Birth With Hope

Bottom

• Use herbal sitz baths for soaking a sore bottom
• Sitz herbs can be purchased  www.MotheringHerbs.Goods.officelive.com
• urinate often to prevent excess bleeding from the uterus
• Wipe with Witch Hazel (Tucks pads) if you have hemorrhoids 
• Rhoid Balm which is purchased at www.motherlove.com (for hemorrhoids)
• Freeze 3 maxi pads (with witch hazel on them).  Use during first 24 hours.
• Use diluted iodine in peri bottle with every trip to the toilet  (or peri-wash)
• 'Peri-Wash' www.babybirthandbeyond.com  
• wear a taut postpartum www.babooshbaby.com
• rest as much as possible
• do not pick up anything which is heavier than your baby for 8 weeks
• do not use tampons during your postpartum time

• If you have sore nipples, place fresh breast milk on nipples and let air dry.
• Contact your local La Leche League leader for breastfeeding support
• Prevent or cure sore nipples with creams www.motherlove.com
• Use Breastfeeding pillows to assist you with proper positioning
• Breastfeed every 2 hours during the first few days to prevent engorgement
• Use frozen raw cabbage leaf on breast if engorgement occurs (use after nursing)
• Use heat on breast (hot packs, hot shower) before nursing if engorged. 
• Breastfeeding mom may take oral Vit K (liquid) www.birthwithlove.com 
• If you need a breast pump: www.medela.com (Medela Pump In Style)
• Increase milk supply: goat's rue www.wishgardenherbs.com
• Increase milk supply: megamam www.inhishands.com
• Increase milk supply: www.MotheringHerbs.Goods.officelive.com

Sex & Fertility

• No sexual relations until postpartum bleeding has stopped
• I do not recommend hormonal uses of birth control while breastfeeding
• 'Taking Charge of your Fertility' by Toni Weschler (excellent book)
• www.ovusoft.com and www.fertilityfriend.com fertility charting software. 

Books

• Read Dr. Jack Newman's book 'Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers'
• Read 'The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding'
• Read 'Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding'

For Baby

Nutrition

• Breastfeed every 2 hours during the first several days postpartum
• Milk will turn from colostrum to breastmilk by day three
• Feed on demand
• Specialized breastfeeding assistance:  www.msbfmedclinic.com  601.898.7979
• vit K oral drops if the vit K injection was not given www.birthwithlove.com

Weight

•  
  A newborn will lose 10% of body weight in the first few days
• After the initial weight loss, a breast fed baby will gain 5 to 8 ounces weekly
• Chart growth of baby www.kellymom.com/baby/concerns/growth/growthcharts.html

Diapers

• Poop will change from black meconium to green to yellow seedy stools
• There should be 2-3 poops per day
• Baby should urinate 5 times in a 24 hour time frame
• Change diapers often to prevent diaper rash

Temperature

• Keep baby warm at 97.6-98.7
• Keep a hat on baby for the first few days to keep the baby warm
• Wrap in several blankets to keep warm
• Take baby's temperature twice per day for the first several days

Cord Care

• Use Wishgarden powdered cord care herbs  www.wishgardenherbs.com
• Use rosemary herbs on cord www.MotheringHerbs.Goods.officelive.com
• Isopropyl Alcohol can be used on the cord instead of herbs; use every diaper change

Pediatrician

• Take baby to Pediatrician for check up within the first 4 days after birth
• Take baby to Pediatrician for periodic weight checks
• Take baby to Pediatrician for PKU test
• If you desire circumcision: Dr. Montgomery/Dr. Bostick 256.734.3202

Jaundice

• Sun light for ten minutes, three times daily, for the first three weeks 
• Breastfeed as much as possible

Birth Certificate

• File birth certificate right away