Feeding, Sleep & Immunizations: Planning Ahead With Prenatal Counseling

Getting ready for a new baby is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming! There are so many things to learn, from feeding schedules to making sure they sleep safely.

That is where prenatal counseling comes in. This is a special time with your doctor or healthcare provider to plan for the most important things right after birth.

Getting Ready for Feeding

During your talks with your healthcare provider, you will cover why nutrition is so important for your new baby. The biggest focus is usually on the benefits of breastfeeding.

The Best Start: Doctors promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. The first milk, called colostrum, is extra special because it is packed with nutrients and things that fight off germs. It is the perfect defense for your newborn!

Practical Tips: The counseling covers how to start feeding right away, ideally within the first hour after birth, and how to feed on demand. This helps your body make enough milk. When breastfeeding, moms need to remember to eat healthy food and drink enough clean water.

Other Options: If breastfeeding is not the right choice for you, you will also get clear, safe information on formula feeding practices. The goal is simply to make sure every parent is prepared, no matter what they choose.

Planning for Safe Sleep and Rest

After birth, both you and your baby need enough rest. Counseling helps plan for the new mother’s recovery and promotes a safe sleep environment for the baby.

Rest for Mom: New mothers need substantial time to rest and heal from childbirth. Partners need to help with baby care so the mother can get the sleep she needs. Rest is a significant part of healing!

Newborn Sleep Safety: Healthcare providers give guidance on safe sleeping. This includes the recommendation that the baby sleep in the same room as the mother. However, they should always have their own safe space (like a crib or bassinet) and never be in the same bed as an adult.

Bonding: They also emphasize the importance of holding and caring for your baby often. This closeness helps build a strong, loving bond between you and your child.

Planning for Immunizations (Shots)

Make sure to schedule all necessary vaccinations, both for the pregnant parent and the baby, after birth. This is how you help protect both of you from serious illnesses.

Here are the specific shots you will discuss:

For the Parent: Pregnant women are advised on necessary shots to protect themselves and to pass protection on to their newborns for the first few months of life.

• Flu Shot: Recommended during flu season because pregnant people can get very sick from the flu.
• Tdap Vaccine: Recommended during every pregnancy (ideally between 27 and 32 weeks). This is super important because it protects the baby from whooping cough (pertussis).
• COVID-19 Shot: Current evidence shows these shots are safe and work well during pregnancy.

For the Baby: You'll receive information on infant immunization schedules, following guidelines from top health experts. Counseling helps make sure your own shots are up to date. It also gives you a clear plan for your baby’s first shots, which often happen during postnatal visits.

For more on feeding, sleep, and immunizations, visit Jae Hong Min, MD, Pediatrics & Newborn Care Specialist. Our office is in Flushing, New York. Call (718) 353-5300 to book an appointment today.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304191/

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/vaccines-during-pregnancy-keeping-you-and-your-baby-healthy.aspx