Lake Cumberland Women's Center Mom & Baby Guide

Mom Baby Guide &

Congratulations on the birth of your baby! Having a new baby in your life is a very exciting time. We want to thank you for choosing Lake Cumberland and letting us share this experience with you. We want you to be very satisfied with your care and your stay here, so please let us know if we can assist you in any way possible

This time can be filled with many emotions, including a lot of stress. Trust yourself. You will get to know your baby very quickly. With experience, your worries will disappear This guide can help answer many of your questions and help boost your confidence when taking care of your newborn (and yourself) so you can relax and enjoy the first few days and weeks with your new addition.

As a general note, a baby's resistance to germs is not very good during the first few months, so please limit the number of visitors coming to see you in the hospital (as well as after you are home). Ask visitors who are sick to reschedule their visit for when they are well Anyone who is going to touch or hold your baby should wash his or her hands with soap and water - or use an alcohol-based hand-washing solution (found outside the hospital room on the wall).

For your convenience, the television controls and phone are provided at your bedside.

To get an outside line ......................................................................... Dial 9

To reach your nurse ............................................................................ Use your call button

To reach your baby's nurse in the nursery ....................................... Dial 83147

PRE-REGISTRATION

Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital is pleased to offer our patients a pre-registration service that allows us to verify all demographic and insurance information prior to your delivery. Expectant mothers should pre-register by the eighth month of pregnancy. The preregistration process allows LCRH to communicate with your insurance company to verify benefits and eligibility, and eliminates the stress of doing this additional paperwork when you come in to deliver your baby.

You can pre-register by visiting the admissions department on the first floor of the hospital The admissions department is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily

You need the following information with you to complete the pre-registration process:

Photo ID

Insurance card/information

Admitting date/due date

Social Security Number

Emergency notification numbers

Name of pediatrician/family care physician who will care for your infant

If you have pre-registered, when you arrive at the hospital to deliver your baby, simply take Elevator 5 by the Emergency Room up to the labor and delivery department on the second floor.

PRICE ESTIMATION AND BENEFITS LINE

(606) 451-2959

At Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, we have a dedicated Price Estimation and Benefits Line to provide you with estimated costs for services received at the hospital In addition, insurance plan benefits can be verified to provide a custom estimate, identifying the cost for the services and the out-of-pocket expenses you may incur.

This line is available Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, and is an excellent resource to identify and plan for your healthcare expenses.

For more information visit, LakeCumberlandHospital.com, or scan the QR code.

WELCOME BABY!

What you do in the first hour of your baby’s life can have a significant - even lifelongimpact on the bond you have with your baby. We know this is an exciting time for your family. We suggest visitors be patient and wait to be introduced to baby until he or she starts to adjust to the shock of a brand new world Baby will recognize you by your voice, heartbeat and scent, which will reduce the stress of being thrust into a new environment

KANGAROO CARE

Immediately after delivery, your baby will be placed with you skin-to-skin This intimate bonding time eases baby’s transition from the womb into the world It helps stabilize the baby’s heart rhythm, body temperature and breathing naturally It also makes it easy to begin breastfeeding

ROOMING IN GET TO KNOW YOUR NEWBORN

After you deliver your baby, LCRH recommends rooming-in with your newborn This helps your child adjust to life on the outside both physically and emotionally, while it helps you learn how to best care for him or her

Spending as much time as possible with your newborn baby will help you learn his or her unique personality, moods and feeding cues Look for EARLY hunger cues like hands to mouth, licking lips, sticking tongue out, or turning head to side Crying is a LATE hunger cue

DURING YOUR STAY

If you have questions or concerns or need anything while you are here, please talk with the staff. It is important to note the following:

Pain medication is available as your doctor has ordered. Please ask if you are in need.

Your recovery is unique to you and your delivery. Please ask the nurse for help before getting up and showering.

Please do not dispose of aerosol cans in your room - give them to your nurse

Do not flush pads and/or baby wipes in the toilet

Please place in trash cans available in each bathroom.

Drinking plenty of fluids, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting plenty of rest will help promote a quick recovery. If you desire a snack at any time, just ask the staff.

You will be given a menu upon admission, please see directions on ordering meals each day. You will also be given a coupon for a steak dinner for you and a guest

Security

Your baby will be with you during your entire stay You will be given a security word upon admission, please remember this word to ensure a safe hospital stay for you and your baby. If for any reason your baby goes to the nursery, please ask for your security word before allowing staff to take your baby When your baby returns, the nurse will ask you for your bracelet number which matches your baby's bracelet.

We recommend that you do not leave your baby alone in your room If you go to the bathroom, take the baby and crib into the bathroom with you. Please, only allow those with a hospital ID and the security word to take your baby.

GOING HOME

The day of discharge is a busy time Be sure to ask any questions you may have concerning your care or the baby's care. Usually, moms who had their baby vaginally will go home in 2 days and by Cesarean Section in 2-3 days. The pediatricians like for the babies to stay as close to 48 hours as possible

It is very important not to have too much company when you first go home. Getting plenty of rest will help you more than anything. You should avoid contact with anyone who has a cold, the flu, or another type of illness or infection.

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call your doctor or your baby's doctor It is recommended to make an appointment with a pediatrician within the first week of leaving the hospital.

Your provider may want to see you 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth, some may want to see you sooner.

Even though you may feel insecure about caring for an infant now, in a few short weeks you’ll develop a routine and will be parenting your newborn like a pro!

Do not worry about spoiling your baby for the first 6 months of life; some babies are more demanding than others As your baby grows and matures, he or she will be more content, less demanding, and will give you more time to rest.

Trust yourself and you will gain confidence in making decisions You know your baby best!

FEMALE CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions for Vaginal Deliveries

Try to get plenty of rest the first few weeks after you get home. It is really not good for you or your baby to have a lot of company. This is the time for you and your baby to get to know each other. You may gradually resume your normal physical activities. You may do anything that needs to be done for your baby.

You may get out and go wherever you please, depending on how you feel It is okay to climb stairs If you find yourself doing something that makes your stitches hurt, this is simply nature's way of telling you that you are putting too much stress on them and you should avoid that particular activity for the time being If you seem to have severe pain or increasing pain from your stitches after you go home, please call your doctor

You may bathe, shower, or take sitz (shallow, lukewarm) baths as desired Wait until your stitches have completely healed before taking deep baths or swimming Pay close attention to cleaning your perineum (the area between the vagina and rectum). Use a Peri-bottle to rinse the area after going to the bathroom.

If you have stitches, your skin will absorb them and they will not need to be removed by the doctor. Until these stitches are absorbed, it will be necessary to be very clean and careful to prevent infection.

Follow these instructions until you are completely healed.

• Wash your hands before and after you go to the toilet

• Change peripad often

• After using the toilet, use your peri-bottle, rinsing the perineal area well, from front to back Wipe yourself dry with tissue from the front to back, toward the rectum.

• Continue to use your sitz bath at home as frequently as you desire Always dry well Keeping your stitches clean and dry will help them heal You may find wearing tight-fitting garments, such as jeans or nylon panties (which can cause the perineal area to remain moist) to cause you discomfort

• Do not use tampons, douche, or have sexual relations until you see your doctor for a checkup

If you become ill or run a fever over 100 degrees during the first four weeks after delivery, call your doctor Continue to take your vitamins and iron until you have used them all Any other medication you need will be prescribed as you leave the hospital It is usually unnecessary to take laxatives after you are up and about at home However, should one be necessary, take Milk of Magnesia, according to the directions

Eat a well-balanced diet! Include fruits, breads and cereal, green and yellow vegetables, meat at least once a day, and plenty of fluids including milk, juices, and water Avoid “junk” food such as candy, potato chips, soft drinks, etc.

It is normal to have a bloody discharge for two to four weeks after delivery If your discharge should develop a bad odor, or if you have heavy bleeding or a fever, notify your doctor Menstrual periods usually return between four and eight weeks after delivery They may return even later if you are breastfeeding.

Walking is a safe exercise to start right away. Other exercises may be started two weeks following delivery. Kegal exercises may be started immediately following the delivery.

Call your doctor’s office in the next week or so to make an appointment for your post-partum check-up

If you have any questions at all after going home with your new baby and there frequently are many please feel free to call Your doctor will be happy to help you

Patients who had check-ups at the Health Department should contact that facility to make an appointment for their check-ups

Instructions for Cesarean Section

When you go home you may be up as much as you want You will recover more rapidly if you do not lie in bed all the time If you get tired, lie down and rest It is not good for you to become too tired

For the first two weeks after you get home, you should not do anything except caring for the baby. You should avoid heavy housework during this time.

A burning, pulling sensation in your incision is normal. You may have abdominal discomfort that should be relieved by pain medication prescribed by your doctor. If you have pain that the medication does not help, please notify your doctor

If your incision seems to be getting more tender, and red, has more than a very small amount of drainage, or if you begin to run a fever, notify your doctor If you have any other problems that you have questions about, call your doctor’s office

You will have some vaginal bleeding for about four to six weeks after delivery If the bleeding is heavier than a normal period or develops a bad odor, notify your doctor

If there is a bandage over your incision, you may shower with it in place as long as there continues to be a good seal. If this bandage becomes damaged or is no longer well applied (keeping the incision dry), then you can remove this bandage and leave the incision open to air. After 7 days, you can remove this bandage and any small strips of tape that may be covering the incision.

You may shower whenever you desire A Mepilex dressing will need to be removed 1 week after surgery If your incision has small strips of tape on it, these will need to be removed 3 - 4 days after (Mepilex) dressing is removed Soap and water will be good for your incision Wash your incision with antiseptic soap and a clean washcloth daily and dry well

If something you are doing causes tenderness and soreness in your incision, this is nature’s way of telling you that you are trying to do too much You may go up and down stairs but try to limit your trips. You should not drive until you are alert, able to move quickly without pain, and are no longer taking narcotic pain medications.

Mental Health & Well-Being for Moms

It is normal to experience some mild sadness or emotional swings in the first week or two after delivery If your symptoms do not get better after 2 weeks or you are experiencing worsening sadness, mood swings, and/or thoughts of hurting yourself or others, including your baby, please call your doctor right away Postpartum depression is real and treatable, but it is easier to treat the earlier it is detected

WHEN TO RESUME SEXUAL RELATIONS

Talk with your doctor about when it is safe for you to resume sexual relations It is possible to get pregnant before your first menstrual period after delivering your baby Unless you are exclusively breastfeeding every 3 hours (no pumping, or supplementing), breastfeeding will not prevent pregnancy Consider using some method of birth control when your doctor tells you it is safe to resume intercourse There are numerous methods of birth control that your doctor would be happy to discuss with you

BREASTFEEDING BASICS

Breastfeeding provides excellent nutrition for your baby. Although it is a natural process, it may take a few days for you and your baby to learn how to breastfeed well. Relax, take a deep breath, get comfortable, and communicate with your baby.

In order for your baby to get milk from your breast, he must place his mouth over the whole nipple and most of the areola (the dark area around the nipple). Your baby is born with a “rooting reflex” so he will automatically open his mouth wide and search (root) for your breast when his lips or cheeks are touched. Use this rooting reflex to get your baby’s mouth to open wide. When he opens his mouth, and has his tongue down over the lower gum, he is ready to “latch on ” to the breast. Pull him into the breast when he opens wide.

It is helpful for you to support your breast so your nipple is level with your baby’s mouth. You will feel a tug or pull on your nipple. It should not be painful. If pain occurs, take the baby off the nipple and reposition. Find a comfortable position so you can relax during feeding time.

Make sure the muscles in your arms, shoulders and upper back are relaxed Use pillows to support yourself and your baby Your baby should be facing you tummy-to-tummy With his mouth level to your breast, he should have enough space to move his face to “root” for your breast His body should be straight and relaxed Bringing his knees up close to you will give him more room around his nose.

While you are breastfeeding, it is important to get the proper nutrition Avoid dieting while you are nursing Your baby is depending on you for the nutrients he needs It is very important to eat regular meals including fruits, vegetables, bread, milk products, and meat Your baby will be getting whatever you take in so you may want to avoid foods that upset you and your baby. Nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, and sugar pass quickly into the breast milk and can affect your baby the same way they affect you. It is a good idea to have a glass of juice or water by your side while you are breastfeeding. Drink when you are thirsty.

BREASTFEEDING BASICS

When it may be time to ask for extra help

Difficult latch-on

After 12 hours of breastfeeding attempts with no significant improvement in latch-on and/or sucking and swallowing activities

Infant is approaching ten percent loss of birth weight

Infant is dehydrated (crystals present in urine, no stools in 24 hours, no voiding in 12 hours).

Infant is hypoglycemic.

Ill infant is unable to breastfeed - any ill infant.

Serum bilirubin exceeds 15 mg/dl.

Significant maternal illness

Induced lactation (adoptive nursing)

Positions for Breastfeeding

Cradle Position

Sit comfortably using pillows for support

Mother's own pumped milk (fresh, refrigerated, or frozen).

Infant formula

lying on his/her side and tummy to your tummy.

Place your baby facing you, Support your baby at breast

level. You may need pillows to raise them up until they are old enough to reach your breast while resting in your lap

Cradle baby's head near the

crook of your arm. Support his/her back with your forearm and his bottom or upper thigh with your hand.

With your free hand, support and offer your breast

If supplementation becomes medically necessary, consider the following fluids

Football (Clutch) Hold Position:

Sit comfortably using pillows for support

Place one or two pillows or extra towels at your side. Rest your baby's bottom against your back support.

Support his/her back and neck with your forearm and his head with your hand

Your baby's body should be snuggled close to you and should be directly facing your nipple and areola

Center your nipple in your baby's mouth and pull your baby onto your breast as he/she latches on

Cross Cradle:

Support your baby's head in your left hand and support his/her back against your forearm

Support your right breast with your right hand.

Hold your baby tummy-to-tummy and offer your right breast.

On Your Side:

Rest comfortably, lying on your side

Use pillows to support your head, back and between your bent knees.

You can lay your baby on his/her side directly on the bed or sofa next to you

His/her head should be face-level with your nipple or areola

Use your free hand to hold and offer the breast that is closest to the bed or sofa

Relax and enjoy this quiet time with your baby

On Your Back:

Lay on your back with pillows under your head

Place your baby across your chest and tummy, at face level with your breast

Support his/her head and body with your arm.

You can place your baby to your breast in a sitting position and then lay back.

When you feel comfortable with your baby’s position, begin breastfeeding, burp, and then finish feeding on the second breast Your breasts produce colostrum before your baby is born, followed by milk mixed with colostrum. Within two weeks of your baby’s birth, you will produce mature milk.

The length of time a baby takes to eat will be different for each baby. Allow your baby to empty the first breast before nursing on the second Watch your baby and listen for swallowing Your baby will be able to tell you when he has had enough

How will you know if your baby is getting enough to eat?

The only person who knows when your baby has had enough to eat is your baby

Nurse your baby 8-12 times in 24 hours (every two to three hours during the day). The baby should have six to eight wet diapers a day and two to five stools per day for the first few weeks

Your baby will cry and suck for other needs when he is tired, wet, dirty or lonely. If it has been two hours since the last feeding, then your baby probably needs to nurse Your baby will nurse more frequently when he is going through a growth spurt. This will stimulate your body to produce more milk. Growth spurts occur at seven to ten days, three weeks, six weeks, and then each month.

Treatment for Sore Nipples

Do not allow your baby to take just the tip of your nipple Work with your baby on proper positioning and latch. Nipple rolling and stretching will help to increase elasticity and encourage milk flow

Remove your baby from the breast by inserting your finger between the baby's gums. Change positions so that baby outputs pressure on different areas of the nipple

Begin nursing on the side that hurts the least

Nurse more frequently for shorter periods of time

Air dry nipples thoroughly, leave your bra flap down.

Apply a warm, wet tea bag before and after feeding. Place the bag in boiling water first, then allow to cool slightly before placing over nipple. If your nipple is already dry and or cracked, do not use tea bags since they tend to dry nipples.

Apply a small amount of expressed colostrum, breastmilk, or lanoline to nipples and areola after air drying.

Breast massage before and during the feeding will stimulate milk flow and "let down "

Breast and Nipple Care

Wear a clean support bra, preferably cotton.

Wash your breasts with warm water every day. NO SOAP.

After nursing, AIR DRY nipples for 1015 minutes. If they are getting sore, express colostrum and allow it to dry on your nipple. Your doctor may order a breast cream to be used as well

Apply a thin coat to the sides of the nipple and areola

If you are allergic to wool or itch wearing wool clothing, Lanolin may irritate your nipples.

Breast Engorgement

Engorgement is a normal response of the breast to hormone changes, increase flow of blood to the breast, and the presence of milk in the breasts Engorgement usually occurs three to five days after delivery. Your breasts may become full and tender, making it difficult for your baby to latch on.

Express some milk before nursing to soften the areola so your baby can latch on

Take a warm shower or place a warm washcloth over your breasts prior to nursing to stimulate milk flow. Massage your breasts before and during feedings

Apply a cold washcloth or ice packs to your breasts for a few minutes to help decrease swelling after feeding

Mastitis

Mastitis is an infection of the breast, usually caused by an infected nipple, in which swelling and engorgement obstruct the flow of milk. Signs include a temperature greater than 101 degrees F, localized breast tenderness, redness, and swelling. If you have any of these symptoms, please call your physician.

There are several things you can do to help with breast engorgement:

Make sure you are nursing long enough at each feeding. Nurse every two to three hours or more frequently as needed.

Breast Care for Bottle-Feeding Mothers

All new mothers, whether breast or bottle feeding should wear a well-fitting, supporting bra. Avoid elastic straps which do not support the breasts well. Good strong support will reduce the discomfort that accompanies engorgement.

You should wear your bra 24 hour hours a day, until your breasts feel normal Do not put any type of medicine on your breasts unless instructed by your doctor. If your breasts become too full, hard, or painful, apply ice packs Engorgement usually lasts 24 to 36 hours Do not use a breast pump. Do not stimulate the nipple or breast by massage or allow the shower to hit them. This will only increase milk flow and prolong the discomfort

If you should develop a fever, red spot, or hard spot that does not go away, contact your doctor

BOTTLE FEEDING

Feeding time should be a pleasant time for you and your baby. Always hold your baby while feeding him because he needs the security and love he feels from being held Relax when feeding your baby. He is very sensitive and readily picks up on your anxiety. A baby may swallow air with any type of bottle To prevent this, put one ounce more in the bottle than the baby is taking. Keep the bottle tilted during the feeding so the level of formula covers the neck of the bottle Burp the baby after sucking slows and at the end of each feeding. Feed your baby every three to four hours during the day. Feeding more frequently will result in overfeeding, which can cause rapid weight gain or your baby spitting up the formula. Gradually increase the amount of formula taken as tolerated.

Preparing Formula

Most formulas on the market come in three different preparations: ready-to-feed, concentrated liquid, and powder. Powdered or concentrated liquid infant formulas are easy to prepare. Simply follow the instructions on the formula container

If a dishwasher or sterilizer is not available, boil the bottles for 30 minutes and the nipples for five minutes The first boiling session for new nipples should be 15 minutes to soften the rubber and make it easier for the baby to nurse. It is usually safe to place bottles in the dishwasher

Your baby's digestive system will not be mature enough to handle solid foods, such as vegetables and fruits, until he/she is older The formula contains all your baby’s nutritional needs right now. If he needs additional vitamins later on, the doctor will tell you.

CARING FOR YOUR NEWBORN

Eyesight

Your baby’s eyesight is not fully developed at birth. Your baby may stare at objects but will not yet reach for them. They see objects best when they are within 8 to 15 inches of your baby’s face

Hearing

Although your baby's hearing is fully developed, he/she will not look for the source of sound for many months A hearing screen will be done on your baby prior to being discharged from the hospital.

Bathing Your Baby

Your baby's first bath will be delayed for at least 4 hours to allow the vernix (white cream cheese-like substance) to absorb into the skin.

Daily bathing of newborns may dry their skin and is unnecessary Newborn babies don’t get very dirty, except for the diaper area, which you can clean at each diaper change Until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off, only a sponge bath is needed After that, two or three baths a week are plenty.

It’s a good idea to have a regular time for bathing your baby The room should be warm with no drafts. Keep bathing supplies together to save steps. You can bathe your baby in a small tub containing comfortably warm water no more than three inches deep. Check the temperature of the water with your elbow before placing your baby in it. NEVER turn your back for even an instant while your baby is in the tub.

Wash the baby’s face with plain, warm water and a soft cloth. Do not use soap. To clean around the eyes, use cotton dipped in cool water. Wipe from the bridge of the nose toward the ears. Do not try to clean the inside of either the nose or ears, but clean outer areas with a moist washcloth or cotton ball. Wash your baby’s head with a mild shampoo. Work from front to back to keep suds out of his eyes. Clean carefully over the soft spots. Your pediatrician should be notified if there is greasy scaling (cradle cap).

Use mild soap and warm water to wash the baby’s body. Be sure to wash in the folds of the skin Rinse well Pat him dry Powders and lotions are not necessary for routine skin care. Powders in particular should be avoided as inhaling baby powder has accidentally injured babies

To trim your baby's nails, wait until the nail separates from the skin before using nail clippers or an emery board Doing so will cause your baby's fingers to bleed.

Cord Care

Routine cleaning of the cord is not necessary, but you may use soap and water if cleaning is desired Alcohol is no longer recommended for routine cord care. The cord should fall off in seven to fourteen days, although drainage may continue for a few days. Continue routine cleaning with a sponge bath only until it is completely dry. Fold the diaper under the cord to help keep it dry Remember, only sponge bathe the baby until the cord falls off and heals When the cord comes off, there may be some oozing of a small amount of blood This is normal

Caring for Circumcised Penis

After the circumcision, gauze dressing with A&D ointment will be placed over the head of the penis. For the first two to three days, change this with each diaper change. If stool gets on the penis, you should blot it gently with soap and water. The tip of the penis will be red for the first few days and there may be a yellow secretion. Both are normal during healing, which should take about one week. If it lasts longer, please contact your pediatrician. Foreskin that is left should be pulled back at bath time

Changing Your Daughter's Diaper

Be sure to wipe from front to back. Gently clean between creases to remove stool A discharge from her vagina is normal at first.

Bowel Movements

Bowel movements of newborn babies vary considerably in size, color, consistency, and frequency A baby may have several bowel movements daily, or none for a few days. Frequent bowel movements in a breastfed newborn are a good indication that he is getting enough breast milk Stools may be yellow-brown or green, firm, loose or pasty. Your baby’s first stools are black-green, tarry, and sticky. This is called meconium. By day two or three, the stool will probably become brown to green to seedy. A breastfed baby’s stools are generally yellow, loose, and seedy once past the meconium stage. The stools of a bottle-fed baby may be yellow, green, or brown, and may be loose to well-formed.

Weight Loss

Babies may lose up to 10 percent of their birth weight the first few days of life However, weight gain will be increasing at the end of the first week of life

Spitting and Vomiting

Spitting is normal. Vomiting is a large amount, not just one or two table-spoons. A wet burp or a mouthful of spit-up is normal. A large amount is defined as spitting up half or more of a feeding, every feeding, for 24 hours If this should occur, call the doctor.

Stuffy Nose

A baby is a nose breather. Sneezing is a normal reflex for clearing his nose

Overheating is the main reason for a baby developing a stuffy nose The room temperature should be around 70° during the day and 68° at night If the baby’s nose becomes stuffy, use salt water drops. Drop two drops in each side of the baby’s nose and suction with an ear bulb syringe. Do this when the baby is stuffy, before feedings, naptime or bedtime.

Heat Rash

Heat rash appears as fine, clear, or red spots on your baby's skin. Heat rash is common in babies during hot, humid weather - often a result of overdressing. Heat rash generally disappears on its own In the meantime, move the baby to a cooler environment and loosen/ remove clothing

Jaundice is a comm usually harmless co newborn infants. Th jaundice comes fro word meaning “yel describes the yello appearance of the eyes and the skin in newborn babies. Ph normal jaundice, u on the second or th in healthy babies b full-term pregnancy. It often disappears within a week. Doctors estimate as many as two thirds of full-term babies get physiologic jaundice. It may occur because the liver is not fully mature.

In most instances, the jaundice is mild and causes no problems It disappears without treatment However, if the condition is more severe, or if the jaundice is present at birth or appears during the first 24 hours of life, treatment will probably be necessary

When jaundice does require treatment, phototherapy is commonly used Phototherapy is treatment using light The eyes are covered while under the light to protect them

You can watch for an increase in jaundice at home by performing a simple touch test Take the baby to a sunny window and gently touch the center of the baby’s chest with your finger You will see a yellow spot when you remove your finger If you notice this yellow spot darkening, if the baby is not voiding or stooling in the usual amount, or if he is not eating well, notify your doctor

If your baby leaves the hospital slightly jaundiced, (staff will let you know) do the following:

Wake the baby and feed every three or four hours If breastfeeding, wake every two hours to nurse Put baby in indirect sunlight at a window for 15-20 minutes, 3 times per day Don't allow sun to shine directly on baby which could cause baby's skin to burn Count wet diapers daily (should be six to eight per day)

Skin touch test daily Take baby to a window and touch center of cheek with your finger Move your finger Is the spot lighter or darker?

Check the white part of the eyes daily for yellowing

Call the doctor if:

Skin or eye color is more yellow.

Baby is not eating. There are fewer wet diapers and bowel movements than before.

Constipation in infants less than one year of age can be a source of concern for parents. Sometimes your baby is not really constipated, but must be given time to set his own schedule for having a bowel movement Remember that some grunting and straining are normal. Generally, an infant’s stool is soft and easily passed.

Irregular bowel movements do not necessarily mean a baby is constipated. If your baby is having large and very hard bowel movements or seems to struggle painfully when having them, please call your pediatrician

Take a rectal temperature only if baby feels hot or acts sick A digital thermometer may be used Follow the instructions on the package Lubricate the thermometer with water or a small amount of Vaseline To position the baby, either lay the baby on his side or on his abdomen for a rectal temperature Insert the thermometer just far enough to cover the bulb of the thermometer or about one inch Hold the thermometer in place then read The normal rectal temperature is 98 6°F to 100 4°F The normal axillary temperature is 97 6°F to 98 6°F Your baby’s doctor can let you know if he or she has a preference to how you take the baby’s temperature

When you call the doctor, be sure to have with you:

Pencil and paper for instructions

Child's temperature reading

List of medications you have on hand.

RSV is a common virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms Newborns who are premature or have chronic lung disease are at risk for severe RSV.

It can happen quickly. Watch for:

Rapid breathing

Difficulty breathing

Gasping for air

Wheezing

Coughing

If these symptoms occur, take your baby to the pediatrician or emergency room immediately

PREVENTION OF RSV

Everyone should wash his or her hands with soap and water before touching the baby. Avoid contact with the baby if you have a cold or fever. Do not smoke around the baby. Exposure to smoke increases the severity of RSV

YOUR SLEEPING BABY

Newborns do not have the same sleep patterns as adults Regular sleep patterns develop as your baby gets older Newborns usually sleep 16-18 hours a day They sleep for two to three hours then wake up, eat, and go to sleep again. They often seem to have no real pattern and no regard for whether it’s day or night. At about six weeks old, their sleep and wake pattern begins to become established. By 16 weeks, many will have settled into a regular schedule.

A safe sleep environment is important for your baby's safety Many infants die unexpectedly due to an unsafe sleep environment. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends healthy infants sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death). SUID is a term used to describe the unexpected death of babies in their sleep for no known reason.

SIX STEPS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF SUID

1 Put your baby on his back to sleep in an appropriate, safe, infant crib with a firm mattress

2 Do not put your baby to sleep in a bed shared with any other person (including yourself), on a couch, sofa, waterbed, or any soft mattress

3 Do not let him sleep on soft things like cushions, pillows, blankets, sheep-skins, or foam pads Keep your baby’s crib free of extra fluffy blankets and stuffed animals

4. Smoking during pregnancy has been associated with a higher risk of SUID. Do not smoke near your baby. Do not let others smoke near your baby.

5. Do not let your baby get too hot. Dress him in as much or as little as you would wear. Do not wrap your baby in lots of blankets or clothes. If your baby is sweating, has damp hair, or is developing a heat rash, he may be too hot.

6 If possible, breastfeed your baby Breastfeeding has been shown to be healthier for your baby and may reduce the risk of SUID

YOUR BABY'S SAFETY

The kinds of injuries a baby may experience change with age so you need to consider and adjust your safety efforts continuously No one can protect a baby from all hazards, but there is a lot you can do starting on the day you come home from the hospital

CAR SAFETY

Always use a government-approved, rear-facing car safety seat in the back seat of your car. In an accident, a baby held in a passenger ’ s arms can strike parts of the inside of the car or be thrown from it Make sure there is NO airbag protecting the seat where your baby is placed

Be sure your dashboard and back seat are free of all objects that could fly off if you suddenly hit the brakes Never leave your baby alone in a vehicle Keep the vehicle at a comfortable temperature and wellventilated On hot days, make sure the seat surface is at a comfortable temperature before placing your baby in the seat Cover a leather or plastic seat with a towel to avoid burning the baby On cold days, use an extra blanket to cover your baby

Kentucky State Law requires:

Rear-facing infant seats in the back seat from birth to at least one year old and at least 20 lbs.

Forward facing toddler seats in the back seat from age one to age four and 20 to 40 lbs.

Booster seats in the back seat from age four and 40 lbs to at least age eight, unless 4'9"

Safety belts at age eight or older, or taller than 4'9" All children age 12 and under should always ride in the back seat

Check with your local EMS, Fire or Police Department for Car Seat Safety Checks

CRIB, BASSINET, CARRIAGE, PLAYPEN, CHANGING TABLE

The crib for your baby must have slats or bars no more than 2-3/8 inches apart, no unsafe design features, and a snug-fitting mattress To avoid blocking your baby’s breathing, do not have pillows, large and fluffy toys, blankets, or loose plastic sheeting in the crib, bassinet, carriage or playpen

Cover the mattress with only a fitted sheet Healthy infants should be placed on their backs when put to sleep Always be with your baby while he is on a flat surface above the unprotected side rails to avoid injury from falls. Keep one hand on your baby while he is on a changing table.

SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME

Shaken Baby Syndrome describes the serious damages that can occur when an infant or toddler is severely or violently shaken. Shaking a baby even for a short time can cause death It can also cause brain damage, blindness, seizures, and developmental delays

Babies cry to tell us what they want or need Be patient and stay calm. Is your baby hungry? Too hot or too cold? Check your baby's diaper. Maybe the baby just needs to be held If those ideas don't work, don't take it out on your baby due to frustration. STOP and take a time out Place the baby in his/her crib and take a break. Count to ten, take a deep breath or call for someone to help you. But never shake your baby.

BURNS

A baby’s delicate skin burns easily. When you take your baby outside, shade him from the hot rays of the sun Set your water heater no higher than 120°F (48.8°C).

Always test the temperature of your baby’s bath water to be sure it’s not too hot Smoking cigarettes while feeding or playing with your baby is harmful to his lungs. It is also dangerous because hot ashes could fall on your baby Do not hold your baby while cooking or drinking hot liquids, as this could burn your baby

SUPERVISION

As your baby grows, keep small objects such as buttons, pins, and toys with small parts out of the baby’s reach so he cannot pick them up and swallow them If you offer a pacifier, use one that is only commercially made meets safety standards, and does not have a long cord that could wrap around your baby’s neck.

Never leave your baby alone Do not let any stranger take your baby from you no matter what the excuse. Do not leave your baby alone with a pet, no matter how friendly the pet is. Don’t leave your baby unattended with any young child.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND TESTS

Your baby will require certain immunizations for protection against childhood diseases. During routine office visits, your pediatrician will determine at what age each immunization should be given.

The following immunizations are recommended for all children:

DTaP-Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough)

Polio

MMR - Measles, Mumps Rubella (German Measles)

Hepatitis A - recommended only for children and adolescents in selected states, regions, and/or those with certain risk factors

Heptatis B

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Pneumoccal Conjugate (PCV7)

H influenzae Type B (Hib) Influenza

If the following symptoms occur with an immunization, call your pediatrician immediately.

Baby's temperature higher than 102°F (38.8°C)

Uncontrollable screaming

Excessive sleepiness

Limpness

Paleness

Convulsion

Newborn Screening

All newborn babies are required by law to be tested or screened for certain rare inherited diseases If untreated, these diseases can seriously interfere with a baby’s development. For screening, a few drops of blood are usually taken from the baby’s heel. Although all babies are screened in the hospital, sometimes babies have to be screened again after they have gone home. In certain situations, the screening may not detect the disorder the first time. You will be notified if a second test is needed.

Other screenings such as hearing and Critical Congenital Heart Disease will be done at the hospital and results of those screenings will be discussed prior to discharge.

Newborn Checkups

When you are discharged from the hospital, you will be instructed about making a follow-up appointment for your newborn baby Please follow up with a Pediatrician or a Primary Care Provider that specializes in newborn care. Routine visits are important to make sure your baby is meeting milestones and completing needed vaccinations

If you need a list of those physicians that care for newborns, you can ask for list prior to discharge, call 800.424.DOCS, or visit the "Find a Doctor" tab at LakeCumberlandHospital.com.

MEET THE TEAM

At Lake Cumberland, we believe that bringing a child into the world should be one of life’s most joyous and wonderful experiences That’s why our skilled team dedicates itself to making expectant and new mothers, along with their families, feel welcome and comfortable through every step of pregnancy and childbirth.

Each year we welcome nearly 1,000 new babies into the world from all over South Central Kentucky We are the primary provider of obstetric and gynecological services in our region Our labor and delivery nurses and women ' s health nurses average 16 years of experience each and is certified in various areas of care including fetal monitoring, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and neonatal resuscitation. We support breastfeeding and have a full-time, dedicated IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and multiple CLC (Certified Lactation Counselors) on staff.

From the latest technology and fetal diagnostics to education classes, the Women's & Children's Services team at Lake Cumberland prides itself on providing high-quality care both pre-and postnatal.

Elizabeth Garland, BSN, RN, CLC Nurse Manager

A C Lactation Consultant

EXPERT PEDIATRIC CARE

Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital is proud to partner with UK HealthCare Kentucky Children's Hospital to provide the expertise of the region's most advanced pediatric care.

Children's needs are different than adults and those needs can change as they grow. That's why when a child is sick or injured they need care from providers who specialize in children. LCRH recognizes that need and strives to provide access to the highest level of care possible for our pediatric patients and their families, which is why we are working with Kentucky Children's Hospital - to bring their expertise directly to patients

Our team of pediatric healthcare specialists is devoted to caring for your child and your family, too. We're here to help you find the healthcare resources you want and need. Our services include:

24/7 availability and phone consults

24-hour observation care and full admits

Normal and advanced-level newborn care

Coordination with all medical and surgical consultations with specialists

Maintaining close communication with the patient's primary care physician

To learn more about our care, scan here!

Jonathan Ricker, MD Pediatric Hospitalist

Wael Ghanim, MD, FAAP Pediatric Hospitalist

BREASTFEEDING & PRENATAL CLASSES

Part of the excitement and joy of pregnancy is delving into the new tasks you'll need to master when your baby arrives, including infant bathing, safety and wellness, breastfeeding and more! We love helping families welcome new babies with confidence through our in-person breastfeeding and prenatal classes, hosted by Ashley Hoseclaw, MSN, RN, IBCLC, Perinatal Educator and Lactation Consultant. All classes are available free of charge.

Breastfeeding Class Topics:

How to prepare for breastfeeding

Benefits of breastfeeding

What to expect in the first 24 hours

Breastfeeding basics

Breast pumps and milk storage

Kangaroo care

Preanatal Class Topics:

Getting ready for delivery

True labor vs false labor

Discomforts of pregnancy

Choices of Pain Management

Vaginal or Cesarean delivery

Understanding your hospital delivery

Infant health, wellness and safety

Basics of newborn care

Additional Information:

In-person classes are offered monthly on Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings These classes take place in the post-partum classroom on the second floor at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. Tours of the facility are also available during classes and upon request.

Our staff is always available and ready to assist you For more information, call

606.678.3176 or 606.678.3145.

Pre-registration is preferred. To register online, visit:

LakeCumberlandHospital.com/ breastfeeding-prenatal-classes

SCAN HERE!

If using an iPhone, simply place your camera over the QR code.

ALL IN THE FAMILY THE GARY'S STORY

REAL PATIENTS. REAL STORIES.

Pregnancy means navigating countless choices, from baby names to baby monitors. But for Chloe Gary and her husband, William, choosing Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital (LCRH) for the birth of their first child was simple. "I chose LCRH because I trusted them to provide great care to our baby girl," said Chloe "I felt almost like I was family "

Family played a significant role in Chloe's delivery experience, as her sister, Reagan Henderson, works as a nurse in the labor and delivery unit

"Ever since I chose nursing as a career, I knew that labor and delivery would be the only place for me,” explained Henderson. “The feeling of helping parents deliver their children remains indescribable, and being there for my sister and the birth of my niece was rewarding on a whole different level.”

A first-time mother anxious about the delivery experience, Chloe was thankful to have her sister by her side "I was lucky enough to have my sister, Raegan, as my nurse and share the most special moment of my life in helping deliver my child

This experience takes our special bond to a whole new level," exclaimed Chloe.

"I chose LCRH because I trusted them to provide great care to our baby girl. I felt almost like I was family."

Kasey Rogers, another RN from the women's unit at LCRH, elaborated on the tightly knit nursing staff. "Part of the culture of my department is we're so close," Rogers stated. "We've all worked together for so long, we're like a big family. We know each other's strengths to give the best patient care possible."

Elizabeth Garland, BSN, RN, CLC, Nurse Manager of Women's & Children's services at LCRH, agreed with the family-like culture in her unit. "Our goal is to make mom and baby as comfortable as possible while they are here. We have a strong connection in our unit, and everybody works diligently to ensure that each patient has what they need At LCRH, our experienced and respected team of physicians and nurses are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care ”

Gary, a Somerset native who has lived in the community most of her life, appreciated the small-town feel and kindness shown at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital She explained, "From birth to postpartum, I received the best care I could have asked for –the nurses and staff at LCRH go above and beyond to make your experience wonderful. I am so thankful for every doctor and nurse who cared for our baby girl and ensured mama was comfortable too."

Chloe and her husband arrived at the hospital on November 30, 2022, and at 2:35 pm, welcomed their baby girl, Nola Rayne Gary. Nola weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 19 inches long. Chloe was thankful to have a safe delivery and was able to discharge within 48 hours. Even in postpartum recovery, Chloe says she received the best care and "never once questioned our baby girl being out of sight in their care.” She says, “They all went above and beyond.”

While challenging at times, Chloe couldn't be happier in her new role as a mother When asked what advice she has for other new moms, she shared, "Through the sleep deprivation, breastfeeding difficulties, coping with stress, feeling guilty, being exhausted, or all the above, know that you are not alone Being a parent is hard work, and adjusting to the role can take time for most people! Give yourself grace and take every moment with your little one because time is a thief Be strong, mama!"

When reflecting on her birthing experience, Chloe says she would "recommend LCRH to anyone" and hopes to move forward with having more children here in the future. But for now, Chloe plans to focus on time with her baby girl while also pursuing a master's degree in mental health counseling, hoping to build her future and family in Somerset. Chloe shared, “Overall, it was such a wonderful experience. LCRH was topnotch for the birth of my baby girl. I will always be thankful for the staff and for making my family feel at home. Thank you, LCRH, for being the best."

"Our goal is to make mom and baby as comfortable as possible while they are here. We have a strong connection in our unit and everybody works diligently to ensure that each patient has what they need."