby.
If birth is a miracle, then words can't describe the wonder of pregnancy.
It begins as a single cell, the size of a grain of sand.
Over the 40 weeks of pregnancy, it will become a human being made of trillions of cells.
From inside the uterus, we can observe the growth of the baby.
From inside the uterus, we can observe the rapid and dramatic early development.
At four weeks, the embryo is pea-sized.
But there's a heartbeat.
Arm buds begin the development of limbs.
Eyes appear as black dots.
By approximately eight weeks after conception, a tiny face.
The spine is clearly visible. Arms and legs are more distinct.
A hand moves.
By ten weeks, the fetus measures less than two inches.
You can see the early formation of an ear.
Well-defined fingers, toes, and the sex organ.
But it's too early to tell whether this baby a boy or girl.
All organs form in the first trimester.
The fetus takes shape.
Karen found out she was pregnant just last week.
Since then, she and Ron have been caught up in the excitement.
In addition to the family, lots of tension, new responsibilities.
Like most expectant parents, Karen and Ron also face big adjustments.
Change in lifestyle, economic pressures.
It's normal to experience a range of emotions during pregnancy.
With mood swings, especially if you're not feeling well.
Most expectant parents are excited, but some feel apprehensive, too.
Having a baby will change your life.
Enjoy the excitement.
Accept the adjustment.
Support each other and build confidence for what's ahead.
And know, too, that you can rely on your doctor and nurse.
Outward physical changes during the first trimester are subtle and barely noticeable.
But soon after conception, your body begins adjusting to support the fetus.
You may feel tenderness as your breasts become fuller.
The urge to urinate may increase, and you may hire easily.
The changes taking place inside you can produce equally dramatic reactions.
Some expectant mothers experience squeasiness, nausea, and vomiting.
This morning sickness can happen any time of day, and usually subsides by the end of three months.
If you're concerned over changes in your body or bothered by symptoms that accompany them,
talk with your doctor or nurse.
I see from your personal history that it sounds like you've been pretty healthy.
The first doctor visit should take place as early as possible.
Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a thorough examination.
She can detect and treat any early concern before it becomes a problem.
I see diabetes in your family history. Who in your family has it?
My sister has diabetes.
Your doctor will also determine which prenatal tests are needed to plan your care during pregnancy.
Now is also a good time to talk about any problems you may be having.
Here are a few tips.
Always provide complete and thorough health information.
Write down questions and bring them to your next visit.
Ask your doctor to explain the results of any tests you have.
Find out which complaints you should report right away, like vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or dizziness.
These early visits are important.
It's a time when your doctor develops a plan for your entire nine-month pregnancy.
As long as things go well, you'll continue to see your doctor once a month during the first 28 weeks.
Then every other week during weeks 28 through 36, and finally weekly until you deliver.
So much happens inside you during the first three months, including the development of your baby's heart, brain, and other organs.
Any of the choices you make in your daily life affect this development.
It's true for things you should do, like exercise, eat healthy foods, and get enough rest,
and for things you shouldn't do, like exposing your fetus to drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes.
The umbilical cord links the fetus to a life support system, the mother.
It carries blood and nutrients to the fetus.
It also returns blood and waste products to the placenta.
Whatever you consume, good or bad, passes through to your fetus.
Smoking, drugs, and alcohol threaten your baby's development.
Smoking tobacco decreases blood flow to the placenta.
Blood vessels clamp down, reducing oxygen to the fetus.
Smoking also increases the passage of carbon monoxide.
Both of these changes speed up the fetal heartbeat.
Smoking increases the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and low birth weight babies.
Illicit drugs can pass through your system in 24 hours, but they can linger with your fetus for up to 14 days.
Your baby can be impaired and even born with your addiction.
Studies link drugs with miscarriage, birth defects, low birth weight, and even sudden infant death syndrome,
the number one cause of death in the first year.
Its risks increase by 80 times when the mother takes cocaine, by 40 times with heroin.
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it quickly reaches the fetus.
But like illicit drugs, it takes longer to leave.
While the risks increase with heavy and frequent drinking, there are no safe amounts.
Drinking alcohol can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, birth defects, low birth weight, and mental retardation.
Organs form during early pregnancy.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking threaten this development and stunt growth.
You need to stop right away.
Often by late pregnancy, the damage has been done and is irreversible.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking can threaten your health, and now they threaten your baby's health, too.
If you are using any of these substances, stop now.
I know this can be difficult.
These behaviors are often addictive and hard to control, so get help.
Go in a support group and talk with your doctor about quitting.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications may be necessary, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements.
Talk to your doctor about what you should take.
Should I be eating differently now?
Well, over your pregnancy, your nutritional needs are going to increase gradually.
Now, you're pretty typical, so during your second and third trimester, you'll need to increase your intake of calories by about 300 a day.
Your daily routine doesn't have to change much during pregnancy, especially if you're in good health and get enough rest.
Eating well is your best start.
Well-nourished babies come from well-nourished mothers.
Eat balanced meals with foods from each of the food groups.
Three to six servings a day of fruits.
Three to five vegetable servings.
Six to 11 servings of whole grain or enriched bread, cereal, rice, or pasta.
Three to five milk and milk products.
Two to three servings daily of meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, or beans.
Fluids are important, too.
Try to drink six to eight glasses of water, juice, or milk every day.
Avoid high-fat foods and calories with little nutritional value, like sweets, potato chips, and soft drinks.
You can see how the foods you eat and the choices you make in early pregnancy affect your health and your developing fetus.
Rest is important, too.
With so much happening inside you, it's normal to feel tired.
Make sure you get enough sleep, including naps, when you can.
During the second trimester, much of the magic of pregnancy becomes real.
Your body begins to show changes.
You also start to feel movement inside you.
Now it really becomes exciting.
A few weeks into the second trimester, the fetus looks like a tiny human.
All that's left is for organs to grow and mature and for the fetus to gain weight.
But look at what's happened already.
The fetus actively turns in the uterus at around 16 weeks.
By 18 weeks, the fetus is fully formed.
You can see a mouth and lips and distinct sex organs.
This looks like a girl.
Around 20 weeks, you should begin to feel movement.
By the end of the second trimester, the fetus is 11 to 13 inches long and weighs one to one and a half pounds.
For many expectant mothers, like Jana, the second trimester can be like a honeymoon.
The first 13 weeks went smoothly.
She was tired a lot and had some morning sickness.
Now she feels better, has a stronger appetite and looks good.
John.
What?
I feel the baby.
You're kidding.
Where?
Right here.
There?
Yeah.
Feeling movement reassures you everything is okay.
It's an excitement that you can share.
Outward physical changes become more noticeable during the second trimester.
The enlarging uterus and changes in your posture can strain your back muscles.
Some women also experience pain in the groin or the sides of their lower abdomen.
It's caused by stretching of the support ligaments around your uterus.
Your doctor and nurse can describe ways to relieve discomfort.
Exercise is recommended during pregnancy.
It gives you a sense of well-being.
It can also reduce backache and tiredness.
If you already exercise moderately, you can probably continue.
If you're just starting, go slowly and talk with your doctor first about appropriate activities.
It's easy to be preoccupied with preparing for your new arrival.
But try not to ignore each other.
Remember, it's romance and caring that got you here.
If you have questions about intimacy and sex during pregnancy, talk with your doctor or nurse.
During your third trimester, every step you take reminds you that you're pregnant.
Now's the time to think ahead to labor and delivery.
Childbirth education classes can help you learn about breathing and relaxation techniques,
exercises, birthing options, and infant feeding choices.
You can share your experiences and concerns with other expectant parents and with professionals.
Taking care of yourself is just as important now.
Eat healthy foods, exercise, and get enough rest.
Like many expectant parents during the third trimester,
Danielle Robinson is really beginning to identify the baby she's carrying as a unique person.
She and Curtis hope her baby's slow, gentle movements are hints of a calm personality.
The fetus is more aware of the surroundings now, voices, stomach gurgling, music, and other sounds.
You're more aware of your pregnancy now.
Your baby takes up more space, and the uterus begins to crowd other organs.
As it expands upward, you may feel short of breath and have a decreased appetite.
As the due date nears, your fetus will move down.
Then your lower abdomen and back will feel heavier.
Since your bladder is more compressed, you may urinate more frequently.
You may also experience constipation and abdominal cramps.
Many pregnant women are concerned about weight gain.
If your weight's normal before pregnancy, you can expect to gain around 30 pounds over the nine months.
Approximately 15 pounds center around the growing fetus and enlarging breasts.
Otherwise, the weight gain is distributed pretty evenly through your whole body.
During the last four to six weeks, this extra weight may cause some leg cramps and mild swelling.
It's especially noticeable if you spend a lot of time on your feet.
To reduce cramps and swelling, elevate your legs when possible, exercise regularly, and wear support hose.
It may be harder to sleep during the last few weeks.
Between worrying about the baby, increased trips to the bathroom, fetal movement, and getting comfortable, sleep can be a challenge.
Try sleeping on your side, preferably your left, and placing a pillow between your legs.
Experiment to find a comfortable position.
With an uncomplicated pregnancy, most healthy women can continue to work until delivery.
Talk with your doctor to see if your work activity should change with pregnancy.
Pregnancy is full of wonder and drama, all leading up to the birth of your child.
Plan ahead by understanding what happens during pregnancy.
Know how to take care of yourself.
See your doctor and nurse regularly and follow their recommendations.
Make the right choices for your health and a healthy baby.
Every time I see photography of the developing fetus, I'm amazed by the miracle of pregnancy.
The connection between you and your fetus is so vital.
You can see how your decisions can affect your baby's development.
Now it's up to you to make the right choices.
Planning ahead also means making decisions once your baby is born.
One of the most important is deciding how to feed.
Breastfeeding is best for you and your baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies be breastfed for as long as possible.
Our next program offers tips to help you breastfeed successfully.
How to get started, proper positioning at the breast, how to tell when your baby's hungry,
meeting your supplementation needs.
First Feedings was developed with a leading pediatrician and nurse and certified lactation consultants.
They'll share their knowledge and experience to help you understand breastfeeding basics.
Her eyes are so pretty.
There's a certain moment when it sinks in.
You're really a parent.
Right then, you form a bond that's so special, a commitment so complete, it'll last forever.
With all the joy and excitement comes a new responsibility.
This little person depends completely on you to protect her, to care for her.
Proper nutrition is one of the most important things you can provide for your baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast milk first and an infant formula with iron
as the only acceptable alternative through your baby's first year.
Breast milk is best.
It's made especially for a baby.
Your breast milk provides complete, balanced nutrition
and it helps protect your baby against certain illnesses and allergies.
Breastfeeding offers benefits for mothers too.
It can help you if you lose weight gained during pregnancy.
It's easy to want to know what to do and it can be so convenient.
Breastfeeding promotes a special closeness, a love that only you and your baby can share.
Prenatal classes can help you prepare for breastfeeding.
After your baby is born, sharing experiences can help give you the confidence to breastfeed successfully.
In many communities, lactation consultants are also available to help you breastfeed.
And it's just a wonderful experience as a mother to be able to hold my child
and give her the nourishment for my own body.
I felt very fortunate to be able to do it.
It's very convenient. I can just be going anywhere I want to easily.
And I found out that the breast milk was the best milk for the baby.
And I also found out that it helped you lose your weight in your stomach.
And really I can't think of anybody else in my family who breastfed.
And so, you know, the first time I was in front of my family and Abigail started crying,
you know, what do I do in this situation?
And, you know, I just found that for me going off to a quiet place
where I could just have that time with her was best.
It doesn't really limit your freedom because you're very free to take the baby anywhere
and you can nurse the baby whenever she wants to
and you don't have to carry around her equipment.
I feel like I know Rebecca better.
I know more her cries when she's hungry, when she's tired.
And through feeding her, I feel that I'm beginning to know her more as a baby.
Breastfeeding is natural.
It helps when you know your role, your baby's needs and reactions,
and how you'll learn from each other.
I learned a lot about my baby's personality from breastfeeding.
I learned that she has very definite preferences
and she only wants to breastfeed when she's hungry
and she doesn't want to keep breastfeeding when she's not hungry anymore.
The best advice I would have is just to relax
and that'll help the experience all the more.
She let me know that she wasn't always hungry and to just follow her lead.
Let's look at how your body changes to prepare for nursing and why.
As pregnancy progresses, your breasts enlarge and feel fuller.
Milk glands and ducts expand, nipples and surrounding areola darken.
Milk is made in alveoli or milk sacks.
15 to 25 ducts store and carry milk to the nipple.
Flat or inverted nipples can make latching on difficult for your baby.
To check for inverted nipples, gently squeeze the areola at the base of the nipple.
A normal nipple will protrude.
If it remains flat or retracts, talk with your doctor or nurse.
They can recommend special breast shells to wear during pregnancy
and after your baby is born.
When your baby nurses, messages are sent to the brain.
There, hormones are released that trigger your breasts to produce and release milk.
Meanwhile, one of these hormones also helps your uterus shrink to its original size.
The contractions that aid this shrinking may cause some cramping during your early nursing days.
In the first few days after delivery, your breasts produce a rich yellowish milk called colostrum.
Its blend of nutrients is perfect for your baby's first feedings.
Over the next week, your colostrum gradually becomes a thinner, mature milk,
adapting to your baby's changing needs.
You produce breast milk continuously.
If you nurse frequently, you can be confident that you'll have as much as your baby needs.
It was right after she'd been born.
They placed her on my belly, and then we pulled her close, my husband and I,
and tried to get her to nurse, and this baby was amazing.
She was so eager to suck on anything that came close to her.
It was almost hard to get her to suck on my breast rather than her hand or anything.
It was really fulfilling for me because I had a hard time getting him to nurse in the beginning.
So it was really a feeling of accomplishment.
There are several common feeding positions.
The cradle position, the clutch, or under the arm hold, and lying down.
Choose one that's comfortable for you and your baby.
First, we'll demonstrate the cradle position.
Support your back and the arm holding your baby so you can bring her close to the breast.
Hold your baby tummy to tummy.
Raise her head slightly in the bend of your arm so her mouth is in front of your breast.
Cup your breast to help your baby latch on.
Place your fingers under and your thumb on top, well behind your riola.
Now, help your baby take over.
She's born with amazing talents, like the rooting reflex.
Brush your nipple against her bottom lip, and she'll open wide.
Bring your baby to your breast, aiming your nipple toward the back of her mouth.
Support your breast throughout the feeding.
You should feel a comfortable, rhythmic tugging.
Look at Emily. You can hear and see her swallowing.
Newborns may not latch on correctly right away.
If nursing is painful, ease your finger in the corner of his mouth to release your nipple.
Then, try again.
If you've had a cesarean section, you may prefer the clutch hold.
It puts less direct pressure on your incision.
Place your baby on a pillow beside you.
Support the base of her head in your hand so she lines up with your nipple.
Some mothers like the lying down position, especially for nighttime feeding.
Use a pillow to support your back.
Place a receiving blanket behind your baby so he stays on his side.
His mouth should line up with your nipple.
For the first couple hours after birth, most babies are awake, alert, and eager to feed.
Then, for the next few days, most would rather sleep than eat.
During the first month, you may need to wake your baby every two to three hours for daytime feedings.
You can let her wake on her own at night.
Soon, your baby will probably wake up more predictably.
Then, you can feed on demand.
When your baby's hungry, it's time to nurse.
Most babies nurse between 20 and 40 minutes each feeding.
Try to use both breasts.
Start on the fuller one.
When your baby loses interest, takes a break or slows swallowing, usually after 10 to 20 minutes,
take her off and burp her.
Burping removes air swallowed during feeding.
At least once during, then again after nursing, hold your baby upright against your shoulder
or face down across your lap.
Gently rub or pat her back for a minute or so.
Babies don't need to burp each time, so don't insist.
After burping, she'll probably be eager to take the other breast.
Nurse long enough on each breast to release the hind milk,
produced toward the end of the feeding.
This milk is richer in fat and calories, both important to fully satisfy your baby.
Some babies nurse well on only one breast.
Just be sure to switch to the other to begin the next feeding.
Some mothers pin their bra as a reminder.
Once your baby's established a predictable nursing pattern,
she'll also let you know when she's satisfied.
But it's not always obvious.
Be patient.
Soon you'll learn your baby's signs, slowing down, turning away, falling asleep.
Looks like mealtime's over.
Remember, the more you nurse, the sooner your milk will come in and the more you'll have.
In the first two to four weeks, avoid supplemental feedings of water or formula.
They aren't necessary and can decrease your milk supply.
You can tell when your baby's nursing well.
She's tugging gently on your nipple and swallowing.
She seems content and satisfied after feeding.
She's nursing at least eight to twelve times a day every two to three hours,
wetting six to eight diapers and having three to four soft, seedy stools a day.
Your baby will probably go through growth or appetite spurts at around one, three, and six weeks,
and again at three months.
She'll want to nurse more for a couple days, increasing milk production.
During these periods, nurse as often as you want.
Your baby's doctor or nurse practitioner will also measure her growth.
Normal increases in weight and length are a true indication that your baby's getting enough to eat.
Don't be alarmed by minor changes in bowel activity.
Occasional gas is normal.
Stool frequency and color may also vary.
If changes are prolonged or extreme, tell your baby's doctor or nurse.
Your daily shower and avoiding soap on your breasts is really all that's needed
because the areola has glands that secrete a natural lubricating and cleansing substance that protects your nipples.
I was recently trying on nursing bras and I heard a baby crying and I automatically let down right then.
And thank God that the nursing bra fit because I had to purchase it.
A friend told me that if you compress your breast like this,
that in an emergency situation that that will prevent the let down.
And also I now wear nursing pads.
And I find if I wear a large blousey top that I can nurse so discreetly that people approach me and don't even know I'm breastfeeding.
Well, I exercised just about during the whole pregnancy.
And when I went back to my doctor at my six week checkup, she said I could go back to my class whenever I felt ready.
And what I do is I just nurse her before I go and my teacher's great and lets me bring her with me.
Well, initially it's difficult to time find a rest for yourself with the baby being so active and being such an active eater.
But if you can establish a routine, I found during the second week that once he falls asleep, I would try to use that time to take a nap myself.
Your nutrition is important.
Eat healthy, well balanced meals. Drink to satisfy your thirst.
Some breastfeeding mothers may drink as much as two extra quarts a day.
It's best not to smoke and talk with your doctor before drinking alcohol or taking medicines.
Whatever you consume can pass through your milk and affect your baby.
Dieting during the early weeks is not a good idea.
You'll probably lose excess weight gradually and breastfeeding can help.
If you want to lose weight while you're nursing, talk with your doctor or nutritionist.
Between the second and fifth day after you give birth, your breasts may become firm and feel extremely full.
Your body is trying to establish an appropriate milk supply.
Frequent nursing will help to maintain that milk production.
It will also help to relieve any discomfort.
If your baby has trouble latching on to a swollen breast, try hand expressing or pumping some milk to soften the areola.
During nursing, gently massage your breast to encourage milk flow.
After nursing, apply cold packs for a short time to relieve swelling.
During your first few days of nursing, you may experience some nipple soreness.
The treatment for sore nipples is to make sure your baby is latched on properly.
To nurse more frequently, to start nursing on the least sore side,
and after nursing, let your nipples air dry and to express a little bit of breast smoke on the nipples.
If you continue to have problems, see your baby's doctor or a lactation consultant.
Give yourself time to build confidence in your new role as a breastfeeding mother.
Think about what you need to do, what you and your baby need to learn.
Then, give yourselves time to get to know each other.
We hope this program helps you learn how to breastfeed successfully.
If you have any questions, talk with your doctor, your nurse, or a lactation consultant.
If you have to be away during a feeding, expressing your breast milk will assure that your baby receives the same excellent nutrition.
I chose breastfeeding because I had to go back to work in about eight weeks, and I wanted that time of bonding with Abigail.
I pump my breasts at lunch, and I give that bottle to my babysitter that she uses at the next day.
And I wake up very early in the morning to make sure that I get into feedings before I go to work.
If we can supplement the breastfeeding with formula, it allows her to get out,
it allows me to take her in the evening and essentially take care of her and put her to bed.
Right now, I'm expressing milk on the days that I do work, and my husband feeds her, and that works out fine for right now.
Many mothers continue breastfeeding after they return to work or school.
Some express breast milk at missed feedings.
Others arrange a flexible schedule that allows them to continue nursing.
If you're supplementing with frozen breast milk, try to build up a supply.
If you can't provide expressed breast milk when you're away,
use an iron-fortified infant formula like Similac with iron for supplemental feedings.
Start supplemental feeding gradually.
Babies need time to adjust.
Try one feeding a day.
Some babies may be confused at first.
They're used to the breast.
It may help if someone else provides the first few bottles.
Encourage your baby, but be patient.
If she doesn't take the bottle during early attempts, don't force it.
Try again later.
While you supplement, it's important to maintain your milk production.
Continue to breastfeed as often as possible.
During feedings, when your baby receives a bottle, fully express your milk.
If you have questions about supplementing or returning to work,
talk with your baby's doctor, nurse, or lactation consultant
and provide breast milk or infant formula with iron throughout the first year.
Weaning is inevitable, a natural sign of development.
You and your baby decide when to wean.
Start when it seems right for you or when your baby loses interest in nursing.
If you wean your baby within the first year,
use an iron-fortified infant formula like Similac with iron.
It's easier for you to wean your baby gradually,
over several weeks or months if possible.
Start with one feeding a day.
You might try the feeding your baby finds least interesting.
After she accepts the change, add a second feeding, then others.
As the number of nursings decreases, so will your milk supply.
If your breasts become full, express just enough to relieve tenderness.
If you have to wean suddenly or have any questions about weaning,
talk with your baby's doctor, nurse, or a lactation consultant.
Weaning is an emotional time, but the adjustment should go smoothly.
Along the way, support your baby with love and security,
and know that by breastfeeding, you've given your baby the best.
If you have any questions about breastfeeding and supplementation,
talk with your baby's doctor and nurse.
They can help you decide what's best for you and your baby.
If you choose to supplement with formula or discontinue breastfeeding in your baby's first year,
Similac with iron is the formula recommended by more doctors and trusted by more mothers.
It offers complete, balanced nutrition for your growing baby, and it's easily tolerated.
Similac formulas are proven, with over 65 years of leadership in infant feeding.
If your baby is sensitive to milk-based formula, Isomil is preferred,
the first choice of more physicians for milk-free feeding.
Your baby's doctor and nurse are best qualified to determine the right infant formula for your baby.
Work with them, and don't switch without consulting them first.
Our next program will help you understand the basics of formula feeding,
and how you can successfully feed your baby.
Infant formula resembles breast milk.
It provides the nutrients a growing infant needs.
For the formula-fed baby, an iron-fortified formula is a staple throughout the entire first year.
During the first four months, it will probably be your baby's only food.
Then, over the next eight months, as your baby's diet expands, formula will continue to be the foundation.
There are several types of formula.
Similac with iron is milk-based.
It's most appropriate for the majority of formula-fed babies.
Isomil is milk-free, and the protein in Alimentum is pre-treated.
Your baby's doctor may recommend them if your baby can't tolerate milk-based formulas.
Your baby's doctor and nurse are best qualified to advise you about nutrition and development.
Apply on them to help you choose the formula that's best for your baby,
and don't change your baby's feeding without consulting them first.
For your convenience, most infant formulas come in three forms, concentrated liquid, powder, and ready-to-feed.
Preparing formula correctly is important.
Don't add water to ready-to-feed infant formula.
For powder, add one scoop for every two fluid ounces of water.
Mix concentrated liquid with an equal amount of water.
Follow the instructions on the label or the steps illustrated on the inside.
Your baby's doctor and nurse can also provide helpful booklets and advice on how to prepare and feed infant formula.
Wash your hands before preparing formula, and sterilize all feeding utensils.
Don't use formula after the use-before date on the container,
and prepare only what you need, whether it's for one feeding or an entire day.
In some areas, water purity may be an issue, especially lead contamination.
If you're concerned, ask your local health department about testing procedures.
In older buildings with lead plumbing, run the water for a couple minutes before using it to prepare formula.
Don't boil water for more than five minutes.
Excessive boiling or reboiling can increase the concentration of impurities.
If you use well water, have a reliable laboratory test it for nitrates and other harmful substances.
While formula doesn't have to be warmed, some babies like it that way.
If your baby does, warm a filled bottle in hot, not boiling water.
Never use a microwave oven to prepare or warm formula.
A microwaved bottle may feel cool to the touch, but extreme, uneven heating of the formula can burn your baby.
Always shake formula after you heat it.
Then, test the temperature by letting a few drops fall on your wrist.
Now, to begin, make sure everything you need for feeding is within reach.
Find a comfortable seat and position, one that will remain comfortable during the entire feeding.
Many pediatricians recommend feeding your baby in a semi-upright position.
It's better for your baby and more comfortable for both of you.
Brush the nipple of the bottle against your baby's lips until he opens his mouth.
Then, bring him to the bottle.
Make sure he attaches firmly to the nipple.
Listen to Blake. You can hear him swallowing.
If your baby doesn't take enough of the nipple, release it, then try again.
As you feed your baby, make sure the nipple is filled with liquid.
Burp your baby at least once during feeding, then again afterward.
But don't insist if your baby doesn't want to.
Now for cleanup.
Throw away any formula left in the bottle.
It's been in contact with bacteria in your baby's mouth and can become contaminated.
Rinse bottles and nipples after each use.
Cover and refrigerate opened ready-to-feed, concentrated liquid, or mixed unused formula.
If you don't use it within 48 hours, throw it away.
Cover and store opened powder cans in a dry, cool place.
Store unopened cans anywhere, but avoid temperature extremes, either too hot or freezing.
It's the middle of the night. You're groggy.
But a young baby's appetite is the same, night or day.
Despite the hour, make the nighttime feeding a good one.
Again, make sure your baby's alert and hungry.
Hold him. Never prop the bottle.
He can choke if formula flow is too great.
Your baby will let you know when he's hungry.
There's no doubt with Alex.
Sadiq wakes up, then fidgets a while before letting you know he's ready.
Babies aren't fed according to a strict schedule.
Most feed on demand.
When she's hungry, it's time.
That could mean every two, three, or four hours during the first few weeks after birth.
Eventually, feeding time will become predictable.
But even this routine can be interrupted during a growth spurt or illness when her appetite changes temporarily.
I know when she's had enough is when she pushes the bottle out of her mouth.
She just sticks her tongue out and she doesn't want the nipple in her mouth anymore.
He immediately pushes the bottle away and you try to put it back in and his tongue, he will not let you put it back in.
Your baby's doctor or nurse will follow your baby's overall health and development.
Talk with them if you're concerned about spitting up, vomiting, diarrhea, hard or infrequent stools, fussiness, or a rash.
Many of these occur normally and improve without treatment.
But they can signal a reaction to formula or other foods.
Follow your doctor's recommendation if a feeding change is necessary.
Your baby's doctor may prescribe fluoride depending on your water supply.
Babies also have a special need for iron during their first two years.
Iron is necessary for healthy blood.
It also plays an essential role in brain function.
An iron-fortified infant formula like Similac with iron is a convenient and reliable source.
It can meet a baby's iron needs into the second year of life.
Offer either breast milk or infant formula with iron for the entire first year.
Don't switch to cow's milk during the first year.
It has too much protein and sodium and not enough iron.
Feeding him is always a quiet time. It's a nice, peaceful time that we can spend together.
Get the feeling of accomplishment knowing that her needs are being met and that she feels good after she's eaten.
I feel very close to her when I'm feeding her.
I think that it's a quiet moment for us where my attention's on her only and she likes it.
This is a special time for you, your family, and your new baby.
When these precious moments become memories, know that you've done your best.
The reward is simple. You can see it in your baby's smile.
It's hard to describe and something that nobody could have told me, you know, with words.
It is a joy to have a baby.
I guess I take some pride in my ability to put her to sleep at night and I feel good about that.
I feel like I have supported Betsy with the baby.
He was so full of life and so joyous and it was just really nice to see him smile and that he was happy and content and that makes us happy.
It just brings on the warmest feelings I've ever had in my life. Being a new mother, I've never felt this way before.
It's just complete joy.
Music
Feeding is special for both the parent and child.
During these quiet times, you learn how to communicate with each other.
Even though newborns can't speak, your baby has its own language.
For you and your baby explores how movement, facial expression, and disposition can be signals.
Understanding these signals can help shape your decisions as a new parent and provide insights about your new baby.
Those moments right after birth are so special.
Touching, trying to get the baby to look back at you.
Parents and their babies communicating for the very first time.
All babies, even newborns, are trying to communicate through their behavior.
Through their expressions, the way they move, the way they turn to your voice.
I'm Dr. Barry Brazelton. As a pediatrician and a parent, I know how important it is for parents to understand their baby.
Should I hold him when he cries? Can I wake her up if she falls asleep at the breast?
Parents learn their job from their baby's behavior.
Understanding their baby's language helps parents begin to respect that baby as a person.
And that's how parents really make a difference.
The last part of pregnancy is a time for getting ready, preparing yourself, each other.
Trying to get to know your baby.
Prenatal classes have been a breakthrough.
A chance for parents to share with each other the exciting work of getting ready.
Up until today's class, we've been talking mostly about your labor and delivery and getting ready for that big event in your life.
But today I want to focus on your newborn.
You know, you read all kinds of materials and literature and things and you go to the classes,
but you never really know what it's really going to be like until you have that little baby.
Instead of, wow, how are we going to do this? How are we going to do that? And is the kid going to be this?
I don't worry about it. It'll all happen in time. So I'm really excited
and looking forward to all these things that are going to be happening when the child comes into the world.
He won't worry about it.
I guess over the years I've kind of developed in my head sort of a list of positive parenting traits that I liked
and also some things I definitely wanted to avoid doing.
And I think for me it's a matter of comparison. How am I going to pull that off?
You know, I've got a long list of things I would like to try to do.
Even now, before birth, you are preparing for your child, buying baby clothes, choosing names,
making sure the baby's room is ready, thinking about your baby and the exciting changes ahead.
All of this preparation helps you understand what it means to be a parent.
If you think about it, your babies have communicated with you even now.
I'd like for you just to think and tell me what kinds of things you already know about your babies.
I can feel it moving a lot of times and it's not really rough, but it's like very noticeable,
not really subtle or anything like that. And I have to, you know, do something like that to kind of calm down a little.
He or she responds to a certain pitch of sound I've noticed consistently over the last couple months
that in kind of the higher pitched tones, it can be on television or it can be a woman laughing
or a certain tone in Tom's voice.
I always relax when I play the piano and I notice that that seems to stop the kicking too.
So I don't know if that's always going to be true.
Levi, what kinds of specific concerns do you have about taking care of your baby?
Right now the concerns I have are more in the area of feeding and nutrition.
How often to feed, what to feed, when to feed.
One of the things that I've thought about or been concerned about is the baby's crying
and how to know what the different cries mean.
Which is the best time to sleep? Are they supposed to sleep two or three hours and wake up
or just sleep for the whole entire time? And that's one concern that I have.
Is the baby healthy and will it be normal? And what would I do if it were not?
Even if the baby is born unhealthy, my feeling is I'm not going to love it any less
than I would with a healthy baby. It's still my child and I still love it just as much.
Finally, you and your baby.
The hard work of birthing seems like a distant memory as you touch, stare, feel.
You're already getting to know each other.
She's looking at you, Tim.
I didn't really believe that this was going to happen until I saw his head pop out.
And it was so strange. His eyes weren't open but he turned his head up toward me
and I was looking down and it was like we connected but not visually.
And then she pushed one more time and he popped out.
And every emotion that you've ever had just kind of sweeps over you at once.
The first thing I said when I saw my baby was, oh my gosh, he looks like E.T.
And that was an awful thing to say but his head was misshapen.
I didn't realize his head was going to come out being long.
It didn't look like what I expected. I expected it to be like a clean, nice, neat, you know.
As she said, rosy cheeks and all that.
It was necessary for me to spend a lot of time with the baby and bond with him.
I discovered so many things that I had never thought of before he was born
and seeing all the unique things that he has has made me feel that
those feelings of disappointment were silly. They're all gone now.
As you get to know your baby over those first few days,
your expectations become reality.
Not long ago, it was felt that newborns did little more than eat and sleep.
Today, we know that they're born responsive and alert with so many capabilities.
From birth, your baby is special with a unique personality,
the ability to feel and interact with the world around him.
Your baby learns by absorbing information through his senses,
seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching.
Looks like he's really starting to wake up.
You know, sometimes when babies are waking up, they can either be pokey about it
or they'll wake up real quickly and be fussy.
If we can get him to be nice and alert,
we can get to see what things he's interested in focusing and following on.
Good job. Oh, boy.
Justin. What are we looking at there?
His eyes definitely tracking.
Look at him, look at the bear. Good job.
He's so relaxed when he's doing it. It's wonderful.
Oh!
You see, that's a good looking bear.
You're beautiful. This is only the second time he's looked me in the eye.
How does it feel?
Oh, God, I could cry really.
Are you looking at Mommy?
She sure earned it, didn't she, Justin?
He's hooked right on to you.
He says, forget that bear stuff. I want my Mommy's face.
David, see her.
Your newborn can distinguish different types of sounds
and shows a preference through his reactions.
I think he knows you. Let's both talk at the same time and see what he does.
I don't know. We'll just see what he does with that.
There. Now he's calmed down again.
Go ahead and start talking, Kathy, and we'll both just talk.
David.
Keep talking now, and I'm going to talk to David, too.
I wonder what he'll think.
What are you doing?
What will this little guy think? We both talk to him.
Look at Mommy.
What's he going to say?
Look at me.
What's he going to say?
Look at your Mommy.
Is he looking at you?
He's trying. He's squinting at me.
What did you see him do?
He turned his head, and he seemed to recognize my voice,
and that he made sucking motions at the same time.
He knows where his food is coming from.
What do you see?
Open your eyes.
We sometimes wonder, what is she feeling? What is he thinking?
A newborn is not just a passive observer.
What's Mommy?
Your baby is capable of really participating in your world.
What do you think he's telling you?
What?
Since babies can't speak,
they communicate their needs and preferences through body messages,
facial expressions, body movements like increased activity or looking away,
and vocalizations, especially crying.
Look at the fingers.
Bathing is a time when you can interpret your baby's messages.
Here, David is communicating very clearly.
What do you see?
It looks like he's trying to calm himself and console himself
just by bringing his hands up to his mouth and cooing to himself and calming himself down.
Given the way he reacts to bathing, how often do I need to give him a bath?
What do you think you should do?
Well, he doesn't do anything to get dirty.
We're going to be cleaning him, you know, his face when he spits up,
and his bottom when he goes to the bathroom.
So I don't think that I need to bathe him every day,
but usually you agree that you need to.
I think you're right. I think it should be an enjoyable time.
And by keeping him as calm as you can during it,
and then doing it only when you absolutely need to.
He won't need to be bathed every day.
Great.
At other times when he's been upset, what have you noticed has calmed him down?
One of the things that we normally do is feed him.
When you feed the baby, it seems like it really calms him down.
What are some of the things that he does to let you know that he's ready to feed?
He starts moving his tongue, moving his mouth,
and at first he'll just do it straight forward,
and then as he gets hungrier, he turns his head towards my breast,
or even if he's not right up next to me, he goes to the side.
And then as he gets hungrier, it gets really aggressive.
You know, he'll really turn his head.
You can sense more demand.
His urgency is there.
And if he still hasn't gotten fed, he starts crying.
But there's a definite progression of signals that he gives us as far as what he wants.
You can tell a definite difference between his diaper needing to be changed
or he needs to be fed, because if his diaper needs to be changed, he's not doing that.
Oh, so that's the difference.
You know, there are definitely some times that it's a little bit more of an uncertainty,
because four hours have gone by and he's sound asleep and blissful,
and four and a half and almost five.
His sleep, he seems so contented in sleep,
and if it's so hard to get him up, should we get him up?
Right. That's been a concern of mine.
What do you usually do?
We've really tried both.
We've tried prodding him and waking him,
and tried to do some things that appear to waken him,
and then we've also tried just letting him sleep a little bit longer.
Now, see, he's falling asleep.
He does this sometimes. I'm not always sure what to do.
He falls asleep and I'm just not sure what to do.
What kind of things have you tried?
Well, I've tried to pick him up, hold him up underneath his arms,
and I've tried to change his position.
Sometimes do you wonder if he's getting enough?
Yeah. You never know. You can't measure it.
You can only tell by how content he is.
Yeah.
He may take a break between the breasts,
and he may doze off for a while,
and then you'll see that by doing some of these things,
he'll wake up a little bit more and be ready to take the next breast.
Just on his own, meaning that that's his style?
That may be his style, yes.
And as you get to know him over the days,
you've only been with him now a couple of days,
so it's a process of getting to know one another better.
And just like many of the other things that we've talked about,
he'll begin to show you the things that he needs during his feedings
when he needs to be awakened and when he needs to shift to the next breast.
Is he waking up?
What is he telling you now?
He's telling me he's starting to wake up a little bit.
A lot of the concern over not crying, although we laugh about it,
you know, it sounds good to get a good night's sleep,
but it seems to be the one way babies communicate a lot is through crying,
and if she doesn't cry so much, how will we know?
Usually you picture newborns, you know, flailing their arms
and being, I don't know, in more of a state of undress,
but for him he's been bundled the whole time,
because we found out that's what he prefers.
If we want to get him to cry, we undo his swaddling,
and he cries every time.
It's something that we discovered right away,
and it's something that we use when it's feeding time
or to control his behavior.
He loves to hear me sing to him.
Yeah, yeah, whenever he starts, you know, to whine and cry a little bit,
I'll sing to him and rock him, and you know,
he opens his eyes and stuff and he looks at me like,
why are you singing? Stop torturing me.
I thought I would have trouble interpreting his vocalizations
and his behavior, but it's really pretty obvious.
Most of the time when he cries is because he's hungry.
He doesn't cry because he's wet or has a dirty diaper or anything.
He cries a little when he's sleepy,
but most of the time if he cries is because he's hungry.
Hello, hello, hello.
This is really great to see everybody back again
and to have all the babies here.
This is really exciting.
I've learned the past four weeks how to handle them right, I guess,
and you also learn, you know, the behavior of your baby
and what makes him more comfortable or what makes him more secure,
and I guess you get to know him pretty good.
There you go.
Hi.
Hi, honey.
I'm hungry.
She says, oh, feed me.
They went away.
Yeah, we're sharing.
We were fixing dinner and everything.
The happy times are there, the exciting times are there
when he gives me a little smile.
It's very, very exciting, so exciting.
I feel like I just can't hug him enough
or kiss him enough to show him how much I love him,
but there's also the frustrating times that I'm more shocked about
because when he cries and it's kind of a gut-wrenching cry
and I can't make it better, it's upsetting to me,
and then I cry.
Sometimes he just needs to cry,
and there's nothing that you can do that will make him feel better,
and that makes me feel better
because I would like to think that I can do it,
but if there's no way that I can make it better,
then he's just got to work it out on his own.
She's a pretty good baby as long as she's not dirty
and as long as she's not hungry
or she has to take a bath.
She has to take a bath, and then she hates it.
She hates it.
Now, she'll get quiet when she gets her hair washed, okay?
But when she has to get in the water...
Oh, no, she will.
It got to the point where we just had to just get used to her hollering
when it's time for her to take a bath.
Since we've been home, I guess we've learned her needs, okay,
when she needs and what she needs
and how to fulfill those needs.
She's always liked to be rocked,
and we noticed this through trial and error,
and I guess once you get something that works, okay,
you tend to stick with it, and maybe you might modify
or see if she likes to be bounced and rocked
or patted on the back and rocked.
You look for things to assist you.
Every day is a new experience,
and every day is more and more joy and satisfaction
and love, a lot of love.
Well, I found out there was more to life
than just golf and fishing
and the other things I really love to do.
I found out that I could generate some of that love right here.
Every day, understanding your baby becomes easier.
Each experience adds to your knowledge.
Your confidence increases.
Gradually, as you learn to listen to your baby's messages,
your caregiving decisions become easier, too.
Soon, it'll feel like you've known each other forever.
Parents go through a whole range of emotions
during the first days after their baby's birth.
Those first moments, that unbelievable magic
of falling in love, of holding their baby for the first time,
is followed by late-night feedings, colic every night,
diaper changes, all the routines of learning
how to care for a newborn.
In fact, you learn more from your mistakes
than you do from success.
But by understanding a baby's needs,
by understanding how he responds to you,
what he's trying to say to you,
all of that teaches you how to be a parent
with the support of everyone, family, friends, professionals.
Parents can learn how to interpret their baby's messages,
but it takes time.
There may be turmoils and frustrations,
but the rewards are great.
Cuddling him, getting him to look up in your eyes,
getting him to talk to you,
and then maybe the first smile.
What joy a baby can bring to your home.
To help you provide the best for your baby,
there's the Welcome Edition Club from Similac
and Roscoe to show what you get for joining.
You'll receive Welcome Edition newsletters
during pregnancy and throughout your baby's first year,
filled with practical tips to help you have a healthy pregnancy
and to care for your baby,
money-saving offers on products for your infant,
timely checks or coupons,
good towards your purchase of infant formula, and more.
So give your precious little one something really special,
the Welcome Edition Club and Similac.
Join now. Call 1-800-BABYLINE.
Your membership is free. So is the call.
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