Health library

Prenatal care and breastfeeding

Having a baby is an exciting and important time. Knowing that you are doing all you can to stay healthy during pregnancy and give your baby a healthy start will give you peace of mind. Get in touch with your doctor as soon as you think you might be pregnant. That way, your doctor can quickly treat any problems.

Regular visits are a chance for you to:

• Find out how to ease pregnancy discomforts like morning sickness or heartburn.
• Ask questions about how to stay healthy.
• Learn about your baby's due date and growth.
• Get a peek at your baby during an ultrasound exam.
• Get tips on coping with stress.
• Learn how to stay safe at home and work.
• Get help quitting habits such as smoking or drinking.

Your doctor will give you a schedule of the appointments you should have. Most experts suggest you see your doctor:

• Weeks 4 through 28: About once every month.
• Weeks 28 through 36: Twice a month.
• Weeks 36 to birth: Weekly.

If you are older than 35 years of age or your pregnancy is high-risk, you'll likely see your doctor more.

Breastfeeding

Breast milk has all the nutrients your baby needs for most of their first year of life. It can:

• Protect babies from illness. Breastfed babies have lower risks of asthma, ear infections and other problems.
• Help babies with brain and eye development.
• Lower the risk for sudden infant death syndrome.

Breastfeeding can save you money. You don't have to buy formula and bottles. And breast milk is always ready when your baby wants to be fed. Breastfeeding also helps shrink your womb back to its normal size. It may even help you get back to your pre-baby weight.

Plus, breastfeeding helps you and your baby grow closer. It strengthens the bond between you. For information about nutrition classes, call Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) at 1-805-981-5251 or 1-800-781-4449, option 3.

Prenatal care and breast pumps are a covered benefit for members. Call and make an appointment with your doctor.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; March of Dimes; Office on Women's Health