It's a subject that's been on my mind quite a bit lately, not just because we're getting ready for a new arrival ourselves, but also because it seems like every other family we know has just welcomed one of their own - or is about to any minute now.
Which is exciting! Hooray for babies!
Anyway, even though this is the second time around for us, things are starting to feel a little new and uncertain again, and it's reassuring to have a sense of the resources available locally to newborns and their parents.
Over the summer, I had the opportunity to write a story for Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine on what to expect (and how to survive) the first six weeks postpartum. (Fun fact: At the time I was completing interviews for the story, I was in the very, very early stages of pregnancy - but I wouldn't know it for another few weeks. Good timing right?) The piece was published a couple of months ago, and one of the experts I had the pleasure of speaking to was San Joaquin County-based lactation consultant Ann-Marie Christian.
Ann-Marie had wonderful insight to add to the magazine story, and I hope you'll check it out. But I also want to send you to her blog, Mama Lactivist. Even though it seems she's taking a bit of a break lately, I think you'll find her posts are a great source of information and support for moms and dads.
And for even more resources? First 5 San Joaquin has made "Mommy Care" (prenatal and postpartum health) a special focus for the quarter. Sadly, our community tends to rank poorly when it comes to things like infant mortality and prenatal care - but, as First 5 notes, "there is much we can do to ... help to ensure that new and expecting mothers receive the best 'mommy care' possible."
Visit the First 5 website for a collection of really useful fact sheets and booklets on things like nutrition, accessing prenatal care, postpartum depression, fathers' roles in child development and other topics.
What are your favorite resources for new babies and their families? I'd love to hear more.
