HappyGira's Guide To Parenting

Financial planning is crucial. According to the USDA, the average cost of raising a child to age 18 is around $233,610 in the United States. Consider expenses such as childcare, education, healthcare, and other necessities.

The impact varies, but studies show that women often face more significant career challenges. However, parental leave policies and workplace flexibility are improving. Consider your industry, job stability, and support systems.

Pregnancy carries inherent risks, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and complications during delivery. Factors like age, health status, and access to healthcare influence these risks. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial.

Parenthood can strain relationships but can also deepen bonds. Communication, shared responsibilities, and support networks are essential. Studies suggest that relationship satisfaction can decline but may improve over time.

Having a child will likely change your daily routines, social life, and leisure activities. Consider how you will adjust to these changes and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Parenthood can bring joy but also stress and challenges. Postpartum depression affects around 15% of new mothers. Support from family, friends, and mental health professionals is crucial.

The environmental footprint of a child includes factors like carbon emissions, waste generation, and resource consumption. However, individual actions and lifestyle choices can mitigate these impacts. Consider sustainable parenting practices.

Having a child can change your social interactions and priorities. It may lead to new social connections through parenting groups but could also limit certain activities. Planning for social support and maintaining relationships is important.

Parenthood involves legal and logistical aspects, such as custody arrangements, estate planning, and insurance coverage. Understanding these aspects and planning ahead can help navigate potential challenges.

Emotional readiness involves feeling prepared for the challenges and joys of parenthood. Consider your personal values, goals, and support systems. Talking to parents, counselors, or mentors can help clarify your feelings and decision.

Early signs of pregnancy can include missed periods, nausea (often referred to as morning sickness), breast tenderness, frequent urination, fatigue, and mood swings. These symptoms can vary widely among individuals. According to the American Pregnancy Association, about 70-80% of women will experience some form of nausea during pregnancy.

Weight gain during pregnancy depends on various factors, including pre-pregnancy weight. According to the Institute of Medicine, recommended weight gain ranges from 25-35 pounds for women with a normal BMI, 28-40 pounds for underweight women, and 15-25 pounds for overweight women.

Pregnant women should avoid certain foods that can pose a risk to the developing baby, such as raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, fish high in mercury, and deli meats. It's also advisable to limit caffeine intake and avoid alcohol entirely.

Yes, exercise is generally safe and beneficial during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week for pregnant women, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.

Prenatal vitamins typically contain higher levels of folic acid, iron, and calcium compared to standard multivitamins. Folic acid is especially important in early pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all women of reproductive age consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily.

The frequency of prenatal visits can vary based on individual circumstances. Generally, women with low-risk pregnancies may have monthly visits until 28 weeks, then every two weeks until 36 weeks, and then weekly until delivery. High-risk pregnancies may require more frequent visits.

Smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy can have serious health consequences for the baby. Smoking increases the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. Alcohol consumption can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), which can cause lifelong physical and behavioral problems.

There are several ways to manage common discomforts during pregnancy. For morning sickness, eating small, frequent meals, avoiding triggers, and staying hydrated can help. For back pain, proper posture, prenatal yoga, and gentle stretching exercises can provide relief. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any remedies.

Warning signs of complications include vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe headaches, vision changes, and decreased fetal movement. It's crucial to contact a healthcare provider immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

Preparing for labor and delivery involves several steps, including attending childbirth classes, creating a birth plan, and discussing pain management options with a healthcare provider. It's also important to pack a hospital bag with essentials for both the mother and baby.

When you return home, call the clinic or physician's office for a postpartum appointment. Feel free to call your physician office or clinic before your scheduled appointment, should a problem arise.

If you are breast feeding:

Wear a good support bra 24 hours a day. Your milk will usually come in within 2-5 days after delivery, making the breast swollen and painful to touch. Expose nipples to air as much as possible. After nursing, express a small amount of milk and massage on the nipples, then allow the nipples to air dry for 10-15 minutes. Avoid using soap on the nipples. Report any redness, lumps, or hot sensations of the breast to your physician. For indepth information about breast feeding and breast care, refer to the breast feeding handout.

If you are not breast feeding:

You will still need to wear a good support bra 24 hours a day. If your breast become hot and firm, apply ice to your breast by pinning a towel around your chest. Do not express milk and avoid breast stimulation. Place cool. crisp cabbage leaves in bra to help with engorgement pain

Do NOT diet while breastfeeding. Avoid gas forming foods. Increase dietary fiber to avoid constipation. Select a well balanced diet from all food groups, utilizing the food pyramid. Review the lactation diet in the breastfeeding handout.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Take all your medications as prescribed by your physician. Your nurse will explain the medications to you, including why you need them, and how to take them. Fill your prescriptions as soon as possible. Take your prenatal vitamins as long as you are breast feeding. Check with your physician before taking any medications that have not been prescribed.

Always wash your hands before handling or feeding your baby. Require anyone who handles your baby to wash their hands before touching the baby.

Change your perineal pads frequently. Always clean/wipe from the front of the perineal area to the back. Continue to use the peribottle to rinse the perineal area as long as you find it helpful. The lochia is the colored vaginal discharge which represents the progress of healing inside the uterus. Initially it will be reddish-brown in color. It will gradually, as healing progressed, become yellowish-white in color and will last from 3-6 weeks.

C-section

Keep the incision clean and dry. Showering is preferred over tub baths. Report any drainange, redness, pus or foul smelling discharge to your physician.

Vaginal Delivery

Any sutures used to close the episiotomy will be absorbed by your body. Follow instructions above for peri-care.

Avoid constipation. Report any frequency and/or painful urination to your physician. Follow diet instructions listed above.

Rest is important. If you have help at home, you should take care of the baby while the help does the household chores. Limit visitors, especially the first few weeks you are home. Do light housework while the baby is awake. Rest while the baby is napping.

Check with your physician regarding when you can start exercising. Do not attempt to lift any objects heavier than your baby.

Your physician will tell you to wait at least 6 weeks before resuming sexual relations. Avoid the use of tampons or douching. Ask your nurse or physician about Kegel's exercises which are helpful in restoring muscle tone.

Make an effort to spend special time (away from your baby) with your other children as often as possible. This will make them feel important also.

The use of newspaper and/or outdoor decorations or announcements are not recommended to announce a birth because they call attention to the presence of a new infant at home.

Question any unfamiliar person visiting your home or inquiring about you baby after discharge

• Pain in chest
• Shortness of breath
• Seizures
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Nausea/ throwing up
• Bad headache
• Blurry vision
• Heavy bleeding (change pad every hour or egg sized clots)
• Bright red bleeding
• Foul smelling bleeding
• Unusual pelvic, abdominal or perineal pain
• Redness, swelling or any pus from incision/episiotomy
• Redness, swelling, warmth, or pain in the calf area of your leg
• Painful breasts
• Red streaks on breasts
• Lumps in breasts
• Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself
• Feelings of wanting to hurt someone else

• Keep all follow-up appointments
• Watch for warning signs and call your doctor with any concerns. If you can't reach your provider call 911 or go to the closest emergency room and report that you have been pregnant
• Trust your instincts

Post Partum Blues are the most common emotional reaction that women may experience after delivery. Symptoms include sadness, anxiety, tearfulness and difficulty sleeping. The symptoms usually appear 2-3 days after delivery and resolve after 2 weeks. Usually the only treatment required is reassurance and help with household chores and care of the baby.

Occasionally some women may develop post partum depression.

If you experience "Postpartum Blues" that last longer than 2 weeks, or if the symptoms do not appear until 1-2 months after delivery, it is very important that you notify your physician.

Symptoms of postpartum depression include: Feeling unable to care for your baby or yourself, Daily tasks such as cooking, dressing and working (at home or on the job) seem impossible.

If you have hallucinations or delusions about yourself or your baby, call your physician right away.

This condition, called postpartum psychosis is the most severe and most rare emotional reaction to delivery. It is an emergency requiring immediate help.

• Avoid contact with persons having cough, cold, flu, fever, rash, etc.
• Avoid exposure to extreme hot or cold places.
• Avoid exposure to crowded places.
• Have everyone wash their hands before handling the infant or infant's belongings.
• It is normal for infants to get hiccups, which may be relieved with sucking.
• Newborns may have some sneezing for the first few days of life to clear out the nose.
• If infant is crying, holding them closely and securely, and/or swaddling will usually calm

• Never leave your infant unattended on beds, sofas, changing tables, or bathing area.
• Think safety when other young children are in the house.
• Do not leave infant alone with children.
• Never shake an infant for any reason as this can result in a fatal head injury.
• Always consult the infant's doctor before giving any medication, including over the counter medications.
• Texas law requires infant to be secured in an approved, size appropriate safety seat.
• Infant safety seat should be rear facing and placed in the back seat. If vehicle does not have a backseat, make sure passenger airbag is turned off.
• Never hold the infant while riding in a vehicle.
• Never microwave formula or breast

Follow the ABCs of safe sleep:

• ALONE--Baby should have their own sleep space.
• BACK--Put them to sleep on their back.
• CRIB--in a crib

• Do not put toys, pillow, or bumper pads in crib.
• Do not use weighted swaddles (blankets), clothing, or other weighted objects near baby.
• Place baby on BACK TO SLEEP, but don't forget to have supervised tummy time.
• Baby should sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface. Do not use products for sleep that aren't specifically marketed for sleep.
• Prevent overheating or over dressing your baby. Layers of clothing should be used for warmth, no blankets or other covering.
• Hats are not recommended indoors after the first hours of life.
• Sleeping in the same room as your baby, but not the same bed, is recommended for at least the first six months.
• Breastfeeding and pacifier use are associated with reduced risk of sleep-related infant deaths.
• Home cardiorespiratory monitors to reduce the risk of SIDS are not recommended.
• There is no evidence that swaddling decreases SIDS. If you swaddle your baby, stop when the baby starts to roll over.
• Sitting devices (car seats, strollers, infant carriers and infant swings) are not recommended for routine sleep, especially for infants younger than 4 months old.

• Use a bulb syringe to clean the infant's mouth and nose of milk or mucous.
• Depress air from bulb. Put slender end of bulb into the side of infant's mouth and use a sweeping motion as you release the bulb syringe.
• Expel any material from the bulb syringe.
• Repeat suction of mouth if necessary.
• Suction each nostril after mouth is suctioned.
• Clean bulb syringe with hot soapy water after each use.

• * Infant should have at least one wet diaper for as many days old as they are: one on day one, two on day two, etc. up to 8 or 9 wets per day.
• Infant should have at least 1 stool per day, to as often as with each feeding.
• Initial stools are meconium (dark and sticky) and stools should change to yellow by day five.
• Change soiled diapers quickly to prevent skin breakdown.

• Colostrum, the first milk, changes to mature milk at 3 - 5 days after delivery.
• Infants should be fed with early feeding cues for a minimum of 8 - 12 times in 24 hours.
• If it has been 3 hours since the last breastfeeding, place your infant skin to skin to encourage your infant to breastfeed.
• Observe infant for swallowing while breastfeeding after the milk comes in.
• Breastfeed until breast feels empty or infant pulls away.
• Burp infant between breasts, and after feeding.
• Infant should appear satisfied after feeding.
• At day 3 of life, the baby should have 3 wets and 3 stools per day. After the first week of life, the baby should have 6 - 8 wets and 3 stools per day.
• Nipple soreness should not be severe, and should be improving by one week

• Do not change your infant's formula unless instructed to by your infant's doctor.
• Infant should be fed every 3 - 4 hours, and take at least 1 - 2 ounces of formula at a feeding.
• The amount of the feeding will gradually increase over the next few months.
• Infant should be burped every 1/2 to 1 ounce, and at the end of the feeding.
• Feed infant in an upright position.
• Never prop bottles.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends taking your infant's temperature under the arm (axillary). Normal axillary temperature is 97.6F (36.5C) to 99.4F (37.4C).
• Remove or add additional clothing to assist with temperature control.
• Take your infant's temperature before calling the infant's doctor with concerns/problems.

• Always make sure to bathe your infant in a warm area.
• Gather all articles needed before beginning bath.
• Sponge bathe infant until umbilical cord falls off, and/or circumcision is healed, then tub bathe.
• Use only mild soaps or cleansers made especially for infant.
• Start bath with the face (using warm, wet washcloth without soap), then lather washcloth and work to the toes.
• Dry each area of the body as you go to prevent infant from getting cold.
• Wrap infant in a towel and then wash hair, and dry immediately.
• If eye care is needed, you may use warm tap water and a cotton ball, gently wiping from inner corner of eye toward outer corner. Use each cotton ball only once.
• Never leave infant unattended while bathing.

• The umbilical cord will usually fall off in 7 - 21 days from birth.
• Cleanse the cord base and one inch around the base with mild soap and water if cord becomes soiled
• Keep the diaper folded below cord to help keep cord clean and dry.
• There may be a small amount of bleeding noted when the cord falls off.
• Call your infant's doctor if you observe redness, swelling, discharge, or foul odor from the cord.

• Keep skin clean and dry.
• Creams and lotions may be used on dry, cracked skin; check with your infant's doctor about what they recommend.
• DO NOT use baby powder on infant.
• Newborn rash looks like tiny insect bites. It is usually red in color with red or white centers. This is common and usually disappears in 2 weeks. Call your infant's doctor if the rash persists.
• Tiny white bumps, called milia, may appear on your infant's nose. These are common and will disappear on their own.

• Keep perineal area clean and dry, paying attention to skin folds.
• Clean gently between labia from front to back with clean wash cloth.
• It is normal for some newborn females to have a slight vaginal discharge or bleeding.

UNCIRCUMCISED MALE

• Keep penis clean. Do not forcibly retract foreskin.

CIRCUMCISED MALE

• Call the infant's doctor if there is any bright red bleeding, drainage, odor, or failure to urinate.
• Sponge bathe the infant untill circumcision is healed, or plastibell comes off.

CIRCUMCISION TYPE: Gomco Clamp

• Gomco or Mogen Clamp: Cleanse penis by squeezing warm water over it until it is healed.
• Apply petroleum jelly and gauze to penis with each diaper change until healed.
• Plastibell: Cleanse penis by squeezing warm water over it until it is healed. Bell comes off in 5 - 10 days.

• Routine immunizations (DPT, polio, MMR, etc) are scheduled by you with your infant's doctor.

Jaundice is a yellowish color of the skin and/or whites of the eyes. Most cases of jaundice are caused by the natural breakdown of extra red blood cells. This breakdown releases a substance called bilirubin that causes jaundice. Treatment depends on many factors and your infant's doctor will determine if your infant needs further monitoring or needs to be placed under special lights for phototherapy.

* Notify your infant's doctor if the infant is yellow on the face, trunk, legs, or eyes.

• Infant is not feeding well, for example has refused 2 feedings in a row, or mom's breasts are not full of milk by day five and no swallowing is heard when infant nurses..
• Temperature is greater than 100.4F (38.0C) or less than 97.0F (36.1C).
• There is persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Infant has less than 6 wet diapers in a day.
• There is a significant decrease in activity.
• Extreme or prolonged fussiness or drowsiness.
• There is unusual drainage from eyes or ears.
• There is a foul odor, redness, or drainage from the umbilical cord.
• Infant's skin appears to be increasingly yellow.
• Infant has any unusual rash.
• There is continual bleeding or swelling of circumcised penis.
• Any time you feel the infant's condition has changed.
• IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (infant has difficulty breathing or stops breathing, blue discoloration around the lips, body limp, etc.), CALL 911