Childbirth - Get the Best Expert Insights and Products for Living Well During This Special Life Event

Childbirth Health Wellness September Baby Readiness, Babies Born Most, Get Newborns Ready
Baby Readiness Health Wellness To Do List for Moms to Prepare

Late September - Early October Childbirth

There are over 30 years of data and discussion on why most babies are born in late September-early October. One school of thought is timing pregnancies so the child starts kindergarten immediately after turning 5. The other school of thought is the holiday season ushers in the winter months, creates more emotions and connection, thus sparking more intimate time.

Regardless of which of the aforementioned reasons, the 2018 peak childbirth period has arrived. Most noteworthy, data shows that this busy period is only ~10% higher than other times. That means those little bundles of joy are born year round so we'll keep this page relevant for your special arrival during any month.  Here are some of our favorite insights on childbirth from numerous articles from The Office of Women's Health.

New Baby Readiness Safety Tips

  • Check the safety of your baby's crib and other baby items. Many new parents welcome hand-me-down baby items from family and friends. Although it's wise to save money, some products could be unsafe if recalled or if parts are missing or loose. Unsafe cribs and other items can put your baby's life in danger. Most brand new cribs and mattresses purchased in the United States are safe. Make sure the crib conforms to the current government safety standards. Also, check to see if hand-me-down items, such as bassinets or portable cribs, have been recalled. Check for recalls and get information on buying a safe crib and mattress at the U.S. Consumer Product Information Safety Commission website. Or call them at 800-638-2772.
  • Remove pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals from the crib to prevent your baby from suffocation.
  • Check to see that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are working. Place at least one smoke detector on each level of your home and in halls outside of bedrooms. Have an escape plan in case of fire.
  • Put emergency numbers, including poison control, near each phone. Have at least one phone in your home connected by land line. Cordless phones do not work when the power is out, and cellphone batteries can run out.
  • Make sure your home or apartment number is easy to see so fire or rescue can locate you quickly in an emergency.
  • Make sure handrails are installed and secure in stairways. Always hold the handrail when using stairs, especially when holding your baby.

The Miracle of Childbirth has Occurred...What Now?

Post Childbirth Physical Appearance

In our experience with personal births and witnessing those of family members, each time the little bundle of joy was so different.  Newborns can be born bluish, bruised, having lighter and darker tones and/or with an interesting shaped head from vaginal deliveries. Our experience was that longer labors produced more variation in head shapes. We've seen full heads of hair and complete bald heads and those variations existed even with siblings.

According to The Office of Women's Health here are some other common things to expect. Your baby may have a thick, pasty, whitish coating, which protected the skin in the womb. This will wash away during the first bathing.  Most newborns open their eyes soon after birth. Eyes will be brown or bluish-gray at first. Looking over your baby, you might notice that the face is a little puffy. You might notice small white bumps inside your baby's mouth or on his or her tongue. Your baby might be very wrinkly. Some babies, especially those born early, are covered in soft, fine hair, which will come off in a couple of weeks. Your baby's skin might have various colored marks, blotches, or rashes, and fingernails could be long. You might also notice that your baby's breasts and penis or vulva are a bit swollen.

How your baby looks will change from day to day, and many of the early marks of childbirth go away with time. If you have any concerns about something you see, talk to your doctor. After a few weeks, your newborn will look more and more like the baby you pictured in your dreams.

Spending Time with You Newborn Immediately Following Birth

This is one of the most special times in the experience of parenthood. Two long labor experiences of over 20 hours and three experiences of 4-8 hours is our basis, so yes, you are very tired. However, your newborn could be quite alert after birth. Therefore here are some tips we feel are helpful from the articles.

Cuddle your baby skin-to-skin. Let your baby get to know your voice and study your face. Your baby can see up to about two feet away. You might notice that your baby throws his or her arms out if someone turns on a light or makes a sudden noise. This is called the startle response. Babies also are born with grasp and sucking reflexes. Put your finger in your baby's palm and watch how she or he knows to squeeze it. Feed your baby when she or he shows signs of hunger. You can visit this link on breastfeeding for tips to make these first feedings go well.

We hope you enjoyed these tips from The Office of Women's Health Articles on pregnancy and personal experiences.

Healthy regards,

The Let's Live Well Team