Routine hospital tests
Just after birth (and hopefully after a little mother–baby bonding time), the hospital
performs routine exams, tests, and vaccinations on your baby. Here are some of the
most common procedures:
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The Apgar test: Designed to determine whether your baby needs to be closely
monitored, the Apgar measures heart rate, breathing, color, muscle tone, and
response to stimulation.
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Vitamin K shot: Because newborns may be deficient in vitamin K, it is routine to
give babies an injection that aids in blood clotting and reduces the risk of abnor-
mal bleeding.
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Eye ointment: An antibiotic is put into your baby’s eyes to prevent any germs
that she may have had contact with during labor from causing an infection.
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Blood tests: Most hospitals test for your baby’s blood type, Rh factor, sickle cell
disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), hypothyroidism, and galactosemia. Many hos-
pitals routinely check for other diseases as well.
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Hearing screening test: Many hospitals routinely offer hearing screening tests
immediately after delivery.The advantages of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding offer many benefits to both you and your baby. We certainly recog-
nize that everybody’s situation is different, and for some women (due to health
issues, work schedules, or other concerns), breastfeeding is out of the question.
But if breastfeeding is possible for you, or if you are on the fence about whether to
breastfeed or use formula, keep these things in mind:
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Breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of you developing breast cancer.
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Breast milk is more easily digested than formula and produces less allergies in
your baby.
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Breast milk contains antibodies that boost your baby’s immune system.
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Breast milk is free!
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Your uterus will shrink back to its normal size faster if you breastfeed.
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Breastfeeding burns approximately 500 to 1,000 calories a day.
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Breast milk helps premature babies “catch up” faster!
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Breastfeeding releases hormones that help mothers relax.