A discussion with Dr. Trashawn Thornton-Davis, a Kaiser Permanente physician specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, who sees patients and delivers babies at Holy Cross Health.
Becoming a mom is both a blissful and scary time. There’s so much unknown. That’s why education is incredibly important—to help new moms-to-be prepare to the best of their abilities. Dr. Trashawn Thornton-Davis shares important insights for new moms and their partners
1. Why Bonding Is So Important
One concept that has gained attention in the last few decades is the importance of skin-to-skin contact once the baby is born. This sets the stage for strong bonding. Dr. Thornton-Davis also advises talking to the baby in a soothing, reassuring tone, maintaining eye contact as much as possible, and swaddling.
“These types of physical contact can help your bond grow with your baby. We also know that breastfeeding can help increase the bond you have with your baby. But of course, if you're unable to breastfeed, you can definitely allow baby to sit at the breast as another form of bonding,” she says. “If you're having trouble bonding with your baby, you might want to talk to your OB/GYN. That's why we're here.”
2. Crying: A Baby’s Language
A crying baby can be a frustrating experience. Yet, crying is how babies communicate; it’s their language and serves many purposes. For instance, crying may indicate a baby needs help or is uncomfortable. Or, they are hungry.
“Crying also can help babies release tension and extra energy. Most newborns will cry for food when they wake up. As they grow, the cries become more varied and you'll be able to learn your baby’s needs. You'll know what this cry means or what that cry means,” explains Dr. Thornton-Davis. “Crying is one way babies communicate until they develop language.”
She also notes that excessive crying shouldn't be of concern unless the cry is a piercing, shrieking cry. In that instance, the baby may be hurting in some way and it’s smart to connect with your pediatrician to investigate further.
3. Non-Concerning Growing Pains
Babies are subject to different “growing pains,” but very few are truly concerning. For example, cradle cap is a common condition. This presents as crusty white or yellow scales that is similar to dandruff. While it may be unsightly, it’s not harmful and typically goes away on its own over time.
If a mom had an instrument-assisted delivery (e.g. forceps delivery, vacuum delivery), they might notice the baby has red marks or some bruising. “That’s something that will go away. It can take a month or two. But it's just a minor tissue disruption and it'll usually go away on its own,” assures Dr. Thornton-Davis.
Jaundice is another newborn occurrence that may appear troubling. Dr. Thornton-Davis explains that in most cases, jaundice is harmless. “It's the buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Of course, take your baby into the pediatrician to be evaluated. But once your pediatrician has cleared the baby, most cases of jaundice will go away in time.”
4. When Moms Should Be Concerned
As much as new moms would love to deal with non-concerning “hiccups,” there are times when they should be on alert. The following represents symptoms that need medical attention.
- Vomiting and diarrhea that persists or is intense
- Dehydration, evidenced by fewer wet diapers, dark urine, or sunken eyes
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Problems breathing
- Seizure, lethargy, or limp constitution
- Fever of 100.4 or higher
- Rash
- Loss of appetite/refusing to eat
5. Mom Needs Care, Too
Newborns aren’t the only ones needing careful watching. New moms often experience postpartum depression, lack of sleep, loss of appetite, and feelings of inadequacy. While it’s completely normal to feel “blue” in the weeks following the baby’s arrival, moms should consult with a medical professional if symptoms last longer than six weeks.
“Definitely talk to your OBGYN, because we have resources and things we can do to help you in that stage. In most instances, this will pass. But don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it,” urges Dr. Thornton-Davis.
Moms: You Are Not Alone
Welcoming a new baby into the world can seem overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be. There are many resources moms and their partners can turn to—prior to and after delivery. Dr. Thornton-Davis recommends trusted sources such as Healthy Children, a website created by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“It has lots of great information on prenatal care and tips for caring for babies, toddlers, and children at each stage of their life. I personally like support groups and talking to other mothers, but if you have a question, you'll often hear things that may or may not be accurate. Go to a site like Healthy Children or speak to your pediatrician or OB/GYN if you have further questions.”