Abstract
• The birth of an infant is one of the most memorable experiences a family shares. Pediatric health care professionals are privileged to participate in this experience and recognize it as a time to promote the health of the newborn and family. • Ideally, a well-designed care system would be replete with comprehensive supports during the prenatal period, birth, and transition to home. • Opportunities exist to improve the care we deliver with universal screening of all pregnant women; coordinated assessments of family health, including mental health; and access to coordinated supports and services for mother and infant. • If 90% of US families could comply with medical recommendations to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, it is estimated the United States would save billions of dollars per year and prevent more than 900 deaths, nearly all of which would be in infants. • All infants, whether breastfed or formula fed, should receive 400 IU supplemental vitamin D. • Influenza and TdaP vaccination of postpartum mothers and other caregivers helps cocoon the vulnerable infant from influenza and pertussis until he or she can be fully vaccinated. • When children reach the highest weight or length allowed by the manufacturer of their infant-only seat, they should continue to ride rear-facing in a convertible seat. It is best for children to ride rear-facing as long as possible to the highest weight and height allowed by the manufacturer of their convertible seat.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 4-18 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Pediatrics in review |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2012 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine