Birth Confidently.
We hope this collection of articles will help you prepare for birth — Body, Mind and Heart.
These articles are general information. They are not intended to specifically diagnose or treat any condition.
Please ask your care provider for specific support.
If there’s a topic you are interested in that is not covered here, please let us know. We’re happy to answer your questions.
Birth Certificates
In the first couple of days after the birth, while you are tucked into bed learning to care for your newborn and yourself, we’ll be working on paperwork behind the scenes. One of the things we do is prepare your baby’s birth records and send them to Texas Vital Statistics so they can create the legal birth certificate. This link tells you more about what’s involved in that process.
Breastfeeding - How To
Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s no always easy. This link includes videos, handouts, and recommendations for how to breastfeed effectively.
Breastfeeding Support: First-Feedings
Breastfeeding support mostly includes classes and consulting. But those two supportive services don’t collaborate or connect. This article introduces a comprehensive breastfeeding support program through @First_Feeds. They join you in pregnancy to teach breastfeeding, then they continue to support you through the rest of pregnancy and into postpartum. Comprehensive care!
The Art of Pumping
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby. There are times when feeding your baby at the breast is not practical or possible. Providing expressed breastmilk is an excellent alternative when direct breastfeeding is not an option, such as returning to work outside the home. Many people don’t realize that even though pumping has many benefits, it also can have its own challenges. It is crucial to understand the purpose of pumping and when it may or may not be recommended. In this guide, we will explore the ins and outs of using a breast pump effectively.
Circumcision: The Whole Truth
The decision of whether to circumcision your son is one of the most complex (and controversial) decisions a parent must make. This article explores the reasons commonly given for circumcision, and discusses the risks and extra consideration that should be given to this decision in this modern era.
Jaundice
ometime in the first couple of days after the birth, many parents notice that their baby’s skin is turning a little bit yellow. Jaundice - yellowing skin (and sometimes even the whites of the eyes) - is not uncommon. We prepared this link to help you understand what jaundice is, how to know if it’s normal or a sign of a serious problem, and what you can do to help your baby avoid jaundice.
Safe Feeding & Safe Sleeping
There are some beliefs about newborns that we want to challenge. Despite what you’ve heard, breastfeeding should not hurt. Babies should never cry themselves to sleep. And, babies are supposed to wake up to eat at night time! This article addresses those topics, and points you to upcoming baby care and bonding classes to help you prepare for parenting.