Call BabyTalk 613-549-1154 or 1-800-267-7875, ext. 555 TTY 613-549-7692 or 1-866-299-1136 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday Attend a BabyTalk Drop-in (call BabyTalk or visit KFL&A Public Health Web site for times and locations). Find out about Breastfeeding Buddies (call BabyTalk for information). Call or see your family doctor, midwife or nurse practitioner. Visit KFL&A Public Health Web site at www.healthunit.on.ca. Main office 221 Portsmouth Avenue Kingston ON K7M 1V5 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875 Fax: 613-549-7896 Branch Offices Cloyne Phone: 613-336-8989 Fax: 613-336-0522 Sharbot Lake: Phone: 613-279-2151 Fax: 613-279-3997 Napanee: Phone: 613-354-3357 Fax: 613-354-6267
Index
Performance....................................................................................................................... 1 Fuel consumption.............................................................................................................. 2 Safe operation.................................................................................................................... 6 Do-it-yourself Service....................................................................................................... 9 Dads tool kit................................................................................................................... 10 Fine tuning and fun.......................................................................................................... 11 Trouble shooting.............................................................................................................. 12 For more information and help........................................................................................ 14
Trouble shooting
Problems Possible causes What to do? Noisy exhaust Normal infant bowel sounds Change diaper and do laundry. system (sometimes heard across the room). Spots, blotches and red rash Normal newborn rash (anywhere on body) Diaper area Nothing. This will clear on its own. If it looks strange, compare notes with mom and call for help if needed. (i.e. BabyTalk: 613-549-1154 or 1-800-267-7875, ext. 555.
Go to the doctor as baby needs medication. If breastfeeding, Thrush (white spots in babys mouth that look like mom will need to treat her nipples as well. milk curds but stay from one feeding to the next). Cone head Anything The birth process Dont know Nothing. Babys head will become less pointy in a very short time. Call BabyTalk at 613-549-1154 or 1-800-267-7875, ext. 555. Phone is answered by a public health nurse Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 13
Trouble shooting
Problems Crying baby Possible causes Hungry Tired Gas Boredom What to do? Bring baby to mom for feeding. Rock, put baby in crib or cradle and rub babys stomach. Burp baby. Hold baby and rub her back while walking around your house singing Elvis tunes. Change babys surroundings. Bundle baby in a blanket or put on another layer of clothing. Change diaper (and clothes if necessary). Be supportive and reassuring. Be patient. Call for help if concerned. Encourage mom to nap, take over as many household chores as possible (take the initiative and dont wait for mom to ask for help), limit visitors, tell her what a good job shes doing. Encourage mom to get help before she stops breastfeeding. Call BabyTalk at 613-549-1154 or 1-800-267-7875, ext. 555, your Breastfeeding Buddy if you have one, La Leche League, doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife or go to a BabyTalk Drop-in. Dont give up because breastmilk really is the best food for your baby. 12
Cold Smelly or damp Crying mom Normal baby blues Overtired and overwhelmed
Performance
Now that youre a proud owner of a new baby, here are a few tips on getting the best performance out of your model.
WARNING!
Your baby requires a breaking-in period. You need to spend lots of time during this breaking-in period to get to know your unique model. Free time might be limited. You might wonder what youve gotten yourself into, but be patient. Remember, mom has been test driving this model for the past 9 months and has a head start. Before you know it, youll be head over heels in love.
It is important to start a good routine of regular maintenance. Your baby will become much more portable and flexible as days go on. Taking care of such a small baby may feel awkward at first, but the sooner you get used to him, the faster you will become an expert. It has been shown that top performing babies have very involved fathers. 1
Fuel consumption
A good supply of top grade breastmilk and a happy mom are important for the top performance of your model. No formula is the same as breastmilk. Breastmilk is beneficial and sets the gold standard for infant feeding. Breastfeeding: is free, is ready to feed - no mixing or heating, is easy to digest for a smoother running baby, increases the immune system which guards against illness (just like rustproofing), may reduce the risk of crib death (SIDS - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), improves babys wiring system (better brain development). Male owners do not have the right equipment for the job. Fathers support is very important for successful breastfeeding. 2
Sometimes as a dad you may feel awkward, but as your baby grows you will develop a very special relationship. Even though it may seem like mom is in the drivers seat, take responsibility for some aspect of regular maintenance like the bath or bedtime. 10
For a good supply of breastmilk, fathers can do the following: go to breastfeeding classes with mom for technical advice, feed mom, check babys attachment to moms breast (latch) during operation, help with positioning of baby at breast, support mom and tell her shes doing a great job, bring baby to mom, burp baby, change baby when asked or whenever needed, hold baby after feedings to help settle to sleep, run interference with public, family, meddling neighbours, or whoever challenges your decision to breastfeed, try to help mom relax and get extra sleep, whatever mom asks (could be anything at any time of the day or night).
To make enough breastmilk, mom needs rest, sleep, and food (especially if problems occurred during labour and delivery). Your help is vital. Cooking (which also includes getting take-out from moms favourite restaurant), cleaning (yes, the vacuum), answering the phone, entertaining guests (or telling them to come back another time), doing the dishes, shopping, laundry, along with all the things you did before, are a few small things which will help keep the breastmilk flowing. 3
Warning!
Growth spurts at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months cause an increase in feeding consumption. During these times, it is normal for a baby to seem to be permanently attached to mom for 2-4 days. This, too, will pass. Adequate fuel consumption can be seen in the following ways: Waterworks (peeing) Day 1 one wet diaper Day 2 two wet diapers Day 3 three wet diapers Day 4 four wet diapers
Septic (pooping) - Dont be surprised if every time something goes in, something smelly comes out the other end. However, for the first month, owners should be happy with three poops per day.
Electrical (sleep or activity) - Baby settles after feeds. Baby is active and alert at other times. Weight - Baby gains approximately 4-7 ounces (140-245 grams) per week; regains birth weight by 10 days of age.
Safe operation
For your baby to have a safe and long life, the manufacturer recommends: always use a car seat, read the instructions before putting together baby equipment, (their lives depend on it), keep one hand on baby at all times during diaper changes, (models may lurch and roll unexpectedly), never shake a baby! (they dont rattle), put your baby on his back to sleep.
Do-it-yourself service
Dads guide to effective burping: (the baby that is) Burping is helpful to avoid build-up of gas. Dads can become pros at this in no time (some babies burp on their own). Place baby on your shoulder and pat, gently but firmly on the back. This can easily be done sitting in your favourite lazy boy chair or while strolling around the house.
Warning!
Some models will eject liquid when burping (this is normal). The manufacturer recommends use of some kind of tarp (i.e. a blanket) on your shoulder. 6
If you think your baby makes too much noise, call BabyTalk at 613-549-1154 or 1-800-267-7875, ext. 555 and talk to a public health nurse about it.
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