New parenthood introduces moms and dads to unprecedented joys and challenges. To help answer some of your burning questions about entering this new chapter of life, Dr. Rhonda Patt, medical director of Atrium Health Levine Children’s Charlotte Pediatrics, Dr. Chpryelle Carr, pediatrician at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Rea Village Pediatrics and Lia Benton, lactation consultant at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Charlotte Pediatrics in Steele Creek, share their knowledge.
These helpful tips provide advice, educate and encourage new parents of newborns to make informed decisions and to be well prepared for the journey ahead.
Question: What advice do you have for parents navigating the unique season of COVID-19 with a newborn?
According to Patt, everyone worries about COVID-19 – even if you’re not a new parent – but it’s particularly stressful when a parent is ready to have a baby. Fall and winter are flu and RSV season, so we would give the same advice now compared to any other year. If you have a newborn and someone has cold symptoms, that person should not be in your home. Something that causes just a cold for an adult can be severe for a baby.
Everyone wants to meet a new baby, and it's possible to do these things safely, but you have to be deliberate about your plan and approach. Limit your guests to people who are important and close like grandparents, while taking precautions like wearing masks and washing their hands. Visitors from outside the household, who are toddler age, pose an additional risk as toddlers carry a lot of dangerous viruses to newborns.
Carr adds that we should be extra cautious, practice more hand washing and wear masks to keep newborns safe. Though we are nearing the end of a pandemic, the plan is still the same to reduce the risk of virus transmission to newborns.
Q: Could you walk moms through the first few months, vaccines and maintaining a vaccine schedule?
Carr advises that new parents should be prepared to see their child’s pediatrician frequently. This is to make sure that the baby is developing appropriately. Your child will have a checkup just a few days after being discharged from the hospital and will then have frequent visits to get accurate measurements, vaccinations and more.
You’ll most likely see your pediatrician three to four times in the first month. This is to keep up with the vaccine schedule that starts in the nursery with the hepatitis B vaccine. Your baby should follow a vaccine schedule with significant immunizations occurring at two, four, six, twelve months and beyond. This schedule is based on the science that validates giving children immunity to potentially dangerous diseases early.
Q: In your expert opinion, what are the benefits of breastfeeding for both the baby and the mom? And for those who may not be able to breastfeed or choose not to, what are the alternatives?
Human milk is the optimum nutrition for human babies, offering many benefits, according to Benton. Breastmilk contains everything babies need – nutrients, fats, calories and the benefit of mom’s immune system. Breastfeeding and pumping help mom by providing oxytocin, the ‘love hormone,’ to help her feel relaxed and bond with her baby while shrinking her uterus back to pre-pregnancy size and protecting her against numerous types of cancer. Also, breastmilk provides mom’s antibodies for colds, flu and even COVID-19.
Atrium Health is a Baby Friendly designated hospital, so it takes extra measures to support and initiate breastfeeding. If things are not optimal, and even when you just want some assurance or tips, we can provide care in the hospital and at outpatient facilities. Pumping is an alternative to direct breastfeeding. Formula is used when mom doesn’t have enough breastmilk supply (which is completely normal). Formula can be a great alternative for those who decide breastfeeding isn’t for them.
Q: To leave the hospital, parents must have chosen their pediatrician and scheduled their first appointment. What are some helpful tips to share with new parents as they identify a pediatrician for their child?
Carr advises that parents should consider factors like the location, hours and days open and the size of the practice. Parents have many options to suit their preferences. Being affiliated with a world-renowned hospital like Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, which is nationally ranked in 8 specialties by U.S. News & World Report, is also a positive aspect. If your child has an emergency, he or she can get the best care possible. Our pediatricians can communicate with specialists through e-consults to determine the best care plan for your child’s specific needs.
Be sure that the practice style fits you like a great black dress. Don’t be afraid to try different pediatricians until you find a good fit. You need great communication and a good relationship with your pediatrician. Overall, your care provider should help you meet your goals and keep in mind your medical family history, allergies or other health needs.
Q: What are the top three questions new moms ask and what are your answers?
Patt shares the top questions she gets from her patients:
- #1: Is my baby getting enough food/breastmilk? This is a big concern for moms after going home because they can’t see or measure it for nursing. They should watch for wet diapers, bowel movements and come for checkups to make sure the baby is developing well.
- #2: Can we use a pacifier? In newborn nursery, pacifiers are discouraged because they can make it hard for the baby to nurse. However, it’s fine to use it once breastfeeding has been established to soothe the baby after they have eaten. It should not be used in place of a feeding but as a soothing tool after the baby is fed and cared for.
- #3: When is the baby going to sleep through the night? Every baby sleeps through the night at their own time. Though your pediatrician can’t give you an exact timeline, he or she can give you tips to develop good sleeping habits. However, it’s important not to rush this because the sleep center of the baby's brain develops at its own pace.
Q: What are your top breastfeeding tips, and do you have any advice or resources for moms struggling with breastfeeding?
As a lactation consultant, Benton wants parents to know that help is available after the delivery so they can resolve any issues early and effectively. Breastfeeding is a skill that requires practice for most moms and babies. There are a lot of resources to help. Seek out help if there is pain during feeds or not enough wet/soiled diapers.
Milk supply is best established by frequent feedings — don’t expect a schedule or routine in the first week. Try to sleep when the baby sleeps and take care of yourself when you have a break. Feed early and often, look for cues for when the baby is awake, so they don’t fall asleep at the breast.
Make a log of feeding times and urine/stool output. These facts can be hard to remember when you’re sleep-deprived, but it helps you and your support person to be on the same page. Overall, try to get a good start, don’t give up and don’t quit on a bad day!
Q: A big adjustment for many parents is sleep. Do you have any tips about adjusting to the new sleep routine of having a newborn? Is there anything parents should be looking out for, such as sleep regressions?
Carr emphasizes that sleeping is different for each little one. Newborns don’t typically sleep through the night because they need to eat every two to three hours. To make the first months go easier, mimic being in the womb. Use white noise, vibrating bassinets, swaddle and walk around with the baby gently instead of being still. However, every child is different, so call your pediatrician for advice that is best for your child’s sleep routine.
Newborns are usually sleepy and doze off anywhere, but after a couple of months, they do commonly experience sleep regressions. Continue to establish safe sleeping habits like putting them on their back to sleep and swaddle. Also, don’t compare your baby’s sleep with what you see on social media. Every baby sleeps through the night at their own time and in their own way.
Q: What is the average time it takes for milk to come in after delivery and is it okay to supplement until then?
Benton states that while every mom is unique, many see milk start to “come in” within 48 to 72 hours and most by day five. If the mother doesn't feel like her breasts are changing or if the baby isn't feeding with several soiled/wet diapers, call your pediatrician.
If the baby needs extra milk, the mother can pump to collect milk and for additional stimulation. If she does not have enough breast milk, formula is a safe alternative. Early intervention and milk removal from the breast is the key to establishing a good milk supply.
Q: Any advice for partners supporting new moms in the breastfeeding process and beyond?
Benton says that partners and family members can do a lot to support a new mom. They can keep her supplied with food and drinks, burp the baby and do skin-to-skin. Partners can also manage all the other logistics of the household. These tasks will take much of the burden off the mother and give her time to establish a good nursing routine.
Having questions about newborn care is completely normal, and the pediatric experts at Levine Children’s are here to help you throughout your parenting journey.
All our experts agree that an important way to keep newborns safe throughout the pandemic is with COVID-19 vaccinations for parents, caregivers and eligible siblings. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and to schedule an appointment, visit our resource hub online.
For more information and to find a Levine Children’s pediatrician, visit here.
