Bringing home a new baby is an exciting time for everyone in the family, and often a time with many questions. And during those first few days, new parents may feel excited, yet overwhelmed about caring for this tiny, new, helpless human.

New parents probably have a lot of expectations about motherhood and fatherhood, but the most important thing is to be flexible. Babies are unpredictable, and in the beginning, it may feel like everything revolves around what the baby needs. But if parents give themselves time to adapt to their new life, eventually, they’ll settle into a new routine.

“Intermountain’s childbirth education classes are a wonderful place to learn the basics of newborn care. You even get to practice things like changing a diaper and swaddling, with a baby nurse there to guide you,” said Lauren Davis, BSN, a nurse and childbirth education coordinator with Intermountain Health Park City Hospital.

Davis offers these answers to some of the most common topics parents to be ask her about:

 Safe sleep

Babies are safest when they sleep on their backs in their own bassinet or crib. Avoid co-sleeping or falling asleep with a baby under six months old in your bed. Do not smoke, drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or misuse prescription drugs. Studies show avoiding these practices helps lower the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome or sudden unexpected post-natal collapse.

 Weigh the pros and cons of visitors

There can be a lot of pressure to have visitors, but it’s okay to set boundaries or say “no” or ask visitors if they’ve been ill or ask them to be up to date on their vaccinations, or wear a mask, especially during flu and respiratory virus season.

On the other hand, having a newborn is a time to ask for help. It’s a good time for parents to think who in their life they can rely on to safely give them a break when they need it. Having someone come hold the baby while mom naps can be a lifesaver!

How often to feed your baby

Many parents wonder how often to feed their newborn. Newborn babies have tiny stomachs, so they need to eat often. At birth their stomach is the size of a cherry and by one week it’s the size of an apricot and by one month it’s the size of an egg. It’s normal for newborns to “cluster feed,” especially at night for the first few days and then again during growth spurts. During these times, the baby may want to eat every 30-45 minutes for several hours in a row and that is normal! Go with it. The baby is the boss. Breastfeeding works by supply and demand. The more frequently mom nurses the baby, the more breastmilk she will produce.

Diaper duty

Be sure to keep baby clean and dry by changing wet and soiled diapers. This will help prevent diaper rash. Baby’s first few bowel movements are called meconium and are dark black and sticky. Then as they begin breastfeeding or drinking formula, bowel movements become more yellow and runny. When cleaning baby’s bottom, wipe down away from reproductive organs to keep germs from getting into those openings. If your baby is not producing frequent wet or dirty diapers, call your provider.

Handle newborns with care

Remember newborns cannot hold up their own head, so they’ll need to their neck supported carefully when being held or handing the baby to someone else or placing the baby in an infant car seat, front pack, swing or stroller. Make sure the baby’s car seat is installed according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Bath time bonding

Bath time is a great way for your partner to participate in baby’s care. Use a baby bathtub to help make bathing easier and safer. Baby bath products and shampoo are designed for baby’s sensitive skin and to not irritate baby’s eyes. Be gentle and careful when bathing a baby. Babies are slippery when wet! Never leave a baby unattended in bathwater.

When cleaning the belly button, just clean the area with soap and water. The remains of the umbilical cord will fall off naturally.

 Newborn skin care

Most newborn skin peels a lot for the first few weeks. Parents can apply baby lotion after their bath or put a little baby oil in their bathwater to help moisturize their skin.

Newborns get a lot of different kinds of rashes. Baby acne is common in the first few weeks. If parents are concerned about a rash, call the baby’s provider, ask about it at the baby’s well check-up, or schedule a TeleHealth visit through Intermountain Connect Care.

Importance of well-baby checkups

Be sure to go to baby’s well check-ups at pediatrician or primary care provider clinic. These are recommended beginning at two weeks of age and then at two months, four months, six months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months and 24 months. These check-ups help parents know if their baby is gaining weight and growing and developing normally. This is also when a baby will receive important vaccines to prevent common childhood illnesses and important screenings are done for hearing and vision, etc.

For more information about virtual or in-person childbirth preparation classes or to find a pediatrician, visit the pregnancy and baby page on intermountainhealth.org

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,900 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information or updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.

Lucas Plumbing & Gas Solutions, a renowned plumbing and gas service provider in Adelaide, is bringing to the forefront the critical role of regular plumbing maintenance in commercial establishments. The company is advocating for proactive servicing of plumbing and gas systems to ensure operational efficiency and long-term cost savings for businesses in Adelaide.

In the fast-paced commercial sector, unexpected plumbing issues can cause significant disruptions. Recognizing this, Lucas Plumbing & Gas Solutions offers tailored maintenance programs designed to prevent such problems, thereby ensuring that businesses can operate smoothly without unforeseen interruptions.

“Our goal is to help businesses in Adelaide thrive by eliminating potential plumbing and gas-related setbacks,” said Shane Lucas, Founder of Lucas Plumbing & Gas Solutions. “Regular plumbing maintenance is key to ensuring that these systems function efficiently, which in turn supports the overall productivity of a commercial establishment.”

The comprehensive maintenance services provided by Lucas Plumbing & Gas Solutions include routine inspections, timely repairs, and upgrades of plumbing and gas systems. These services are crucial for not only maintaining a safe and compliant environment but also for preventing costly emergency repairs and downtime.

“Efficient plumbing and gas systems are often overlooked as factors contributing to a business’s success,” added Shane Lucas, a spokesperson for the company. “By ensuring these systems are regularly maintained, businesses can often see significant savings in operational costs and a noticeable improvement in staff efficiency.”

Lucas Plumbing & Gas Solutions is committed to delivering high-quality commercial plumbing services in Adelaide which are reliable and cost effective. Their team of skilled professionals is equipped to handle the unique demands of commercial plumbing and gas systems, offering solutions that are both effective and cost-efficient.

About Lucas Plumbing and Gas Solutions

Lucas Plumbing and Gas Solutions offer a wide range of services for Adelaide commercial and residential properties.

Agile Evolutionary Group CEO, Dr. Michael T. Conner, Ed.D., has proudly announced the second annual Black Excellence Series on the Voices for Excellence Podcast. This series, launching in February to align with Black History Month, will feature an exceptional lineup of guests, spotlighting the accomplishments and insights of Black leaders and innovators.

The Black Excellence Series is a curated collection of conversations hosted by Dr. Conner that aims to showcase the depth and diversity of Black talent in education and supporting industries and disciplines. This series provides a platform for influential voices to share their stories, experiences, and wisdom, fostering inspiration and empowerment within the education community.

“Representation matters more than ever,” says Dr. Conner, “specifically in education. The Black Excellence Series is about amplifying voices that often go unheard and inspiring the next generation of Black leaders in education. I am honored to bring together such a remarkable group of individuals to share their journeys and insights with our audience.”

The Black Excellence Series will be available on the Voices for Excellence Podcast starting in February. Listeners can expect engaging and insightful discussions, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the power of Black excellence.

Dr. Michael T. Conner, Ed.D., a distinguished educator and CEO of Agile Evolutionary Group, is dedicated to eliminating biases in statistical models. He holds a B.A. in elementary education from Lasell University, pursued advanced studies at the University of Bridgeport and Southern Connecticut State University, and earned his Ed.D. from Cambridge College. Dr. Conner also holds a Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics from Harvard University and an Advanced Certificate in Management, Innovation, and Technology from MIT.

For more news and information on Dr. Michael T. Conner, Ed. D., please visit his Linkedin profile.

The Rise 2 Greatness Foundation (R2G Foundation), in association with Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), the City of Brandon, and Brandon Parks and Recreation, successfully carried out its mission to inspire, support, and create a pathway for underserved and poverty-stricken children within America’s most at-risk communities. Their collaborative initiative hosted a free Rise 2 Greatness youth baseball/softball camp on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Shiloh Park in Brandon, Mississippi, and an invitation-only combine on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Jackson State University Baseball Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi.

The camp, attended by over 400 children from Brandon and Jackson, provided a unique baseball and softball experience under the guidance of local players and Major League Baseball veterans. Each child received gear and equipment, including a glove, a camp t-shirt, a swag bag with a signed Rawlings baseball, and a wiffle bat and ball set, all at no cost.

“Brandon Parks and Recreation is honored to have been selected as one of the locations for the Rise 2 Greatness camp and combine,” said Brandon Parks and Recreation General Manager, Jennifer Byrd. “This exciting event greatly benefits the underserved children of our area by allowing them the opportunity to learn the sport of baseball through former MLB players. For the older participants, it’s a chance to showcase their skills in front of college scouts. Thousands of youth are positively impacted through this wonderful organization, and we are humbled to have been chosen to host an event that will impact so many lives in our community.”

On December 16, the R2G Foundation held one of its first invite-only combines for up to 150 athletes from the Brandon and Jackson area at the Jackson State University Baseball Stadium. This event provided exposure for minority and underserved players aged 10-17, who showcased their skills to professional scouts and college coaches. Participants also received a scouting report from R2G Foundation’s professional scouting team.

Support from multiple partners, including Sports Facilities Companies, the City of Brandon, Brandon Parks and Recreation, Skillshow, Goatnet, New Balance, Minority Baseball Prospects, Mentoring Viable Prospects, The Sandlot, Subway, Little Caesers, and Buffalo Wild Wings, made these events possible. They all share R2G Foundation’s commitment to grow the sports of baseball and softball.

The R2G Foundation, formerly known as The Perfect Game Cares Foundation, continued its efforts to foster baseball and softball playing opportunities for children across the nation. The Jerry Ford Grow the Game Fund, a significant part of the R2G Foundation, expanded its reach into Mississippi with a focus on removing economic barriers that inhibit children from experiencing the joy of playing baseball and softball.

“Great things happen when like-minded people come together to help,” said Rise 2 Greatness Executive Director Jennifer Ford. “We continue to be amazed by the unwavering support and partnership of Sports Facilities Companies, and we look forward to future joint endeavors. The commitment of those working in the amateur space of Brandon and Jackson is awe-inspiring, and we look forward to continuing to Grow the Game in these communities.”

The Jerry Ford Grow the Game Fund thrives on generous donations from corporate partners and individuals passionate about removing barriers that stand between children from underserved communities and their chance to fall in love with baseball and softball.

“Anyone with a heart can’t help but love the hundreds of young kids we see when holding our Grow the Game camps,” said Perfect Game and Rise 2 Greatness Founder, Jerry Ford. “These children are extremely talented. They truly deserve every opportunity to become successful in life, which is why we have expanded our programming to include a combined series that provides exposure for minority and underserved athletes. That is our mission at Rise 2 Greatness. It takes a small army to make this happen, and we can’t thank everyone involved enough.”

For more information about the Rise 2 Greatness Foundation and the Jerry Ford Grow the Game Fund, please visit www.Rise2Greatness.org.

About Brandon Parks and Recreation

The City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Department (a part of the SF Network) which is managed by Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), serves youth & adults in various athletic & non-athletic programs. Brandon’s parks offer locals and visiting sports tourists multiple options to stay active, including seventeen diamonds, eleven multi-purpose fields, a splash pad, playgrounds, and trails.

Diamond Recovery Centers, a leading addiction and mental health treatment center, is proud to announce the newest addition to their staff, Darci Shelton, as the Executive Director/Compliance Officer. With an extensive background in the Mental Health and Substance Use industry, Darci brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for helping others on their journey to recovery.

With nearly 10 years of experience in the field, Darci has held various titles including Executive Director, Director of Admissions, Community Relations Manager, Operations Director, and Case Manager. Her dedication to the industry stems from a personal journey of overcoming addiction, which she considers a life-saving opportunity provided by a treatment center. Since then, Darci has dedicated herself to helping individuals struggling with mental health and addiction, experiencing first-hand the difficulties and pain associated with these challenges.

“Diamond Recovery Centers is thrilled to welcome Darci Shelton as our new Executive Director/Compliance Officer. Her experience and passion for this industry make her a valuable addition to our team,” said Travis Whittaker, Owner of Diamond Recovery Centers. “Darci’s journey of recovery, coupled with her empathy and compassion, truly sets her apart. We are confident that her leadership and dedication will greatly contribute to the growth and success of our rehab center in Kaysville, Utah.”

Darci Shelton is known for her empathetic and compassionate nature, always ready to lend a listening ear and provide support to those in need. Her quiet and kind energy, combined with her firm boundaries and confident leadership abilities, make her an exceptional leader in the field. In her spare time, Darci enjoys spending quality time with her husband, three dogs, and daughter. She also enjoys activities such as lifting weights, spending time outdoors, walking her dogs, and vacationing with her husband.

Diamond Recovery Centers is excited to have Darci Shelton onboard and looks forward to the positive impact she will bring to their mission of providing compassionate care and support to individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

To contact Diamond Recovery Centers, visit their website at diamondrecoverycenter.com

About Diamond Recovery Centers

Diamond Recovery Centers is a leading addiction and mental health treatment facility in Kaysville, Utah. They offer a wide range of services such as detox, residential, partial hospitalization, outpatient, sober living, and interventions.