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Postpartum Information
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10
Tips for Finding a Medical Professional For Your Child (opens
to new window)
Well before treatment is needed, help your
child to prepare emotionally for medical procedures. Play "dentist,” "doctor" or "hospital,” read
relevant books about children having medical treatment. To
help your child become familiar with medical instruments
before treatment is needed, find real instruments (such as
a rubber pick and plastic dental mirror) or create "play" ones
(such as using a piece of fabric as a blood pressure wrap).
Medical treatment can be frightening to a child, especially
if there are too many new and strange things to learn about
all at once.
Prenatal
Yoga: More Than Relaxation (opens
to new window)
Prenatal
yoga helps you during birth but even moreso before and
after birth. During pregnancy, the breathing and body
awareness help you stay connected to your changing body.
The gentle stretches and poses develop strength and readiness
for giving birth as well as improving your current physical
health. Finally, the relaxation is so needed in our harried
and stressful world.
When
It’s More Than the “Baby Blues” (opens
to new window)
PPD is a medical condition - a specific type of depression
that occurs within the first few months after childbirth.
It is caused by the biochemical and
hormonal changes that happen in the body after pregnancy and birth … nothing
that is within your control.
How
to Find a Breastfeeding Class (opens
to new window)
About
midway through your second trimester, your caregiver will suggest
that you register for prenatal classes. Many moms assume that
they need childbirth preparation only and that they will learn
everything else in the hospital, from books, or “on the
job.” This is ironic, because while the labor and birth
process is usually over in 24 hours or less, feeding and caring
for your baby will take years. Find out what the content is
of classes available in your community, rather than choosing
the first class that is offered to you.