The Importance of Latching On
Nursing experts agree that the way your baby latches on positions her mouth on the breast is the key to comfortable, productive nursing. Your baby should take as much of your areola the darker circle around the nipple into her mouth as possible, with her gums resting not at the base of the nipple but at least an inch down the areola see Figures 9.3a c . Milk is stored in reservoirs under the surface of the areola. When your baby sucks, her tongue presses the areola against the roof of her 9.2a....
The Sexual Organs
The sexual organs, or genitalia, of both boys and girls may appear relatively large and swollen at birth. This is caused by hormones produced by the mother and fetus, bruising and swelling related to birth trauma, and the natural course of development. In girls, the outer lips of the vagina labia majora often appear puffy. The skin of the labia may be either smooth or somewhat wrinkled. Sometimes, a small piece of glistening pink tissue may protrude between the labia this is a hymenal tag and...
Arms Hands Fingers Knees and Toes
The arms and legs of full-term newborns generally are all scrunched up flexed and held close to the body just as they were in the cramped uterus. The hands are usually tightly closed, and it may be difficult for you to open them. Touching or placing an object in their palms triggers a strong grasp reflex. Immediately after birth, many parents perform a quick finger and toe count and usually there are 10 of each. However, extra digits can form on the hands and feet. This occurs in about 10...
The Basic Baby Shopping List
Let's start with the essentials. Here's what you'll need early on to take care of your baby Crib, bassinet, or other safe sleeping place Changing table of some sort a pad on the floor or on a dresser can work well Clothing and receiving blankets First-aid and grooming supplies Nursing or feeding gear See Chapter 9, Breast-Feeding, and Chapter 10, Bottle-Feeding, for information. You may also want to consider these handy extras in fact, some people say they couldn't live without them Indoor seat...
Big Brother or Sister Is Watching
Although some experts say that sibling rivalry is inevitable, young children vary widely in how they respond to sharing the nest. Children age five or older, for instance, often seem to enjoy helping with a baby, at least some of the time. But at any age, preparing a child seems to help make the transition to sister- or brotherhood easier. Before your child knows there's a baby on the way, talk about the concept of families, and point out the siblings of your child's friends or cousins. This...
Professional
We hope you enjoy this McGraw-Hill eBook If you'd like more information about this book, its author, or related books and websites, please click here. Steven A. Dowshen, M.D. Neil Izenberg, M.D. Elizabeth Bass Jennifer Buccigrossi, M.D. Susan E. Cheeseman, M.S.N., R.N.P., N.N.P. Kate Cronan, M.D. Jennifer Hanlin-Xenakes, M.Aud., C.C.C.-A. Wayne Ho, M.D. Sharon S. Lehman, M.D. Robert G. Locke, D.O. John Loiselle, M.D. Michael L. Spear, M.D. Rhonda Walter, M.D. Joseph DiSanto, M.D. Jessica Donze,...