Bringing baby home is the beginning of the adventure. Schedule a little quiet time for the entire family to rest, relax and get acquainted. Limit the number of visitors if you need to, but don't hesitate to accept help taking care of baby from thoughtful relatives and friends if they offer, you'll be glad you did.

In the rush to begin taking care of baby, don't forget to:

• Schedule baby's first visit to the pediatrician. Be sure to ask about baby's immunizations, and keep your own record as a backup. You can use the chart below as a guide.

• Get a Social Security number for baby. The easiest time to do this may be when you give information for your child’s birth certificate.  Otherwise, you can apply at a Social Security office.  For more information visit www.ssa.gov. You'll need to list your child's Social Security number on your tax return when claiming a dependency exemption for the child for the first full tax year after birth. Failure to do so may subject you to a monetary fine. For more information, call the Internal Revenue Service office in your area or toll free at 800-829-1040.
• Childproof your home. Taking care of baby includes placing childproof locks on cabinets, covering electrical outlets, keeping toilet lids down and placing safety gates securely in front of stairs and basement doors. You’ll also need to store medications, cleaning products, and all poisonous or hazardous substances out of reach.  Be sure these safety measures are in place before your baby becomes mobile.

Taking Care of New Moms

A new member of the family means you’ll need to establish new routines. In the rush to find some order, don’t forget to schedule the new Mom’s follow-up appointment with her doctor.  Changes in routines can be stressful, so try to arrange for new Moms to have as much help as possible.

Mood swings – feeling happy one moment and weepy the next – are common among new moms.  Other common symptoms include sadness, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, appetite changes, and changes in sleep patterns.  It’s estimated that as many as 80 percent of new moms experience some or all of these symptoms.  Often called "baby blues" they usually last a few to several days.

If you experience the baby blues after your child is born, don’t keep it to yourself.  Some new moms feel embarrassed or guilty about being depressed when they think they’re supposed to be happy.  Tell your spouse or a close friend how you’re feeling and ask for help.  Find time to do something for yourself, even if it’s only for fifteen minutes a day.  Read, take a bath, meditate, or write in a journal.  Don’t put pressure on yourself to do everything, do what you can and forget the rest.

Symptoms that last longer than several days may be postpartum depression (i.e., after-delivery depression).  Postpartum depression is an illness.  It can be treated with therapy, the help of a support network, and medication.  The National Women’s Health Information Center estimates that as many as 14 percent of new moms and 10 percent of fathers suffer from postpartum depression in the first year after birth.  Not all postpartum depression happens immediately after childbirth.  Some women don’t notice the symptoms for several weeks or even several months.  Don’t try to "go it alone" – there is help.  Talk to your doctor or midwife; they can refer you to a professional experienced in treating postpartum depression.

You can get more information about depression during and after pregnancy from the National Women’s Health Information Center at 800.994.9662.  See, also, For More Information.