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Third Trimester - After Your Delivery
Breastfeeding Basics
It takes time to learn to breastfeed, so keep trying. Relax and enjoy it! Ask for help if you need it. Your newborn should be fed when hungry, rather than on any set schedule. When your baby starts to fuss, or you see her bringing her fist to her mouth, or making sucking noises, get ready to feed her:
 Wash your hands and get a drink of water, juice or milk to give you the extra fluids you need.- Get into a comfortable sitting position. Use pillows and prop your feet, or lie on your side.
- Turn your baby so she faces your nipple and gently tickle your baby's lip with your nipple.
- Wait until her mouth is wide as when she cries, then pull her mouth to cover as much of the dark area around your nipple as possible. Your baby's nose and chin should be touching your breast.
- Remove your breast by putting your finger in the corner of the baby's mouth and break the suction.
- At first, nurse eight times over a 24-hour day. If baby sleeps more than five hours without nursing, tickle her cheek to awaken her.
- Nurse on both breasts at each feeding approximately 10 -15 minutes on each side.
- Softly caress and talk with your baby during feedings - this is as important as the milk you give her.
Don't give up on breastfeeding just because things aren't going well right away. . if your breasts are sore and don't get better within a few days, ask for help from a breastfeeding specialist. Or call La Leche League International
1-800-LALECHE (525-3243)
Partners for a Healthy Baby: Home Visiting Curriculum for Expectant Families
©1999 Florida State University Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy
Car Seat Safety
An infant car seat is critical to keep your baby safe. No matter how tightly you think you can hold your baby, if you have an accident , your baby could be thrown from your arms and badly hurt.
An infant carrier is not the same as a car seat and will not protect your baby in the car. Car seats for older children are not safe for newborns. Your baby needs an infant safety seat with a five point harness.
- Read the labels on your car's seat belts or sun visor.
- Follow the directions on how to install the infant's car seat in the back seat facing backwards and firmly secured. the car seat should be angled slightly backwards so baby's head doesn't flop forward. Try a rolled towel tucked under the front of the car seat to tip it back a little.
- An airbag can kill your baby even if she is in the infant seat, so never put baby or older children in the front seat.
- Follow the directions on how to put your baby in the harness. Adjust it to be snug. If the straps are twisted or the harness is missing, your baby will not be safe.
- If it's cold outside, put baby in harness first, than add any covers.
- If your baby cries, do not take her out of the infant car seat untill you pull over and stop the car. Then care for your baby.
- If you have question's call the Auto Safety Hotline at their toll-free number:
1-800-424-9393
Partners for a Healthy Baby: Home Visiting Curriculum for Expectant Families
©1999 Florida State University Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy
Baby Blues
Feeling sad or overwhelmed? Feel like crying a lot? Remember that most new moms get the blues. It will only last a few days.
- If you are worried about your baby, don't hesitate to call your baby's health care provider s much as you need to. You deserve to have the peace of mind this will bring.
- Take time out for yourself every day - even if it's only for a few minutes.
- Talk to a friend about how you feel - especially one with children.
- Get as much rest as possible. Turn off the telephone and nap while your baby is sleeping.
- Go outside for some fresh air.
- Let someone else do the cooking and cleaning.
- Ask someone to watch your baby for a while so you can pamper yourself: Eat your favorite food. Get your hair done. Cuddle up with your partner. Listen to music. Watch your favorie movie or TV show.
- Have fun with your baby: Take baby for a walk. Sing to your baby. Read to your baby.
Partners for a Healthy Baby: Home Visiting Curriculum for Expectant Families
©1999 Florida State University Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy
Family Planning Methods
Listed from most effect to least effective methods:
- Abstinence
- Tubal ligation/Vasectomy
- Birth Control Pills
- Norplant
- IUD
- Depo-Provera
- Diaphragm
- Condoms with foam
- Natural family planning (or Rhythm method)
Partners for a Healthy Baby: Home Visiting Curriculum for Expectant Families
©1999 Florida State University Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy
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