Healthy Kids: Infant care practices

FORT MYERS, Fla. – A study published this week in pediatrics reported that many doctors have neglected to advise or have misinformed mothers on the proper infant care practices.

Dr. Annette St. Pierre-Mackoul joined Jen Stacey in the WINK News studio to discuss this and more.

Study involved survey questions:

Immunization
Breastfeeding
Sleep position
Sleep location
Pacifier use
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Results:

20% = no advice re: breastfeeding and sleep position
50% = no advice re: sleep position and pacifier use
10-15% = incorrect advice re: pacifier use and breastfeeding
>25% = incorrect sleep position and location advice
30-60% = incorrect advice from family members and friends
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Advice on Breastfeeding:

Breast is best!
August is National Breastfeeding Month!
Goal = Breastfeed until 1 year old
Decreases incidence of SIDS
Increase IQ
Breast pumps are tax deductible.
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Breastfeeding benefits for mom:

Close bonding with baby
Shrinks uterus back to pre-baby size.
Promotes weight loss in mom
Healthier way to loose baby-fat!
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Advice on sleep position and location:

Co-sleeping is not recommended.
Back to Sleep!
Firm mattress and bedding.
Breathable bumpers
SIDS is a concern until 1 year old.
Peak between 1-6 months.
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Advice on pacifier usage:

Breastfeeding – wait till 1 month old.
Nipple confusion is rare, but can occur.
Decreased SIDS with pacifier use.
Sucking calms your infant.
Limit use as early as 6 months old.
Stop usage at 2 years old.
Replace pacifiers every 2 weeks.
Clean in denture solution for 2-4 hours per day.
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Advice on Immunizations:

Follow guidelines by AAP.
Start at birth with Hepatitis B.
Schedule is decided with Pediatrician.
Reminder:  7th graders need proof of Tdap booster.