St. Mary's County

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Parents Guide

Parents Guide
The Beginning Years
Pregnancy
Birth
Being a Parent
Breastfeeding
More About Feeding Your Baby
Caring for Your Infant
As Your Baby Grows
Child Safety
Toddlers
Feeding Toddlers and Young Children
Helping Your Child Learn
Learning to Use the Toilet
If Your Child Has a Disability or Special Need
Preschoolers
Choosing Child Care
Parenting as Your Child Grows
Parenting and Your Family's Well Being
Resources in the Guide

Birth
Birth is a natural process. Each labor is different and every woman copes in her own way. It can be wonderful, and it can also be difficult and tiring. It helps if the father or someone else you trust can be with you during the labor and delivery.
Most babies in California are born in a hospital. Many hospitals let you choose the kind of birth you want and have family and friends with you. Some women want to give birth at home. Find out all you can about your choices.
Birth
After the birth, a baby needs to be close to the mother. Breastfeed if you can. It is the best way to nourish your baby, and it helps you form a close relationship.

Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?
It’s very common to feel tired and blue for a week or two after your baby is born. But if you have strong feelings of anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor right away. These feelings can keep you from having a close relationship with your baby. There are medications for depression that are safe to take while you’re breastfeeding. Call Depression After Delivery. Visit www.depressionafterdelivery.com.

 
Things You Can Do
Where to Find Help
Learn More
Support During the Birth
Support During the Birth
Doctors and nurses cannot be with you all the time. Plan to have someone stay with you—the father, your mother, your sister, a friend or a childbirth coach.
 

Childbirth
Childbirth
Learn about different positions for labor and birth, and ways to breathe to help control the pain. Many women want to give birth without pain medications.
But learn about medications in case you want or need them. Talk to your doctor, nurse-midwife or childbirth educator. Call Mother and Infant Health. Visit www.childbirth.org.
For low-cost health insurance for pregnant women with low or middle incomes, call AIM Program.

 
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