Keeping Your Newborn Healthy: Tips to Prevent Passing on Illness
Welcoming a newborn into your home is a joyous occasion, but it also comes with the responsibility of keeping your little one healthy and safe. Newborns have delicate immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses. Here are some essential tips to prevent passing on illness to your newborn, along with how Michigan Family Doulas play their part in ensuring a healthy environment during postpartum doula support.
1. Practice Good Hygiene
Handwashing: Regular handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your baby, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
Sanitizing: Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Keep sanitizing wipes handy to clean surfaces and objects that your baby frequently touches.
2. Limit Exposure to Sick Individuals
Avoid Crowded Places: Try to limit your baby’s exposure to crowded places, especially during flu season or outbreaks of contagious illnesses.
Sick Visitors: Politely ask friends and family members who are feeling unwell to postpone their visit until they are fully recovered. It’s important to protect your newborn from potential infections.
3. Maintain a Clean Environment
Regular Cleaning: Keep your home clean by regularly disinfecting surfaces, especially those that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
Laundry: Wash your baby’s clothes, bedding, and soft toys regularly to remove any germs or allergens.
4. Breastfeeding Benefits
Immune Boost: Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies that help strengthen your baby’s immune system. If possible, try to breastfeed your baby to give them an added layer of protection against illnesses.
How Michigan Family Doulas Help Prevent the Spread of Illness
Michigan Family Doulas are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for you and your newborn. Here are some ways they help prevent the spread of illness during postpartum doula support:
1. Hygiene Practices: Our doulas follow strict hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers. They also wear masks when necessary to reduce the risk of transmitting germs.
2. Clean Equipment: Any equipment or supplies brought into your home are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. This includes items like baby scales, feeding supplies, and any other tools used during their visit.
3. Education and Support: Our doulas provide education on best practices for keeping your newborn healthy. They offer guidance on proper hygiene, breastfeeding, and other essential care practices to help you create a safe environment for your baby.
4. Personalized Care: Each family’s needs are unique, and our doulas tailor their support to meet your specific requirements. They work closely with you to ensure that all measures are taken to protect your newborn’s health.
Conclusion
Keeping your newborn healthy is a top priority, and by following these tips and leveraging the support of Michigan Family Doulas, you can create a safe and nurturing environment for your baby. Our doulas are dedicated to helping you navigate the postpartum period with confidence, ensuring that both you and your newborn receive the best care possible.
You can read more about MDHHS’s tips for health and safety for infants here.
For more information about our services and how we can support your family, please visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can ensure a healthy start for your little one.
We can help with your postpartum recovery needs, helping you get into a routine and we can even help you learn how to prevent illness during this formative, delicate time. Just give us a call #doulanearme #michiganfamilydoulas
