CONNECT PROGRAM

What is Connect?

Capital Area Healthy Start is dedicated to connecting new or expecting moms and families with community programs that can help them during every stage of parenthood. Our Connect program assists pregnant women, caregivers and families with young children by providing a one-stop entry point for needed services, such as education and support in childbirth, newborn care, parenting, child development, food and nutrition, mental health and financial self-sufficiency.

Connect works to identify a family’s needs and link them with a local program that can best serve them, creating a referral process that not only streamlines access to services, but works to build a larger network of care during early childhood.

Self-referring individuals, referring agencies and healthcare providers can contact Healthy Start to begin connecting new mothers and families to the programs that best fit them. For Leon County residents, call (850) 488-0288 ext. 106, and (850) 926-0400 for Wakulla County.

Connect today to ensure a healthier start in life and a better future!

Services

Pregnancy education and support
Childbirth education
Newborn care instruction
Breastfeeding education and support
Parenting education and support
Counseling services
Help to quit smoking
Nutritional education

School readiness
Child development education and support
Family planning education
Car seat safety
Infant safety
Home visiting programs
Other community resources

Participating Programs

Resource Center

Child Development

Activities for Baby

The first six to 12 months of baby’s life are an incredible time, as they change into a tiny person who can sit and play when propped up. Although each baby develops at their own pace, there are ways you can encourage that growth. Listed below are a few links with information on how activities conducive for your child’s development.

Developmental Play

Play is the language of childhood, and teaches children about their world, how to cofunction, and that they have influence. When a child struggles at school or in life, it is often because they do not have the right foundations in place. Developmental Play trains you to give children these foundations. It is like a pyramid where each level builds on an earlier one. Ensuring that each level is solid for a child, which may involve going back to rebuild it, is the key to the success of this approach.

Community Partners

Brehon Family Services

Brehon Family Services improves the lives of families and children in North Florida by providing services and programs that promote healthy families, nurturing parent-child relationships, and healthy babies.

Brehon House supports women in the community who are pregnant and homeless by offering them safe housing, access to education, medical care and childcare. Over 500 women and children have been helped by Brehon House since 1992.

Contact Information:

http://www.brehonfamilyservices.org/

1315 Linda Ann Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32301

850-656-7110

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC

872 W Orange Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32310

850- 606-8300

Florida WIC

4052 Bald Cypress Way

850-245-4202

Health Department

1515 Old Bainbridge Rd

850-404-6300

Jefferson County WIC

Monticello, FL

850-342-0167

Leon County Health & Human Services – Public health department

918 Railroad Ave

850-606-1900

Healthy Families Florida

Healthy Families Florida is a nationally accredited family support and coaching program that helps parents provide the safe and stable environments children need for healthy growth and development. Parents voluntarily participate in services provided in their homes. Specially trained support workers help them improve their parenting skills and achieve goals that increase family stability and self-sufficiency.

Contact Information:

http://www.healthyfamiliesfla.org/about_us.html

111 N Gadsden St, Tallahassee, FL 32301

850-488-1752

Wakulla County OB Provider List

Wakulla County Health Department

48 Oak St, Crawfordville, FL 32327

(850) 926-0400

Robert Frable

2382 Crawfordville Hwy Suite C, Crawfordville, FL 32327

(850) 926-6363

Keen David MD

41 Feli Way, Crawfordville, FL 32327

(850) 926-3140

Physician Partners – Wakulla

15 Council Moore Rd, Crawfordville, FL 32327

(850) 926-7105

Wakulla Medical Center

1328 Coastal Hwy, Panacea, FL 32346

(850) 984-4735

Dr. Andrea C Plagge DO

15 Council Moore Rd, Crawfordville, FL 32327

(850) 926-7105

Aida M. Torres, ARNP

2382 Crawfordville Hwy # C, Crawfordville, FL 32327

(850) 926-6363

Melanin Mothers Meet

Melanin Mothers Meet, or M3, was created in August 2016. M3 hosts events, workshops, conference calls, seminars and retreats catered to elevating mothers/women of color on health, spiritual wellness, education & finance/business. Melanin Mothers Meet provides practical tools/resources to support and educate African American women/mothers on how to have healthy pregnancies, postpartum care, and successful breastfeeding experiences.

Storks Nest

Stork’s Nest Tallahassee Inc.

2813 S Meridian St, Tallahassee, FL 32301

850-513-3003

Mental Health Resources

PlayBig

PlayBig promotes play for all children. We believe in the superpowers of the coach-athlete relationship fostering mutual respect, trust, and achievement. Neuro-typical and neuro-challenged child athletes thrive when moving, engaging, and connecting. PlayBig offers a safe and stimulating space for each child athlete to playfully work alongside teammates and supportive coaches.

Contact Information:

http://www.playbigtherapy.com/

4500 W Shannon Lakes, Tallahassee, FL 32309

850-942-2000

Leon County OB Provider List

Tallahassee Ob Gyn

1842 Jaclif Ct, Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 877-0869

Capital Regional Ob/Gyn Associates

2770 Capital Park Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32301

(850) 656-8170

Gynecology and Obstetrics Associates of Tallahassee

1405 Centerville Rd #4200, Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 848-4628

Chukwuma Okoroji, MD

2473 Care Dr #102, Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 270-4619

Nature Coast Women’s Care and Family Medicine

2473 Care Dr #102, Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 320-6054

North Florida Women’s Care

(850) 877-7241

Capital Regional Ob/Gyn

2626 Care Dr #101, Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 656-8170

Morales Bert MD

2001 Miccosukee Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 878-5151

Shawn Ramsey

2414 E Plaza Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 702-9730

Michael Douso

2626 Care Dr Suite 105, Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 402-3104

A.J. Brickler III, MD

1401 Centerville Rd #202, Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 877-7241

Capital Regional Women’s Health

2770 Capital Medical Blvd Suite 200-B, Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 702-9730

Women’s Pavilion

1300 Miccosukee Rd #5054, Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 431-1155

Azalea Women’s Healthcare

1641 Mahan Center Blvd Suite #2, Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 877-5767

Elite Women’s Health

3217 Capital Medical Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308

(850) 320-7693

Bond Community Health Center Inc.

1720 S Gadsden St, Tallahassee, FL 32301

(850) 576-4073

Community Resources

Wakulla Health Department

http://wakulla.floridahealth.gov/

48 Oak St, Crawfordville, FL 32327

850-926-0400

Tallahassee Housing Authority

The Tallahassee Housing Authority is a quasi-governmental agency established in 1946 by State of Florida Statute 421.04 to provide persons of low-income affordable housing. The Tallahassee Housing Authority helps families, within the Tallahassee, Leon County area.

The Authority was established as a result of the United States Housing Act of 1937 and provides and advocates for attractive and affordable living environments for low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Programs are subject to the requirements of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

https://www.tallha.org/

2940 Grady Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32312

850-385-6126

The Early Learning Coalition

The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region (ELC) is a private not-for-profit organization that provides services to families, children, and child care providers in the seven counties that comprise northern Florida’s Big Bend Region: Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla.

The ELC works collaboratively with families, their children, and local childcare providers to help prepare children for success in school and support families’ ability to work. Through effective parent education and professional development for childcare professionals, the ELC connects the home and school by sharing critical information and resources on child development and how to best support each child’s individual growth.

Family support services including tuition assistance programs, childcare information services, and community referrals that support each families’ individual success by connecting them to the information and resources they need. The ELC works with families to connect them to quality childcare options and support them in choosing a program that best meets their child’s needs.

https://www.elcbigbend.org/

2639 N Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32303

850- 385-0504

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida – Tallahassee helps in emergencies with such basic needs as

Financial
Food
Prescription
Housing
Utilities

The staff is acutely aware of services provided within the agency and the community at large, and knowledgeable about researching new resources that can benefit those in need.

Catholic Charities attempts to assist all applicants with the emergency situation they face and by providing financial counseling and referrals to other resources appropriate. Catholic Charities does not have income eligibility restrictions. Appointments are also assessed by the intake staff and referred to the appropriate caseworker or community resource.

1380 Blountstown Hwy, Tallahassee, FL 32304

850-222-2180

Capital Area Community Action Agency

The Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc. (Community Action), is a private non-profit organization-501(c)(3) created in 1965 as the Leon County-Tallahassee Community Action Program to serve only Leon County residents.

Their Mission is to provide a comprehensive, seamless system of services and resources to reduce the detrimental effects of poverty, empower low-income citizens with skills and motivation to become self-sufficient, and improve the overall quality of their lives, and our community.

http://capitalareacommunityactionagency.com/

309 Office Plaza Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32301

850-222-2043

Leon County Health Department

http://leon.floridahealth.gov/

1515 Old Bainbridge Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303

850-404-6300

Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend

Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend is a United Way member agency providing Early Head Start services to families at five locations. We continue to demonstrate through our leadership and services that we are a provider of high-quality early childhood and family services.

Kids Incorporated is the only community-based organization providing quality, comprehensive services and addressing the issues of at-risk families with children ages 0-3 and pregnant women in Jefferson, Leon & Madison counties, Florida.

https://www.kidsincorporated.org

2326 Centerville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308

850-414-9800

Other Resources

Florida Medicaid Information

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308

1-888-419-3456

Tobacco Free Florida

Florida Agency for Health Care

2-1-1 Big Bend

Parenting

Nutrition for Baby at Different Stages

However, nutritional needs vary from one life stage to another.

As we go through life, we move through different stages of development, each with its own biological, psychological, and social characteristics. We need essential amino acids, carbohydrate, essential fatty acids, and 28 vitamins and minerals to sustain life and health. Listed below are a few links with more information on nutrition for baby at different stages in development.

Coping with Crying/Shaken Baby Syndrome

Taking care of your baby can be fun and enjoyable. But, when your baby won’t stop crying, it can be uncomfortable for you and your caregivers. It is normal for your baby to cry. A baby may cry two or three hours a day-sometimes more! Non-stop crying is difficult for all parents to cope with. There are ways to calm your baby and ways to handle your frustration. We’ve listed a few links below with more information.

Well Care Checks for Baby

Children have more well-child visits when they are younger because development is faster during these years. At your well care visits, there should be a complete physical exam where the health care provider will check the child’s growth and development to find or prevent problems.

Your provider will record your child’s height, weight, and other important information. Hearing, vision, and other screening tests will be part of some of your visits. Even if your child is healthy, well-child visits are a good time to focus on your child’s wellness. If you have any questions or concerns, write them down prior to your visit and bring them with you. This will help you get the most out of the visit. Listed below are a few links with more information.

Safe Sleep for Infants

SIDS kills over 100 babies in Florida every year. Florida SIDS Alliance provides family support, fund research, and education about reducing SIDS/ other infant death rates.

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the death of an infant that remains unexplained after a complete autopsy, death scene investigation, and review of medical history.

SIDS is the number one cause of death for infants between the ages of one month and one year.
SIDS sometimes know as “crib death,” strikes over 2,500 families each year. As many as 2,000 others die suddenly and without explanation.
More babies die of SIDS than die of AIDS, cystic fibrosis, childhood cancer, pneumonia, child abuse, and childhood heart disease during their first fourteen years.

For safe sleep practices for your infant, follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and NICHD.

Back to sleep for every sleep.
Bumper pads should not be used in cribs.
Pregnant women should receive prenatal care.
Avoid smoke exposure during pregnancy and after birth.
Avoid alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth.
Breastfeeding is recommended.
Consider offering a clean, dry pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
Avoid overheating.
Infants should be immunized in accordance with recommendations of the AAP and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Avoid commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Do not use home cardiorespiratory monitors as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended to facilitate development and to minimize development of flat head.

More information can be found at www.nichd.nih.gov/SIDS or www.sidsfla.org, and also by calling toll free 1-800-SIDS-FLA.

Information on Immunization

Because mothers pass antibodies to their babies before birth, they are born with protection from some diseases. Infants that are breastfed continue to get more antibodies in breast milk. But in both cases, the protection is temporary. Immunization or vaccinations are given as a way to create immunity to or protection from some diseases. This is done by using small amounts of a killed or weakened germ that causes the disease. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to react as if there were a real infection. It fends off the “infection” and remembers the germ. Then, it can fight the germ if it enters the body later. Listed below are a few links with more information.

Developmental Play

Tummy Time

Tummy time is a period in which experts recommend that babies sleep on their back to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Most babies spend a lot of time lying on their back, so tummy time gives your baby the chance to try a new position and helps prevent them getting a flat spot on their head. Tummy time builds your baby’s head, neck and upper body strength, and helps to develop the skills they’ll need to crawl, roll over, sit up and stand.

Importance of Reading to Infants

Because you are never too young for books, reading to babies as young as six months old, leads to stronger vocabularies and better early literacy skills. Getting a head start is beneficial for school and children’s literacy skills.

Safe Sleep

Suffocation is the leading cause of preventable infant death. Follow all these tips by the American Academy of Pediatrics to keep your baby as safe as possible during naps and sleep.

Place baby on his or her BACK to SLEEP. This is the safest way for babies to sleep. They should be placed on their backs to sleep in their cribs or bassinets. Your baby should have his or her own crib, bassinet or pack n play.
NEVER co-sleep or share a bed with your baby. Sharing a sleep space with your baby greatly increases the chance of accidental suffocation.
It is safe to share a room with your baby by placing the crib, bassinet or pack n play next to your bed.
Keep loose objects out of the crib including pillows, blankets, toys and bumper pads.
Never use a boppy pillow, pillow or wedge to place baby to sleep.
Eliminate any smoke exposure. Smoke exposure is known to increase the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Use a pacifier to help soothe your baby and prevent Sudden Infant Death (SIDS).
Tell all of your caregivers to place your baby on his or her back to sleep because babies who regularly sleep on their backs have an 18 times greater risk of SIDS if they are placed on their tummies to sleep.
Practice tummy time often but only with adult supervision.

Choosing Quality Childcare

Choosing quality childcare is one of the most important things you will do as a parent. When choosing, you will want to look for a provider that fosters a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children. Below are a few links with information and checklists to get you started.

Mental Health

During pregnancy, it is common to feel stressed. Your body goes through significant changes. Your emotions change leaving your mental health in jeopardy. Sometimes these changes are welcomed but most times high levels of stress may cause health problems. During pregnancy, stress can increase the chances of having a premature baby (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or a low-birthweight baby (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces). Babies born too soon or too small are at increased risk for health problems.

Developmental Reading

Even as babies, children build reading skills that set the foundation for learning to read. Kids develop reading skills at their own pace, so the exact timetable will be different based on the child individually. Although it seems babies are too young to enjoy being read to, they’re learning something new at every stage. Early reading promotes brain development, builds vocabulary, builds brain processing speeds, and more.

Parenting Classes

Safe Sleep Links

Developmental Milestones

Every child is different, but experts have a clear idea about the range of normal development from birth to age 5 — and signs that a child might have a developmental delay. Milestones are behavioral or physical checkpoints in children’s development as they grow. All our developmental milestones are validated by American Academy of Pediatrics findings. These are the core skills all children should be reaching.

Below you will find links to websites that provide information on milestones organized by period of development, and tips on when to contact a health professional about your concerns. Remember — there is no penalty for being cautious about your growing child, and if there is a problem acting early can make all the difference.

Post-Partum

Importance of Keeping Postpartum Appointments

According to the March of Dimes, a postpartum checkup is a medical checkup you get after having a baby to make sure you’re recovering well from labor and birth. Postpartum checkups are an essential part of your overall pregnancy care. It is necessary because new moms are at risk of severe and sometimes life-threatening health complications in the days and weeks after giving birth. Too many new moms have or even die from health problems that may be prevented by getting postpartum care. Listed below are a few links with more information.

Reproductive Life Planning

A reproductive life plan simply provides individuals with structured formats to think about their desires related to having or not having children and establish goals based on those desires. RLPs are short statements that are consistent with personal values and current life circumstances; plans can evolve as an individual progresses through life Whether or not you have written them down, you have probably thought about your goals for having or not having children and how to achieve those goals. It is important to have a plan and act. Every woman, man, and couple can benefit from having a reproductive life plan based on her, his, or their own personal values, goals, and resources.

Nutrition After Baby

In the months following childbirth, most new moms need anywhere from 1,800 to 2,200 calories each day. If mom is nursing, she will need about 500 additional calories. If mom is underweight, works out more than 45 minutes a day, or is breastfeeding more than one infant, that number increases. Talk to your doctor to figure out the right amount for you and to determine continuation of vitamin supplementation. Listed below are links with more information regarding nutrition after baby.

Taking Care of Mommy – Exercises

If you’re eager to get moving, you might be wondering when it’s safe to return to exercise after giving birth and what types of workouts are best in the first few weeks and months. While your pregnancy, delivery method, and any complications you experienced during delivery will dictate your exercise guidelines, the most critical factor to consider is how you feel. Easing into any workout after giving birth is key to your fitness plan’s long-term success and your overall health. In other words, try to be patient and realistic about what you’re capable of doing.

Taking Care of Mommy – Sleep

Sleep loss is a common, typical experience after the arrival of a baby. However, if you develop insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or returning to sleep, you should seek help. Addressing sleep problems as soon as possible may help to reduce the risk of postpartum depression. We’ve listed a few links below with more information.

Taking Care of Mommy – Mindfulness

Postpartum depression is one of the prevalent disorders among new mothers. The effectiveness of mindfulness on reducing postpartum depression symptoms has been proven when used instead of conventional options. Below are a few links with more information.

Taking Care of Mommy – Stress Reduction

A baby’s birth challenges you in many ways: hormonally, physically, emotionally, psychologically, and chemically. You’re likely to feel exhausted, excited, frustrated, worried, and happy — all at the same time. No wonder you feel stressed out. It’s essential to take care of yourself, especially during the early months of your baby’s life.

Mental Health

Postpartum depression includes symptoms such as insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability, and difficulty bonding with the baby. If left untreated, the condition may last months or longer. Treatment can include counseling, antidepressants, or hormone therapy. We’ve listed a few links below for more information on the topic.

Postpartum Depression

Having a baby can stir up a multitude of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. It can also result in depression. It is common for most new moms to experience “baby blues” that typically begin the first two to three days after delivery. These may only last up to two weeks. Some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression.

Another rare but extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis may also develop after childbirth. Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or a weakness. Most times it’s simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help you bond with your baby. Below are a few links with more information on the topic.

Preconception Health

Folic Acid

Whether a woman is planning to get pregnant or not, she needs folic acid. Folic acid is a B Vitamin that our bodies use to make new cells. It is needed to produce healthy skin, hair, and nails. Folic acid is used in supplements and fortified foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and some breakfast cereals, so taking a combination of the two is a great way to get the recommended amount each day. Listed below are a few links with more information.

Avoidance of Alcohol

No amount of alcohol for a pregnant woman and the fetus is safe so it is important to avoid it altogether. Exposure puts baby at risk no matter what stage of pregnancy mom is in. Additionally, alcohol consumption negatively affects men’s sperm cells. As the sperm fertilizes the woman’s egg, it introduces the effects of the alcohol to the newly fertilized embryo. For more information on the topic see links below.

Preconception Nutrition

What you decide to put in your body or avoid putting in your body matters when it comes to getting pregnant and sustaining a healthier pregnancy. There are specific do’s and don’ts concerning the topic. Below are a few links with more information.

Reproductive Life Planning

Avoidance of Smoking

Not only does smoking increase the risk of health problems for mom and baby while baby is developing, but it also makes it harder for mom to conceive. Some of the risk include preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. It also increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The choice to quit smoking at any time during pregnancy—especially early on―can give your baby a healthier start in life. For more information, see the links listed below.

Congratulations Pregnancy Checklist

You’re pregnant and you’ve received all the congrats that you can. What’s the next step? Listed below are some links to get that checklist figured out!

Mental Health Resources

Whether or not you’re planning to conceive, anyone can benefit from preconception health. Part of preconception health is about an individual becoming and staying healthy overall, all throughout life. One of the best things a woman can do for herself is to take good care of her health, mental health included. Following are a few links with information for great mental health habits for women.

Resources for Grandparents

Resources for Grandparents

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the death of an infant that remains unexplained after a complete autopsy, death scene investigation, and review of medical history.

SIDS is the number one cause of death for infants between the ages of one month and one year.
SIDS sometimes known as “crib death,” strikes over 2,500 families each year. As many as 2,000 others die suddenly and without explanation.
More babies die of SIDS than die of AIDS, cystic fibrosis, childhood cancer, pneumonia, child abuse, and childhood heart disease during their first fourteen years.

10 Simple Steps, Parents, Grandparents, and Caregivers Can Follow to Reduce the Risks of SIDS and Accidental Infant Deaths

Always place babies on their BACK to sleep.
Do not fall asleep with a baby in an adult bed or on a sofa, Babies sleep safest in their own crib or bassinet placed near your bed for the first six months.
Do not expose baby to second-hand smoke, while mother is pregnant and after they are born.
For safest sleep, use a safety-approved crib or bassinet with a firm mattress covered with only a tight-fitting crib sheet.
Do not place babies to sleep on soft surfaces (adult beds, sofas, waterbeds, blankets, quilts, sheepskins).
Do not use loose blankets in a baby’s crib. Keep babies warm and safe with a wearable blanket o other type sleeper.
Remove all soft bedding and other soft items from the crib (including soft or pillow-like bumpers).
Take care not to overheat babies with too much clothing or too warm of room.
Use a pacifier at nap and nighttime for the first year. For breastfed infants, delay use until 1 month of age to ensure establishment of breastfeeding.
Educate everyone who cares for babies about these important safety tips.

For more information visit www.sidsfla.org or call toll free 1-800-SIDS-FLA. You can also visit First Candle at www.firstcandle.org or call 1-800-221-7437 and Halo SleepSack Wearable Blankets at www.halosleep.com or call 1-888-999-Halo to order blankets safe for sleeping.

Developmental Milestones

Developmental Play

Safe Sleep Links

Nutrition for Baby

Healthy nutrition practices are great for baby during the first 2 years of life and is vital for healthy growth and development. Being proactive can help children develop healthy dietary patterns. We have listed a few links below that share practical strategies on feeding healthy foods and drinks to infants and toddlers, from birth to 24 months of age. Parents, Grandparents, and other caregivers can explore these links to find nutrition information to help give their children a healthy start in life.

Developmental Reading

Tummy Time

Resources for Partners

Links for Safe Sleep

Safe Sleep for Infants

SIDS kills over 100 babies in Florida every year. Florida SIDS Alliance provides family support, fund research, and education about reducing SIDS/ other infant death rates.

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the death of an infant that remains unexplained after a complete autopsy, death scene investigation, and review of medical history.

SIDS is the number one cause of death for infants between the ages of one month and one year.
SIDS sometimes know as “crib death,” strikes over 2,500 families each year. As many as 2,000 others die suddenly and without explanation.
More babies die of SIDS than die of AIDS, cystic fibrosis, childhood cancer, pneumonia, child abuse, and childhood heart disease during their first fourteen years.

For safe sleep practices for your infant, follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and NICHD.

Back to sleep for every sleep.
Bumper pads should not be used in cribs.
Pregnant women should receive prenatal care.
Avoid smoke exposure during pregnancy and after birth.
Avoid alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth.
Breastfeeding is recommended.
Consider offering a clean, dry pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
Avoid overheating.
Infants should be immunized in accordance with recommendations of the AAP and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Avoid commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Do not use home cardiorespiratory monitors as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended to facilitate development and to minimize development of flat head.

More information can be found at www.nichd.nih.gov/SIDS or www.sidsfla.org, and also by calling toll free 1-800-SIDS-FLA.

Developmental Reading

Supporting Mom Through Breastfeeding

Every mom’s breastfeeding journey is different, and because it is harder than one would think, everyone could use a little support. Even the smallest of gestures can go a long way—in fact, research shows breastfeeding support can help prevent postpartum depression and boost women’s breastfeeding outcome. A few ways to start with helping is to know the hunger cues, participate in the process, join the night shift, offer to wash the pump parts and more.

Safe Sleep

Suffocation is the leading cause of preventable infant death. Follow all these tips by the American Academy of Pediatrics to keep your baby as safe as possible during naps and sleep.

Place baby on his or her BACK to SLEEP. This is the safest way for babies to sleep. They should be placed on their backs to sleep in their cribs or bassinets. Your baby should have his or her own crib, bassinet or pack n play.
NEVER co-sleep or share a bed with your baby. Sharing a sleep space with your baby greatly increases the chance of accidental suffocation.
It is safe to share a room with your baby by placing the crib, bassinet or pack n play next to your bed.
Keep loose objects out of the crib including pillows, blankets, toys and bumper pads.
Never use a boppy pillow, pillow or wedge to place baby to sleep.
Eliminate any smoke exposure. Smoke exposure is known to increase the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Use a pacifier to help soothe your baby and prevent Sudden Infant Death (SIDS).
Tell all of your caregivers to place your baby on his or her back to sleep because babies who regularly sleep on their backs have an 18 times greater risk of SIDS if they are placed on their tummies to sleep.
Practice tummy time often but only with adult supervision.

Developmental Play