Parenting

parenting1Is breastfeeding good or bad?
Breastfeeding is a natural way to nourish your baby. It gives the baby the most nutrition and it does not cost a thing. There is no heating of bottles or worries about mixing up the right amount of formula. Breastmilk is gentle on your babies stomach while assisting with normal bowel movements. Babies that are breastfeed often have fewer doctor visits due to being sick therefore saving you time. Breastfeeding is not only good for the baby but also for you helping you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight. Nursing allows a mom to bond more closely with their child.
For more information in breastfeeding information and/or support please visit the La Leche League website.

Since I am breastfeeding, can I eat for two?
It is a common misunderstanding among many women who are breastfeeding who think that since they are feeding another person they can then eat for two. This is in fact not the case

How often should I be taking my baby to the doctor?
Your baby’s pediatrician will tell you when you should bring in your infant throughout the first year of age as many vaccinations and developmental checks are completed during this time. Generally though, your baby’s first well visit will occur within the first two weeks of life.

How should I lay my baby down to sleep?
It is now recommended that you place your baby on it’s back to sleep. Your baby should be placed on a firm mattress by her/himself only in the crib. No toys, blankets, pillows, crib bumpers or other accessories should accompany your baby. Please visit the following website regarding Orange County’s Safe Sleeping campaign

What is tummy time?
Tummy time is a special time that a baby has only when he/she is awake and can be closely watched by a guardian. Tummy time gives your baby an opportunity to learn to push up and it begins the process of crawling. Tummy time should always be closely monitored by a guardian to ensure that the baby does not suffocate.

What is SIDS?
SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It is categorized by an unexpected, sudden death of a child under the age of 1 with no explainable cause of death. There are no symptoms of babies who die of SIDS and there does not appear to be a struggle nor does it look like babies suffer. Although there is no known cause of SIDS the following factors have been shown to increase the risk of SIDS:
-Babies who sleep on their stomachs
-Babies who sleep on soft bedding
-Premature or low birth weight babies
-Babies who are exposed to cigarette smoke
To learn more please visit the following website:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/conditions/sids/

When should I take my child to the dentist?
The first dental visit should take place around your baby’s first birthday or when the first tooth appears. It is important to begin dental care early as regular cleaning schedules and proper dental care reduce the risk of dental caries and infections of the mouth.

At what age does my child start getting immunized?
The following is a chart identifying the recommended vaccinations and time frame in which they should be completed.

Age Group Immunization
Birth Hepatitis B (Hep B)
2 months Hep B, Rotavirus, DTaP, HiB, PCV, IPV
4 months Rotavirus, DTaP, HiB, PCV, IPV
6 months Rotavirus, DTaP, HiB, PCV, IPV
6-18 months Hep B
12-15 months HiB, PCV, MMR, Varicella
15-18 months DTaP
16-18 months IPV
4-6 yr. old DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella
Yearly starting at 6 months Influenza
2 doses between 12 & 23 months Hep A
(Immunization Schedule)

I heard lead is bad for children. Where can I find out more information?
Lead is not good for anyone but it is especially hazardous to children. Symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, irritability, abdominal pain, vomiting, anemia, weight loss, poor attention span, noticeable learning difficulty, slowed speech development, hyperactivity. Effects of lead poisoning include reading and learning disabilities, speech and language handicaps, lowered I.Q., neurological deficits, behavioral problems, mental retardation, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke and death.
To learn more about lead poisoning prevention and education efforts in Orange County please visit the Lead Safe Orange section of our website.

I think my child is not as big as others his/her age. Where can I get help?
Some children develop at slower or different rates as other children. Please visit the Children's Intervention Services section of our website for resources available to concerned parents in Orange County.

How do I know if my childcare provider is good?
For a complete list of parenting resources in Orange County please visit the Child Care Council of Orange County’s website at:
http://www.childcarecounciloc.org/index.html
where you can find answers to your childcare questions as well as find an appropriate childcare provider in your area.

I was diagnosed with HIV. Can I still breastfeed my baby?
Unfortunately, breast milk can transmit the HIV virus from mother to baby during breastfeeding. If you think you may have HIV it is recommended that you formula feed your baby until you are tested and can know for certainty that your baby is not at risk of contracting the disease.

Ever since I gave birth I feel sad. Is this normal?
Some people refer to the time after birth when a mother may be feeling sad, afraid, angry, or anxious as “baby blues”. Usually, this “blue” time goes away after a couple of days but for some women this period can last longer and cause distress in a new mother’s life. If you think you may be suffering from post partum depression or are interested in learning more please

RESOURCES:

Child Care Council of Orange County
http://www.childcarecounciloc.org
(845) 294-4012

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County
http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/orange/orange.htm
(845) 344-1234

Catholic Charities
http://www.catholiccharitiesny.org/
(845) 561-3452

Family Empowerment Council
http://www.familyempowerment.org/
(845) 344-0027

Dispute Resolution Center
http://www.drcservices.org
(845) 294-8082

Orange County Department of Health
Division of Early Intervention Services
(845) 291-2333

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