Leopard
2yrOld;3rdTriBoy
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- Jul 13, 2011
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I recently went to a midwife appointment and I am not sure if it is common practice worldwide; but I was given several booklets regarding things during and after bub. I am going to put down the information on the Hep B vaccine, the Vitamin K injection, breastfeeding and whooping cough.
Breastfeeding:
The Benefits:
The research is in and it is all good news. It has been scientifically proven that if you breastfeed, you'll help protect your baby against a range of illnesses including:
Research also indicates that breastfeeding can help protect baby from:
Breastfeeding also gives your baby a place to feel safe and be comforted. A special bonding experience for both you and your baby. There is no need to limit the amount of breastfeeds your baby has or worry about the number of hours between feeds, your breasts are ready for your baby to feed anytime, anywhere and as often as your baby needs.
Then there's your own health to consider. Breastfeeding helps protect you against breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis. It can help reduce stress and depression as your body releases 'happy hormones', oxytocin and prolactin, every time your baby feeds. It will help your uterus contract back to its normal size.
Hepatitis B Immunisation:
What is Hepatitis B?
Hep B is an infection caused by the hep B virus. The virus can cause eithber acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-term) liver disease.
Although babies infected with this virus usually have either no or very mild symptoms, up to 90% will go on to be chronically infected carriers of the virus.
When does my baby need to be immunised?
(Note this is Australia)
With your consent, your baby will be given a dose of the hep B vaccine within 24hrs after birth. Babies can receive their first dose up to seven days old, although within the first 24hrs provides the best protection.
Your baby will need three more doses of the hep B vaccine to be fully immunized. These doses are given at either 2, 4 and 6 months OR 2, 4 and 12 months of age, depending on the vaccine that is given. The vaccine is given in combination with other childhood immunisations, so your baby will not need to have any extra needles.
Vitamin K:
Why is it important?
Vitamin K helps blood to clot. It is essential to prevent serious bleeding.
Babies do not get enough vitamin K from their mothers during pregnancy or when they are breast feeding. Without vitamin K, they are at risk of getting a rare disorder called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding, or VKDB. VKDB can cause bleeding into the brain, and may result in damage or even death.
How is it given?
The easiest and most reliable way to give babies vitamin K is by injection. One injection just after birth will protect a baby for many months. It can also be given by mouth. Several doses are essential to give enough protection because vitamin K is not absorbed as well when it is given by mouth and the effect does not last as long.
Whooping Cough:
What is it?
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious disease spread by direct contact with infected nose or mouth secretions eg. coughing, sneezing, sharing food or kissing. Complications of whooping cough in babies include pneumonia, fits and brain damage from prolonged lack of oxygen. It can be fatal in young babies.
Why are babies at risk?
Whooping cough is most serious in babies who are less than 6 months of age as they are not yet fully protected by vaccination. Most hospitalizations and deaths occur in babies less than 6 months of age. Babies receive some protection against whooping cough from their mother's antibodies during pregnancy, however these don't provide adequate long term protection. .
Mothers of newborn babies should see their doctor or immunization provider to get vaccinated as soon as possible after the birth of the baby.
The best protection against whooping cough for babies less than 6 months of age is for any adults who care for the baby to get a whooping cough booster vaccine.
I hope everyone found some helpful information here; I know that I did. Good luck everyone with your bubs, and now you can make a more informed decision on what you want for your baby.
Breastfeeding:
The Benefits:
The research is in and it is all good news. It has been scientifically proven that if you breastfeed, you'll help protect your baby against a range of illnesses including:
- Gastro-intestinal infections
- Chest infections
- Urine infections
- Ear infections
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Asthma
- Exczema
Research also indicates that breastfeeding can help protect baby from:
- SIDS
- Childhood leukaemias
- Heart disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Coeliac disease
Breastfeeding also gives your baby a place to feel safe and be comforted. A special bonding experience for both you and your baby. There is no need to limit the amount of breastfeeds your baby has or worry about the number of hours between feeds, your breasts are ready for your baby to feed anytime, anywhere and as often as your baby needs.
Then there's your own health to consider. Breastfeeding helps protect you against breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis. It can help reduce stress and depression as your body releases 'happy hormones', oxytocin and prolactin, every time your baby feeds. It will help your uterus contract back to its normal size.
Hepatitis B Immunisation:
What is Hepatitis B?
Hep B is an infection caused by the hep B virus. The virus can cause eithber acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-term) liver disease.
Although babies infected with this virus usually have either no or very mild symptoms, up to 90% will go on to be chronically infected carriers of the virus.
When does my baby need to be immunised?
(Note this is Australia)
With your consent, your baby will be given a dose of the hep B vaccine within 24hrs after birth. Babies can receive their first dose up to seven days old, although within the first 24hrs provides the best protection.
Your baby will need three more doses of the hep B vaccine to be fully immunized. These doses are given at either 2, 4 and 6 months OR 2, 4 and 12 months of age, depending on the vaccine that is given. The vaccine is given in combination with other childhood immunisations, so your baby will not need to have any extra needles.
Vitamin K:
Why is it important?
Vitamin K helps blood to clot. It is essential to prevent serious bleeding.
Babies do not get enough vitamin K from their mothers during pregnancy or when they are breast feeding. Without vitamin K, they are at risk of getting a rare disorder called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding, or VKDB. VKDB can cause bleeding into the brain, and may result in damage or even death.
How is it given?
The easiest and most reliable way to give babies vitamin K is by injection. One injection just after birth will protect a baby for many months. It can also be given by mouth. Several doses are essential to give enough protection because vitamin K is not absorbed as well when it is given by mouth and the effect does not last as long.
Whooping Cough:
What is it?
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious disease spread by direct contact with infected nose or mouth secretions eg. coughing, sneezing, sharing food or kissing. Complications of whooping cough in babies include pneumonia, fits and brain damage from prolonged lack of oxygen. It can be fatal in young babies.
Why are babies at risk?
Whooping cough is most serious in babies who are less than 6 months of age as they are not yet fully protected by vaccination. Most hospitalizations and deaths occur in babies less than 6 months of age. Babies receive some protection against whooping cough from their mother's antibodies during pregnancy, however these don't provide adequate long term protection. .
Mothers of newborn babies should see their doctor or immunization provider to get vaccinated as soon as possible after the birth of the baby.
The best protection against whooping cough for babies less than 6 months of age is for any adults who care for the baby to get a whooping cough booster vaccine.
I hope everyone found some helpful information here; I know that I did. Good luck everyone with your bubs, and now you can make a more informed decision on what you want for your baby.
