Even more than your wedding day, having a baby feels like the creation of your own family. And families can create strong bonds through traditions that build meaning over time. Some of us even get teary-eyed remembering mom’s Christmas stuffing when far away for the holidays or remember fondly playing family touch football before Thanksgiving turkey. As a new family, you can … [Read more...] about How to Create a Lasting Tradition for Baby’s First Christmas
Baby
The Baby Blues (Take Time for Yourself)
Some new mothers go through what is known as the “baby blues,” or postpartum blues. This happens because your body goes through many changes during pregnancy. These “blue” feelings may happen to you before your baby is born or afterward. You may feel discouraged or tense, or feel like crying over little things that would not usually bother you. Don't … [Read more...] about The Baby Blues (Take Time for Yourself)
A Special Word to Fathers
As a father, you have an important role to play in taking care of your baby. Your baby needs you. And mom needs you to share many of the responsibilities of taking care of your new baby. When you do things with your baby, you and your baby get closer. You and your baby form a bond that helps her feel safe and happy. You may feel nervous around a newborn. Or you may … [Read more...] about A Special Word to Fathers
Your Baby Depends on You for Checkups
Your baby needs medical checkups during her first days, weeks, and months so the doctor can see if she is growing right. The way your baby grows in her first year can affect her health for life. Checkups are a normal and important thing for babies. Even though your baby seems healthy, she should get checkups at one to two weeks of age, and at two, four, six, nine, … [Read more...] about Your Baby Depends on You for Checkups
Newborn Reflexes
Babies have special reflexes that last only a few months. It helps to know what the reflexes are so you are not alarmed when they occur. The following reflexes are normal for newborns: Moro or “startle” reflex: This occurs when your baby's head shifts position quickly. Or when her head falls backward. Or when your baby is startled by something loud. She … [Read more...] about Newborn Reflexes