Newborn Reflexes

Newborn Reflexes

Newborns depend on their primitive reflexes for survival. Absence or extended duration of these reflexes could indicate a problem with the baby's central nervous system. Just after birth, the newborn will be assessed for the following reflexes:

Rooting Reflex - when a finger or nipple is placed into the baby's mouth, the baby begins to suck. Also, if you lightly stroke the cheek, the newborn will turn towards the stroking and open her mouth to accept the nipple. This reflex usually lasts for up to seven months.

Palmar and Plantar Grasp Reflexes - the baby will grasp an object placed in his hands or curl his toes around fingers placed near his toes. The palmar reflex usually lasts three to four months and the plantar can last up to a year.

Moro's Reflex - this startle reflex appears with a sudden loud noise or any intense stimulation. The arms and legs extend and the fingers fan outward, with the thumb and forefinger forming a C-shape. This reflex usually disappears within three to four months.


Doll's Eye Reflex - as with a doll's eyes, when a baby is lying on her back, if you turn her head from side to side, her eyes remain fixed. This reflex lasts up to two months of age.

Babinski's Reflex - the baby's toes will hyper extend when the bottom of his foot is stroked upward from the sole to the ball of his foot. This reflex disappears within a year.

Stepping Reflex - when the newborn is held upright with the feet on a flat surface, the baby will make stepping motions. This reflex diminishes by the forth month and does not return until the baby begins to stand and walk.

Bauer's Reflex - when pressure is applied to the soles of the feet of a newborn lying face-down, the baby will making crawling movements. This disappears by six weeks of age and returns when the baby is learning to crawl.

Tonic Neck Reflex - the baby appears like a "fencer" when lying flat on her back and facing to the side. Whichever direction her face is turned, that arm will extend and the other will be flexed. Babies may sleep in this position for a couple of years; however, an awake baby should not display this reflex beyond four months of age.

Traction Reflex - when a newborn is pulled up by the wrists to a sitting position, her head will first fall back, then lift upright and held before it falls forward onto the chest. This is a sign of maturity and muscle tone.

Arm Recoil - the baby's arms will flex rapidly after extending them.

Skin to Skin Contact: The Right Start

Being skin to skin with your baby after birth has many benefits on your health and baby's health including:

• Baby is warmer. Your skin is a radiant warmer and will help regulate your baby's body temperature. Simply lay baby on your skin, abdomen or chest, dry the baby off while there and put warm blankets over you and baby.

• Baby breathes more normally. Babies who are skin to skin with mom after birth breathe more easily and more rhythmically.

• Baby cries less. The comfort of being with mom leads to babies who cry less after the initial cries at birth.

• More breast milk. When babies are skin to skin after birth, they are more likely to nurse and nurse sooner and longer. This can lead to a better breast milk supply.

• Baby can her your heart beat. After nine long months of hearing your heart beat, your baby feels comforted by hearing the heart beat he or she has grown with.

• Baby is more likely to have a normal heart rate. All of these add up to a baby who is more stable.

Skin to skin with baby is good for all types of births, assuming your baby is stable.   Often even after a cesarean birth mom can hold baby skin to skin ; or dad can perform this important role if mom is not available.  There are a multitude of studies that show that mothers and babies should be together, skin to skin (baby naked, not wrapped in a blanket), immediately after birth, as well as throughout the fourth trimester. 

We know that this is true not only for the baby born at term and in good health, but even for the premature baby. Skin to skin contact and Kangaroo Mother Care can contribute much to the care of the premature baby. Even babies on oxygen can be cared for skin to skin, and this helps reduce their needs for oxygen, and keeps them more stable in other ways as well.

From the point of view of breastfeeding, babies who are kept skin to skin with the mother immediately after birth for at least an hour, are more likely to latch on without help and are more likely to latch on well, especially if the mother did not receive medication during the labor or birth. 

There is no reason that the vast majority of babies cannot be skin to skin with the mother immediately after birth for at least an hour. Hospital routines, such as weighing the baby, should not take precedence.

The baby should be dried off and placed on the mother. Nobody should be pushing the baby to do anything; nobody should be trying to help the baby latch on during this time. The mother and baby should be left to enjoy each other’s company. (The mother and baby should not be left alone, however, especially if the mother has received medication, and it is important that not only the mother’s partner, but also a nurse, midwife, doula or physician stay with them—occasionally, some babies do need medical help and someone qualified should be there “just in case”). If the optional eyedrops and the injection of vitamin K are being administered, they can wait a couple of hours.

Studies have shown that even premature babies, as small as 1200 g (2 lb 10 oz) are more stable metabolically (including the level of their blood sugars) and breathe better if they are skin to skin immediately after birth. The need for an intravenous infusion, oxygen therapy or a nasogastric tube, for example, or all the preceding, does not preclude skin to skin contact. Skin to skin contact is quite compatible with other measures taken to keep the baby healthy. Of course, if the baby is quite sick, the baby’s health must not be compromised, but any premature baby who is not suffering from respiratory distress syndrome can be skin to skin with the mother immediately after birth. Indeed, in the premature baby, as in the full term baby, skin to skin contact may decrease rapid breathing into the normal range.

Planned Birth Support by Harmony at Home

Caring for your newborn after a cesarean presents many different challenges. Feel secure, prepared and nurtured with the support of Harmony at Home. Whether a planned or unplanned C-Section, we will determine your individual needs and goals for successful healing. We'll provide the comprehensive support you and your baby need to safely make the transition from pregnancy to family.



​Harmony at Home offers hourly and overnight C-Section Support. Services may include:​
​

• PreNatal Visit and Planning Session
• Immediate Postpartum Support, Hospital to Home
• Overnight Care
• Incision Care
• Breastfeeding and BabyWearing for the C-Section mom
• Basic Newborn Care
• Meal Preparation, Grocery and Menu Planning
• Light House Cleaning and Errands
• Infant Massage Instruction
• Pet Care
• Dad Support
• Care to 6 weeks Postpartum

Here's how our program works~

*Free consult, if you would like we will meet with you for coffee (or tea!) so we can get to know each other in person.

*One Home Visit at 38 weeks to "fluff your nest!" We plan and prepare for you to have a smooth transition home, with everything you need all in place. 

*Post Natal support the day of the planned birth. We will be there to facilitate the natural bonding process from lots of skin-to-skin to back-to-basics breast feeding support so you are set up to succeed from the very beginning.

*24 hour Hospital visit for continued breastfeeding support and troubleshooting.

*First Postpartum visit the day you travel home. With your pillows just right, and fresh food and water on your night stand, it's straight to bed with your sweet new baby. We will leave you feeling confident in your ability to rest, recover and nourish your newborn now that you're home.

*Photography & Birth Announcements, Belly Casting and Infant Massage Instruction are all available upon request.

*Daily to overnight Newborn Nurse & Doula services are tailored to meet the needs of the family and change over the course of the Postpartum period. Our goal is to gracefully step aside as your new family settle in.


References available upon request.
Newborn Nurse, PP Doula Insured.
Contact us now! Space is limited.

Breastfeeding Basics for New Families

During the first few days after your baby is born, breastfeeding can be daunting and confusing. Many new parents are haunted by questions of whether their baby is getting enough milk and "are we doing it right?" Successful breastfeeding relationships are establish in an atmosphere of trust, support and knowledgeable guidance.  Harmony at Home is here to help if you have any questions or problems.

Here are some of our basic guidelines to keep in mind for the first few weeks.

Whether or not baby is getting enough milk is one of the most common concerns of new moms. Since we don't have measurement markers on our breasts, we can't initially "see" that our babies are really getting the milk they need. You can tell baby is getting enough milk, however, by keeping track of dirty diapers, weight gain, and appearance.

Diapers Counting your baby's diapers can be a helpful indicator as to whether or not he is getting enough of your milk. baby's age mother's milk wet diapers/24 hrs dirty diapers/24 hrs 1-2 days colostrum (provides immunities and helps with jaundice) 1-2 greenish-black tarry meconium 2-6 days milk "comes in"; bluish color 5-6 wet disposable diapers (6-8 wet cloth diapers) At least 3 greenish transitional stools 6+ days milk supply adjusts to suit your baby's needs Same as 2-6 days At least 3-5 very loose stools; bright yellow color that are about 2.5 cm 6 weeks milk supply established Same as 2-6 days Some babies switch to less frequent but large bowel movements

Signs of poor feedings

• Feeling pain during feedings
• Sleepy baby
• Inconsistent, flutter (weak) sucking
• Difficulty latching-on and staying on
• Clicking or popping sounds in your baby’s mouth
• Prolonged nursing (more than 20-25 minutes on each side)
• Infrequent nursing (baby does not wake to feed at least every 3 hours)
• Frequent nursing (more than 12 per day)
• Baby is not satisfied at the end of the feeding
• Engorgement
• Inadequate wet diapers and stools
• Rapid or excessive weight loss (more than 7-10%) during the first few days
• Has not regained birth weight by 2 weeks
• Slow weight gain thereafter (less than 1/2 – 3/4 oz per day)

Signs of good feedings

• Feeling a deep, strong pulling sensation without sharp pain
• Consistent sucking with only brief pauses
• Hearing swallowing (after the milk comes in)
• Latch-on is easy
• 15-20 minutes of vigorous sucking per breast (20-30 minutes for one breast feedings)
• Breasts are softer after the feeding
• Seeing milk in your baby’s mouth
• Feeling a let-down reflex or seeing a change in the baby’s feeding rhythm
• Adequate wet diapers and stools
• Minimal weight loss during first few days
• Regain birth weight by 2 weeks and gains ¾ to 1 oz thereafter

Breastfeed Often

A baby needs to breastfeed frequently. Your milk is digested quickly and easily, sometimes in as little as 60 minutes, and small amounts are perfect for baby's tiny stomach. These frequent feedings also help to establish your milk supply. In simple terms, the more milk that is removed from your breasts, the more milk your body will produce. Frequent feedings are good for both of you!  Keep in mind that some babies "cluster nurse," which means that they nurse very often for a few hours and then sleep for several hours. The number of feedings in a 24-hour period is more important than the spacing of feedings.  A sleepy baby may need to be wakened every two to three hours to feed, particularly if he has jaundice. Talk with your health care provider if baby is lethargic and difficult to wake for feedings.

Watch Baby, Not the Clock
Watch your baby for signs of hunger, not the clock. Follow baby's feeding cues and do not try to schedule feedings or limit feedings. Early hunger cues include:

Baby opening his mouth and moving his head side to side (known as the rooting reflex).
Baby making sucking motions with his mouth.
Baby begins to chew or suck on his hands or fingers.

Don't wait for your baby to cry to let you know he is hunger. Crying is a very late hunger cue.

Increasing Your Supply

Mothers throughout the ages have been able to produce plenty of milk for their babies. In certain situations because of a health problem or other complication, a mother may have a reason to be concerned and may need to carefully monitor her baby's weight gain in order to be sure he is getting enough milk. If baby is not gaining well or he is losing weight after the first few days, contact baby's health care provider. Slow weight gain may indicate a serious health problem. If you're concerned about your milk supply, get help. Being in touch with a Postpartum Doula, La Leche League Leader, or Lactation Consultant can often provide the information, support, and encouragement that mothers need to be reassured that they are providing plenty of milk for their babies. 

Steps that will help your baby get as much of your milk as possible include:

Nurse often for as long as your baby will nurse. The more milk that is removed from the breast, the more milk the breast will make to replace it. Frequent breastfeeding helps to establish a plentiful milk supply. A sleepy baby may need to be awakened and encouraged to nurse more frequently. A baby who nurses for excessively long periods may not be nursing efficiently.

Offer both breasts at each feeding. This will ensure that your baby gets all the milk available and that both breasts are stimulated frequently. Allow your baby to indicate he is finished on the first breast, then offer the other breast.

Check baby's positioning and latch. Breastfeeding should not hurt. Hold baby close with his whole body facing you so he does not have to turn his head. When he opens his mouth wide, his head should be slightly tilted back with his nose at the level of your nipple. As he approaches the breast with his head slightly tilted back, this will bring him to the breast chin first. This will help you better aim his lower jaw so that he covers more of your breast with his lower jaw than with his upper mouth. As you bring baby onto the breast, aim your nipple toward the roof of his mouth. If you feel comfortable and baby is nursing actively, the latch is good.

Try breast compression to keep your baby interested in breastfeeding. Squeeze the breast firmly with your thumb on one side and fingers on the other to increase milk flow. Keep squeezing until baby is no longer actively sucking, then release. Rotate fingers around the breast and squeeze again. Then switch to the other breast, using both breasts twice at each feeding. Squeeze firmly but be careful not to cause injury to your breast tissue.

Feed your baby only your milk. If your baby has been receiving formula supplements, do not cut these out abruptly. As you improve your breastfeeding techniques with the help of a lactation professional, and as your milk supply increases, you will be able to gradually reduce the amount of supplement. Monitor baby's weight gain and stay in touch with your baby's health care provider during this transition.

All your baby's sucking should be at the breast. If some supplement is necessary, it can be given by spoon, cup, or with a nursing supplementer. Be aware that a pacifier can create more problems than it solves. If you decide to give your baby a pacifier, wait until he is nursing effectively and gaining well.

Use skin-to-skin contact. It may encourage your baby to nurse more often. Skin-to-skin means that baby will be nestled upright between your breasts, clad only in his diaper directly against your skin. Your warmth, smell, and heartbeat will also soothe baby, which in turn aids in his development.

Try to relax. Paying attention to your need for rest, relaxation, and proper diet will help your milk supply and improve your general sense of well-being.

Talk to your health care provider about diet, medicinal herbs or prescription medications to increase your milk supply.



If you have concerns...

Some mothers think their babies are not getting enough milk when they are actually getting plenty of milk. Some "false alarms" that worry mothers include:

Your breasts feel different. If your breasts suddenly feel softer or your breasts no longer leak between feedings, it does not mean that you are producing less milk; it simply means that your supply has adjusted to your baby's needs.

Baby seems fussy. Many babies have a fussy time every day that is not related to hunger. Some babies need lots of stimulation and activity; others need soothing. You will learn how to respond to your baby as you find the ways that comfort him. If your fussy baby settles down when you offer him the breast, go ahead and breastfeed. But don't take this as a sign that he is not getting enough to eat.

Baby suddenly wants to feed more often, or seems hungry again soon after being fed. Babies often go through "growth spurts" when they are two to three weeks old and again at six weeks and three months. At these times, breastfeed as often as possible as your supply catches up with baby's demand.

Baby decreases his nursing time, perhaps down to five minutes or so at each breast. As babies get older, they become very efficient at taking the milk so this is a positive sign that breastfeeding is going well, not something to worry about.

La Leche League Leaders are accredited volunteers who are available to help with breastfeeding questions in person, over the phone, or online. Locate an LLL Leader near you at www.llli.org.

Please be aware that the information provided is intended solely for general educational and informational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician for any questions you may have regarding your or your infant’s medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have received in this information.

A Baby Moon Survival Guide – How to Make the Most of Your Postpartum Period

Making the transition from pregnancy to family is a time of immense joy, but it also comes with change and uncertainty. From the time the positive line shows up on the test, many women spend their energy preparing for the birth process – which is great. But the delicate nature of the postpartum time is often overlooked. This can lead to many families feeling overwhelmed and unprepared. Taking the time to plan for a peaceful Baby Moon allows mama and baby the space and time to bond and heal. This creates the most positive and healthy start for budding families.

• Plan to stay in bed for 7–10 days after the birth; the longer you rest now, the sooner you will

recover. The rest of the world can wait! Overdoing it after birth can lead to increased postpartum depression and anxiety, infection, breastfeeding problems and more. The very best way we can care for of our newborns is to ensure we are caring for ourselves. As tempting as it maybe to jump right in and conquer the world, allowing yourself the space to heal is imperative.


• Be sure to get good nutrition, plenty of fluids and adequate rest (sleep when the baby sleeps).

• Arrange for lots of help: hire a postpartum doula or baby nurse, ask your mother, father, mother-in-law, sister, brother, or friends to pitch in. Allow yourself to be cared for while you and your partner attend to the baby.

• Identify and ask for the things you need. Most of the people surrounding you are eager and willing to help out, but they can't read your mind. Be open and honest. Accept the kindness of others. Now is not a time to be humble but rather gracious. (Remember, you can always pay it forward later.)

• Accept and express both positive and negative feelings. Emotions are the threads that make up the fabric of human existence. We all have a range of feelings, and our negative thoughts do not make us bad people. Expressing these feelings is important; its much easier to process them and release them when we are not afraid of them.

• Talk with your partner about the changes you are both going through. This is a journey you are traveling together.

• Ease into new routines—let the baby lead the way. Trying to force a newborn into an adult schedule from birth can be frustrating at best, and dangerous at worst. Allow your family ample time to grow and adjust to your new life together. There is no rush. You are all learning together. That takes time and patience.

• Keep expectations realistic: newborns “only” sleep, eat, and poop, but they do it every

hour; it takes more time and energy than most people realize.

• Take time for yourself: a warm bath, a nature walk, a good book, meditation, listening

to music, talking with a friend—whatever you find rejuvenating. The more you nurture yourself, the more of yourself you'll have available to care for your newborn.

• Give yourself credit; mothering is a difficult job, and it takes time to find your rhythm. Mindfully acknowledge the progress you make, the milestones you conquer, the little victories of everyday life. Ignore mommy war propaganda, follow your instinct and listen to your heart. No one knows your family and your baby better than you. Trust yourself.

• Hook up with both new and experienced parents for support, guidance, and feedback. Parenting groups, Baby and Me exercise classes and La Leche League are all good places to find other new moms with similar interests.

• Where possible, postpone other major life changes, like moving or changing jobs.

Learning Infant Communication 0-3 months

"Babies are such a nice way to start people."  ~ Don Herrold

The first three months of an infant's life are all about learning to feel comfortable, safe, and secure in the world. By responding to their signals and providing lots of love and comfort, we help them form trusting bonds with the people who surround them. How are you helping your baby learn to feel safe and secure?

A Baby's Point of View:
I am getting to know you and the other people who love and care for me.
• I can recognize your faces, voices, and smells.
• I respond to your smile and touch with pleasure.

What You Can Do:
•Talk and sing to your baby. This makes him feel loved and helps him bond with you.
•Hold your baby! Enjoy some skin-to-skin cuddle time with your little one, practice babywearing, share in daily activities (such as bath time).  Allow your baby to be part of the everyday rhythm of life.
•Make eye contact with your baby.
•Touch is magic!  Infant massage is a wonderful bonding tool for you and your infant.

A Baby's Point of View:
I am learning how to “tell” you what I need.
• I can use my sounds, facial expressions, and body movements to tell you how I’m feeling—
sleepy, hungry, happy, or uncomfortable.
• I can show you when I want to play and when I need a break.

What You Can Do:
•Watch your baby to learn her signals.
•Babies can "speak" to us in a variety of different ways.  Does she have different cries when she is hungry, tired, overwhelmed, etc? Does she rub her eyes or look away from you when she is tired?
•Understand that an infant's emotions are fleeting!  What a gift they have to live in the present moment and change their feelings.  Pleasant distractions such as songs, toys and  laughing can buy you time to gather diaper supplies or set up your nursing station.  Don't panic when your baby cries.  The more you stay calm and present, the more your baby will trust that her needs will be met.
•Respond to your baby’s signals. When her eyes are bright and she is awake and alert, it is time to play.  Follow your baby's cues throughout the day, instead of trying to force her to meet a grown-up schedule (she just doesn't understand!).  Relax and enjoy this time of spontaneous interactions and unstructured living.  I promise you it will not last forever!
•Slow things down when she cries, turns away, or arches her back.  Dim lights, soft music, hushing, rocking and other movements can help create a soothing atmosphere.

A Baby's Point of View:
I am beginning to use my body to make things happen.
• I can grip your finger or a toy you put in my hand.
• When I am hungry, I might move my head toward my mother’s breast while rooting and sucking.

What You Can Do:
•Give your baby something to reach for and hold onto—a finger or toy. Let him touch objects with different textures and shapes.
•Go for walks throughout the house and point out different objects and views to your infant.  Look out the window together, touch soft pillows and other objects, admire colorful artwork.  Help your baby understand her home as her safe environment full of wonder and surprises!
•Hold a toy within your child’s reach so he can swat it with his hands or feet.
•Watch to see how your baby is “discovering” his body. Does he look at his hands, suck on his feet, or try to roll?

A Baby's Point of View:
We are becoming closer and closer every day.
• I am learning to trust that you will read and respond to my signals and help me grow in the world.
• I rely on you to comfort me, care for me and keep me safe. This helps me learn to comfort myself.

What You Can Do:
•Comfort your baby whenever she cries!
•You CAN NOT spoil a baby. Soothing actions makes her feel safe, secure, and loved.  Even as adults, we appreciate love and affection when we feel ungrounded.  Just as a hug from a trusted friend can mean the world to us in our times of need, so it is true for infants as well.  Babies need constant touch, comfort and love.  There is no other way around it.
•You can help your baby begin to calm herself by guiding her fingers to her mouth, giving her a pacifier, or offering her a blanket or soft object that is special to her.
•Sometimes no matter how we try to sooth our baby, they may remain inconsolable.  This may be an emotional release and it is important for her to know that you are still there with her.  Keep a calming and constant presence.

SPOTLIGHT:  Crying Like a Baby

"It is such a secret place, the land of tears." ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

• Crying, as hard as it is to hear, is a normal way babies communicate hunger, discomfort, distress, or a need for your attention.  Crying also serves other important needs such as tension relief and growth.

• Most newborns cry for an average of three hours per day and reach a crying peak at about 6 weeks. Then their crying starts to decrease. By 3 months they typically cry for about an hour a day.

• Being with a crying baby who is hard to soothe can be exhausting, stressful, and frustrating. But keep in mind that just by being there— holding and comforting your baby—you are teaching him that he is not alone and that you will stick by him through thick and thin.

•Babies cry because they are hungry, tired, uncomfortable or irritated.  If you have tried all the obvious comfort measures (feeding, diaper change, etc), check to make sure your infant is not too hot/too cold, pinched (in a strap from carseat, etc), stressed or overstimulated, lonely or bored.  Babies will also pick up on tension and friction within a household.  Although this can be a stressful time for the whole family, it is important to keep an atmosphere of calm.  This will benefit everyone, not just baby!

• While all babies cry, some babies cry much more than others. This is known as colic and it’s defined as crying that:
begins and ends for no obvious reason
 lasts at least 3 hours a day
happens at least 3 days a week
continues for 3 weeks to 3 months

What You Can Do:
•Talk with your health care provider. Excessive crying may have a medical cause—a food sensitivity, heartburn, or other physical condition.

•Holding your baby more! Some babies cry less when they are held more.  Invest in a good baby carrier (or several).  Allow your baby to be part of the normal rhythm of household life.

•Wrap your baby snugly in a blanket—called “swaddling”—and rock her gently.  Practice different swaddle techniques and styles and find what works best for you and your baby.

•Use soothing sounds. Talk or sing softly to your baby. Try running a fan or humidifier in your baby’s room. Sometimes babies are soothed by this background noise.

•Reduce stimulation—lights, sights, sounds, and textures— for your baby. Sometimes less stimulation leads to  less crying for babies with colic.

• Remember your baby is an individual person with her own needs and wants.  Listen to your baby's cues and respond accordingly.  Don't try to make her be what you want her to be, and don't expect this baby to be the same as older children.  Baby care is a fine art and all babies are different!

•Reach out for support. Hire a postpartum doula or baby nurse!  They are experts in baby care and can help you navigate this precious, yet overwhelming time.  Extended families and friends may be able to step in to give you a needed break as well. Everyone needs support, and nobody needs it more than the parents of a crying baby.  Don't be afraid to ask for help.

•Stay calm. When you’re calm, it helps your baby calm down.  If you find yourself feeling frustrated, put your baby on his back in a safe place—like the crib—and take a short break. Crying won’t hurt your baby, and taking a break will let you soothe another very important person…you!

•Don’t give up. Soothing your baby is a trial-and-error process. If one strategy doesn’t work, try another. If all else fails, take a drive in the car.

•Hang in there, and remember that the crying will get better.  This time will not last forever.

What are some things you can do to soothe yourself after a tough day?  

•Remember to take care of yourself! Did you know babies whose mothers reported high stress cried and fussed more than babies whose mothers reported little stress?

•Even very young babies pick up on how their loved ones are feeling. When you are calm and relaxed, your baby is more likely to feel calm.

•When you are feeling stressed out and overwhelmed, your baby is more likely to feel tense. So in order to take good care of your baby, it’s really important that you take good care of yourself.

•Ask your doula, trusted friends and family members for help when you need a break!

•Make time to do things that make you feel good.  Just taking the time to bathe, brush your teeth and change your clothes can give you a whole new perspective on the day!  Remember to eat healthy foods and stay hydrated.  Take a walk with your baby and visit with friends.

•Be sure to talk to a trusted health care provider if you are feeling down,depressed, or overwhelmed.