| New parents face many problems and issues that | | | | chance of penile cancer. Circumcision does not cause |
| they are expected to understand and deal with | | | | long-term emotional problems for your child. |
| immediately. Unfortunately, newborns do not come | | | | Crib death (SIDS): Many studies have been done |
| with an instruction book so here are a few topics that | | | | regarding SIDS. Although the cause of SIDS has not |
| you may need to know about. | | | | been definitely defined, there are some correlations |
| Bathing your baby: Until your baby's umbilical cord falls | | | | that have been made between SIDS and the following |
| off one to two weeks after their birth, only give her | | | | things: |
| sponge baths. A cotton ball or cotton swab dampened | | | | Male babies are more likely to die from SIDS than |
| with alcohol can help to dry the umbilical stump or | | | | females |
| follow your pediatrician's directions. After the stump | | | | Prematurity makes it more likely |
| falls off, you can give him a bath in a sink or shallow | | | | Minority children are affected by it more often than |
| tub. | | | | non-minorities |
| Caesarian delivery: A caesarian is usually performed | | | | More children of young, single mothers die from it |
| to make delivery safer for you or your baby. | | | | Children who live in a home with one or more smokers |
| C-sections can be done for many different reasons | | | | are more likely to be affected |
| including stalled labor, complicated labor, problems with | | | | Some people say that sleeping with your baby can |
| the baby that may make delivery difficult, or other | | | | reduce the risk of SIDS, but the American Academy |
| problems. It does not matter if you deliver vaginally or | | | | of Pediatrics disagree with this statement and go on to |
| by a caesarian section, you are still a mother with a | | | | say that there is a greater risk of SIDS in babies who |
| beautiful new blessing. | | | | co-sleep. |
| Circumcision: Many doctors agree that there may be | | | | Back sleeping is what most pediatricians recommend |
| some benefit to circumcision, but it may not be | | | | for babies to decrease the SIDS risk. The reason for |
| absolutely necessary. It may help to lower the risk of | | | | this is widely debated between health experts. If you |
| urinary tract infections and eliminates just about any | | | | have concerns, talk to your pediatrician. |