101 - Essential Information Before The Baby Arrives

In this episode, Dr. Carole Keim MD explains what you should expect when going into labor. Why she, as a pediatrician, recommends having your baby at the hospital vs a home birth. She also goes into great detail on what to expect from a c-section or vaginal birth. It's all here in this episode to make your life easier pre and post-delivery in an unfamiliar environment where you may feel overwhelmed by your new responsibilities.

Knowing the right questions to ask and having the right answers before your baby arrives will decrease your stress during your labor and delivery. Why is a vitamin K injection important and how erythromycin ointment protects your newborn from pink eye. She even gives you advice and tips for breastfeeding success.  Good luck with your new baby. You are going to do awesome!

How to tell you’re in labor: (00:42)

• Water breaks
• Contractions
• When to go to the hospital
• How long you’re going to be in labor

What happens at the hospital: (01:59)

• Delivery options (vaginal, c-section)
• Delivery staff
• What the pediatrician does, APGAR score
• Newborn screen

What I recommend while still in the hospital: (08:41)

• Feeding: only breastfeed, push through the pain because it gets better.  Start pumping while in hospital.  Work with the nurses to check baby’s latch, learn how to listen for milk movement/swallowing
• Write down every time your baby starts and stops eating, and every time they pee and poop.  You’re going to be asked this by everyone who walks in the room so one less thing to have to remember.
• Vitamin K shot
• Erythromycin ointment
• Hep B vaccine: get it in the hospital if you want your baby to have it.  (explain why it’s safe for newborns)
• Bilirubin/jaundice checks: all babies get screened before discharge (either visually or with TCB or blood test)
• Blood sugar testing - for babies who are LGS or SGA; pros/cons
• Catch up on your sleep because this might be your only chance
• Buy a copy of The Baby Manual on Amazon so it’s waiting at home for you

Discharge instructions: (17:49)

• Jaundice precautions
• Fever
• Car seat safety
• Followup appointment
• Baby development / what to expect before the next appt (weight loss and weight gain, length changes, sleep deprivation)
• Who to call if you need help

Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Baby Manual - Available on Amazon

Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram