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Bonding During Pregnancy Bonding with your baby usually comes naturally after birth. However, forming
Consider singing nursery rhymes or the alphabet, or make up singalongs. After birth, make sure to repeat the same tunes to help an infant adjust to their new reality. Talk to Your Baby Another way to bond is by involving them in your daily routine. Share your experiences during the day by describing actions and places you visit. It’s essential to call the baby by name if you have chosen one and talk to others who will be present in your little one’s life. Make sure to say “I love you” often. Pregnancy Journal Jot down important details about your pregnancy in a journal. Keep notes about the first time you feel the baby kick or funny moments when he is extra active in the womb. You can also write entries about doctor visits, your feelings after discovering the baby’s gender and the excitement of delivery as the time nears. As your baby begins understanding words and develops communication skills, share your journal entries. The experience will help you look back on this exciting time while sharing the joy your little one created.
a relationship during pregnancy can lead to benefits for your little one outside of the womb. According to the University of Cambridge, mothers who connect with their babies in utero positively impact an infant’s development and ability to learn. Studies were performed to analyze the relationship between parents and their children, both pre- and post- birth. Some positive results reported by the Centre for Family Research include these categories:
• Sensitivity. • Ability to notice. • Reaction time to children’s signals.
If you’re currently carrying, consider these beneficial
bonding tips from the American Pregnancy Association. Sing
Did you know a baby can hear your voice while in the womb? The vibrations of the sounds you make create a soothing and comforting effect. Take advantage of this unique situation by introducing calming lullabies to your baby in the womb.
Photo Courtesy of Tiffany Williams Photography
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Preparing a Sibling for Baby
Consider playing their favorite game or reading a book together while the baby naps or is eating. When possible, ask your partner or a loved one to babysit for an afternoon so you can take your other child for a fun-filled day around town. If they are old enough, ask for help in jobs like diaper changes or preparing a crib for a night’s sleep. Ensuring they are involved in raising a newborn will help form a bond between parents and siblings. Plan for Regression Even if your child is excited about the arrival of their brother or sister, it’s normal for them to show disobedience to gain the attention a newborn receives. It’s essential to prepare yourself for how to remediate these common behaviors. Toilet-trained children may backtrack and have accidents, insist that they should wear diapers again or ask to be bottle fed. The experts at Child Mind Institute remind parents that these actions are typical for older siblings. It’s their way of telling mom and dad that their care is still needed and helps achieve the attention they crave.
When expecting your second child, it’s common to feel stress or uncertainty about how their big brother or sister will respond. You can make the experience of a newborn’s arrival positive by preparing your kiddo and making them feel included throughout the pregnancy. Remember that an older sibling will likely become a role model for the new arrival. The experts at the Child Mind Institute recommend that expectant mothers reveal their pregnancy news to other children as soon as the pregnancy begins to show. By preparing early, your little one can absorb the information and ask questions about the new addition to their family. Make sure to stress that the news is positive and that your love will not change once the new infant arrives. Set Aside Special Time Together Understand that a newborn protection. This may lead to an older sibling feeling left out or jealous. It’s a good idea to find time to do things as a duo throughout the week. will require an immense amount of attention and
Photo Courtesy of Tiffany Williams Photography
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LOOK NO FURTHER
Your Best Healthcare experience is right here, right now. Born and raised in Ogallala, my husband and I relocated our family back to this area once we started having kids. We knew we wanted this town to be home to our kids. Our first two were born in Kearney at Good Sam and our third was born in North Platte at Great Plains Regional. Both of these hospitals had tremendous doctors, nurses and staff, I cannot complain about one thing. Our last child we decided to stay right here in Ogallala. We want this town to strive, we want our kids to have the amenities of a bigger town, we want to support local businesses and professions, so we committed to Banner and Ogallala Community Hospital. From our very first appointment confirming our pregnancy, through checking out with baby, it was hands down the best experience we have had. Having one doctor committed to you, knowing you personally, having a relationship with you was an incredible blessing. Dr. Leibhart has such empathy and passion for her patients and her job. The front desk and billing were a dream to work with. Always answering any questions I had, always smiles on their faces and took care of anything I needed. Fast forward to delivery. My nurses were incredible. They got to know my husband and myself, took extra care of us and were so incredibly knowledgeable. They knew my past birthing experiences, knew my file and were prepped for anything. The care they gave before, during and after was hands down beyond anything I have had before (again no complaints from anywhere else, this was just above and beyond). Dr. Leibhart during and after delivery was so caring and compassionate checking on us several times throughout. The care I received was hands down the best to date.
I will always and continue to support Banner and OCH, their faculty and staff are the best. – Stephanie Svoboda, (mother of 4)
I can’t say enough positive things about the care that we have received and the experience we have had at OCH and with Dr. Wong. The growth of our family at OCH has included our journey through multiple full pregnancies and deliveries, a miscarriage, not to mention all the wellness visits, checkups, and care for any illness in between. Through the best and worst, we are so thankful for how we have been treated, the knowledge and understanding that we have gained, and ultimately the trust that we have built in the care we have right here in our own community. We are especially thankful that our healthcare team and doctor knows us well and has an investment in our care that’s personal. Thanks for all you do Dr. Wong and OCH team! You are very much appreciated! – Meagan Hovendick, (mother of SOON-TO-BE 4)
CALL 308-284-3645 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Banner Health - Ogallala
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Photo Courtesy of Tiffany Williams Photography
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Sleeping Basics
allowing them to fall asleep before transferring them to their crib or bassinet. This practice helps an infant understand that the area is meant for slumber and encourages them to learn how to get themselves to sleep. During the day, expose your newborn to light, noise and playtime. Once nighttime approaches, introduce a dimmer environment with less activity to prepare them for a full night’s sleep. Strict Routine A routine is crucial when teaching an infant about bedtime. It will be a process they expect and remember as they grow into the toddler stage. To establish a sleeping schedule, be diligent about incorporating a winddown • Use softer vocal tones as the evening nears. • Put on pajamas around the same time each night. • Follow with brushing teeth alongside your little one. • Tuck a child in, in the same manner each time. phase to build a sleep association. The NSF recommends:
If you’re an expecting first-time parent, you have probably heard the horror stories about the upcoming lack of sleep you will face. However, the Nemours Foundation experts suggest that newborns can sleep up to 16 hours a day. As a caregiver, it’s crucial to ensure they are sleeping well and create a routine that allows you to rest so you can be at your best. During the first few weeks, it’s common for an infant to sleep in short bursts of a few hours. This is mainly due to their developing digestive system, which requires regular nourishment. Plan to create a schedule that allows a feeding time at least every four hours to help a newborn become accustomed to a beneficial routine. Follow these tips from the National Sleep Foundation to encourage positive sleep patterns during infancy. FollowTheir Lead Newborns are prone to sharing their need for sleep by fussing, crying or rubbing their eyes. Watch for these patterns throughout the day to strategize a sleeping schedule. The NSF recommends putting a baby down for a nap when they are sleepy, rather than
Before long, your kiddo will find comfort in the familiarity of slumber.
Photo Courtesy of Tiffany Williams Photography
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Choosing Positive Parenting
Toddlers As your child becomes more familiar with speaking, utilize learning games like shape sorting and puzzles. Pay attention to their language and help develop skills by correcting mispronounced words with the correct phrase. This is also the stage where parents should begin setting expectations for their child’s behavior. Respond to unwanted conduct by utilizing brief time outs and showing them what they should do instead. Middle Childhood By now, your little one will be exerting more independence and finding satisfaction when completing tasks with little assistance. Encourage their growth by helping them set goals and showing enthusiasm and affection once they are achieved. It’s also beneficial to begin teaching children about patience. For instance, insist they allow their peers to go first or finish a task before taking a break to play. During these formative years, think of discipline to guide and protect your child rather than punishment. Make sure to praise good behavior and correct missteps with the proper actions.
Welcoming a newborn is an exciting milestone, but merely the first step during the long journey of parenthood. Commit to being a positive reinforcement in your child’s life from infancy to adulthood. This practice builds an incredible bond with a little one. It will make them feel comfortable discussing problems later in life. Of course, there is a fine line between becoming friends with your child and being a disciplinarian authority. By correcting mistakes through constructive reinforcement, children will learn lessons that are carried throughout their lives. Check out these tips to act as a positive parent, as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infants Throughout infancy, parents can build a wholesome bond by being an influence on their children. Even if they don’t respond through words, infants enjoy the soft tone of their voices. Communicate with them by reading books, singing lullabies or repeating their sounds while including new words. Moms and dads can also make the little one feel secure and comfortable by cuddling and holding their child.
Photo Courtesy of Tiffany Williams Photography
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It’s all here at baby central! In-person classes are beginning again soon!
Breastfeeding support
Breastfeeding 101 – begins April 7 Prepared childbirth – begins May 1 Visit gphealth.org to register.
Spacious rooms
When you are ready to grow your family, Great Plains Health is here for you.
Women’s Services | 308.568.7373 | 601 West Leota | North Platte, NE 69103 | gphealth.org/obgyn
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