Before you bring your baby home for the first time, he or she will undergo some very important tests. In Pennsylvania, allbabies are tested for six different genetic conditions that can cause baby footserious illness if left untreated. These blood tests occur before your baby leaves the hospital. This is why you might notice a band-aid on your baby’s foot. By identifying these conditions early, your baby can receive treatment right away. The sooner your baby gets treatment, the lower the chances are of your baby developing mental retardation, asevere disability and even life threatening complications. You should receive the enclosed brochure, Protecting Pennsylvania’s Babies Through Newborn Screening, when you are in the hospital/birthing center. It explains these conditions and follow-up practices.
If your baby’s test results are outside of the normal levels, your doctor or a Department of Health nurse will contact you by letter or phone to make sure the baby receives any additionally required tests. If your newborn is affected with one of these conditions, the Department of Health and your baby’s doctor will work together to make sure that any needed medical care or treatment begins immediately. The Department of Health also will arrange case management assistance if you need help locating services for your family.
Your baby will receive a hearing test shortly after birth. Babies have the best chance to learn to speak well if any hearing loss is identified and treated before your baby reaches six months of age. Pennsylvania law requires that all newborns are screened for hearing. Most of the time your baby will receive this test in the hospital/birthing center. One of two tests maybe done. The first test will measure the special sound a baby’s ear makes when it hears properly. A different test measures how your baby responds to sound. Either test can be done while the baby is sleeping. You should receive the enclosed brochure,Your Newborn’s Hearing Screening, when you are in the hospital/birthing center. It describes the testing and follow-up procedures for those newborns who do not pass their initial hearing screening test.
Once screened, additional follow-up screening may be needed periodically as your baby grows. Your doctor will keep you informed about what needs to be done and when. You may be contacted by the Department of Health by letter or phone if the follow-up screening leads to the need for additional testing. The Department of Health will ensure that your baby receives appropriate treatment so he or she has the best hearing ability possible.
Make sure your doctor lists your baby’s name correctly on all testing and hearing screening forms. Need some ideas for naming your newborn, click here. The Department of Health staff will use these forms to locate you and your baby as a follow-up service. Please make sure your baby receives these tests.
Feeding your baby
baby breastfeedingNow also is the time to think about what your baby will eat when he or she is born. You may have heard of all of the benefits of breastfeeding for you and baby, but for some reason are not convinced that you can do it. Breast milk is the best food for your baby. After all, your body makes it especially for your baby and in the exact amount that your baby needs!
If you aren’t sure how to start, what to expect, or whether your baby is getting enough to eat, help is available! Most hospitals have Lactation Consultants. These are people who are specially trained to help breastfeeding moms and babies. Some hospitals even have breastfeeding classes you can take now to answer some of your questions. Other programs like La Leche League or the nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) can help you learn more about breastfeeding and how it can work for you.
Breast milk should be the only source of nutrition for your baby for at least the first five to six months of life. Breastfeeding should continue through the first year. However, women should not breastfeed if they are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive, use street drugs or abuse alcohol. Other women may not be able to breastfeed,or simply choose not to. In those instances, it is recommended that an iron-fortified formula be used to feed the baby. Iron is important for proper growth and brain development. Without it, your baby could end up with learning and behavior problems that can never be reversed.
Whether you breastfeed or formula feed,what signs should you look for to make sure that your baby is getting enough to eat? A young baby has a tiny stomach (about the size of a golfball!) and must eat every two to three hours. Weight gain is one way to measure whether your baby is getting enough to eat. Another way is counting the number of wet and soiled diapers.A one-week-old baby who is breastfed should have about five to six wet diapers per day and three to four soiled diapers perday. Most babies lose a few ounces right after they are born, but should regain that weight by the time they are two weeks old.
All babies fuss, cry and spit up during the first four to six months. Sometimes it may be hard to figure out why your baby is upset. The one thing they need most is to be comforted, and to learn that mommy or daddy will be there for them. It is important for you to stay calm when baby fusses. Babies can sense when you are upset or tense,and it makes them upset as well. No matter how you choose to feed your baby, make every moment count, and enjoy the special closeness of this precious time.
