I Just Had a Baby by Robert Swain

Q. I just had a baby. Should I concentrate more on my health or my baby’s?

A. That’s a great question. A lot of times we get so would up in the new birth that we forget about health. As you know a baby’s immune system is not fully developed when first born and it takes up to a year to really develop its own functioning immune system. So that would make sense to say it is more important to emphasize your babies health.

But what if you get sick? Who will be able to treat and take car of your baby?

Now it makes sense that your health is more important. Just like on the airlines when they say put the oxygen mask on you first then your child’s. Now we are back to which is more important.

Let’s take another point. If you are breast feeding, you pass your health condition on to your baby. So that would mean your health is more important. But you have a stronger immune system than your baby so it would behoove you to protect your baby more. As you can see this is not a simple answer.

I know it is very difficult to maintain your health at an optimum when you have to get up every few hours to feed and change your baby. Not only physically but also emotionally, from sleep deprivation, it is a struggle to stay healthy. I am stating this from recent personal experiences. We have had the opportunity to watch our 3 month granddaughter #1 for a few weeks at a time. It drains your body of energy when you do not get good nights sleep.

So here is my take on your question. Both of you and your baby’s health are equally important. This means proper sleep, good nutrition, plenty of exercise, a sound nervous system and a little individual time. Yes your baby’s nervous system can become impaired during the birth. Pushing, pulling and rotating can all cause nerve interference. My youngest patient has been 4 days old. The birth was rough and the labor was long. So you can see the importance of a healthy mom and baby.

Actually everyone who comes in contact with your baby needs to have optimal health.

Congratulation on the new baby and have a healthy and happy time as the baby grows up.

As always send your questions and comments to morrobaychiro@gamil.com. Let’s all make this year our healthiest year yet. Dr. Bob