Birth Plan, Newborn
Caitlin Maudlin
Evidence on Vitamin K
Evidence on Vitamin K
Caitlin Maudlin
2021 Bill for Equitable Access to Birth Options ...
2021 Bill for Equitable Access to Birth Options & Midwifery Care
Pregnancy, Birth Plan
Caitlin Maudlin
Where's My Midwife?

“The Big Push for Midwives Campaign today announced it has launched the new Where's My Midwife? community mapping tool (https://wheresmymidwife.ushahidi.io) to help connect midwives trained in out-of-hospital birth with people whose babies may need to be born in out-of-hospital settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent weeks, reports show the demand for home birth has increased dramatically. While a complete formal contact directory of midwives in the U.S. does not exist, the Big Push has activated its PushState network of midwives to help families, including those who planned a hospital birth, but who do not want to go to an overwhelmed hospital crowded with COVID-19 patients or be forced to give birth alone.”

Where's My Midwife?
Birth Plan, Labor Support, Lactation Support
Caitlin Maudlin
What Is a Doula?
What Is a Doula?
Labor Support
Caitlin Maudlin
Pain Relief in Labor

Newborn

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Evidence on Vitamin K

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Do I give my baby Vitamin K? This is a question parents are faced with answering before the birth of their baby. Let’s walk through it together.

What do we know about Vitamin K Deficiency?

We know that Vitamin K deficiency is a relatively rare, but very serious condition. Vitamin K is the nutrient that causes the blood to clot, without it internal bleeding can occur. Often by the time the bleeding is detected it is too late to repair the damage. Giving baby Vitamin K after birth is standard procedure. However, its important to weigh all options and make a decision that best suits your family.

Vitamin K Administration Options

Avoid all Vitamin K

Benefits: Parents wishes are observed.

Risks: The baby may become deficient and develop internal bleeding. If not caught in time the condition can cause fetal demise.

Vitamin K injection

Benefits: The most effective way to prevent vitamin K deficiency. Quick one time inject that occurs at birth. Most insurance covers this injection.

Risks: Pain at injection site. Swelling or bruising. Small chance of infection due to injection.

Oral Vitamin K

Benefits: Allows for spaced out dosages of once a week for 6 months or more. Also avoids injection pain or risks of swelling, bruising, and infection.

Risks: Not as effective in prevention of deficiency at the injection. Must be given over many months, and is usually paid for out-of-pocket. Currently, there are no FDA approved supplements.

Potential Challenges

  • Accessibility:

    1. Not every birth setting offers each option.

  • Affordability:

    1. Insurance does not cover oral vitamin K, often it's paid for by the family.

  • Awareness:

    1. Many families are not informed of all their choices.

Questions to Consider

  1. Do I understand the pros and cons of each choice?

  2. Do I know which benefits and risks matter the most to me?

  3. Do I have all the support I need to make this decision?

  4. Do I feel unsure about my choice?

Preparing for the Newborn

Here are some ideas for parents to do during pregnancy to be ready to parent and care for their newborn.

Recommended Newborn Supplies:

  1. Burp cloths

  2. Diapers & wipes

  3. Breast pump/bottles (if choosing to bottle feed)

    1. Check for local classes on newborn care and infant feeding.

  4. Bassinet/co-sleeper bed/Moses basket

  5. Baby clothing- sleepers, onesies, hats, mittens

  6. Car seat

  7. Muslin swaddle blankets

  8. Nose Frida/suction bulb

  9. Olive/coconut oil- for diaper changes and skincare

  10. Thermometer

  11. Tylenol/Ibuprofen

  12. Baby Carrier- learn about babywearing options

Decisions to Consider: 

  1. How would you like to diaper?- cloth, disposable, or mix of both.

    1. Consider diaper laundry services in your area. 

  2. What are your infant feeding preferences?- Breast/Chest feeding, formula, or mix of both.

  3. Where the baby will sleep initially?- With you, by themselves, mix of both.

    1. Consider co-sleeping safety.

  4. Who will be your baby’s pediatric provider?- find a care provider in the prenatal period.

  5. Consider childcare/daycare in the prenatal period if planning to return to work.

Optional but Recommended: 

  • Infant CPR/BLS class

  • Meal planning/meal train

  • Postpartum doula care

Resources:

References 

Jordan, R., Farley, C., & Grace, K. (2019). Prenatal and Postnatal Care: A Woman-Centered Approach (2nd ed). Wiley Blackwell. 

Whalley, J., Simkin, P., Keppler, A., & Durham, J., (2011). The Simple Guide to Having a Baby. Meadowbrook Press. 

Cloth Diaper Assistance Program

“Cloth Diaper Assistance Program

Salem Cloth Project provides families free cloth diaper kits, education, and resources. If you're are struggling to afford the cost of disposable diapers & wipes, can't afford the upfront cost of purchasing cloth diapers or if you're just interested in testing out cloth diapering, our Assistance Program is for you.

The cloth diaper kits include cloth diapers, wipes, and cloth diapering essentials PLUS all of the education and training necessary to be successful in the transition to cloth diapers. If you are interested in participating in this program, please click on the link provided to fill out the interest form.

Cloth Diaper Assistance Program Application”

Learn More at Free Diaper Program