Newbies: New Moms, New Babies

If you have a newborn, then you're no stranger to your little one's weird, jerky movements. Thankfully, those crazy moves are completely normal. In fact, these infant reflexes are designed to protect your baby and keep him safe. So, what can you expect as a new parent? What happens during the moro reflex, sucking reflex and the root reflex? Will your child always have them or will they eventually go away?

By the time they are six years old, most kids in the United States have received 49 doses of 14 different vaccines. This is the standard immunization schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, as well as many pediatricians. But, how did we get to this point? When were the first vaccines developed? Who oversees the research, development, efficacy, and safety of vaccinations in the United States? And why have vaccinations become such a controversial topic?

Having another child after experiencing postpartum depression, or another perinatal mental health disorder may seem daunting as a new mother.  What if it happens again?  What if it is worse?  Who would sign themselves up for this experience again? How can you reconcile this fear with the longing for more babies?

You've heard the phrase skin-to-skin, but what about kangaroo care? How can this intimate way of holding your baby increase bonding after birth? What are some of the other benefits? How can it help with breastfeeding? And how does it ease the struggles many premature and NICU babies face while in the Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New babies spend half their day sleeping. Nice, right? Knowing the best sleep environment for your baby will not only keep them safe, but it will result in better sleep so both you and baby can be well rested. Where should (and shouldn't) your baby be sleeping? What should you look for in a crib and crib mattress? And what should our babies be wearing when they go to sleep?

Having a sick baby can be a terrifying experience for new parents. It's hard to know exactly what to do when your little one's fever is rising and they can barely breathe because they're so congested. So, how can you help your baby feel better (since you can use medication)? And how do you clear all the snot and boogers from your baby's nose so they're more comfortable? And what's the general rule when it comes to babies and fevers?

Birth certificates and social security cards, most of us use this information on a daily basis. And all the paperwork to create those documents start the moment you are born. As a parent, what do you need to know about filling out these documents for your child? How does the processing of these documents differ if delivering in a hospital versus a birthing center?

Your baby seems to cry, a lot. She also spends a lot of her time moving, grunting, and cooing. Maybe she is trying to communicate what is going on in her tiny little body, but you don’t understand. Is there a way to decode what your baby’s body language is saying? Does this baby come with a user manual? Help!

New moms experience many new emotions after the birth of their baby, and some of those feelings may surprise you, such as anxiety. Postpartum anxiety is a common condition that is often overlooked because of the belief that new mothers are just naturally anxious. So, what are the symptoms and how does it differ from other postpartum mood disorders? And how can this condition impact a mother's ability to care for her child if gone untreated?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The emotional stress of losing a child can quickly overcome any parent. But, did you know there's scientific proof that it can have a profound physical impact on parents as well? Moms not only can experience a broken heart, but their arms can literally ache if they're not able to hold and comfort their child, regardless of their age when their child passes away. Today, you'll hear from a mom who experienced this firsthand, and now she's helping parents all over the country.

As your baby grows, so does his ability to sleep for longer periods of time. So, how does this impact the naps you have scheduled throughout the day? How much sleep does your baby really need, and how does this change along with their overall development? How do you drop naps throughout the day and still make sure your baby isn't cranky or wide awake when it's nighttime?

Bringing home a baby is a major life-changing event. As parents, we are all adjusting to a new baby and a new identity. This inevitably impacts our relationship with one another as well as with family and friends. What are the common stressors that trigger how we interact with other people? How can we communicate our feelings in a healthy and constructive way without creating distance? And what are some ways we can create reasonable expectations so our relationships can thrive?

Your baby's head in uniquely made to mold for birth and move to accommodate a growing and developing brain. So, what are those soft spots that most new parents are afraid to touch? Where can you find them? And what changes can you expect within your baby's first year?

After you have your baby, you may be experiencing a wide range of emotions. If you're not feeling completely elated shortly after the birth of your baby- don't worry, that can be completely normal. It's called the baby blues, and it's a temporary condition many women experience within the first few weeks of birth. So, what are the common symptoms and how do you know if your condition is more severe?

After you give birth your baby, your body needs some time to recover. After all, you just created another human being. Eventually, you (and your partner) may be wondering when you can have sex again. Is six weeks really enough time? How do you know if you're ready? Will it feel different? How can you do it as safely as possible, and what should you expect?