The baby is here. You survived childbirth. You’re a mom! Congratulations! How do you feel? That’s a bit of a loaded question. Just when you thought your body was all yours and about to get back to normal again, you wake up the morning after and realize you’re sore everywhere. From disrupted sleep to getting …
Be a Champion for Your Own Birth Experience
Having a positive and healthy labor and delivery experience can be empowering, helping set the stage for a joyous and vibrant postpartum period for new moms. You can be a champion for your own birth experience by being informed, prepared, and creating a plan. Below are some common procedures during labor and childbirth. Collecting knowldge …
Grantee Spotlight: Parents as Teachers in Stoddard County
The Dexter/Richland/Bloomfield Parents as Teachers organization provides information, support, and encouragement to parents as they help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years. Bootheel Babies and Families recently awarded them a $35,000 grant that will help expand the program. Melanie Stoelting, a coordinator with PAT, shares her thoughts on how her organization and …
WHEN YOUR BABY CAN’T TELL NIGHT FROM DAY
Humans are diurnal creatures, which means we are healthiest when we are awake during daylight and asleep when it’s dark. Somehow, newborns don’t always get the message; their circadian rhythms are immature during the first few months of life. It may take two to four months for this to develop, and during that time, they are …
WAKE UP, SLEEPY HEAD! TIPS ON GETTING YOUR BABY TO WAKE UP AND EAT
It probably seems like the most ridiculous and counter-intuitive thing in the world to wake your sleeping baby so you can get him or her to…sleep, or to eat. And yet that may be exactly what’ needed. Here’s why: They grow up so fast: Newborns are growing at an amazing pace, which means they need …
PACK YOUR BAG! “GO-BAG” TIPS FOR EXPECTANT PARENTS
So you’re having a baby! You’ve likely spent months getting the baby’s room ready, buying supplies, and thinking about names. You’ve probably seen the doctor a gazillion times and spent hours in a childbirth class mapping out your birthing plan. But here’s a question: Have you thought about what you will take to the hospital? …
Happy Mother’s Day, Bootheel Moms!
Is this your first Mother’s Day? Congratulations! You have earned a huge pat on the back – and a celebration. Here are a few ways to do just that. Sleep: The first time you celebrate Mother’s Day is extra special, so feel free to ask for what you need. Maybe that’s breakfast in bed, but …
Is the COVID Vaccine Safe for Mom and Baby?
If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, your biggest priority is making sure both you and your baby are healthy. With so much going on right now, how do you know if it’s safe to get the COVID vaccine while you’re pregnant? Who can you trust? Talk to your doctor. If you want …
Bonding with Your Baby Has Benefits for Everyone
We’ve all probably heard of the maternal bond, but did you know there are benefits far beyond just soaking up those first, sweet months? Babies who bond with their parents are more likely to grow into confident, resilient adults. For parents, bonding with your baby may alleviate stress and help you navigate the early, exhausting times …
Staff Profile: Rachelle Bennett
How did you get involved with Bootheel Babies and Families? My degree is in nursing, and I worked at Southeast Medical Center starting in 2011. I started working part time at the Regional Healthcare Foundation in 2015, which is where I was introduced to BBF and the infant mortality initiative. I personally was a participant …