- General Page Tier 3BlogBonding with your baby is an incredible process that starts with hearing their heartbeat, feeling those first kicks and meeting them for the very first time. Every moment becomes a milestone and if you’re a nursing mother, that first latch can be the beginning of an incredible breastfeeding journey. Nursing your newborn can be both rewarding and challenging in those first few weeks. While every mother and every baby are different, these tips can help answer some common questions you might have when navigating this new relationship and routine. How do I know if baby is hungry? When they aren’t sleeping, newborn babies seem to eat almost constantly. This is completely normal. In the first few days after birth, babies need to remain in close contact with your breasts. This not only provides easier access for frequent feedings, but also helps stimulate your milk supply. Current recommendations are to ensure newborns have access to meals around the clock and should average out to be at least eight feedings in a 24-hour period. What if baby is sleeping? In the early days, it is common to need to wake a drowsy baby so they know it’s mealtime. Sleepy babies don’t tend to eat for long, so try to wake your little one by removing an article of clothing or changing their diaper. Gently rub the tummy or feet and place baby skin to skin, all while talking to, and encouraging them to leave their dreamy state. How do I keep baby awake during feedings? Sometimes babies become so relaxed during feedings they drift off to sleep, even if they’ve only been eating for a few minutes. If this happens, gently play with their feet, rub their cheeks, talk to your little one, or gently blow on their arms. With extra sleepy babies it can be helpful to gently rub a wet washcloth on them to help remind them it’s time to eat. Signs of a good feed are active suckling at the breast with occasional audible swallows. What is reclined latching? Reclined latching, also known as “baby led latching,” can be a wonderful breastfeeding position. If you have a chair that reclines, sit in it and gently recline the head back so you are in a comfortable position. Place baby parallel to your chest so that baby has access to your breast. Allow them to bob and move their head around, and eventually they will reach the bullseye and latch on. This position is great for giving baby a deeper latch. If you notice nipple pain, gently detach the baby from the breast and try again. How should I handle nighttime feedings? During night feedings, try to keep mealtimes as quiet and boring as possible. Dim the lights and avoid changing a diaper if you don’t have to. Once baby wakes up fully they tend to be up and ready for playtime, despite it being 3:30 in the morning. Where can I find support? Leaning on friends and family who are nursing or who have breastfed can make a world of difference during the early days of your journey. You can also find professional support. Do not hesitate to seek the guidance of a lactation consultant. They are professionals who went through additional training all with the desire to help during this learning process. Remember to breathe — you will find your routine. The first few weeks of the newborn stage can be exhausting; there is no doubt about it. This is a learning experience for both of you. Remember baby is trying to figure out this whole breastfeeding thing just as much as you are. Sleep when baby is sleeping. Dirty laundry and dishes can wait just a little while longer. Be patient with yourself, and eventually the family will settle into a routine. It does get easier! Author Ginny Bowers is a Certified Nurse Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) at Chesapeake Women’s Health in Easton. Breastfeeding Resources AAMC offers several breastfeeding support classes, all of which have gone virtual due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. See a complete schedule here. Breastfeeding Warm Line: Anne Arundel Medical Center’s lactation staff is available to answer any questions you might have about breastfeeding. You can reach our consultants seven days a week via our Warm Line at 443-481-6977. Simply leave a message and they’ll return your call between 9 am and 4 pm the same day. You can also e-mail our lactation staff anytime at [email protected]. Find a Lactation Consultant: A board-certified lactation consultant can help address your breastfeeding concerns or challenges. You can find one in your area through the United States Lactation Consultant Association directory. AAMC Smart Parents: Join our Facebook community focused on the journey of parenthood. This is a safe, non-judgmental group to ask questions and get answers from local moms and dads, and AAMC experts. Originally published Feb. 4, 2019. Last updated Aug. 3, 2020.
- Pregnancy & Birth, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogUnderstanding the importance of breastfeeding is key to setting your personal goals. Breast milk is what babies are meant to eat. It’s a natural source of nutrition and provides the healthiest start for an infant, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). They recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months (although any amount of time you breastfeed is beneficial) and say it’s an investment in the short- and long-term health of your baby, as opposed to just a lifestyle choice. Breast milk contains all the necessary vitamins and nutrients your baby needs in the first six months of life. The nutritional makeup of your breast milk will actually change to meet your baby’s changing needs. But the benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond basic nutrition for your baby and are also not limited to just mom and baby. Here are some of the amazing benefits of breastfeeding: Benefits of breastfeeding for Baby Breastfed babies have fewer episodes of infections and illnesses. It can reduce the chance of developing chronic disease later in life, such as diabetes and asthma. Breast milk is full of antibodies and nutrients that help the immune system and digestive tract. It can help brain and eye development. It increases bonding and helps baby form a secure attachment with mom. Benefits for Mom: It reduces the risk of developing cervical and breast cancers. It saves money! You already have all the milk you need to feed your baby. Breastfeeding helps the uterus shrink back to pre-pregnancy size and many moms find it easier to return to pre-baby weight. It releases hormones in your body that make you feel relaxed and closer with your baby. It’s an easy way to feed on the go! It’s always at the perfect temperature and ready to go when baby is hungry. Benefits for Family: It saves money! You already have all the milk you need to feed your baby. Breastfeeding allows the family to bond. Spouses can be an important part of breastfeeding by rocking and burping the baby and making sure mom is nourished too! Benefits for the Community: Breastfeeding is environmentally friendly since it really is all natural! It saves water, it doesn’t use energy for manufacturing, and it also doesn’t pollute the environment with garbage or pollution from manufacturing facilities. Breastfed babies are at a lower risk for obesity and chronic illness, which can help create an overall healthier community! For more information on the benefits of breastfeeding we recommend reading the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Breastfeeding Resources: LHAAMC has a variety of ways to engage with professionals and community members who have experience with breastfeeding. Learn more about our breastfeeding resources or sign up for a future class or support group. Breastfeeding Warm Line: Anne Arundel Medical Center’s lactation staff is available to answer any questions you might have about breastfeeding. You can reach our consultants seven days a week via our Warm Line at 443-481-6977. Simply leave a message and they’ll return your call between 9 am and 4 pm the same day. Find a Lactation Consultant: A board-certified lactation consultant can help address your breastfeeding concerns or challenges. You can find one in your area through the United States Lactation Consultant Association directory.
- General Page Tier 3BlogAvocados are good for more than just making delicious guacamole or avocado toast. They’re packed full of healthy fats that offer many nutritional benefits. Plus, they can even help give your skin a healthy glow! These good fats give you long-lasting energy and help keep you full during the day. For an easy way to incorporate this nutrient-dense fruit into your diet, try this avocado feta salad. Tip: It can also be used a dip and is great served with baked tortilla chips! INGREDIENTS 2 large red tomatoes, chopped 1 ripe avocado 3 ounces crumbled feta cheese 1 clove minced garlic 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Juice from ½ lemon INSTRUCTIONS In bowl, gently toss tomatoes, avocado, garlic, parsley and feta. Gently stir in olive oil, lemon juice and vinegar. Cover and chill. Make sure to keep air out so the avocados don’t lose their signature green coloring. To learn more about nutrition services at Anne Arundel Medical Center, visit AskAAMC.org/Nutrition. Originally published Aug. 2, 2016. Last updated July 30, 2020.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has once again ranked among the top hospitals in the region. AAMC delivered steady performance year-over-year, ranking fourth for the second year in a row on U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Hospitals in Maryland. Also for the second year in a row, AAMC was rated as high performing in seven procedures and conditions: abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, heart failure, hip and knee replacement and lung cancer surgery. “It is because of our AAMC team, working together to provide outstanding, compassionate, patient and family centered care, that we have earned this honor,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Anne Arundel Medical Center. This formal recognition is a testimony to the excellence we see every day. Thanks to each team member who plays a part in the incredibly complex provision of care of our patients.” To help patients decide where to receive care, U.S. News and World Report generates hospital rankings by evaluating data on nearly 5,000 hospitals across the nation. Regional rankings identify hospitals that perform well across a range of specialties, conditions and procedures.
- Pediatrics, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs a parent, you’re probably still trying to learn how to navigate the new reality of dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Your home is now your office. At the same time, it’s your new daycare facility. And just as you might have many questions about the new normal, you might also be wondering if you should take your child to the pediatrician during the pandemic. The short answer is yes. If you’re concerned about keeping standing visits for your kids, it’s important that you remember that these are vital to their health. Getting immunizations and other regular check-ups remain important. This is especially true during the pandemic. Pediatric practices are implementing new steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These extra precautions are designed to keep you safe. Some of these steps include screening children for symptoms by phone before their arrival. Additionally, staff are wearing masks and personal protective equipment when caring for your child. Even while you are staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there are still important reasons you may need to bring your child into the office, including: Newborn visits after a baby is born. This is to make sure the baby is healthy and developing appropriately. Immunizations. Especially during the pandemic, we want to prevent an outbreak of other illnesses. Developmental screenings and tests. For example, hearing and vision screenings, monitoring growth, blood pressure and other vital signs. Adolescent health concerns. This includes menstrual care, anxiety and depression screenings. It’s also important to remember that our pediatrics Emergency Department (ED) is open. Patients must wear a mask to enter the ED. If patients need a mask, we give them one upon arrival. This is followed by screening questions at the front desk. We encourage parents to call their pediatrician’s office if they’re concerned about their child’s health. However, if it’s an emergency, we encourage parents to come directly to the ED. Here, staff is ready and available to care for your child. Understanding that you might feel anxious about bringing your child to the hospital, pediatric emergency visit turnaround time at AAMC has decreased to about 90 minutes for less acute symptoms. This is our way of giving you back your time and helping you get in and out as effectively as possible. Whatever you might be calling or visiting us for, we can assure you we are taking steps to keep you and your children safe. We understand things are a little different now and you might be worried about your child’s health. But, it’s important that you access care as soon as your child needs it. Waiting to come in will only prolong illness or symptoms. When a child needs to come in to the ED, the stay will likely be shorter the sooner you come. We’re here to help you. We remain safe, ready and open to care for your child. Authors Lauren Fitzpatrick, MD, is the medical director of Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Pediatric Emergency Department. Kristen Breslin, MD, MPH, is the medical director of Children’s National Emergency Department at Doctors Community Hospital. Melanie Lee, MSN, RN, CPN, is the nursing manager of Pediatric Emergency and Inpatient Unit at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
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