2News Anchor Heidi Hatch is joined by former Utah State Sen. Jim Dabakis (D) and former Republican Speaker of the House, Greg Hughes, for another episode of Take 2.
Was the Republican convention at the White House illegal? Dabakis says yes, Hughes says no. And that’s not all they disagree about.
They go head-to-head on Utah’s 4th District GOP nominee Burgess Owens with Dabakis saying he has filed bankruptcy three times and Hughes responding with how charitable he is with starting a mentoring program for youth. They also grappled over topics including:
Attorney General Sean Reyes speech at the RNC,
“China Virus” – Who’s at fault?
Upcoming general election – Will Jon Huntsman Jr. be a write-in candidate?
Bringing home a new baby is an exciting time for everyone in the family, and often a time with many questions.
Jade Elliott talked down with Dr. Kaitlin Carpenter a pediatrician from Intermountain Healthcare, to help guide new parents through those first few days when you may feel excited, yet overwhelmed about caring for this tiny, new, helpless human.
You probably have a lot of expectations about motherhood, but the most important thing is to be flexible. Babies are unpredictable, and in the beginning it may feel like everything revolves around what the baby needs. Give yourself time to adapt to your new life and eventually, you’ll settle into a new routine.
Sleep Strategies
Grandma’s suggestion of “sleep when the baby sleeps” really is true. As much as you can, take advantage of these breaks by taking a nap yourself. Babies often have “day/night reversal” and will spend the first few weeks up all night and sleeping more during the day.
Babies are safest when they sleep on their backs in their own bassinet or crib. Avoid co-sleeping or falling asleep with a baby under six months old in your bed. Do not smoke, drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or misuse prescription drugs. Studies show these practices help lower the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome or sudden unexpected post-natal collapse.
Weigh the Pros and Cons of Visitors
There can be a lot of pressure to have visitors, but it’s okay to set boundaries or say “no” or ask visitors if they’ve been ill, or ask them to wear a mask, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, or flu and respiratory virus season.
On the other hand, having a newborn is a time to ask for help. Think who in your life you can rely on to safely give you a break when you need it. Having someone come hold the baby while you nap can be a lifesaver!
How Often to Feed Your Baby
One of the most common questions I get asked is if a newborn is eating too often. It is normal for newborns to “cluster feed,” especially at night for the first few days and then again during growth spurts. During these times, the baby may want to eat every 30-45 minutes for several hours in a row and that is normal! Go with it. The baby is the boss. Breastfeeding works by supply and demand. The more frequently you feed the baby, the more breastmilk you will produce.
Grandmothers know a lot and are a great resource for all sorts of things. Some ask if the newborn can have water, which we do not recommend anymore.
Newborns can be very loud. Grunting, tooting, sneezing, and hiccupping are all normal baby sounds.
Diaper Duty
Be sure to keep baby clean and dry by changing wet and soiled diapers. This will help prevent diaper rash. Baby’s first few bowel movements are called meconium and are dark black and sticky. Then as they begin breastfeeding or drinking formula, bowel movements become more yellow and runny. When cleaning baby’s bottom, wipe down away from reproductive organs to keep germs from getting into those openings. If your baby is not producing frequent wet or dirty diapers, call your provider.
Keeping Baby Safe
Remember that newborns cannot hold up their own head, so you’ll need to support their neck carefully when you’re holding your baby or handing your baby to someone else or placing your baby in an infant car seat, swing or stroller.
It is safe to take your baby on walks when you feel up to it. Getting outside for some fresh air and walking have positive physical and mental health benefits for the whole family. Make sure to secure your baby safely in a front pack or stroller. Try and keep your little one protected from the sun by keeping them in the shade. They are too young for sunscreen, so floppy hats and lightweight clothing can help.
Bath Time Bonding
Bath time is a great way for your partner to participate in baby’s care. You can use a baby bathtub to help make bathing easier and safer. Baby bath products and shampoo are designed for baby’s sensitive skin and to not irritate baby’s eyes. Be gentle and careful when bathing your baby. Babies are slippery when wet! Never leave your baby unattended in bathwater.
Some grandparents ask if alcohol swabs should be used to clean the belly button. We do not recommend that anymore. Just clean the area with soap and water. The remains of the umbilical cord will fall off naturally.
Newborn Skin Care
Most newborn skin peels a lot for the first few weeks. This is normal and nothing to worry about. You can apply baby lotion after their bath or put a little baby oil in their bathwater to help moisturize their skin.
Newborns get a lot of different kinds of rashes. Baby acne is common. Most rashes are not a big deal, but a few types may need treatment, such as herpes. If you are concerned about a rash, call your provider, ask about it at the baby’s well check-up or schedule a TeleHealth visit through Intermountain Connect Care.
Mom Self-Care
The newborn period is not as glamorous as many movies make it out to be. Embrace it! Your body has just gone through a huge transformation and will continue to change over the next months to years.
Remember to eat. Sometimes it’s hard to get in three meals every day. For breastfeeding moms, you are burning the same amount of calories breastfeeding as running a 5K every day, so don’t skimp on the calories!
Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
Watch out for the baby blues. It’s normal for emotions to quickly go from up to down after having a baby, especially because of all of the hormonal changes and sleep deprivation. This should get better in a few weeks.
Post-partum depression or anxiety is something more serious and if these feelings persist, it’s important to talk to your doctor about them. If you find yourself spending more time being sad or anxious than being happy, or having a hard time feeling able to take care of yourself, or if you feel your emotions are keeping you from bonding with your baby, please reach out to your pediatrician or OB. We want to help, but it’s hard to know who is struggling unless you speak up.
Well Baby Check-Ups
Be sure to go to your baby’s well check-ups at your pediatrician’s office. These are normally recommended beginning at two weeks of age and then also at two months, four months, six months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months and 24 months. Annual check-ups are recommended after age three. These check-ups help you know if your baby is gaining weight and growing and developing normally. This is also when your baby will receive important vaccines to prevent common childhood illnesses and important screenings are done for hearing and vision, etc.
Sibling Strategies
Older siblings can take some time to adjust to their new role. Make it a positive thing, saying “You get to be a big sister!” instead of “You aren’t the baby anymore.”
Expect some jealousy and maybe a developmental regression, especially if you have been working on potty training
As much as you can, let the older sibling help bring diapers or snacks to mom or have them “feed” their own baby doll during breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
A little one on one time with mom or dad goes a long way. Try to carve out time during the day to snuggle and give some undivided attention to your older child.
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.
2News Anchor Heidi Hatch reunites with former Utah State Sen. Jim Dabakis (D)and former Republican Speaker of the House, Greg Hughes.
The trio discusses topics that include what the former lawmakers have been up to since March and the current state of affairs amid a worldwide pandemic from the novel coronavirus. The conversation was lively and touched on the following:
Pandemic catch up:
What have you been doing since March?
How is the state doing with unemployment (New #’s out Friday)?
Back-to-school – was too soon?
Mask mandates
GOP primary is over or is it?
Will Huntsman run as a write-in?
Should he?
75 days until the election
Mail-In
Congressional races
Special Session
Legislators did not want to renew the state of emergency but the governor did.
Legislators called themselves into session: Does it matter?
Why was a $123 million funding bill submitted an hour or two before a vote?
DNC
All virtual – awesome or boring?
Who had the best speech?
Obama raking Trump over the coals. Was this a good look? 1st for a former President.
If pregnancy can make you more tired, why is it sometimes so hard to get a good night’s sleep?
Jade Elliott spoke with Hannele Laine, an OB/Gyn from Intermountain Healthcare, about the reasons many women experience sleep challenges during pregnancy and some strategies to help you get a better night’s sleep.
Sleep disturbances are common in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester as your baby grows larger and it’s harder to get comfortable. Common problems include difficulty falling asleep, increased waking at night, experiencing lighter sleep and shortened sleep intervals of deep sleep, which can all leave you feeling less rested.
This is likely due to a combination of factors including hormonal, physical and emotional changes as well as medical issues related to pregnancy.
According to the National Sleep Foundation’s 1998 Women and Sleep poll, 78 percent of women report more disturbed sleep during pregnancy, than at other times. Another study found that 97 percent of women had an average of three wakings per night in the third trimester. Lastly, there is some evidence that inadequate sleep – less than five to six hours, may negatively impact pregnancy and labor as well.
Physical causes of sleep problems during pregnancy:
Nausea
Heartburn/reflux
Difficulty in finding a comfortable position
Increased nighttime urination
Restless legs
Leg cramps
Low back pain
Sleep apnea
Emotional reasons sleep may be more difficult during pregnancy:
Many women worry about the birth, balancing motherhood and work, adding another child to the family, relationship changes and more. In addition, anxiety and depression are more common in pregnancy and the postpartum period and are frequently associated with sleep disturbances. And the current COVID-19 pandemic has added additional worries for pregnancy, delivery and motherhood.
But, there is hope! There are many things you can do to improve your sleep, including behavioral strategies, counseling and sometimes medication. Be sure to discuss sleep concerns with your doctor, especially if it’s impacting your normal functioning at work or with your partner or family. If you are having depression or anxiety, there is good evidence that treating it during pregnancy improves outcomes for women and their babies.
Tips for better sleep hygiene:
Keep a regular sleep schedule.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine – dim the lights, take a warm bath/shower, practice mind-quieting techniques.
Reduce stimuli – no screen time on TV, phone, or computer for two hours before bed.
Practice mindfulness or meditation.
Exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes per day, but not close to bedtime.
Avoid naps late in the day.
Avoid caffeine in the afternoon or evening.
Create a comfortable sleep position with extra pillows for cushioning (between legs, under your tummy or back).
Plan for 7-9 hours of sleep.
Tips for pregnant women to improve their sleep:
For increased nighttime urination – decrease fluid intake in the evenings.
For heartburn/GERD – avoid food that are spicy, acidic or fried. Take an over the counter antacid such as Tums.
For leg cramps – avoid soda/carbonated drinks. Add a calcium supplement likeTums.
For restless legs – if your iron level is low, ask your doctor about an iron supplement.
For sleep apnea — if you snore three or more times per week or your partner reports you stop breathing during sleep, talk to your doctor about testing.
Discuss any herbal supplements or over the counter medications with your doctor.
If sleep issues don’t resolve, talk to your doctor about when sleep medications such as Unisom, Benadryl, or melatonin can be used during pregnancy.
Sleep post-partum is also an issue:
Babies wake every three hours on average. So even though the sleep you get tends to be better quality, it is very disrupted and therefore easy to have inadequate sleep.
Continue to practice good sleep hygiene postpartum.
Go to bed at the same time as your baby if possible.
Consider a morning walk to help with day/night rhythm.
Sleep when the baby sleeps during the day.
Ask your partner, friend or family to help you prioritize sleep. (They could watch the baby, or do laundry, grocery shopping, meal preparation, etc.)
Contact your doctor if you note increased anxiety or depression.
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.
Pregnant women have a lot to think about during the three trimesters of pregnancy. Their changing body, preparing for labor and delivery, planning for the arrival of their baby and then caring for their newborn afterward. It’s easy for women to forget about the “fourth” trimester, or the recovery period for women after childbirth. There’s so much focus on the new baby, they might forget to take care of themselves.
Many first-time moms don’t know the questions to ask about what recovery is like, because they’ve never experienced it.
Jade Elliott spoke with Hollie Wharton, DNP, CNM, WHNP, Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife, to discuss what new moms should expect the first few days after childbirth.
For vaginal deliveries, as the adrenaline of birth or the epidural begins to wear off, they’ll begin to feel achy and sore. You’ll want to continue to use sanitary pads for bleeding and ice packs for the vaginal/rectal area to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. Witch hazel pads help keep the area clean and promote healing of the area and related stitches. Apply Dermoplast spray or Dibucaine gel to provide additional pain relief. All of these supplies are provided in the hospital and you’ll want to take them home with you, and continue to use for the first week or so.
The first week or two you shouldn’t be overly active. You’ll want to get out of bed or off the couch and walk around a bit, at least four times a day to help reduce chances of blood clot formation, as you are still at increased risk for this during the first six weeks postpartum.
You will have bleeding after a vaginal delivery that starts like a period and then gets lighter in color and flow. If it gets darker or brighter in color or heavier, you’re doing too much activity. So, adapt your physical activity based on your flow and listen to your body.
Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) help with swelling in the uterus and the vaginal/rectal area and can help with achy muscles in the back and shoulders due to using those muscles during labor and delivery.
Caesarean deliveries
If you deliver via Caesarean section, keep in mind, that is a major abdominal surgery. Prepare yourself to have an incision with either staples or stitches. Staples are usually removed prior to discharge, but stitching, both internal and external, will dissolve over the next four to six weeks. I recommend no heavy lifting of over 20 pounds for six weeks. Make sure to take care of your incision site and watch for signs and symptoms of infection, including foul odor at site, excess bleeding, severe abdominal pain and fever.
Bathroom habits
Constipation is typical after delivery. Take a stool softener twice daily for 1-2 weeks, or until bowel movements are soft and easy to pass without straining. During pregnancy women urinate frequently as a result of a large uterus sitting on the bladder. After childbirth, you may need to retrain your brain and bladder that you don’t have to go as often. A few days after delivery, you will notice your urinary frequency will continue to be similar to pregnancy. This helps rid your body of the additional fluid that can cause edema in your limbs.
The first few weeks: When to call your provider
If you had a vaginal delivery and are experiencing heavy bleeding, defined as soaking through more than one pad in an hour, call your provider. Other reasons to talk to your provider include pain with urination, foul vaginal odor, severe abdominal pain or fever.
If you have shooting pains up either leg, headaches, chest pain or vision changes, it could be a sign of a blood clot. A caesarean puts you at even greater risk for blood clots due to more sedentary recovery. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the emergency room right away for evaluation.
Baby blues are common during the first two weeks after delivery. After this transitional period, those symptoms should resolve. If they do not improve, or if you ever experience thoughts of self-harm, please contact your provider immediately. Your provider can provide resources for help with mental health concerns such as panic attacks, depression, excess anxiety about your baby or significant sleep problems.
When to return to exercise and losing pre-pregnancy weight
You really need to rest for the first two weeks. Light walks are fine. Activity should increase as tolerated, while monitoring menstrual flow. Watch for physical symptoms to know your body is healing. At six weeks, you should be meeting with your health care provider for a checkup. We usually endorse regular exercise at this point as long you show appropriate signs of recovery. It takes nine months gain your pregnancy weight, so it is going to take at least nine months to lose that weight. Be patient with your healing.
Importance of self-care
New moms should continue to take their prenatal vitamins and focus on self-care and taking care of the baby. Let go of the housework and cleaning. Accept all offers of help. Let other household members help while you hold the baby.
Eating and drinking enough
If you are nursing, you’ll need an extra 500 calories per day. Drink two to three liters of water per day. This helps with fluid loss due to delivery, reduces swelling and is especially important if you are breastfeeding.
Sleep 8-10 hours per day
This can be a challenge with baby waking up at night. Take naps and sleep while baby is sleeping so you can get a collective 8 hours in a 24-hour period.
Visitors
Be cautious about visitors. It’s ok to not have visitors until you feel ready and more rested. Make sure they have not had any symptoms of COVID-19, cold, flu, diarrhea, etc. Visitors should not have had any symptoms for three days. When you do have visitors, you can have them wear masks as a precaution, especially if you are indoors or cannot social distance.
Take a break
Take time for yourself. Go for a walk. Do something that helps you unwind. Get out and feel like a normal woman without your baby. It’s good for your partner to have bonding time with the baby.
Breastfeeding
In the hospital we have experienced nurses and lactation consultants that can help you with breastfeeding. You’ll be given a brochure of lactation consultants, listed by area that you can contact after you get home if needed. Your pediatrician could also provide this information.
You should call your provider or a lactation consultant if you have symptoms such as a fever or flu like symptoms. You may have a clogged milk duct or a breast infection called mastitis. You may have pain in one or both breasts. Red, tender hot spots are possible. You may need antibiotics.
Applying a hot compress before feeding can help. Putting the baby to breast is best. Try a different nursing position, such as the football hold. A cold compress afterward can help too. Ibuprofen or Tylenol will help. Avoid unnecessary stimulation of nipple.
To listen to the Baby Your Baby Podcast on breastfeeding, click here.
Postpartum check-ups
As midwives, we provide a two week check in by phone or video. We want to know how your recovery is going, how you’re doing physically and mentally, and answer any questions you or your partner may have. We also do an in-office check-up at six-weeks.
Birth Control
Breastfeeding is not considered an effective form of birth control. You ovulate before you have a period, therefore just because you don’t have a period, does not mean you cannot get pregnant. There are many forms of birth control that might an option for you. These include, options to start right after delivery, such as progesterone-only methods, and are safe with breastfeeding. You want to avoid estrogen in the first six weeks after delivery, as this can further increase risk of blood clot formation, but progesterone-only options are safe and effective. If you prefer an IUD, we don’t recommend placement until after six to eight weeks postpartum, so that your uterus can completely heal prior to insertion. This will reduce risk of complications.
To listen to the Baby Your Baby Podcast on birth control, click here.
Return to sexual intercourse
It is recommended to wait six weeks before intercourse to protect against unintended pregnancy and infection.
Changes to pelvic floor muscles
Kegel exercises and pelvic floor physical therapy can help those muscles that may be weakened after childbirth. Stress incontinence, or leaking urine when you cough, sneeze or exercise can occur after childbirth. It’s common, but it’s not normal. Exercises and therapy can make a big difference in improving symptoms and quality of life. Ask your provider about options if you are experiencing leakage of urine.
Abdominal muscle separation
Some women have abdominal separation (Diastasis Recti) that persists after six weeks postpartum. Your provider can examine your abdomen to determine and if you might benefit from therapy or treatment.
Settle into a routine
Even though the recovery period is not always easy and there are lots of adjustments, you’ll eventually settle into a new life and routine with your baby. Don’t be afraid during this time to reach out to your provider with questions and concerns.
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.
This week is World Breastfeeding week. It is a global campaign to raise awareness and inform people on the importance of breastfeeding.
Jade Elliott spoke with Hollie Wharton, DNP, CNM, WHNP, Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife with Intermountain Healthcare on this episode of the Baby Your Baby Podcast to discuss how to succeed at breastfeeding.
Taking Care of Yourself Will Help You Succeed at Breastfeeding
When you have a baby, it’s easy to become so focused on taking care of this tiny human who is so dependent on you, that you forget to take care of yourself.
It’s like when you’re on an airplane and you learn that in an emergency you should put on your own oxygen mask first so you’re able to put the mask on your child.
If you’re trying to breastfeed, and you don’t take care of yourself and your body, it will be harder for your body to produce enough milk for your baby to thrive.
New moms need to stay hydrated, and eat and sleep enough to produce enough breast milk
Sleep: With baby waking at night, the sleep part can be hard, so you need to nap during the day when the baby naps. Your sleep goal should total eight hours in a 24-hour period. Meaning, if you get less than eight hours of sleep at night, you need to nap during the day to total eight hours.
Hydration: Drink six eight-ounce glasses (or two to three liters) of water a day. Plain water with no additives is best. Try to drink before you’re thirsty. It is a good idea to have a container of water next to you while you are breastfeeding. The Intermountain mug given to you in the hospital is perfect to help you keep track. It is easier to get dehydrated with breastfeeding and during hotter months, so make sure to keep up on fluids.
Eat well: Eat plenty of vegetables, lean protein, fruit and whole grains. Fresh fruits and vegetables have more nutrients and antioxidants than canned. Limit the amount of processed foods that contain white flour, sugar, refined grains, additives and preservatives. You need about 2,000 calories per day on average, but when you’re breastfeeding, you need an additional 500 calories to maintain a good milk supply. If you notice your milk supply decreasing, look at your caloric intake.
Reduce stress: Don’t try to do too many things while you’re still recovering from childbirth. After delivery, your focus should be on taking care of yourself and your baby. This is not a time to host friends or family, or take on significant household chores.
Benefits of breastfeeding
The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breastmilk help protect babies from illness. Your first milk, called colostrum for its deep yellow color, is like liquid gold. This milk is very rich in nutrients and includes antibodies to protect your baby from infections.
Colostrum changes into mature milk by the third to fifth day after birth. This mature milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein to help your baby continue to grow.
Breast feeding is also a great benefit to the environment and society. Breastfeeding families are sick less often and parents miss less work. Breastfeeding does not require the use of energy for manufacturing or create waste or air pollution. There is no risk of contamination and it is always at the right temperature and ready to feed. Click here to learn more about making the decision whether or not to breastfeed.
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages breastfeeding for its health benefits to babies and moms.
Breastfeeding protects babies from a variety of diseases and conditions including:
• Respiratory or urinary tract infections
• Asthma
• Ear infections
• Diarrhea
• Diabetes
• Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Hodgkins disease
• Childhood obesity
Maternal health benefits to breastfeeding
• Decreased postpartum bleeding
• More rapid return of uterus to pre-pregnancy size
• Decrease in menstrual periods and increased child spacing
• Earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight
• Decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers
Six Things to Know to Make Breastfeeding Successful
1. Practice skin to skin contact. Benefits: it helps stabilize the baby’s temperature, breathing, and heart rate. They will cry less. It stimulates brain development. It encourages mom to breastfeed, improves milk production, reduces postpartum complications and depression. It also is vital to bonding and important for both parents to do this when each is holding the baby, if they are able.
2. After your milk supply is established and your baby has returned to their birth weight, you can feed your baby on demand. Nurse your baby when they’re hungry. Watch for feeding cues: routing, sucking on hand, crying when not wet or uncomfortable.
3. Babies have growth spurts and may need to nurse more frequently at times. Allowing your baby to dictate the frequency and duration of feedings is an important to ensure your milk supply is adequate.
4. Breastfeeding works by supply and demand. The more baby nurses, the more milk your body will produce. In addition, a baby’s suck is more successful at removing breastmilk, compared to a pump or hand expression.
5. Breast milk digests more easily and quickly than formula. This will help prevent newborn constipation, but will increase the need for more frequent feedings.
Breast-fed babies need to eat often. The colostrum that’s in breast milk in the first few weeks is digested in about 45 minutes. Breast milk is digested in approximately 1.5 hours. Formula takes about 3-4 hours to digest.
6. If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, talk to a lactation consultant at the hospital or after you go home.
**Please make sure to watch for signs and symptoms of breast infection. These include breast tenderness, redness, and engorgement associated with abrupt onset of fever. If you develop painful lumps with breastfeeding, reach out to your provider so we can help you before it turns into an infection.
To learn about lactation consultation, click here.
For information on a virtual breastfeeding course, click here.
The Baby Your Baby program provides many resources for all pregnant women and new moms in Utah. There is also expert advice from the Utah Department of Health and Intermountain Healthcare that air each week on KUTV 2News.
