Months 1-2-3

From the day baby is born, the race is on. Most parents are disappointed if their baby isn't progressing as quickly as they think he or she should be. But in the baby race, the child who comes in first in mastering early developmental skills isn't necessarily the smartest, while the one who moseys along developmentally doesn't necessarily sit in the back of the class. In fact, attempts to measure infant intelligence in the later years have not been fruitful. Studies have shown that one in seven children gains 40 IQ points from the middle of the third year to the age of 17. That means an "average" toddler can become a "gifted" teenager. Einstein didn't talk until he was three years old. Need we say more… Part of the difficulty in assessing infant intelligence is that infants are nonverbal. We can't ask questions and expect answers. About all we can do is evaluate motor and social skills, and these just don't equate with what we later measure as intelligence. What we do know is that what is accomplished in the first year is remarkable-never again in your child's life will so much be learned so quickly. So, take the time to enjoy baby's first year, and let your baby know you are enjoying it. By accepting your baby's timetable as okay, you will be letting your child know that he or she is okay too. Avoid comparing your child with other babies or with the "norms" on the child development charts. If you are concerned about your child's development at any stage, consult your pediatrician.	NEWSLETTER Table of Contents What Your Baby May Be Doing. Bathing Tips Breast-feed or Bottle-Feed? Baby's Checkups For Couples Only Common Concerns Postpartum Depression Newborn Reflexes Shaping Up Support Groups

What Your Baby May Be Doing

By the end
of Month

your baby should be able to...

your baby may be able to...

1	Lift head briefly when stomach on a flat surface Focus on a face	Respond to a bell in some way, such as startling, crying, quieting

2	Smile in response to your smile Follow an object moved in an arc about 6 inches past the midline Respond to a bell in some way, such as startling, crying, quieting Vocalize in ways other than crying (e.g., cooing)	On stomach, lift head 45 degrees Follow an object in an arc about 6 inches above the baby's face past the midline

3	On stomach, lift head 45 degrees Follow an object in an arc about 6 inches above the baby's face past the midline	Laugh out loud On stomach, lift head 90 degrees Squeal in delight Bring both hands together Smile spontaneously Follow an object in an arc about 6 inches above the face for 180 degrees
*Please Note: premature infants generally reach milestones later than others of the same birth age.*

Bathing Tips

As you move from one area of baby's body to another, change parts of the washcloth to keep clean cloth on cleaner parts of the body. And keep baby covered where you are not bathing; move clothing to the areas that are clean as you progress in baby's sponge bath so baby won't get chilled.

Cotton-tipped applicators are handy when cleaning crevices in and beyond the outer ear, but never try to clean inside the ear canal, for you may damage the canal or eardrum.

Pat the skin with a washcloth and blot dry with a towel rather than scrubbing, which may irritate baby's sensitive skin.

Spot cleaning is best for babies who don't like a total sponge bath or immersion bath. Clean areas that get the most oily, sweaty, or dirty.

Clean the eyes on an as-needed basis rather than during the regular bath. Babies often protest eye cleaning, which may set off a protest for the entire bath. Using cotton balls and warm tap water (always squeeze a few drops of the water from the cotton ball on the inside of your wrist to make sure it is not too hot), wash accumulated discharge out of the corner of baby's eyes.

Wear a pair of old cloth gloves and rub a little mild baby soap on them. You have an instant washcloth that automatically shapes itself to baby's body and reduces the slipperiness of bare hands on soapy skin.

Breast-feed or bottle-feed?

Only you can decide whether to breast- or bottle-feed your baby. It is your body and your baby. No one has the right to pressure you either way or to criticize you whatever you decide. Breast milk is physically better for babies because it is the milk that nature intended for them. It even adjusts itself during a feeding, so that the baby first gets "foremilk," which he can gulp down to satisfy his thirst and desire to suck, and then the richer "hindmilk," which satisfies his appetite. But modern baby formula can be very nearly as good. If you are unsure, ask yourself the following questions:

What are your feelings now?
If you are looking forward to the physical relationship your baby will want to have with you, you will probably enjoy breast-feeding. But if you find the whole idea embarrassing, you may not enjoy actually doing it. It you don't enjoy it, then it will not work very smoothly.

And if your partner is against you breast--feeding-perhaps because he feels that your breasts are private to your adult sexual relationship with him--his lack of support may make it very difficult for you.

What kind of life do you plan now?
If you will stay at home and make the baby's care your priority for a few months, either way of feeding will suit you. You will need support to help prevent you from being stressed and tired, as your supply of breast milk will be less if you are fatigued and stressed. You need to be able to relax and rest. Once your breast milk is regulated, you will once again have the freedom to get out with baby. Breast-feeding will tie you down less than bottle-feeding, with all its preparation and paraphernalia.

If you plan on going back to work within a few weeks after birth, bottle-feeding may seem easier. But it would still be worth it to get baby established on the breast. Breast milk is rich in antibodies and other nutrients beneficial to baby. Even if you need to leave baby while at work, you can express your breast milk for whomever is caring for baby while you are gone.

Are you still uncertain?
  You can keep your options open if you start by
    breast-feeding. You can always wean a baby gently from
    the breast to a bottle, but you cannot switch from formula
  to breast milk, because if the baby has not been sucking regularly from your breasts, they will not be making milk.

    Inherent advantages of starting your baby at your       breast.
         Baby's sucking will get your milk supply established so         that you will have the option to breast- or bottle-feed.       While baby is establishing your milk supply, he will be     getting the colostrum which breasts produce first. Colostrum gives the baby water and sugar and just the right amount of protein and minerals, plus the many important antibodies from you that will protect his health while he is building up his own immune system. There is no artificial form of colostrum, which is why even a few days at the breast give babies a head start. Breast-feeding also assists the uterus in returning to its normal size and shape.

Learn more about breast-feeding, nursing behaviors, common problems and what to do about them, breast pumps, working and breast-feeding, and when to contact a lactation consultant. Attend the BEGINNINGS Breast-Feeding Workshop. Call the BEGINNINGS line at (818) 952-2272 for further information and dates and times of the workshop.

What you can expect at baby's checkups

Each doctor has his or her own approach to well-baby checkups. But in general, you can expect the following at a checkup when your baby is two to four weeks old: (If your baby has jaundice, was premature, or exhibits any problems with the establishment of breast-feeding, the first visit may take place sooner.)

Questions about how you and baby and the rest of the family are doing at home and about baby's eating, sleeping, and general progress.
Measurement of baby's weight, length, and head circumference, and plotting progress since birth.
Be prepared to discuss feeding, bowel movements and irritability.
A physical exam to assess the following (some of these may be assessed with the experienced eye or hand without comment):
- heart sounds with a stethoscope, and visual check of the heartbeat through the chest wall
- abdomen, by palpation and/or stethoscope, for any abnormal masses
- hips, checking for dislocation by rotating the legs
- hands and arms, feet and legs, for normal development and motion
- back and spine, for any abnormalities
- eyes, with an opthalmoscope and/or a penlight for normal reflexes and focusing, and for tear duct functioning
- ears, with an otoscope, for color, fluid movement
- nose, with otoscope, for color and condition of mucous membranes and abnormalities
- mouth and throat, using a wooden tongue depressor, for sores, bumps, color
- neck, for normal motion, thyroid and lymph gland size
- the fontanels (soft spots), by palpating with hands
- respiration and respiratory function, by observation, and sometimes with stethoscope and/or light tapping of chest and back
- the genitalia, for any abnormalities such a hernias or undescended testicles; the anus for breaks or fissures; the femoral pulse in the groin, for a strong steady beat
- the skin, for color tone, rashes and lesions, such as birthmarks
- reflexes specific to baby's age
- overall movement and behavior, ability to cuddle and relate to adults

Your pediatrician will also provide information about what to expect in the next month in relation to feeding, sleeping, development, and infant safety. When baby is two months old, his visit to the doctor will include reexamination of any areas of concern and a developmental assessment. Before the visit is over, be sure to:

Ask for guidelines for calling when baby is sick. (What would necessitate a call in the middle of the night? How can the doctor be reached outside traditional office hours?)
Express any concerns that may have arisen over the past few weeks regarding baby's health, behavior, sleep, feeding, etc.
Jot down information from the doctor, or you may likely forget it

When you get home, record all pertinent information-baby's weight, length, head circumference, test results, birthmarks-in baby's book or permanent health record.

For Couples Only

No matter how much you've planned for and wanted your new baby, you will probably be taken by surprise at how much this demanding little person challenges your husband-wife relationship. That's part of the parenting package! But being aware of the likely consequences can help you to cope with this new season in your marriage.

Working hard at becoming a couple is as important as working hard at becoming a parent. The most difficult times are the early months, but remember, your baby is a baby for a very short time. This high-maintenance stage soon passes. Yes, there is romance after birth.

Children have insatiable appetites in draining energy from their parents. Learn to save energy for yourselves. Plan a weekly dinner for two and don't let anything interrupt it. Your children will become accustomed to it and respect the private time you seek for yourselves.

You may be concerned about...

Crying
Sometimes a baby who is generally not colicky and was previously well suddenly shows an outburst of unexplained, inconsolable crying. Before racing to the phone to call your doctor, use the following checklist:

Does baby have an emergency medical problem? Two signs: persistent vomiting and pale all over. If neither of these signs is present and baby does not look sick, go through the following steps before calling your baby's doctor.
Is baby hurting? Undress baby and observe the following:
- Are any of baby's limbs not moving normally? Do you notice any unusual lumps or swelling? These observations are necessary to detect any injury from a recent fall; consult your pediatrician if a problem is noted.
- Is baby's abdomen tense and bloated, with more swelling on one side than on the other; or tense or tender when you try to massage it? These signs, plus sudden onset of colicky behavior, could indicate an intestinal obstruction; but this emergency medical problem is usually associated with persistent vomiting and a pale, general ill-appearing baby. Be sure to feel baby's abdomen between outbursts because crying babies often swallow air and have tense-feeling abdomens.
- Does baby have a scalded-skin type of diaper rash? This can be very painful.
- Has baby been straining to pass a stool? This suggests constipation; try a glycerin suppository.

If this exam by you does not suggest any of the above problems or trigger an alarm that you need to seek immediate medical attention, proceed to the next step.

If you're breast-feeding, have you eaten any gas-producing foods in the past few hours? If bottle-feeding, have you recently changed formulas?
Is your baby just upset? If your parent detective work does not suggest any medical, physical, or allergic cause of baby's crying, try the following soothing techniques:
- putting baby in a sling and taking a walk
- nursing while carrying baby
- infant massage, especially the abdomen

If these suggestions yield neither cause nor consolation, consult baby's doctor.

Diaper Rash
Don't take diaper rash too personally. Babies of even the most attentive diaper-changers get rashes. But here are some ways to lessen it:

Change wet or soiled diapers quickly. Breast-feeding babies often have a stool right after feeding, but they are frequently in a deep sleep that allows changing without waking, especially at night.

Change frequently. Studies have shown that infants who are changed at least eight times a day have fewer cases of diaper rash.

Try different types of diapers. While each side claims victory over diaper rash, experiment with both cloth and disposables to see which one causes the least diaper rash.

Rinse irritants from diapers. If washing your own diapers, add one-half cup vinegar to the rinse cycle to remove soap residues and alkaline irritants. You can also request this treatment from your diaper service.

Rinse or wipe well. During each change, rinse baby's bottom, especially if the diaper is soaked or you smell ammonia. Experiment with what gets along well with your baby's bottom. Sensitive skin does best with plain water; some bottoms need a mild soap. Some sensitive bottoms rebel at the chemicals in disposable baby wipes, especially those that contain alcohol; some bottoms accept them without a rash. Try different wipes until you find the one that works. The bottom skin of some babies enjoys being completely undressed to breathe. Others have less rash if covered with a protective cream.

Pat gently. Blot dry with a soft towel or a
  clean cotton diaper. Avoid excessive towel
    rubbing or scrubbing with a strong soap on
      irritated skin.

        Air-condition baby's bottom. Allow
        the diaper area to breathe by applying
      disposable diapers loosely. Some mothers
    poke holes in disposable diapers to allow air   to circulate more freely. Avoid tight-fitting diapers and occlusive elastic pants that retain moisture; reserve these pants for occasions when a leaky diaper would be socially unacceptable.

Keep bottoms up. While baby is sleeping, expose his bottom to the air and occasionally to a ten-minute ray of sunlight near a closed window. Place baby on a folded cloth diaper with a rubberized pad underneath to protect bedding and blankets. In warm weather and after the newborn period, let baby nap outside with his bare bottom exposed to fresh air.

Remove friction. Fold the plastic liner of disposable diapers outward so that only the softer area of the diaper touches baby's skin. A "border" around baby's belt line reveals friction as the culprit. Besides this diaper-to-skin friction, fat folds around baby's groin rub together during cycling of the legs or during toddler walking. Apply a lubricant such as A&D Ointment or zinc oxide cream to reduce chafing along groin creases.

Spitting Up
Most babies spit up several times a day in the early months. Most spitting up subsides at six to seven months when baby sits up and gravity holds down the milk. Spitting up becomes a problem and needs medical attention if any of the following occur:

Baby is losing weight or not gaining weight sufficiently
Vomiting increases in volume and frequency and becomes projectile (spit-up flies across your lap and onto the floor)
The vomitus is consistently green (bile stained)
Painful, colicky behaviors accompany the vomiting
Baby gags, coughs during every feeding

Cord Care
In the first few days, your baby's cord may be swollen and jellylike. Over the next few days it begins to dry and shrivel up, usually falling off within a week or two. To prevent infection and enhance the drying of the cord, go around the base of the cord, getting into the crevice, with a cotton-tipped applicator dipped in alcohol, or whatever antiseptic solution your doctor recommends, three times a day. After the cord has completely fallen off, continue this cord hygiene for a few days more. It is normal to see a few drops of blood the day the cord falls off.

A slight odor or discharge from the drying cord is normal, but a particularly putrid odor may be a sign that an infection is brewing and it's time to step up the use of the antiseptic solution. If the skin around the drying cord looks normal and is not inflamed, there is seldom any reason for concern. A sign of infection for which you should call your doctor is a red, hot, swollen, and tender area the size of a half-dollar around the base of the cord.

To avoid irritating the cord, do not cover the area with a diaper or plastic pants, and if using disposable diapers, be especially careful to fold the irritating plastic over and away from the cord area.

Postpartum - Understanding the Changes

Preventing and overcoming postpartum depression

You've trained for this event for nine months. You finished the race and hold the prize. You're a star. You deserve the attention and the high feelings that go with it. After the incredible high of giving birth, most mothers experience baby blues, a temporary "down," about three days later. Hormonal shifts are partially responsible, as well as just the natural letdown your emotions go through after any mountain-top experience. This explains why you'll suddenly find yourself crying as you sit holding your newborn.

After a few weeks of parenting, things seem different. Baby's days and nights are mixed up and so are yours; your milk may not be enough (or so somebody advises you). As soon as you crash on the couch for a much-needed catnap, baby calls. Your energy is going out faster than it's coming in. Add to this body fatigue, the healing of birth wounds (an episiotomy or a cesarean section), and possibly memories of a birth less fulfilling than you rehearsed, a baby who is not acting according to the books, and a husband who isn't either. Put all these daily scenes together, and by the end of two weeks you may have a case of more than the baby blues.

More changes occur in the first months after birth than at any other time in a woman's life. It is no wonder that 50-75 percent of all mothers feel some degree of baby blues. Besides simply feeling down, around 10-20 percent of mothers drift into postpartum depression, manifested by incapacitating anxiety, insomnia, fears, outbursts of crying, making mountains out of molehills, mental confusion, inertia, lack of interest in grooming and physical attractiveness, and a negative attitude toward husband-and sometimes baby.

The feelings of postpartum depression are your body's signals that you have exceeded your physical, mental, and emotional capabilities to adapt to all the recent changes and energy demands that have been put on you. This does not imply a weakness on your part, only that you have exhausted your body's capacity to adjust to these changes. Besides the energy-draining events of birth and baby care, hormonal swings can contribute to postpartum depression. Even though after-birth blues and depression are common, there are ways to avoid or at least minimize these crippling feelings.

Respect the nesting-in period. Don't try to be everything to everybody. You need time to settle in with your baby. You cannot be the gourmet cook, social hostess, housekeeper, and mother. You won't have the energy for all of these, nor are you expected to.

Stick to priorities. There will be days when you feel you are getting nothing done. You are doing the most important job in the world-mothering a new human being. The constant-baby-care stage doesn't last forever. Temporarily shelve obligations that siphon off energy from yourself and your baby.

Postpartum Depression in Fathers

"I feel left out. All she does is nurse. She's too attached to our baby. We haven't made love for weeks."

While fathers do not experience the hormonal and physiological changes mothers do, a bit of letdown is common in new fathers. Fathers' postpartum adjustment concerns are mainly caused by the increased responsibility of another mouth to feed, sudden changes in life-style, and changes in their relationship with their mate that they did not anticipate. The emotional, financial, and sexual adjustments that occur in the postpartum period usher in another season of marriage--a season in which more adjustments take place in a shorter period of time than in any other stage of married life. Just as the upsetting stages in baby's growth and development pass with time, the after-baby blues and depression in mothers and fathers also pass.

Get out. Get moving. There is nothing in the new mother-baby contract that requires staying in the house. Home to baby is where you are. Wear your baby and take a walk through the park, stopping to smell the roses.

Attend New Mothers' Forum. You are not alone in your depression. Nearly all new mothers have down days, some more than others. Join the moms and babies at New Mothers' Forum and share the joys and burdens of your new role together.

Eat well. Depression causes lack of appetite, and inadequate nutrition feeds depression. Balanced nutrition is the order of the day.

Practice good grooming. If you look good, you're more apt to feel good. Invest in a simple, easy-care hairstyle to get you through the early months.

Your Newborn's Reflexes

If you...	then the baby's...
tap the bridge of the nose or shine a bright light suddenly into the eyes, clap hands 18 inches from baby's head, or touch white of eye with cotton	eyes close tightly.
make sudden contact or noise	head drops backward, neck extends, arms & legs fling outward & back sharply.
extend forearms at elbow	arms flex briskly.
stand baby; press feet to bed	feet step.
pull baby to sit	eyes snap open; shoulders tense. Baby tries unsuccessfully to right head (China doll reflex).
put baby on tummy on flat surface	head turns to side and lifts. Baby crawls, lifts self with arms.
support chest on water surface	arms and legs "swim."
place on back and turn head to side	body arches away from face side; arm on face side extends, leg draws up.
lightly prick soles of feet	knee and foot flex.

If you...	then the baby's...
stroke foot or hand on top	limb withdraws, arches, returns to grasp.
stroke palm or sole at base of digits	limb grasps.
stroke outside of sole	toes spread, large toe sticks up.
tap upper lip sharply	lips protrude.
stroke cheek or mouth	mouth roots, head turns and tongue moves toward stroking object; mouth sucks.
stroke cheek or palm	mouth roots; arm flexes; hand goes to open mouth.
place object over nose or mouth	mouth works vigorously; head twists, arms fling across face.
stroke leg, upper part of body	opposite leg or hand crosses to push your hand away; withdraws.
rotate baby to side	head turns, eyes precede direction of rotation.
suspend by legs	body curls to upside-down ball, legs extend, arms drop into straight line; neck arches backwards.

Shaping Up After Childbirth
	For months after giving birth, your body shows many telltale signs and feelings that you have grown and delivered a baby. The excess fat accumulated during pregnancy-normal reserve energy stores for you and your baby-may leave you with unwanted postpartum bulges. Pushed-out tummy muscles may weaken normal abdominal support for the back and contribute to backache. Losing weight and toning muscles are an important concern of most new mothers. Patience and persistence are the keys here. Losing Weight It took nine months to put it on, expect nine months to take it off safely. Breast-feeding mothers require, theoretically, an average of 500 to 600 extra calories per day to provide adequate nutrition for themselves and their babies. These figures are averages. The key to weight loss during lactation is to find the level of calorie intake that works for you individually. *Set what you feel is an optimal number of calories for your health and well-being.* Most breast-feeding mothers should eat at least 2,000 nutritious calories a day, balanced among the basic food groups. With less than this amount, most lactating women cannot supply enough calories for their health and well-being. *Set a safe and realistic goal.* A gradual weight loss should be your goal, usually around two-and-a-half pounds per month-slightly more if overweight, less if underweight, prepregnancy. *Exercise for one hour per day.* By choosing an activity you enjoy-preferably one that you can do with your baby-you are more likely to stick with it. A very comfortable exercise for mother and baby is to put baby in a sling-type carrier and walk for at least one hour every day. Walking briskly for one hour while carrying baby burns off an average of 400 calories. This exercise plus one fewer chocolate-chip cookie or its daily equivalent in junk food burns off about a pound per week. Exercising after feeding is more comfortable, since your breasts are less full and weighty. Wear a supportive bra during vigorous exercise, and use soft breast pads to prevent friction on your nipples. *Swimming is an ideal exercise.* Strenuous exercise such as jogging and aerobics can cause a drop in women's milk supply if they work out more than two days per week. One study found that the concentration of lactic acid in breast milk increased after exercise and that babies less eagerly accepted the postexercise milk. So, besides making mother more comfortable, breast-feeding before exercising also seems more desirable for baby. *Chart your progress.* If you are losing weight according to your goal, feeling good, your baby is thriving, and your milk supply is not lagging, then you have selected your optimum level of calories. Exercise Perhaps the best reason to exercise after childbirth is to feel good. A happier woman is likely to be a happier mother. In addition to the daily hour of comfortable exercise recommended above, there are a number of structured exercises you can do to help the muscles most directly affected by pregnancy and childbirth. When you are ready to begin structured postnatal exercises, there are a few that most women can safely handle. Begin gradually, working up to an average frequency of ten times, twice daily. *Postpartum Posture.* This exercise will help correct the forward sag and swayback posture caused by the weight of your baby and uterine contents naturally pushing your abdomen forward during pregnancy. Stand with your back against the wall and heels about four inches from the wall. Flatten the small of your back against the wall by pulling in your abdominal muscles and tucking in your buttock muscles. Raise your chest so that your upper back is flat against the wall. Now walk away and try to maintain this posture during the day. *Pelvic Muscles Exercises (Kegel Exercises).* This exercise will restore the tone of the vaginal muscles for intercourse and will prevent the leaking of urine during coughing. These pelvic-floor muscles have been loosened by the hormonal changes of pregnancy and the stretching of delivery. You can do Kegels in almost any position-standing, squatting, sitting cross-legged or lying down. Tense your vaginal muscles and hold for around five seconds. Contract and release these muscles 50 times a day, or as often as you think about it. *Pelvic Tilt.* This exercise strengthens abdominal and lower back muscles and improves posture. Lie on your back in the basic exercise position, bent knees together and feet flat. Slowly breathe in deeply. Let your abdomen rise then, while exhaling, pull your abdomen in tightly and push the small of your back flat against the floor *Abdominal Contractions.* This exercise can be done standing or cross-legged, or in all-fours position. Take a deep breath, then exhale slowly while drawing in your abdominal muscles tightly, and hold these muscles tight for a few seconds after you have completely exhaled. Keep your back straight; do not sag. *Head Lift.* This exercise strengthens abdominal muscles and stabilizes the posture by flattening the back. Lie on your back with your knees bent. You can do the head lift exercise along with the pelvic tilt. Place one or both hands on your tummy to remind you to keep your backbone flat to the floor and avoid overstressing abdominal muscles. Take a deep breath and raise your head slowly while exhaling. Then lower your head slowly while inhaling. Raise your head a little higher each day. Keep your eyes toward the ceiling. As your muscle tone improves over the next month or two, take your hands off your abdomen and raise your arms toward the ceiling. Progress from head lifts to lifting your shoulders off the floor and finally to a full sit-up. *Knees to Chest.* Beginning with a back-lying pelvic tilt, slowly raise one knee to the chest, grab the knee with your hands, and pull gently toward your chest. Hold for five seconds, then release and relax leg. Do this ten times with each leg. Again raise one knee to your chest, and this time while holding it to your chest, stretch the opposite leg out flat. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat this ten times with each leg. Finally, progress to flexing both knees to your chest. Slowly raise one knee to your chest, then the second. Pull both knees toward the chest with your hands. Hold for five seconds, then release and lower each leg slowly and separately. Repeat ten times.
	*Leg Lifts.* This exercise will strengthen abdominal, lower back, and thigh muscles. Lie on your back with knees bent. Flex one leg up toward your chest as in the knees-to-chest exercise and then extend it as far as you can overhead while keeping the opposite leg bent. Also, you can try raising and lowering one leg at a time while keeping it straight. Before beginning any exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor regarding when to begin and at what pace. You may have special circumstances (such as cesarean birth) that require adding or omitting some exercises.

Support Groups for New and Experienced Parents

Opinions published in BEGINNINGS newsletters are those of individual authors and do not necessarily represent those of Verdugo Hills Hospital or its medical staff. If you have any questions regarding your baby's health, contact your physician.