Baby Guide Spring/Summer 2023

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

TIPS FOR MANAGING A NEWBORN AND A TODDLER NEW BABY PRODUCTS CHILD BIRTH: LET NATURE TAKE ITS COURSE! +

Tennessee Childbirth Directory, Resources & More

Great Beginnings

n Skilled teachers in a nurturing environment

n Year-round program and daily meals

n Camera access for parent viewing

n Age-appropriate learning opportunities

Preschool

n Qualified, certified and trained teachers

n Camera access for parent viewing

n School schedule followed

n Curriculum promotes foundational skills in areas of intellectual, physical, emotional and social growth

6th-8th Grade

n Advanced Classes

n Fine Arts and Athletics

n Clubs and Organizations

n Robotics, Art, World Language, Jr Achievement, Coding, Science Lab, Journalism

Campus-Wide

n Daily Bible study

n Local Community Outreach

n Service Opportunities

n Reading Specialist

n Speech Therapist admissions@goodpasture.org

9th-12th Grade

n 13 million offered in college scholarships

n Award-Winning Athletics and Fine Arts

n 70 hours of college credit offered

n Engaging Student Life

K-5th Grade

n STEM, Art, Music, Spanish, Computers, Library

n Fine Arts Productions

n 17:1 average student to teacher ratio

n Physical Education every day

You Can Let Labor Begin Naturally

BABY bits

by Susan Day

Infant Massage Boosts Bonding

The magic of touch promotes a comfy connection with Baby while stimulating their internal systems.

Infant massage is a fun and fantastic way to bond with your new baby. Massage stimulates all of Baby's systems — nervous, circulatory, respiratory and immune — and helps develop closeness with your child.

In Massaging Your Baby: The Joy of Touch Time (Square One; 2006), author Elaine Fogel Schneider recommends the following preparation and basic techniques to get started:

• Create a calm atmosphere — a warm, quiet place is best. Try to maintain eye contact with Baby.

• Control your touch — be gentle and avoid tickling.

• Slowly stroke and knead each part of Baby's body — spend one minute each on different areas including Baby's head, neck, shoulders, upper back, waist, thighs, feet and hands.

• Stay relaxed — talk to Baby during the massage. Try singing a lullaby or telling a story. Singing songs and repeating rhymes are fun ways to make the massage interactive and stimulating for infants.

• Watch how Baby responds — if they jiggle their arms/legs and seems happy, Baby's likely enjoying the experience. If Baby turns their head away or appears restless, stop and try again later. As Baby grows, the massage can become more playful or provide relaxation while experiencing discomfort with teething, learning to crawl/walk or transitioning to solid foods.

Talk to your baby's doctor before starting massage if your little one has underlying health issues. And know that it takes practice before you get the hang of it.

Benefits of Infant Massage

Research suggests that babies who are massaged enjoy many benefits:

• Deeper, longer sleep

• Improved muscle tone

• Increased body awareness

• Increased weight gain for premature infants or those who fail to thrive

• Relaxed response to sensory input

• Increased circulation

• More active time

• Better ability to self-regulate

• Decreased stress

Source: Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

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BABY bits

Vaccinating Your Baby

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that children be vaccinated for 14 diseases before age 6 on a schedule, which involves roughly 29 shots, sometimes several at once. That said, a wide majority of pediatricians and family doctors permit parents who wish to delay vaccinations for their baby even though the decisions put the children at risk for measles, whooping cough and other ailments. In a survey from the American Academy of Pediatrics, many doctors get requests to spread out vaccines in a typical month and will agree to do so. It is important to be aware that vaccines help to prevent common diseases that used to seriously harm or even kill children.

Beginning in the hospital, your infant will receive: Hepatitis B (first dose)

Newborn vaccines recommended for babies at 1 - 2 months old:

Hepatitis B (second dose)

DTaP (first dose)

HiB (first dose)

Polio (first dose)

PCV13 (first dose)

RV (first dose)

At 4 months, a baby should receive the following newborn vaccines:

DTaP (second dose)

HiB (second dose)

Polio (second dose)

PCV13 (second dose)

RV (second dose)

What about the COVID-19 vaccine for babies?

In February, 2023, the CDC added COVID-19 shots to the schedule of routinely

recommended vaccines for children. In addition, updated guidance on influenza and pneumococcal vaccines and new vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and for hepatitis B were added. COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older. Consult with your doctor if you have questions.

For a complete list of recommended vaccines by age go to cdc.gov/vaccines/ schedules.

Teething Can Start Earlier Than You Think

You've finally gotten into a rhythm with Baby at about 3 months of age and then ... wait ... is that a little tooth breaking through Baby's gums? Could be. Babies as young as 3 months old can begin teething, according to KidsHealth.org. While it's more common for the first teeth to appear between 4 and 7 months of age, earlier teething can happen, too. First, it's the bottom two central incisors. After that, the four top teeth will come in about a month or so later.

Teething brings drool, swollen gums, fin-

ger sucking, crying, fussing and crankiness. So if your baby was sleeping through the night at this point (miraculous), that could get upset now. Here are ways to bring some relief:

• Refrigerated rubber teethers to chew on

• Doctor-approved acetaminophen

• Cold, soft foods and milk

Frozen teething toys are too hard for a teething baby, so avoid those. And always consult with your pediatrician if fever, runny nose or diarrhea are present.

by Michael Aldrich & Susan Day

Things We Like

You can go out and spend a lot with a hit-or-miss approach, or you can make an informed decision on your purchases — it's all up to you!

for Baby and You!

My Woodland Friends Playset gund.com

Ages 0+; $30

Digital Bottle Warmer & Sterilizer

chiccousa.com

$59.99

Providing sanitized bottles is just one of your many tasks with an infant. This handy device includes a touchscreen and backlit display with flexible programming options. Sterilize a bottle in as little as five minutes, eliminating 99.9 percent of household germs. — sd

This sweet set is plush and perfect for your little one's playtime. The Woodland Set includes an acorn, snail, fox and squirrel plus a little mushroom house where they all fit inside. It's adorable in the nursery, and when baby is able to sit up, he'll love holding the little creatures and eventually stuffing them inside and taking them wherever you go! — sd

Kyte Baby Sleep Bag 2.5

kytebaby.com

0+; $56

These best-selling wearable blankets will keep Baby safe through the night. Made of 94 percent bamboo rayon and three percent spandex for stretchability, the bags are diaper-change friendly via a "J' zipper, temperature-regulating and highly breathable. Cozy-wozy is the way to go when

babies aren't supposed to have any additional blankets in their sleep area, so this is just the thing. Available in several colors including cloud, sage, oat, blush, emerald, slate and more. Note: the sleep bags are sleeveless; shown photo includes each infant in a onesie, too. — sd

One4Life Click Tight

All-In-One Car

Seat

us.britax.com

Ages birth - 10.; $399

This plush, longlasting multimode car seat does many things: it rear faces, forward faces, then converts to a high back booster seat. In all modes, the installation or setup is pretty darn simple, which means that it’s easier to install and use correctly. In addition to the ClickTight installation, the One4Life is packed with thoughtful details — sleek styling, a smooth shell and bright, easy-to-read information labels. A helpful handle at the top of the seat makes carrying the seat to the car and back simple. — ma

Alterrain Pro Jogging

Stroller

bobgear.com

Walk only until 8 months; $699

Planning on taking your little one on any adventures or off the beaten path? This premium jogging stroller features an easy one-hand fold, ultra-smooth steering and an ergonomic handbrake that gives you downhill control. Compatible with infant car seats, this stroller is ready to roll with your baby from day one and offers other features like a zipper cover on the cargo basket, reflective strips and waterproofing. You get a lot for your money and it should last for years. A less expensive version, the Alterrain (minus the Pro), is also available. — ma

Bitzy Grip

Hand Teethers

itzyritzy.com

Teething babies; $9.99

The teething period — sometimes beginning as early as 3 months old — is hard on Baby! We like these teethers because the hand grip fits around your little one's wrist. They have multiple textures and are made of flexible BPA-free silicone. Give your 'lil darlin' relief! Available in a pink unicorn or a green dinosaur. — sd

CEP — The Run Compression

Mid-Cut Socks

cepcompression.com

Adults; $19.95

Soothe your feet with all that baby walking and jogging with CEP compression socks. You'll be surprised how comfortable they are and the moisture-wicking fabric will keep your feet cool. — sd

Merrit Travel Crib & Playard

gladlyfamily.com

0 - 50lbs.; $249

This portable playard does it all. It includes an adjustable bassinet, fold-away changing station, an extra-large diaper caddy and a supportive mattress. It all folds up quickly for travel, in fact, it features "lightning fold" that lets you undo it in under 10 seconds. It is the Cadillac of baby paraphernalia and while heavy, it includes a storage bag with backpack straps for easy portability. — sd

We have helped hundreds of families sell thousands of gently used, HIGH-QUALITY children’s clothes, shoes, toys, books, DVDs, baby equipment, gently used maternity clothes, and much much more at a ordable prices.

BEAM’s mission is to provide information and support to expectant mothers and parents. Our platform will allow you access to experienced professionals through virtual meetings, providing you with helpful tips on your parenting journey.

BEAM has two straightforward and convenient options to contact our professionals, chat or video call. We are happy to provide medical advice to help answer your questions and make you and your child feel safe and informed.

BEAM’s mission is to provide information and support to expectant mothers and parents.

BabyExpertAmateurMama.org

by Shannon Hansley

Child Birth is Natural

Labor induction rates are soaring, but if you're low-risk you don't have to have one. Arm yourself with considerations if you'd rather have a spontaneous birth.

Most pregnant women get to 37 weeks gestation and sigh a breath of relief. They’ve made it past the preterm stage.

Then the waiting begins. And the incessant questions: Have you had that baby yet? When are you being induced?

Induction of labor seems to be so common these days. Nearly every other woman you know had to have some help getting labor started. In fact, in the U.S., induction has more than tripled since it first began to be recorded from certificates of live birth in 1989; from nine percent of births then to 31.37

percent in 2020, according to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

The last few years have seen even more increase. With world organizations (including the World Health Organization) agreeing that induction of labor should only occur when it's medically indicated, what happens if your care provider suggests induction when you're not high risk? You need to be informed to participate in the discussion. Here are eight considerations to help you make an informed decision about whether to induct or not.

WHAT TO CONSIDER ...

1. You're Ready

You’re so very ready to have this baby! It's been a long pregnancy and you’ve had enough of the big belly, the never-empty bladder and not being able to see your feet. You’re over the lack of sleep, the Braxton Hicks and the never ending questions about when you’re due.

But wait a second. Just because you’re ready, it doesn’t mean Baby is. That estimated due date might’ve arrived, but it doesn’t mean labor is imminent. Estimated due dates are exactly as advertised — a guess at the

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INDUCTION

time your baby will arrive. Only three to five percent of babies actually do arrive on that date so it’s clearly just a "guesstimate."

Despite leading health experts, such as American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), defining full-term as the period between 39 and 42 weeks, many care providers are still focused on pregnancies going past the 40-week estimated due date. That’s why inductions tend to be booked once a woman reaches 41 weeks, as a ‘just in case’. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in 10 - 12 childbirths are induced for elective reasons. Yet inducing labor runs the very real risk that your baby will be born before they are ready. In the last weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s lungs are maturing. Fat needs to be deposited, also. So just because an ‘average’ length of time has been established for pregnancy doesn’t mean every baby will be ready within that time frame.

2. Baby May Be Big

You may be so big you look like you're having twins, but your ultrasound confirms you're having just one. You're jumbo, but baby may not be. There are more than 30 different algorithms used to predict a baby's weight via ultrasound and while ultrasound weight estimates are more accurate than they used to be,there is still a 15 percent margin for error in weight estimation. (That means your baby can be either 15 percent smaller or 15 percent larger than the estimated weight given at your ultrasound.)

Next, the closer you are to your due date, the harder it is to estimate your baby’s size. Many women are induced for a suspected big baby (macrosomia), and then discover their baby was actually average-sized, after interrupting a perfectly healthy pregnancy.

One in three women in the United States report being told their babies are too big, according to the NCHS. Suspected macrosomia isn’t a medical indication for induction or c-section but it is one of the most common reasons given for either of these procedures.

3. Your Care Provider Might Not Be Available

Uh-oh. Your obstetrician reminds you that she will be on leave around your due date. You can hope you go into labor beforehand, or you can just schedule an induction.

Sounds easy. But again, it’s not that simple. Your baby may not be ready to be born.

Your body might not be receptive to induction and fail to get the hint. This often leads to what is known as ‘failure to progress’, which sounds a lot like it was your body’s fault things didn’t work out and you had to have a c-section.

Ask to meet your doctor's back-up provider

due date; in another might be as soon as you reach 39 weeks.

Depending on your doctor, you might be booked for an induction because active management is perceived as a way of preventing things going wrong.

But hospital policy is not law. Many women aren’t aware they can decline an induction if there is no medical reason (and even if there is, but that’s unlikely to happen). You can ask your care provider to check your baby’s health, and yours, until your labor begins spontaneously.

7. It's Complicated

There are risks to induction, as there are with all medical procedures, and it’s important to balance those risks against the chance that you might develop a complication.

so you can feel more at ease if they end up delivering your baby.

4. It's Convenient

Your parents are flying in from out of state the week before you’re due. Your husband is working at least an hour away from the hospital and your babysitter has exams when you need her to be with the kids during your hospital stay. Would'nt it just be easier to induce and know exactly the day your baby will be born, so it’s more convenient for everyone else? Well, yes. But if your baby and your body aren’t ready for labor, an induction is more likely to fail than succeed. Once an induction has been started, there’s no going back — even if that means having an unplanned c-section for failure to progress.

5. You're in False Labor

False labor is difficult. You’re anxious, impatient, bored and tired — and experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions (contractions that come and go but don't get closer together). This is the time when you may just go for the induction.

Induction has many risks and it’s important to weigh those up when considering getting things moving along faster. Your baby won’t be in there forever.

6. Hospital Policy

Hospital policy on induction of labor varies. In one hospital it might be at 10 days post

If you are having a healthy pregnancy and your baby is healthy, it’s not likely you will develop a complication. It can happen, but it doesn’t mean it will. It may make no sense to interrupt a healthy pregnancy and force a healthy developing baby out just in case you develop a health condition, which in most cases is very unlikely to happen.

While women may have different reasons for preferring a labor induction today, if you truly would prefer a spontaneous labor and you are not high-risk, then ask for one. That's all you have to do. In the last weeks of pregnancy, maternal antibodies are passed to the baby that help to fight infections, so really, every day that Baby is safe in the womb counts.

Risks of Labor Induction

With labor induction you have a higher risk of:

• A cesarean section (but there may be a lower chance of this in a first delivery)

• An infection

• A longer stay in the hospital

• Uterine rupture (rare)

• Fetal death (extremely rare)

Source: Vanderbilthealth.com

Shannon Hansley is a freelance writer and a mom of two boys.

A newborn goes skin-to-skin with their father following a safe delivery.

Gregory M. Taylor, M.D. April L. Whitfield, M.D. Kelly G. Williams, M.D. Jon Anderson, D.O. (coming

Colleen Q. Bratsch, D.O. Brad S. Chesney, M.D. Lauren J. Christman, D.O. Jason Pollock, M.D.

Managing A Newborn Plus a Toddler

It's so exciting to bring a new baby home when you have another child waiting to meet him or her. But caring for two young kids is challenging for a new mama, demanding and exhausting. Your toddler may feel jealous, displaced or lonely to see you loving on another child — feelings that may cause them to act out. Know that there are a few helpful adjustments you can make moving from one-on-one to zone parenting. And you can do it all successfully. Here are a few tips for bringing your new baby home from From One Child to Two: What to Expect, How to Cope and How to Enjoy Your Growing Family (Ballantine; 1995) by Judy Dunn.

Include Your Toddler

While you may be consumed by your pregnancy and preparing for the new baby's arrival, remember to include your toddler. Feelings of being left out can arise quickly if you're preoccupied with new baby matters and skipping reading and play time with your Little.

As you wait for the arrival of your infant, spend quality time with your toddler, assuring them that they are your baby, too. Include your Little in the naming of the new baby, decorating your nursery, storing diapers and allowing your Little to talk to your belly, read stories together and more.

Answer Questions Thoroughly

As you get closer to your delivery and your belly grows very large, your Little will start wondering what to expect. They may have lots of questions. Be sure to explain how everything will go to your child if they ask questions but also if they don't. Explain who will take care of them while you're at the hospital and who will get their dinner and read them bedtime stories, how long you'll be gone, etc.

Introducing the Siblings

Allow your older child to come to the hospital to meet their new baby sibling. Have someone else hold the baby when your child comes in so you can give your toddler affection and then help with the introductions. Have a small gift like a "I'm a Big Sister" t-shirt to give to your older child or even a new, soft baby doll so your child has a baby like Mama's.

At Home

The technique of asking someone else to hold the newborn when you arrive is a good one. You want to be available to get down on your little one's level and give them a good hug and a little one-on-one before

You've been wondering what it will be like to take care of your newborn when your toddler is so demanding. Read on — and take heart.

tending to your newborn. Once you're satisfied that your Little feels seen and heard, move on to your newborn.

Of course, understand that this is a big transition for your older child, so don't try to do anything like potty training during this time or they won't get the attention they need. In fact, avoid doing anything new to disrupt your older child's life except for bringing the newborn into their life at this time.

Breastfeeding

When you have to provide so much extended time breastfeeding a newborn, your time will really be divided. Explain the process of breastfeeding. You can involve your toddler in getting your pillow or assisting with changing the diaper and trying to schedule some interesting activity for them during your breastfeeding times.

Regression

It is normal for a usurped older sibling to start regressing to gain attention. Thumb sucking, toilet accidents or nightmares may occur. Remember these are all temporary. Be empathetic but firm about rules. Keep telling your older child about the “big-child advantage.” They are older, so they can eat ice-cream, play in the park, etc.

Toddler Time

Having another child is not about dividing the firstborn’s allotted love. It is about giving them more. Make no compromise on having time alone with your older child. It could be buying groceries, taking them

to their favorite restaurant or bedtime story telling. Make sure the baby is nowhere around during these precious moments. Encourage your child to share their feelings with you all the time.

Help

Clearly stated, when someone offers help such as a playdate for your Little — say yes.

Susan Day is a mom of four and the editor of this publication

More Tips for Bringing Home a Second Baby

• Remind your older child of her

babyhood

It’s a great time to pull out photos and movies of your older child as a baby. As you go through them, help your child see that at one time they were the baby who was getting special attention. The new baby will require extensive care and commitment from you. But make sure that your older child is also getting some one-on-one time with someone. Allowing time for a shared game, book or cuddle can go a long way towards helping your older child feel secure in your love for them.

• Provide realistic expectations

Give your older child realistic information about babies — that they sleep a lot, nurse a lot, have a noisy and loud cry, will have lots of messy diapers, and that it will be a while before they will turn into a fun playmate.

• Use positivity

Use positive terms to patiently teach your older child how to touch and play with the baby. Avoid using “No” and replace it with positive instructions. Instead of saying, “No! Don’t touch the baby’s eyes!”, you can say, “The baby's eyes are delicate; touch her instead on her cheeks or her tiny chin.”

Avoid overusing “no” and “stop” by using the “hover and rescue" approach. Hover over your children and intervene only if you see things moving away from your comfort zone. Then, simply pick the baby up, distract the older child and move on to something else.

• Don't blame the baby

Avoid blaming everything on “the baby” – a common error. How do you do that? “We can’t go now, Mommy has to feed THE BABY.” “Be quiet so you don’t wake THE BABY.” “I can’t play right now, I have to bathe THE BABY.” And so on. Very soon, your older child will be ready to send THE BABY from whence it came! Of course, “the baby” really is the reason, but instead of calling that out, use a few multipurpose statements such as, “My hands are busy right now,” “We’ll go later, after lunch/nap,” “Yes, we can play, in 20 minutes.”

Source: The No-Cry Solution by Elizabeth Pantley.

Baby World!

Prenatal, Childbirth,

Prenatal

Baby

BABY WORLD

prenatal services group prenatal care

Expect With Me at Vanderbilt Centers for Women's Health

719 Thompson Lane, Ste. 27100, Nashville

615-343-5700

522 Northcrest Drive, Springfield

615-382-2619

expectwithme.org

Prenatal care in a group setting features 10 twohour sessions. Includes a social networking feature.

Meharry Medical College

1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd., Nashville 615-321-2692 | mmc.edu/about/community1/ prenatalcare/index.html

Women in this program meet in small groups and spend up to two hours in each session.

prenatal yoga classes

Chestnut Hill Yoga

1106 3rd Ave. S, Nashville

615-385-3600 • chestnuthillyoga.com

Abundant Yoga

1109 Davenport Blvd., #1000, Franklin 615-721-2747 • abundantyoga.com

BlossOMing Yoga - Virtual Classes

917-691-2385 • blossomingyoga.com

Half Moon Yoga - Virtual Classes

101 International Drive, Ste. 105, Franklin 615-496-2310 • halfmoonyoga.net

Hot Yoga - open with social distancing

807 Main St., Nashville

615-678-8079 • hotyogaofeastnashville.com

Kundalini Rising Yoga/Bethany Joy Yoga -

1218 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville

615-473-3467 • bethanyjoy.net

Nurture Nashville Yoga

West: 992 Davidson Dr., Ste. 102, Nashville East: 1000 Fatherland St., Ste. 201, Nashville

In-person, Livestream and zoom classes. nurturenashville.com

new parent services

birth photography

Alurawayne Photography

865-548-4746 • alurawayne.com

Christie Lynn Photography

615-405-3595 • christielynnphotography.com

Kailee Riches Photography

303-748-4275 • kaileeriches.com

Kalimana Film Stories

615-378-7888 • kalimana.com

Karen Halbert Photography

615-394-5970 • karenhalbertphotography.com

Katy Johnson Photography

615-692-9224 • katyjphotography.com

Laura Janicek Photography

615-214-0654 • laurajanicekphotography.com

NOVA Birth Services

615-669-6399 • mynovabirth.com

Rylan's Riches Photography

rylansrichesphotography.com

Voyage Creatives

615-538-7672 • voyagecreatives.com

breastfeeding, childbirth & newborn services

American College of Nurse-Midwives

240-485-1800 • midwife.org

Locate local nurse-midwives and midwifery info.

Blissful Birthing TN

859-533-4667 • blissfulbirthingtn.com

Doula services and childbirth information sessions. Online childbirthing classes.

Bradley Method Childbirth Educators

800-422-4784 • bradleybirth.com

Natural, husband-coached childbirth classes focusing on breathing and relaxation. Online classes.

Children’s Medical Group

615-883-2200 • childmedgroup.com

Comprehensive, high quality and compassionate pediatric care.

ConnectusHealth Midwifery

601 Benton Ave., Nashville

2637 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville 615-292-9770 • connectus.org

Offers prenatal, delivery and pediatric care, birth planning, certified nurse mid-wives, on-call midwife and more. Delivers babies at St. Thomas Midtown.

Eden Birth

615-392-0577 • edenbirth.com

Hypnobabies classes in Middle Tennessee.

Expecting New Life Birth Services

615-710-7077 • expectingnewlife.com

Doula services and "Evidence Based Birth" classes now available online.

La Leche League • llli.org

Hendersonville/Sumner • 615-714-9224

Nashville • 615-861-1037 or 615-883-6823

Rutherford • 901-568-9202

Williamson • 615-830-0041 or 615-579-8019

Support and information for breastfeeding mothers.

Mama Moon Birth Concierge

615-973-2377 • mama-moon.com

Labor and postpartum doula services, prenatal massage, education, sophrology and more.

Music City Doulas

615-208-4111 • musiccitydoulas.com

Available in group, private and semi-private sessions, including in-home customizable options.

Nashville Birth and Babies

855-905-2229 • nashvillebirthandbabies.com

Certified birth doulas, breastfeeding education, lactation consultants and post-partum doulas.

Nashville Childbirth

615-370-5912 • nashvillechildbirth.com

Bradley Method private natural childbirth classes, doulas (labor and postpartum), baby care and more.

Nashville Breastfeeding Coalition

nashvillebreastfeeding.org

Education for women about breastfeeding prior to delivery; removing hospital obstacles; and helping moms for the first few days at home and more.

Nashville Breastfeeding Support

615-880-2185

Metro Public Health Department's program.

Nashville 4d Baby

nashville4dbaby.com

4D/HD ultrasound experiences combining cuttingedge technology with a spa & theater environment.

NOVA Birth Services

615-669-6399 • mynovabirth.com

Midwife care, doula support, childbirth class, breastfeeding class, pre- and post-natal massage.

Nurses for Newborns Foundation

615-313-9989 • nursesfornewborns.org

Registered nurses make home visits for health-care assessments, education and parenting skills.

Old Harding Pediatric Associates

615-352-2990 • ohpa.com

High quality and compassionate care, a night clinic for sick patients and an in-house dispensary for quick prescription pickup right in the office.

Roots Collaborative Care rootscollaborativecare.com

Doula, childbirth classes including virtual classes.

Rutherford Breastfeeding Support

Murfreesboro • 615-898-7880

Smyrna • 615-355-6175

A full-time lactation consultant available through the Rutherford County Department of Health.

Southern Doula Services southerndoulaservices.com

Giving physical, emotional, and informational support to families during the transition to parenthood.

Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline 855-423-6667

tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/bf/ breastfeeding-hotline.html

A free helpline offering breastfeeding support 24/7.

West End Women's Health Center

2611 West End Ave., Ste. 380, Nashville 615-936-5858 • westendmidwives.com

Midwifery care during pregnancy and childbirth with delivery at Vanderbilt.

Wilson Breastfeeding Support Group

615-444-5325, ext. 1052

The Wilson County Health Dept. hosts a breastfeeding support group every week. Call to RSVP. Womankind

615-426-1977 • womankindmassage.com

Pre- and post-natal massage and doula services.

Vanderbilt Birth Center

3212 West End Ave Suite 100, Nashville 615-647-8220 • babyandcompany.com

Collaborative midwife, physician team for delivery.

parent groups

Child and Family Therapy Collective childfamilytherapycollective.com

A growing practice providing mental health services to children and families in Nashville.

Middle Tennessee Moms of Multiples Facebook group.

MOMS Club (Moms Offering Moms Support) momsclub.org

Stay-at-home mothers offering connectivity throughout Middle Tennessee.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) mops.org

Mom meetups online and in person.

Multiples of America

multiplesofamerica.org

Support and groups in Nashville.

Music City 20s Moms Facebook group.

Nashdads facebook.com/nashdads

Dads keep in touch through their Facebook. Naturally Minded Moms of Tennessee facebook.com/groups/612207638792487

Moms raising their families with a natural mindset. Parents of East Nashville facebook.com/groups/1588890631391486

Playdates, conversation and idea sharing.

Spring Hill Mommies meetup.com/Spring-Hill-Mommies

Activities and get-togethers for moms in Spring Hill. The Family Center familycentertn.org

Get information, support, skill building and personalized parenting insights in Murfreesboro.

TN Moms of Rutherford County neighborhoodlink.com/TN_Moms_Of_Rutherford_County

Make new friends, set up play dates and more.

miscellaneous

Attachment Parenting International 615-828-9115 or 615-210-2143 attachmentparenting.org/group/nashville

Baby Expert Amateur Mama babyexpertamateurmama.org

Connects you to a medical professional to help give you peace of mind from pregnancy through to your child's first year of life.

BUMP CITY Nashville

615-630-4126 • bumpcitynash.com

Nashville's only in-person maternity shop.

ICAN of Nashville icanofnashville.webs.com

Free monthly support and educational meetings.

Junior League Family Resource Center

615-936-2558 • vanderbiltchildrens.com/frc

Support to families of children with disabilities.

March of Dimes Tennessee Chapter

615-399-3200 • marchofdimes.org

Premature baby support.

Milk Bank Depot

Maury Regional Medical Center

1224 Trotwood Ave., Columbia • 931-490-7074

Nashville General Hospital

1818 Albion St., Nashville • 810-841-8644

TriStar Centennial Women's Hospital

2221 Murphy Ave., Nashville • 615-933-8877

TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center

200 StoneCrest Blvd., Smyrna • 615-768-2234

milkbanktn.org

Pre-approved donor mothers drop off frozen milk for testing and pasteurization.

My Baby Sleeper

615-418-2628 • mydreamysleeper.com

Works with sleep deprived parents, teaching them how to get their baby or child sleeping peacefully.

Postpartum Support International

800-944-4773 • postpartum.net

Provides local resource information for women with perinatal mood disorders.

What to Do About Baby Clothes!

Clothes, clothes, clothes. There will always be baby clothes — stained, new, adorable, ridiculous, expensive, impractical — just so many clothes. Don't let the drawers overflow with baby clothes your child may wear once or twice (or not at all) before moving on to the next size. Instead, plan ahead and make thoughtful choices as Baby grows through outfits, giving away or donating the excess.

Here are five helpful tips:

1. Borrow and lend: Babies grow so fast that their clothing should always be considered temporary, as items to freely lend and borrow. Baby clothes should flow in and out of your home, fulfilling their purpose of clothing babies as they learn, grow and explore. Of course, store any special pieces.

2. Wash more often, instead of having more: Washing clothes frequently keeps clothes in action and

Tennessee's Early Intervention Services

615-532-7237 • tn.gov/education/teis

A program for families with children birth through 2 years with disabilities or developmental delays.

Tennessee Office of Vital Records

615-741-1763 • tn.gov/health/article/vr-certificate Keeps and provides birth records for the state.

baby safety

American Red Cross Cannon, Rutherford • 615-893-4272 redcross.org/tn/murfreesboro

Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson • 615-250-4300 nashvilleredcross.org

Instruction in CPR, first aid and babysitting.

fulfilling their purpose. Instead of having more things, use your things more.

3. Have outdoor play clothes: There’s a certain amount of freedom in having designated outdoor clothes, because when babies are in them, you'll be less likely to withhold your child from dirty adventures. In fact, you'll be secretly excited for them to wear that outfit out.

4. Repurpose worn-out clothes: Old clothing items can be used for cleaning rags, or even turned into patchwork decorative pillowcases. Some people make doll outfits out of baby clothes by taking them in a bit.

5. Regift or donate: Fight the urge to keep new clothes if you don’t need them, and let someone else enjoy them. Instead of taking tags off and setting new clothes in your dresser, return or exchange the items; regift them to another parent; thrift them; donate them.

— Michael W. Aldrich

The Children's Hospital at TriStar Centennial 615-342-1000

thechildrenshospitalnashville.com

Pediatric ER, a neonatal intensive care unit and outpatient services.

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

615-936-1000 • childrenshospital.vanderbilt.org

Provides the most comprehensive pediatric, family-centered care in the area. Website includes health, safety information and car seat safety.

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital

Vanderbilt at Williamson Medical Center 615-435-5000

williamsonmedicalcenter.org/kids

Comprehensive inpatient pediatric, emergency care.

BABY WORLD

Safe Kids of Cumberland Valley

615-936-8222 • safekids.org

The local affiliate of the national Safe Kids Campaign led by Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

babyproofing

Ace Handyman Services of West Nashville 615-281-9446 • acehandymanservices.com

Quick, easy and convenient scheduling for baby proofing services.

Mr. Handyman of Nashville, Hendersonville 615-551-4653 • mrhandyman.com

Skilled professionals can help you cross off everything on your baby proofing to-do list.

Safe Baby

615-370-0850 • safebaby.com

Custom baby proofing services include safety gates, hearth gates, cabinet latches/locks, electrical safety, bathroom safety and more.

storytimes

Events vary, so check first to see what stories are being read and when.

Frist Art Museum

919 Broadway, Nashville

615-244-3340 • fristartmuseum.org

Trilingual readings of selected stories.

Gallatin Public Library

123 E Main St., Gallatin 615-452-1722 • youseemore.com/gallatinPL facebook.com/GallatinLibrary

John P. Holt Brentwood Library

8109 Concord Road, Brentwood 615-371-0090 • brentwoodtn.gov/departments/library

facebook.com/BrentwoodLibrary

Hendersonville Public Library

140 Saundersville Road, Hendersonville

615-824-0656 • hendersonvillelibrary.org

facebook.com/hendersonvillelibrary

La Vergne Public Library

5063 Murfreesboro Road, La Vergne

615-793-7303 • lavergnetn.gov/192/La-VergnePublic-Library

facebook.com/LaVergneLibrary

Linebaugh Public Library

105 W Vine St., Murfreesboro

615-893-4131 • rclstn.org

facebook.com/RutherfordCountyLibrarySystem

MGL Memorial Library

521 Mercury Blvd., Murfreesboro

615-907-3429 • rclstn.org

facebook.com/RutherfordCountyLibrarySystem

Nashville Ballet

3630 Redmon St., Nashville 615-297-2966 • nashvilleballet.com

Nashville Public Library Main 615 Church St., Nashville 615-862-5800 • facebook.com/NPLMain

Wishing Chair Productions, Nursery Rhyme Time with JJ the Lamb and more.

Nashville Public Library Bellevue 720 Baugh Road, Nashville 615-862-5854 • library.nashville.org

Nashville Public Library Bordeaux 4000 Clarksville Pike, Nashville 615-862-5856

facebook.com/NPLBordeaux

Nashville Public Library Donelson 2315 Lebanon Pike, Nashville 615-862-5859

facebook.com/NPLDonelson

Nashville Public Library Edmondson Pike 5501 Edmondson Pike, Nashville 615-880-3957

facebook.com/NPLEdmondsonPike

Nashville Public Library Green Hills 3701 Benham Ave., Nashville 615-862-5863

facebook.com/NPLGreenHillsBranch

Nashville Public Library Hermitage 3700 James Kay Lane, Hermitage 615-880-3951

facebook.com/NPLHermitage

Nashville Public Library Inglewood 4312 Gallatin Pike, Nashville 615-862-5866

facebook.com/NPLInglewood/

Nashville Public Library Madison 610 Gallatin Pike S, Madison 615-862-5868

facebook.com/NPLMadison

Nashville Public Library Old Hickory 1010 Jones St., Old Hickory 615-862-5869

facebook.com/NPLOldHickoryBranch

Nashville Public Library Thompson Lane 380 Thompson Lane, Nashville 615-862-5873

facebook.com/NPLThompsonLane

Smyrna Public Library

400 Enon Springs Road W, Smyrna 615-459-4884 • rclstn.org

facebook.com/FriendsOfTheSmyrnaPublicLibrary

Williamson County Public Library 1314 Columbia Ave., Franklin 615-794-3105 • wcpltn.org

facebook.com/wcpltn

mommy & me fun for baby art & theater

Little Art House (Nashville) 615-933-9644 • littlearthousenashville.com

Mini Makers classes and Creative Play for little ones and parents starting at 10 months.

The Snuggery at Nashville Children's Theatre (NCT; Nashville) 615-252-4675 • nashvillect.org

Nashville Children's Theatre's professional performances for children 0 - 5 and their grown-ups.

fitness

Blooma Yoga (East and West Nashville) 615-797-8064 • bloomanashville.com

BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby) in daily online classes.

Harpeth Gymnastics Mommy & Me

615-790-7825 • harpethgym.com

A stimulating class for moms, dads and babies ages 18 to 36 months.

KidFIT: Movers & Shakers (Murfreesboro) 615-893-7439 • murfreesborotn.gov/parks

You and your tot (ages 1 - 3) can get moving. Check website for more details.

Let It Shine (Franklin)

615-369-3547 • lisgym.com

Parent-and-child movement classes for 6 monthswalking; 12 - 23 months and 24 - 36 months.

Music City S.L.A.M. (Nashville) strollerstrongmoms.com/nashville

Stroller fitness classes for moms with newbornstoddlers. Meets at the Gordon JJCC playground. My Gym (Brentwood)

615-371-5437 • mygym.com/brentwood

Tiny Tykes class for ages 4 - 22 months.

Nashville Gymnastics Training Center

615-298-2264 • nashvillegtc.com

Little Peepers for ages 9 - 18 months builds strength and coordination.

Sea Love Swim Lessons (Nashville)

615-412-5181 • sealoveswim.com

Instructors travel to your home or community pool for swimmers of all ages and abilities.

music & movement

Barfield School of Dance (Murfreesboro)

615-615-896-3118 • barfieldschoolofdance.com

Kindermusik classes for newborns to toddlers. Blooma Yoga (West Nashville)

615-797-8064 • bloomanashville.com

BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby) for classes everyday.

Dance Classics (Murfreesboro)

615-378-7152 • danceclassicstn.com

Fairy Tale Babies for ages 1-and-a-half to 2-and-ahalf takes place Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Jan Williams School of Music & Theatre (Brentwood)

615-371-8086 • janwilliamsmusic.com

Music for Mommy & Me ages 0 - 18 months.

Music Together (Brentwood, Franklin, Nashville, Nolensville & Spring Hill) musictogether.com

International research-based early childhood music and movement program for newborns and older.

School of Nashville Ballet (Nashville) 3630 Redmon Street, Nashville 615-297-2966 • nashvilleballet.com

Children's classes for ages 2 - 7.

Sound Start Early Childhood Music (Brentwood, Mt. Juliet & Nashville) 615-777-9314 • soundstartnashville.com

Music Pups for ages birth - 4 years includes singing, dancing, movement and instrument play.

Vanderbilt Kindermusik (Nashville) blair.vanderbilt.edu/blair-academy/kindermusik.php

Music, movement and early socialization classes for newborns and older. Cuddle and Bounce is specific to babies ages 0 - 12 months.

ASCENSION ST. THOMAS RUTHERFORD

1700 Medical Center Pkwy. Murfreesboro

615-396-4577 or 615-396-5376

BIRTHING GUIDE

Complete care before, during and after pregnancy. Board-certified nurse midwives, health coaches and educators collaborate with physicians to provide clinical care. Education classes. Birth (in center or hospital). Lifestyle + wellness workshops. Support groups. Community events. Insurance accepted.

Family and patient-centered care with specialty RNs caring for patients in labor and delivery and the NICU. Families are given the choice to select pediatric board-certified pediatricians who promote roomingin. Free childbirth and newborn classes available along with free tours of the childbirth area.

Family-centered care. Free childbirth and breastfeeding classes. Ambulatory labor monitoring available. Birthing ball support. Analgesia/anesthesia available 24/7. High-risk pregnancy care. Recently renovated labor and delivery unit. Tennessee's first Breastmilk Depot.

Family-centered deliveries in labor and delivery suites. Care is provided 24/7 by a midwife and obstetric team. Find more at northcrest.com/services/womens-services.

•

7,000

555 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin 615-328-8888 mysumnermedical.com

TRISTAR CENTENNIAL WOMEN'S HOSPITAL

2221 Murphy Ave., Nashville 615-342-5661 tristarhealth.com

3,300LDR

•

Level IIIObstetric care & Neonatology Services

Level IIIObstetric care & NICU care for 27 weeks gestation & greater

Beautiful accommodations in all labor rooms, including an in-house birthing center. New obstetric emergency department added in July 2020, with 24 hour provider coverage. Full complement of childbirth classes and a breastfeeding clinic with free consultative services. Recipient of the prestigious IBCLC Care award for 2020! Many amenities available.

State-of-the-art facility with labor and delivery suites and postpartum rooms with a view. Advanced maternal/infant services. Jacuzzi tubs for labor comfort. Flexible rooming-in options. NICU cameras. Lactation consultants. Extensive childbirth and breastfeeding classes. Breastfeeding clinic. Free tours.

800LDR

• Level IIObstetric

Free childbirth and breastfeeding classes taught by certified childbirth educators and certified lactation consultants. Birthing and peanut balls available. Outpatient lactation clinic.

3,500LDR

•

See

• Level IIINeonatal

Dedicated women’s hospital with 24/7 OB/GYN ER. Customized birthing plans offering traditional and non-traditional options, including peanut balls and midwifery. Family-centered care. Skin-to-skin at all births including C-sections. Mother/infant couplet care. Dedicated high-risk unit. Web-streaming NICU cameras. Childbirth education. Lactation boutique. Breastfeeding consultants.

middle tennessee BIRTHING GUIDE

TRISTAR

1,300LDRP

• Level II-

The Birth Center includes LDRPs for both high- and low-risk pregnancies. Maternal-fetal monitoring & anesthesia available 24/7. Lactation boutique with specialized services + ongoing support. Immediate skin-to-skin support with all births. Natural childbirth supported. Private NICU suites with parental sleeping, individual breast pump & free meals. NICVIEW cameras allow parents and desired family/friends from around the world to view their baby 24/7.

TRISTAR HORIZON MEDICAL CENTER

111 Hwy 70 E., Dickson 615-446-0446 tristarhealth.com

TRISTAR STONECREST MEDICAL CENTER 200 StoneCrest Blvd., Smyrna 615-768-2000 tristarhealth.com 1,000LDR

• Level II-

Nine private birthing suites. Dedicated 1:1 laboring nurses. Access to lactation consultants. Family refreshment center. NICVIEW cameras allow parents and desired family/friends from around the world to view their baby 24/7.

• Level IIObstetric & Neonatal

Family-centered environment with labor rooms offering a home-like atmosphere equipped with birthing balls, aromatherapy and nitrous oxide for a customized experience. Board-certified OB/GYN care with remote fetal monitoring and 24/7 neonatology coverage. NICVIEW cameras offer families 24/7 live viewing of their NICU baby. On-staff lactation consultants. Breastmilk Depot and the only Baby Café in Tennessee.

TRISTAR SUMMIT MEDICAL CENTER

5655 Frist Blvd., Hermitage 615-316-3000 tristarhealth.com

Family-centered unit providing care for low- and high-risk pregnancies. Dedicated OB emergency department staffed 24/7 by an OB Hospitalist. Wide variety of education classes available. Supportive of individualized birth plans. NICVIEW cameras provide live streaming video allowing parents, family and friends the ability to see the baby remotely. VANDERBILT

Patient-centered services. Fetal monitoring. Infant hearing screening. Nurse anesthetist services. Pre and postpartum care. Private room for labor, delivery and recovery. Educational resources and support.

Family-centered care. Flexible rooming-in options. Childbirth and breastfeeding education. Midwife, obstetrician and maternal fetal specialist team coverage available 24/7. Largest midwifery team in Tennessee. Highest level neonatal ICU. Ease of access to pediatric specialists at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital.

All staff trained in neonatal resuscitation. Classes include childbirth, breastfeeding and sibling. Tours provided. 24-hour staffed newborn nursery and in-house NNP neonatology coverage available. Rooming-in, family-centered care, room service, daily certified lactation staff and professional photography available.

neonatal intensive care unit (nicu) services key:

Level I: Facility provides basic care for uncomplicated maternity and neonatal patients who are low risk.

Level II-Obstetric: Facility provides a broad range of maternal-fetal services for normal patients and for those with mild or moderate obstetric illnesses or complications.

Level II-Neonatal: Facility provides specialty services for infants born at or beyond 32 weeks who have problems that are expected to resolve rapidly and are not anticipated to need subspecialty care on an urgent basis. These units provide care for babies convalescing after intensive care.

Level III-Obstetric: A broad range of maternal-fetal services for normal patients and those in need of intensive care. Can handle deliveries for all gestational ages.

Level III-Neonatal: Provides care for infants born less than 32 weeks or with complex medical conditions. These units have the means to provide life support for as long as needed.

Level IV-Neonatal: Has capabilities of Level III units with additional functions and considerable experience in the care of the most complex and critically ill newborns. Pediatric medical and surgical specialty consultants are on site 24 hours per day. Can provide surgeries for complex conditions.

Compassionate, personalized care for women

Compassionate, personalized care for women

As a woman, you have unique care needs that will change over time. To you, healthcare is personal. So is the way Ascension Saint Thomas cares for you. That’s why more families choose us for the birth of their baby than any other health system in Middle Tennessee.

Appointments now available for:

As a woman, you have unique care needs that will change over time. To you, healthcare is personal. So is the way Ascension Saint Thomas cares for you. That’s why more families choose us for the birth of their baby than any other health system in Middle Tennessee.

• Annual well-woman visits

Appointments now available for:

• Annual well-woman visits

• Mammography and imaging

• Pelvic floor surgery and hysterectomies

• Mammography and imaging

• Cancer care, including breast surgery and gynecologic oncology

• Pelvic floor surgery and hysterectomies

• Cancer care, including breast surgery and gynecologic oncology

• Heart care, including screenings, diagnostics and monitoring

• Heart care, including screenings, diagnostics and monitoring

• OB care, including a birth designer to help create a personalized experience, Nasvhille’s first hospitalbased natural birthing center, lactation consultants, maternal-fetal medicine, and NICUs where mom can be close while baby receives advanced care

• OB care, including a birth designer to help create a personalized experience, Nasvhille’s first hospitalbased natural birthing center, lactation consultants, maternal-fetal medicine, and NICUs where mom can be close while baby receives advanced care

Get the care you need at AscensionSaintThomasWomens.com

Get the care you need at AscensionSaintThomasWomens.com