Swaddling

-->

Swaddling, the practice of tightly wrapping a baby in a light blanket, is an age-old technique that not only calms babies but makes them portable. The technique is growing in popularity in the United States.

In 2008, the medical journal Pediatrics has weighed in with a commentary, noting that there is a wrong way and a right way to swaddle. The right way has a seemingly wondrous effect. Fussy babies, with their arms wrapped tightly to mimic the effect of the mother’s womb, stop crying almost instantaneously. The technique has been popularized recently by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, author of “The Happiest Baby on the Block.” But several medical studies, including one report in The Journal of Pediatrics, also show that swaddling can decrease crying time. Other studies show it prolongs sleep and even reduces a baby’s risk for sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS — but only if the baby is on its back. Swaddled babies placed on their stomachs are at higher risk for SIDS, as noted in a review article published in Pediatrics last October.

But there is a wrong way to swaddle. The wrong kind of wrapping can affect a baby’s hip development and increase risk for developmental dysplasia of the hip.  The key is to leave plenty of room for baby’s legs to move around. 

 “Babies have an on and off switch for crying, but like any other reflex it requires very specific technique,” said Dr. Karp. “For the last 30 years pediatric books have talked about swaddling, and rocking and white noise and all that stuff, but they never taught parents how to do it. These techniques have to be taught very specifically.”

At Lamaze Family Center, in our Infant Care Class, we have a workshop going over each of these soothing techniques where we watch and practice.  Our experienced instructors will offer hands on assistance and answer any questions. Our goal is to have you leave the class, feeling confident and capable of soothing your newborn the day he or she is born.

To register for an Infant Care Class, go to our website at www.lamazefamilycenter.org or call us at (734) 973-1014.

Birthing Plan

-->
-->

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting experiences in life. It’s a time of change, excitement and new experiences. With so many changes occurring it’s always helpful to have a plan. During pregnancy creating a birth plan helps to reduce some anxiety from the unexpected and gives some focus when baby is ready to come. It also ensures that when the time comes your wants and needs during labor are expressed to everyone involved. There are several things to consider when creating your birth plan: such as a home birth vs. a birthing center, the use of a doula vs. a midwife and many other great things. It’s also a great way to bond with your significant other as you work together to create the plan. Have you created your birthing plan? Here's a sample you can start with or you can create your own! Care to share what you are most excited about?

 

Birth Plan

  

Name:

Partner’s Name:

Your Labor Support People:

Do you want visitors during labor? o Yes o No
Do you want to receive phone calls during labor? o Yes o No
What are your plans for pain relief during labor? (Please check all that apply)
o Non-medicated, natural childbirth with use of relaxation, massage, breathing techniques, shower
and/or Jacuzzi, birthing ball
o Use of pain medication
o Epidural
o Unsure at this time

How can our staff best support you?

Are there any special requests for your birth experience?

What are your expectations?

Baby Care Plan
Baby’s name if chosen:

Baby’s doctor:

Breast-feeding: o Yes o No
Do you have any previous experience breast-feeding? o Yes o No
Do you plan to return to work while breast-feeding? o Yes o No
Do you have concerns about breast-feeding? o Yes o No

Bottle-feeding? o Yes o No
Would you like your baby to have a pacifier? o Yes o No
Are there any siblings? o Yes o No
Names and ages:

Do you have any concerns or special requests about the care of your newborn? o Yes o No
If yes, please explain:

We encourage you to discuss your birth plan with your doctor, doula or midwife during your prenatal care. We understand that a birth plan must be flexible and that you may want to make changes or additions during your stay with us.

MD / CNM Review:

Admitting RN Review: