September is National Infant Mortality Awareness Month Sikeston, Mo. – Babies born in under-developed countries like Cuba, Romania, Tonga or Botswana have a better chance of surviving their first year of life than those born in Missouri’s Bootheel. That’s the basis of an ongoing outreach initiative aimed at reducing infant death in six Bootheel counties, …
4 common questions parents ask about newborns’ sleep habits
Anyone who has spent time around infants knows this: They rarely sleep through the night. Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults, and they fall asleep as easily during the day as at nighttime. If you’re curious about what to expect when your baby arrives or you’re not sure if your newborn’s sleep habits are …
How infant mortality affects you
Since 2009, 135 babies have died in six Bootheel counties in Missouri. That’s 135 children who never got to celebrate their first birthday or attend their first day of kindergarten. Hundreds of families will forever have a hole in their lives, and entire communities are affected by the impact of infant mortality – including YOU. …
The No. 1 thing you can do to reduce your infant’s risk of SIDS
The possibility of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the scariest things a parent can face. SIDS usually occurs during sleep, and experts aren’t exactly sure what causes it. Fortunately, they have been able to identify risk factors, meaning you can do more than just keep your fingers crossed. The best way to …
How soon should I see a doctor after learning I’m pregnant?
It’s critical to see a healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy, both for the safety of you and your unborn child. Prenatal care offers not just medical care, but also education and support for pregnancy and childbirth. Most providers schedule your first visit around eight weeks of pregnancy. As soon as you suspect you’re pregnant, call …
Is my baby at risk for heat stroke?
July and August are among the hottest months of the year, and your baby is especially vulnerable to the dangers of overheating – including suffering from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat stroke. Symptoms include unusual tiredness or thirstiness, as well as cool, moist skin. Leg and stomach …
Why your baby shouldn’t sleep in a car seat
Babies sleep safest flat on their backs, in a crib or other safe sleep surface with a tightly fitted sheet. Car seats, strollers and swings all place babies in an upright position which, similar to sleeping on their tummies, puts them at risk for suffocation. This illustration from the National Institute of Child Health and …
3 easy ways to soothe your baby
Babies cry – all of them, and some more than others. It’s their way of communicating with us, whether they’re hungry, or tired, over-stimulated, in pain or simply unhappy. When it comes to calming your baby, start by checking off the typical culprits: Hunger, dirty diaper, fever, too hot or too cold. If your …
The baby name game
Are you having trouble finding the perfect name for your soon-to-arrive baby? Check out the 25 most popular baby names of 2017 so far, collected by www.babycenter.com, along with our tips for choosing the perfect name for your little one: GIRLS: Emma Olivia Ava Isabella Sophia Mia Charlotte Amelia Harper Aria Ella Emily Abigail Madison …
3 reasons your baby should always sleep alone
Babies often wake up in the middle of the night – it’s what they do. Keeping your newborn in your bed so you are close by when the baby wakes may seem easier. However, sharing a bed with your infant increases his or her risk of injury and suffocation. Here are three reasons why bed-sharing …