Parenting

Teen Moms

Taking care of a little baby is a big responsibility for a parent of any age.  Being awakened several times at night is tiring for anyone.  Being a parent and going to school is very tough.  Sometimes all this can seem like too much to take.  The best way through the first few months is to have someone to listen to you talk about your feelings.  Feeling a little overwhelmed at first is normal.  It is not normal to cry all the time.    If you feel so bad that you don't want to eat, or if you resent your baby, you must get help right away.  Talk to a "special" adult in your life or call us at 239-252-8555.

Safety Tips for Newborns

• Always lay baby on a firm surface. No pillows or waterbeds. Baby's neck and head control is not good and he could suffocate. Baby needs his own place to sleep. A clean basket, box, or dresser drawer lined with a sheet will do if you don't have a crib or if you'd like to keep baby close to you.

• Do not shake or toss baby. This could cause permanent brain damage or death.

• Never leave baby unattended on a changing table or elevate surface. He can wiggle and squirm and fall before you know it.

• If you have an old crib, be sure the slats are not more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart. Baby's head could get stuck. (Obtain other safety information about cribs from baby's doctor.)

• Do not prop baby's bottle on something for feeding. He could choke and besides he likes to be close to you when he's eating.

• It's best for baby to sleep on his side or back.

• A newborn needs to be fed at least every 4-5 hours to grow normally. Most babies eat every 2-3 hours. If your baby sleeps more than five hours, you should wake her to feed her.

• If your newborn has a yellowish cast to her skin or the white part of her eyes is a yellow or green color, call your baby's doctor immediately. She may be jaundiced.

• Keep baby protected from pets who may be jealous of or curious about this new member of your family.

• Be aware of the temperatures of baby's formula and bath water. Microwaving baby's bottle is not recommended because the center of the liquid heats first and may be hotter than you realize. If you ever microwave baby's bottle, shake it very well and test the temperature on your wrist before feeding. Baby's formula and his bath water should be lukewarm, never hot.

• Always secure your baby in a child safety seat when traveling in a car with him. As he grows he will be more cooperative about sitting in a safety seat because you've used one from the time he was born.