Newborns
There’s so much to think about when welcoming your new baby into your family. We’d like to make sure you know where to go for a few important pieces.
View the Father/Partner Resource Guide
Well-Baby Visits
Curious about the recommended schedule of visits, milestones, and more? Visit:
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“Pediatricians are not just about shots and growth charts, they are concerned with the child’s entire spectrum of development – physical, mental, social, and emotional.”
– Kerri Ann Young, Siskiyou Pediatric Clinic
Breastfeeding/Infant Feeding
Breastfeeding is oftentimes considered your baby’s first immunization. Research shows us that colostrum (the first breast milk) is full of natural nutrients and antibodies specially designed for your newborn baby. Over time, your breast milk will change as your infant grows — continuing to nourish and support your baby.
Read more about breast milk and breastfeeding here:
- Office on Women’s Health
- CDC
- March of Dimes
- KellyMom.com
- National Healthy Start Breastfeeding Resource Guide PDF
Some moms can’t or choose not to breastfeed and that’s okay too! Read more about bottle feeding and best practices for mixing and choosing your formula:
Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program (WIC) is a program that helps pregnant people, new parents, and young children learn how to eat well and stay healthy. They provide breastfeeding support and nutrition education, among many other services.
Download the Douglas County Breastfeeding Resource Guide compiled by HCCSO & Umpqua Valley Breastfeeding Coalition
Download the Josephine County Breastfeeding Resource Guide compiled by HCCSO & Josephine County Public Health
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“The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants are exclusively breastfed for 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as solid foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 2 years or longer as long as it is mutually desired by the mother and the baby. The longer a mom breastfeeds, the greater protection her baby has from certain illnesses and diseases and the greater the benefit she has for her health as well.”
– National Healthy Start, Fatherhood Advocacy Toolkit (Meek & Noble, 2022)
Safe Sleep
Each year in the United States, thousands of babies die suddenly and unexpectedly. Some of these deaths result from unknown causes, such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Others are from known causes, including other sleep-related causes of infant death.
What is SIDS?
SIDS is the sudden, unexpected death—that does not have a known cause, even after a full investigation—of a baby between one month and one year of age. About half of the sudden, unexpected infant deaths that occur in the United States each year are from SIDS.
What are other sleep-related causes of infant death?
Other sleep-related causes of infant death are those related to how or where a baby slept. These can include accidental:
- Suffocation: when something, such as a pillow, or someone covers the baby’s face and nose, blocking the ability to breathe
- Entrapment: when the baby gets trapped between two objects, such as a mattress and a wall, and can’t breathe
- Strangulation: when something presses on or wraps around the baby’s neck, blocking baby’s airway
There are several steps you can take to protect your baby from SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death.
- Place your baby on their back
- Use a firm, flat surface
- Place your baby in their crib alone–without any additional pillows, blankets, toys, etc.
- Keep your baby near, but in a separate sleep surface designed for infants
- Don’t smoke during pregnancy or afterwards. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk for SIDS, as does second-hand smoke in the home.
The Health Care Coalition of Southern Oregon is an official Cribs for Kids site, and can also support you in learning about Safe Sleep or help you with a crib for your baby. Contact us to learn more.
Local resources help you learn about and prevent SIDS:
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“It’s important for all caregivers—parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, child care providers, and anyone who might care for baby—to learn about safe infant sleep to help reduce baby’s risk.”
– National Institutes of Health
Infant Hygiene
Bathing, brushing, wiping, washing…there’s a lot to talk about when it comes to your baby’s hygiene. Many parents find that extra guidance is helpful when it comes to figuring out what’s normal, helpful, and healthy for their baby. Below are some resources that can help with topics like cradle cap, oral care and baby’s first bath!
Bathing:
For information on how to bathe your baby and about cradle cap, check out the resource below.
Oral Care:
You can take care of your baby’s mouth and teeth before they even come in! The resources below will help you.
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“Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, behave, and move (like crawling, walking, or jumping). In the first year, babies learn to focus their vision, reach out, explore, and learn about the things that are around them.”
– National Healthy Start, Fatherhood Advocacy Toolkit
Car Seats
Before you can take your baby home from the hospital, you’ll need to have your infant’s car seat ready. There are lots of things to consider when choosing a car seat, and it’s important to understand the recommendations and requirements as they grow.
Learn more here:
We have local support for child safety seats, and experts trained to install and inspect your child’s car seat. They can even help you purchase an appropriate seat!
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“A new baby is like the beginning of all things –– wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.“
– Eda J. Le Shan
Immunizations
Why Vaccinate?
On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential for helping to provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children at their recommended ages. Your primary care physician is a great source of information.
Learn more about immunizations:
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“I love the program and what we do because I am passionate about helping parents feel empowered, educated and confident, while helping them build a strong support system around them to raise their family in.”
– Mandy Galbraith, Siskiyou Community Health Center
Developmental Milestones
Take a look at this site to start learning about developmental milestones:
To learn about a statewide program:
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“Early identification of developmental disorders is critical to the well-being of children and their families.”
– Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Child Care
The decision to place your child in daycare can be a big one. These websites help you consider important questions to help you determine what’s best for your family and your baby.
Oregon’s Childcare Resource and Referral also provides a great way for families to seek out quality childcare options in their region. Learn more, or find childcare providers here:
The Employment-Related Day Care program (ERDC) helps eligible low-income families pay for child care while they are working. ERDC is a subsidy program, meaning eligible families still pay part of the child care cost. Families should contact their local DHS office to see if they are eligible. Find out more about this program here:
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“Every child begins the world again.”
– Henry David Thoreau
Infant Massage
- Encourage interaction between you and your baby
- Help your baby relax and sleep
- Positively affect infant hormones that control stress
- Reduce crying
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“The friendly staff, the support they give to pregnant and new moms with no judgement.”
– Healthy Start Client Survey, 2023
Birth Certificates
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“Preventive pediatric care is one of the greatest values in health care today. “
– Kerri Ann Young, Siskiyou Pediatric Clinic
Circumcision
Some families choose circumcision for male children. This is a decision best made among the family and their medical provider. It’s important to remember that this service is not automatically performed at the hospital, and it is also not free. Providers typically only offer circumcision while infants are two to three weeks old.
You can learn more about potential considerations by the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Examples of prices:
Aviva Cost: Sliding scale (max is $100). Child must be a patient of Aviva Health and the procedure must be completed before the infant is two weeks old.
Evergreen Cost: $250 for patients and up to $300 for non-patients. Procedure must be completed before the infant is two to three weeks old.
Call your pediatrician for more information.
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