Do Your Research

Dear Moms and Moms-to-be,

As a follow up to my previous post on the Bradley Birth Method, I wanted to share a few tidbits for you to think about and DO YOUR RESEARCH on.

Do you know anyone who has had a jaundice baby? A Colic baby? A baby whose tear ducts need to lanced? A baby that can not nurse well? A baby who is having difficulty with congestion and breathing?

I am not saying I have all the answers here. We are blessed to have the care of our doctors when our children are born in case there is something wrong - again, in case there is something wrong. However, like myself I have been so unaware of the many procedures that the medical staff does to the baby after they are born, that maybe I should prepare myself for!

For instance, it is important to keep the cord attached to your baby for AT LEAST 10 minutes after the baby is born, but best for 30 minutes - if the doctor allows. The reason is that more than 20% of the baby's blood and nutrients are still being given to the baby after the baby is born. This can reduce tremendously the chances of your baby being jaundice, left with too many red blood cells, and a colic baby. Check it out!

Also, did you know that after the baby is born they use that blue suction bulb to remove excess fluid. In most cases that is not needed, because the baby naturally releases those fluids when being pushed through the birth canal. If you have a "snorty baby" who seems like they have a cold, it could be that the mucous membranes were damaged when suctioning your baby. And in severe cases if they use a suctioning tube, your baby's air passage can be damaged. It just isn't always necessary! Check it out!

Finally, the gooky medicine they put on your baby's eyes after they are born called erythromycin is used for mothers who have not had prenatal care and are putting their children at risk from being in contact with STD's, is not needed in most cases of mothers who have had prenatal care. They give your baby erythromycin, but did you know that it can clog your baby's tear ducts, causing them to be lanced - sometimes several times - later childhood. You know your body, right? Is this necessary? Check it out!

Do the research moms and dads. Be sure that your birth and parenting experience is the best it can be. I am praying for all of you and healthy children!

God Bless,

Luci