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Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Caring for Your Newborn: Your First Few Weeks at Home [Read/Print full article]
Caring for Your Newborn
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The first few weeks at home are an exciting time and a big transition. You will be busy changing diapers and feeding, holding, and getting to know your new baby.
If you've never bathed a baby before or aren't quite sure what to make of the umbilical cord stump, you are not alone. We have developed a series of resources for new parents like you.
Breastfeeding support
If you have questions or need help breastfeeding, we can help. Please review the information in our breastfeeding articles and newborn care videos, and don't hesitate to contact one of our lactation consultants for advice and support.
Newborn care videos
These brief online videos are a great way to see baby care in action. You'll find advice and easy-to-follow instructions on:
- Feeding your newborn
- Bathing your baby
- Changing diapers
- Caring for the umbilical cord
- Caring for the circumcised penis
- Soothing a fussy baby
Online newsletters for parents
If you haven't already, we encourage you to sign up for our Healthy Babies Online Newsletter.
You'll find information on sleep, feeding, development, safety, and parenting – all tailored to your baby's age. We'll send 14 e-mail newsletters over your baby's first year with information on infant health, reminders to schedule well visits, and parenting tips you can really use.
Being a new parent is a big job. We look forward to supporting you during this time and getting to know your new baby.
Additional References:
Well Visits and Immunizations to Keep Your Baby Healthy
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We want to see all babies for routine well visits, or checkups, several times in the first few months.
This is a chance to get to know your child's doctor and to see how your little one is growing and developing. Well checkups are also an opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Choose a regular doctor for your baby
We encourage you to browse through the professional and personal profiles of pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and family medicine doctors on our website and choose one who is right for your family.
You can also search for a specific pediatrician or specialist in your area. You may want to talk to friends or to another physician you see at Kaiser Permanente and ask whom they would recommend.
Once you're ready to choose a doctor or nurse practitioner, have your child's medical record number handy. You can sign up online, or we can help you get connected with a personal physician by phone.
We hope this will be the beginning of a long relationship: We're here to help you take good care of your family now and in the future.
Well baby checkups
Your baby should have a newborn checkup 48 hours after going home and at 2 weeks and 2 months of age. Typically, we will help you schedule these appointments before you leave the hospital.
Make sure to come to your well baby checkups. These important visits help us make sure that your baby is gaining weight and developing normally.
They are also a great opportunity to get to know your child's doctor and to address any questions or concerns you might have. To learn more about well baby visits, please review our Well Care section.
Important immunizations
One of the single best things you can do to protect your baby from serious diseases is to keep up with all recommended immunizations.
For you and other caregivers:
Whooping cough (also called pertussis) is a contagious disease that can be life threatening to babies. Make sure you have had your Tdap booster shot (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis).
All adults who come into close contact with infants younger than 6 months of age should get this important immunization.
Check to see if you are up to date on your immunizations, including your yearly flu vaccine, with My Preventive Services, an online feature that provides personalized information about important shots and screening tests.
For your baby:
It's not too early to learn more about the immunizations your baby should receive at the 2 month well visit. When you immunize your baby, you are protecting him or her from serious preventable diseases.
For more information about which immunizations are recommended, how vaccines work, and vaccine safety, please review our immunization information.
If you have questions, talk with your pediatrician and get the facts about the tremendous benefits and small risks of immunizing your child. These important shots could save your child's life.
Additional References:
Taking Care of Yourself
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New moms need special care and attention, too. Most women are tired and sore after delivery and need time to heal. It can be challenging to get the rest you need, with all the excitement and nighttime feedings.
Make caring for yourself a priority, so that you can take good care of your baby. It is important to:
- Rest as much as possible. The old saying, "sleep when your baby sleeps" is good advice. While it can be tempting to use your baby's naptime as the opportunity to get the dishes done, your body will thank you for resting instead. It can help to limit visitors and turn off the phone, even for a few hours.
- Try to eat healthy foods. You'll probably find yourself snacking, instead of sitting down to real meals for the first few weeks. It can be tempting to live on whatever is quick and easy, but good nutrition will help your body heal. Eating a variety of healthy foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables and lean protein, can be a challenge, but the nutrients will benefit both your and your baby's health.
- Learn what to expect after a C-section. Whether you have had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, you will need time to heal. If you've had a C-section, you will need additional time to recover. Learn more about how to care for your incision and manage any pain, as well as tricks to help you recover as quickly as possible.
- Watch out for symptoms of postpartum depression. It's normal to have some mood swings and feel teary and overwhelmed at first. We call this "the baby blues." But if the feelings intensify, last longer than a few weeks, or are worrisome, this can be signs of postpartum depression. Learn more about both conditions, and if you start to feel worse instead of better, let your doctor know right away.
Finally, please make sure to come to your 6 week postpartum visit with your doctor or practitioner in Women's Health. This important visit helps us make sure that you are healing normally and adjusting to life with your new baby. It's also a great opportunity to show off your photos.
Additional References:
Related Health Tools:
Interactive Programs
- Breastfeeding (Emmi) Breastfeeding (Emmi)
- New Baby? Follow us on Twitter New Baby? Follow us on Twitter
Newsletters
Videos
- Newborn Care Newborn Care
- El cuidado de su recién nacido (Spanish) El cuidado de su recién nacido (Spanish)
- Vaccines and Your Baby Vaccines and Your Baby
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.