Breastfeeding Resources:
- 10 Lactation Rooms on Storrs Campus and 6 on Regional Campuses: https://hr.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1421/2020/09/Lactation_Room_Locations.pdf
- UConn Health Breastfeeding Guidelines: https://health.uconn.edu/human-resources/services/work-life/lactation-resources-at-work/
- UConn Lactation Policy: https://policy.uconn.edu/2016/12/21/lactation-policy/
Pregnancy Classes
UConn Health Zoom Classes
Topics covered include:
Prenatal breastfeeding with a certified lactation coach
Childbirth education
Baby care
Infant massage
Comfort measures for labor
Introduction to essential oils and safe use in pregnancy
To register, go to:
Yale-New Haven In-person and Online Classes
Topics covered include:
Childbirth education
Breastfeeding
Infant and child safety
Multiple births
C-section
To register, go to:
MidState Medical Center In-person and Online Classes
Topics covered include:
Breastfeeding
Childbirth education
To register, go to:
https://midstatemedical.org/health-wellness/a-healthy-community/family-birthing-classes
Hartford Hospital Online Classes
Topics covered include:
Birth
Infant and child safety
Understanding your newborn
To register, go to:
Waterbury Hospital Online Classes
Topics include:
Birth
Breastfeeding
Newborn care
To register, go to:
https://www.waterburyhospital.org/family-birthing/birthing-center-classes/
Middlesex Health Online Classes and Support Groups
Topics include:
Birth
Breastfeeding
Newborn care
To register, go to:
https://middlesexhealth.org/pregnancy-and-birth-center/education-classes-and-tours
Books and Other Media Sources
Websites:
The following feature from the American Psychological Association lists helpful websites parents can use in raising their children:
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/04/parenting-resources
Books:
Pregnancy for Dummies – Joanne Stone, MD, and Keith Eddleman, MD
What to Expect When You’re Expecting – Heidi Murkoff
https://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-When-Youre-Expecting/dp/076115079X#:~:text=What%20to%20Expect%20When%20You’re%20Expecting%20is%20a%20perennial,14.5%20million%20copies%20in%20print.
What to Expect the First Year – Heidi Murkoff
https://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-First-Heidi-Murkoff/dp/0761181504/ref=sr_1_1?crid=42SRK3KWYT1&dchild=1&keywords=what+to+expect+the+first+year&qid=1627912626&s=books&sprefix=what+to+expect+the+first+%2Cstripbooks%2C217&sr=1-1
We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook – Adrian Kulp
We’re Parents! The New Dad’s Guide to Baby’s First Year – Adrian Kulp
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TY2371R/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1
We’re Parenting a Toddler! The First Time Parents’ Guide to Surviving the Toddler Years – Adrian Kulp
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086GLHPPZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2
The Ultimate Baby Book for New Dads: 100 Ways to Care for Your Baby in Their First Year – Roy Benaroch, MD
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1648766285/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=1648766285&pd_rd_w=xpHXB&pf_rd_p=eff89026-4a7e-4247-9014-41bfda9dafc0&pd_rd_wg=UjwWV&pf_rd_r=5WBM4149K8PT3FQMFZ8F&pd_rd_r=7c4f1fba-bbcc-4d1f-a6ee-936f346a9d28&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzNlpEOEtIN0M5MU5SJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzk1MDQ3MktDSFhFMzhBN09QTSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTc0MTcxMkJFVFBQSzAxUkVGTiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition – Lily Nichols
https://www.amazon.com/Real-Food-Pregnancy-Prenatal-Nutrition/dp/0986295043/ref=zg_bs_4676_6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CFKVNHNF15PD8N3HDYXB
Frequently asked questions:
During pregnancy…
How do I approach my nutrition during pregnancy?
According to Johns Hopkins University, you need about 300 additional calories per day in the form of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains during pregnancy. Along with maintaining a healthy diet, a doctor will prescribe prenatal vitamins that will help ensure the baby’s vitamin and mineral needs are being met. One nutrient that is especially important is folic acid, which has been shown to reduce the risk of birth defects involving the brain and spinal cord. Staying hydrated is particularly important, and you should make sure to drink several glasses of water each day.
Some important foods that are not safe during pregnancy are:
- Alcohol
- Unpasteurized milk and foods made with unpasteurized milk
- Hot dogs and deli meats (unless they are cooked until steaming)
- Raw and undercooked seafood, eggs, and meat
- Refrigerated pate and meat spreads, along with refrigerated smoked seafoods
It is a good idea to minimize sweets and fats during pregnancy. You should talk with your doctor about restricting your caffeine intake. Make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations for healthy eating during pregnancy.
The information to answer this question was obtained from:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/nutrition-during-pregnancy
To learn more about nutrition during pregnancy, including lists of foods with nutritional benefits to mom and baby, foods to avoid, and information on prenatal vitamins, please consult the above source along with:
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/folic-acid-for-a-healthy-baby
How is my baby developing during pregnancy?
Throughout pregnancy, the baby undergoes so many incredible developments, from the face beginning to form and the heart beginning to beat in the first month, the baby being fully formed – with all organs and extremities present – by month three, feeling the baby move by month five, and the baby being able to see by month eight!!
The above information was provided by:
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/week-by-week/baby-development-month-by-month/
Here are some additional sources that provide interesting visuals and commentaries on the baby’s development over the course of pregnancy:
https://www.ted.com/talks/alexander_tsiaras_conception_to_birth_visualized?language=en
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/baby-movements-during-pregnancy
Should I be exercising?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, typically, if you are healthy and have a normal pregnancy, exercising is safe during pregnancy and can promote healthy weight gain and overall health during pregnancy. However, you should get your doctor’s approval before beginning exercise, as certain conditions can make exercise during pregnancy unsafe.
In exercising during pregnancy, it is important to be mindful not to become dehydrated or overheated. Your center of gravity also changes as a result of the baby bump, which puts you at a greater likelihood for falls. Additionally, you should avoid standing still or lying on their back, as those positions can result in reduced blood pressure, along with jerky motions, as pregnancy increases the likelihood for joint injuries. In general, experts recommend walking and swimming as safe exercises for pregnant women.
The information to answer this question was obtained from:
How much sleep should I be getting?
Per the NIH, at least 7 hours per night is recommended for the age group most pregnant women fall in. However, more than that is encouraged – due to the extreme changes a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor to make sure you are getting adequate rest.
Per the American Academy of Family Physicians, the best position to sleep in during pregnancy is on your left side with your knees bent and a pillow between your knees to promote best blood flow, and therefore nutrient flow to the baby. Many experts say pregnant women should avoid sleeping on their back, as it causes the uterus to press on an important artery.
Also, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, it is important to be mindful that leg cramps and restless leg syndrome are more common during pregnancy. Taking a prenatal vitamin rich in minerals is important in relieving symptoms of these conditions. Many pregnant women also deal with heartburn, which can be minimized by avoiding spicy foods and limiting rich foods for dinner. Make sure to check with a doctor before taking any sort of medication to help with sleep conditions, as traditional medications for them may be unsafe to take during pregnancy.
The information to answer the question above was obtained from:
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/sleep/conditioninfo/how-much
https://familydoctor.org/getting-enough-sleep-pregnancy/
For more information on sleep during pregnancy, along with conditions, please consult:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/pregnancy/sleeping-during-1st-trimester
https://www.livescience.com/50713-pregnancy-sleep.html
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleep-during-pregnancy.html
What is morning sickness and how do I relieve it?
Per the U.S. National Library of Medicine, morning sickness can be defined as mild nausea and vomiting typically occurring up to 3-4 months of pregnancy. While its cause is unknown, rising levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin is believed to play a role. This is a very common condition in pregnancy and is typically not harmful to the baby unless you begin experiencing severe vomiting and resultant weight loss and dehydration. If that is the case, it is important to see a doctor as this is likely due to hyperemesis gravidarum. This is a condition of extreme nausea that occurs throughout the entire pregnancy, which could be treated with the administration of IV fluids and prescription medications for antinausea.
There’s no cure for morning sickness; however, certain steps can be taken to reduce symptoms:
- Avoid large meals and opt for more frequent smaller meals
- Try to eat foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates as opposed to high fat
- Eat bland foods like saltines, broth, etc. when you feel nauseous
- Keep airflow in rooms to reduce odors that could trigger nausea
- Ask your doctor if you should take a Vitamin B6 supplement or another medication to relieve your symptoms
According to Johns Hopkins University, the above tips to preventing morning sickness can also be useful in preventing heartburn, which can be common in pregnancy. Make sure to consult with your doctor before taking any medications for any of the above conditions.
The sources below were utilized to answer this question:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001499.htm
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003119.htm
For more information on treating morning sickness and heartburn, along with recognizing hyperemesis gravidarum, please consult those sources, along with:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375254
How do I prepare for the birthing process?
To prepare for the birthing process, attending childbirth classes is highly recommended. You can find a list of these under parenting resources.
Additionally, here are some links to websites and books that describe the birthing process in detail, along with approaches to make labor more manageable, such as the Lamaze and Bradley method.
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/childbirth-pain.html
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/what-happens-to-your-body-in-childbirth
https://medlineplus.gov/childbirth.html
Parenting Infants (0-1)…
What do I feed my baby?
According to the CDC, for the first six months of life, breast milk exclusively meets all of your baby’s needs. However, breastfeeding is a personal decision. You should talk with your doctor about different options in feeding your baby, and gradually introducing new foods into the baby’s diet.
The information to answer this question came from:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/infants.html
For more information on breastfeeding and incorporating new foods into your baby’s diet the first year, please consult:
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/nursing-basics#1
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/faq/index.htm
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=feeding-guide-for-the-first-year-90-P02209
What are some tips to keep my baby safe?
Here are some CDC recommendations to protect the safety and wellbeing of babies:
- When holding a baby, always make sure to support their head and neck and never shake them
- Avoid secondhand smoke
- Place your baby in a rear-facing car seat
- Avoid choking hazards by cutting food up into small pieces and not letting them play with toys that could be swallowed
- Don’t allow them to play with toys that could cover their face
- Take precautions to prevent SIDS while the baby is sleeping (see “How much sleep should my baby get?”)
The information to answer this question came from:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/infants.html
To learn more about infant safety, please consult:
https://www.cdc.gov/parents/infants/safety.html
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/safety/age-tips/infant-safety.aspx
https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-and-beyond/newborn-care-and-safety
How much sleep should my baby get?
Per the CDC guidelines, a newborn baby (0-3 months old), should be getting 14-17 hours of sleep per day. An infant (4-12 months old), should be getting 12-16 hours of sleep per day, including naps.
When parenting an infant, it is crucial to be mindful of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, to prevent SIDS, always lay your baby on their back whenever they sleep. Additionally, your baby’s sleep space should be a firm surface covered by a fitted sheet with no other sheets or soft objects to reduce the risk of suffocation. Overheating and head coverings should be avoided during sleep. The risk of SIDS occurring decreases after 6 months, and is very rare after 1 year of age.
The information to answer this question came from:
https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html
https://www.cdc.gov/sids/Parents-Caregivers.htm
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/5/e20162938
More information on preventing SIDS can be found in the various links in the “What are some tips to keep my baby safe?” section.
How is my baby developing?
The first year is a very important and exciting time for your baby’s development! According to Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby), by the end of your baby’s first year, your baby is extremely mobile, responsive, and have quite the personality!
The information used to answer this question came from:
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/baby-development
For more information on this stage of development, please consult:
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/stages-of-development#1