Newborn Care

Going home with a new baby is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. The providers, nurses, lactation consultants and other professionals at Rutland Regional will give you and your family the care, support and education you need at this very special time of life. We are committed to promoting strong family ties and offering comprehensive postpartum care that includes:

• Newborn testing. Your baby will be screened for health conditions that could lead to serious health problems or developmental delays if not diagnosed and treated early, including cystic fibrosis, hearing loss and maple syrup urine disease (branch-chain ketoaciduria).
• Breastfeeding instruction and support. Our nurses have special training for working with new parents who choose to breastfeed. They provide instruction and encouragement as well as referrals to community resources like La Leche League. Visiting Nurse Association referrals are also available.
• Parenting education. We provide information on a range of parenting topics from knowing what to expect to hands-on instruction on how to bathe, diaper, feed and care for your baby.
• Emotional support. It's natural to feel strong emotions when you're pregnant and just after you’ve had a baby. And, like some people, you may experience “baby blues” just after birth. These feelings usually go away in a week or two, but some new parents experience feelings of sadness and anxiety that are much more intense (perinatal mood & anxiety disorders). Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Our providers and nurses are here to help you understand and cope with your feelings and provide referrals for help if necessary.

Best Practices for Safe Sleep

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), there are around 3,500 sleep related deaths among babies in the United States each year. Safe sleep practices are designed to reduce the chances of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), accidental suffocation, and other deaths related to unsafe sleep practices. Thanks to safe sleep practices, sleep related deaths like SUID are on the decline, however, it is important that all health providers and parents know how to create a safe sleep environment.

• Follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep:
  • Alone – baby sleeps alone, without other objects, caregivers, or siblings
  • Back – baby sleeps on his/her back
  • Crib – baby sleeps on his/her own sleeping space, such as a crib or a bassinet
• Until their first birthday, place your baby on their back to sleep for naps and at night
• Place your baby to sleep on a firm sleep surface covered by a fitted sheet
• Room-sharing is recommended - keep baby's sleep area in the same room where you sleep for at least the first six months, but do not let your baby sleep with you or anyone else in bed (co-bedding)
• If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller or other carrier, move them to a firm sleep surface such as a crib, bassinet or portable crib for sleep
• Never place your baby to sleep on a couch, sofa, or armchair
• Keep soft objects such as pillows and blankets, toys and bumpers out of your baby’s sleep area
• If you give your baby a pacifier, use one that is not attached to a string for naps and at night to decrease risk of choking or strangling
• Breastfeed your baby (studies show babies who breastfeed have a lower risk for SUID)

Other Resources

Interested in learning more? We are pleased to provide links to some videos that may help answer some of your questions:

1. The First Hours: What happens to your newborn after birth
2. Going Home Basics
3. Breastfeeding: Breast milk production and benefits