How to keep your baby safe, healthy and happy during the hottest season Summer vacation with a baby (or even a trip to a Little League game for an afternoon) can be tricky for new parents. Here are some tips to get you started on the right foot. #1 Keep your baby cool Having a …
Project WIN helps mothers with addictions beat the odds
Bootheel Babies & Families is pleased to feature Brooke Burlison, BSW, QAP, and the program coordinator for Project WIN at FCC Behavioral Health in Kennett, MO. Brooke is an active leader in our fight against infant mortality through her work with young mothers in Dunklin and Pemiscot counties. Pregnancy is an exciting time, as you …
3 reasons why you should consider breastfeeding
In a list of hundreds of baby-related decisions you must make, one of the biggest is to use breast milk, formula or a combination of the two. You’ll likely receive an overwhelming amount of info about breastfeeding, so we’ll try to boil it down to the basics. Here are three reasons why breastfeeding could …
Mother-to-Mother changes lives in the Bootheel
This month, Bootheel Babies & Families is very pleased to feature Melinda Sweeney, Executive Director of the Regional Health Foundation. Melinda has been an active part of Bootheel Babies & Families’ Community Steering Committee for years, and her organization’s Mother-to-Mother program is a current Grantee serving women and babies in Stoddard, Dunklin and Pemiscot …
4 tips for tummy time
Just like adults, infants need exercise to grow stronger. The best way for your baby to develop the muscle strength and motor skills needed for sitting and crawling is by spending time on his or her stomach every day. To make the most of your infant’s tummy time, keep these tips in mind. Start with …
Preparing for your baby: Crib safety
When you are expecting a baby, it’s an exciting time. There are lots of things to think about – including where your child will sleep. Will they have their own room? Will they share a room with a sibling? Will they sleep in your room for a time? Regardless of their surroundings, it’s important that …
Choking Hazards for Children
Babies begin exploring the world first with their eyes, then with their hands. Often, their little hands go straight to their mouths. It’s a wonder to watch. But, as soon as your baby can pick up things with their fingers, they are at risk of putting things in their mouths that can cause them to …
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 …
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 …