Postpartum & Baby Care Resources
The moments after your baby’s birth can be filled happiness and exhaustion. Even though you prepared for this day, you suddenly have a brand new family member to care for – one who depends on you for every need. SSM Health understands how you feel, and we’ll be there with you every step of the way.
Welcome to Your Fourth Trimester
Full recovery from child birth takes several weeks. By naming this period of time, we are acknowledging the importance of care and support for not only you, a new parent, but also your new baby. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and allow others to help and care for you. SSM Health has resources to help guide you through this time, whether this is your first baby or your third:
Baby Safety Checklist
- Corner posts should be 1/16 of an inch or shorter, as infant's clothing could get caught, causing strangulation.
- Distance between crib slats should be 2-3/8 inches or less to avoid entrapment.
- Side rail is always locked.
- Place babies on their backs when they sleep.
- Always use a firm, tight-fitting mattress with a tightly fitted crib sheet.
- Keep the crib free of toys, pillows or blankets.
- Don’t place your baby on a waterbed, sofa, soft mattress, pillow or other soft surface to sleep.
- The safest place is a standard crib on a firm mattress.
- Always make sure your baby’s face and head remain uncovered during sleep.
- Even small amounts of carbon monoxide can cause life-threatening illness or death in young children.
- Place emergency numbers next to each telephone.
- Program emergency numbers into each cell phone.
- Be sure to have a first aid kit.
- Call the Red Cross, local hospital or fire department for CPR classes in your area.
- Place infants in rear-facing seats until they are 2 years old, up to 35-50 pounds.
- Use a forward-facing car seat (convertible or combination seat) until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the harness..
- Children should be in a booster seat until they are 4 feet, 9 inches tall.
- Learn how to pick the right car seat for your baby.
- Check smoke alarms once a month to ensure proper operation.
- Plan and practice home escape routes.
Establishing Care with a Pediatrician
If you haven't already chosen a pediatrician for your newborn, don't worry - we're here to help! At SSM Health, we offer a wide variety of pediatricians at multiple locations, so you can find a provider who best meets the needs of your family.
Learn more about the process of choosing a provider for your baby along with what questions you might want to ask while doing your research.