Category: Family

Important Information about your 9 month old

Family

Make sure to reserve time with your partner, friends, and yourself. If you’re going back to work or school, figure out a good childcare program (whether with a family member or daycare). Be prepared for the separation anxiety that happens when you first leave your child. Have some trial runs so that you are prepared for what this will feel like.

Development

Kids should be safely exploring their surroundings. Make sure to watch them at all times. You should be reading with your child. Engage your child with cause-and-effect games like toys with different sounds and textures, rattles, playing peek-a-boo, hiding and finding objects. TV, videos, and computers should be avoided. Be consistent and positive with routines and expectations (eg, Give a calm but firm NO if biting or putting hands in an outlet. Respond in a positive and encouraging manner when your baby is doing things you want them to do).

Health

Make sure and find a dentist. You should brush your baby’s teeth twice a day with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than the size of a grain of rice. Your baby should be sleeping through the night. Remember that bottles and nursing at night can cause cavities. Introduce a cup to wean off of the bottle. Weaning can take many months, but gradually replace one bottle at a time with a cup. Have sleeping routines. No bottles in bed. Instead, try reading a book or playing music to get your baby to sleep. If you are breastfeeding put your baby to bed once done nursing. Do not allow your baby to fall asleep while nursing.

Nutrition

Continue with breast milk or formula with iron until 1 year old. Increase solids and table food (3 meals, 2 healthy snacks). No juice. New foods: It can take offering a new food 10-15 times before your baby will try it so do not assume they do not like it if they refuse the first time. Do not force food. Daily: Fruits (6-8 teaspoons), veggies (6-8 teaspoons), cheese and yogurt (4-6 teaspoons), small pieces of soft/pureed cooked meat, iron-fortified foods/baby cereal (6-8 teaspoons), whole grains (6-8 teaspoons).

Safety

Avoid walkers with wheels, keep home safe for babies (window guards on 2nd floor, stairgates, chemicals, cords, etc.) and keep one hand on or within reach of your baby, especially around water or in the bathtub. No smoking in the house or in the car. Small toys, plastic bags, and balloons can easily get stuck in your baby’s airways. Still use rear facing car seat.

After Hours and Weekends
After 4:00 PM and before 8:00 AM
For medical advice when People’s is closed call After Hours Nurse line at 512-478-4939

Download PDF here.

The Magic of Everyday Moments (6-9 Months)

Remember, everyday moments are rich bonding and learning opportunities. Enjoy the magic of these moments with your child.

Logo for Johnson and Johnson Pediatric Institute LLC

Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., is a company solely
dedicated to improving maternal and children’s healthcare through the advancement of continued learning and research in pediatrics, child development, parenting and maternity care. Through partnerships with leading healthcare professionals, developmental specialists and international organizations, Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., identifies, develops and implements initiatives and programs that help shape the future of children’s health around the world.

Logo for Zero to Three organization

ZERO TO THREE is a national nonprofit organization of renowned pediatricians, educators, researchers, and other child development experts who specialize in the first years of life.

Six-month-olds are motivated, energetic, busy, opinionated and, for the most part, fabulous! They are on the verge of huge developmental strides — intellectual, emotional and physical — and they have many, many things they want to do. The challenge — for them and for you — is that they can’t yet do everything they have in mind. Their fingers aren’t working well enough for them to make objects do what they want. They don’t yet have the balance or coordination to stand up and walk, let alone crawl.

They’ve got so much to say, yet they don’t have the words. But they experience every imaginable feeling, sometimes all at once. Although there is great variation in development at this age, during the next 3 months many of the skills babies are eager to master will, in fact, kick in. Until then, they are likely to get frustrated often; and you will most likely bear the brunt of that frustration.

Somehow, you need to walk the line between doing things for your 6-month-old that she can’t do yet, and finding a way to help her do things for herself. If, for example, she wants to crawl toward a toy but finds herself moving backward instead of forward, you can sit behind her and place your palms against the soles of her feet. Then she might be able to push herself forward and get it for herself. Of course, there’s always the possibility that she’ll be mad if you do that, because what she really wants is to do it on her own. But hang in there — if you’re patient, she’ll learn patience and persistence, too.

Download The Magic of Everyday Moments™ (6-9 Months)

Tips for your 5-6 month old baby

HELP ME BE HEALTHY.

At this checkup:

  • The nurse will weigh and measure me. I will get a check-up.
  • I will get the next set of vaccines. Write down the date of these vaccines in my health journal. If I had a reaction to the vaccines before, tell the doctor.
  • I should get a flu shot in the fall.
  • The doctor might check my eyes for crossed eyes or a lazy eye.
  • I might get a blood test to see if I have enough iron in my blood.
  • Ask about my eating habits. Tell the doctor when and how much I eat.
  • If I need them, I will get hearing aids. I might get help from my nearby Early Childhood Intervention program. An audiologist will check my hearing every few months until I’m a year old, and after that, every six months.
  • Ask if I need fluoride supplements to help my teeth. Ask about my eating habits. Describe when and how much I eat.

Start feeding me vegetables and fruits.

At 6 months, I’m old enough to try vegetables and fruits. Start with veg­etables. Try an orange vegetable like squash or sweet potatoes first. Give me only one new food each week. This way, if I have an allergy, you will know what food caused the allergy.

TAKE CARE OF MY TEETH.

  • Start planning for my first dental visit for when I’m 6 months old or when my first tooth comes in.
  • Call your dentist or a dentist just for me and set up my first visit.
  • As soon as my teeth come in, gently brush my teeth with a little, soft-bristled tooth­brush and some water.
  • I should not have toothpaste now.

If you don’t have health insurance for me, call the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) toll-free at 1-877-543-7669 (1-877-KIDS-NOW) to find out about children’s health insurance.

KEEP ME SAFE.

When we ride in the car, put me in a car seat with the straps on right.

  • My car seat is the safest place for me when I’m in the car.
  • Until I’m a year old and weigh 20 pounds, my car seat should be in the back seat of the car and placed so I look out the back window.
  • If you have questions about my car seat or how you put it in, call Safe Riders toll-free at 1-800-252-8255.

Put gates at the stairs so I don’t go up or down the stairs. After you make our house safe for me, teach me to be safe.

  • Tell me what you want me to do, over and over. Don’t get tired of telling me. I’m too young to remember.
  • Until I learn what to do, take me away from the place I shouldn’t be or take away the thing I shouldn’t be playing with. Get me interested in something else. Don’t slap my hands or hit me. Try not to yell at me, either.
  • Tell me, hug me, and praise me when I do what you want.

Help me use the high chair safely.

  • Put the safety belt on me when I’m in the chair.
  • Be sure the tray is locked in place. Make sure my hands are out of the way when you lock the tray in place.
  • Be sure there are no sharp edges to cut me or you
  • Don’t let me stand in the chair.
  • Don’t leave me alone in the chair.
  • Don’t leave the chair too close to a table or counter. I can push on the table and tip my chair over.

PLAY WITH ME, IT HELPS ME LEARN.

  • Talk to me in complete sentences. Tell me what you are doing. Make sounds for me to copy like “eee,” “uh-oh,” and “aaa.”
  • Tell me about a toy and show me how to use it. I will want to look at it, smell it, chew it, squeeze it, pat it, and bang it.
  • Put a favorite toy just out of my reach. Help me move to get to it.
  • Hide a toy under a cloth so I can look for it.
  • I like to use blocks that I can hold in my hands.
  • Read to me. Point to the pictures as you tell me about them.

Each child grows and changes at a different rate.
I might do some activities earlier than others. Playing with me helps me learn new things. If you are worried about what I do, talk to my doctor or nurse or call the OARS Help Line toll-free at 1-800-628-5115.

Watch for me to:

  • Pick up my head and chest when I’m on my stomach. I can hold myself up with my arms.
  • Stand up if you hold me under my arms.
  • Roll from my stomach to my back or from my back to my stomach.
  • Notice small things that are placed in front of me.
  • Reach for toys or other interesting things near me.
  • Squeal and make high pitched sounds when I’m happy.
  • Start to have my teeth come in.
  • Lie on my back and look at my hands. I can bring my hands together over my chest or at my mouth.

Dental Places Accepting Medicaid and CHIP

People’s Community Clinic is not connected with any of the following services. This list is a courtesy, not a recommendation for any specific location. You will be responsible for any changes. We are not able to help with appointments or directions to these places. Please call them for further information and to confirm they are taking Medicaid and CHIP.

  • Access Dental of 7th St

    1923 E. 7th St. Ste. 120 Austin, TX 78702 42

  • Access Dental of Ed Bluestein

    7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd. Ste. 130 Austin, TX 78723 50

  • Access Dental of Rundberg

    825 E Rundberg Lane Al Austin, TX 78753 40

  • Access Dental William Cannon

    801 E. William Cannon Dr. Ste. 201 Austin, TX 7874551

  • Austin Family & Pediatric Dentistry

    4631 Airport Blvd Ste. 120A Austin, TX 78751 45

  • Mid-Town Oral Surgery Casmedes

    901 W. 38th St. Ste. 410 Austin, TX 78705 42

  • Central Family Dental Center

    2719 E. 7th St. Austin, TX 78702 33

  • Central Texas Pediatric Dentistry

    1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 1430 Austin, TX 7872352

  • Dentalsaurus, Dr. Sofia Luque

    2500 W. William Cannon Dr. Ste. 507 Austin, TX 7874552

  • Johnson, Daniel. DDS

    1005 W. 38th St. Ste. 200 Austin, TX 78705 43

  • River Rock Dental East Riverside

    4410 East Riverside Dr. Ste. 150 Austin. TX 78741 50

  • River Rock Dental Mueller

    1801 E. 51st St. Ste. 390 Austin, TX 78723 43

  • River Rock Dental Norwood

    1030 Norwood Park Blvd. Ste. 324 Austin, TX 78753 50

  • River Rock Dental South Park Meadows

    9500 South IH 35 Ste. E-400 Austin, TX 7874844

  • River Rock Dental Stassney

    5717 South IH 35 frontage Rd. Austin. TX 78744 47

  • The Smile Center Airport Office

    1144 Airport Blvd. Ste. 240 Austin, TX 78702 45

  • The Smile Center 290/Cameron Office

    6611 E. Highway 290 Austin, TX 78722 37

  • The Smile Center fiesta Office

    3909 N. 11-1 35 Suite Al Austin, TX 78722 42

  • The Smile Center North Lamar Office

    8522 North Lamar Austin, TX 78753 34

  • The Smile Center Oltorf Office

    2121 Oltorf St Ste. 103 Austin, TX 78741 41

  • The Smile Center Parmer Office

    2501 W. Parmer Lane Ste. 800 Austin, TX 7872745

  • The Smile Center Round Rock Office

    1201 S. IH 35 Suite 318 Round Rock, TX 78664 45

  • The Smile Center Stassney Office

    512 West Stassney Ste. 106 Austin, TX 7874543

Other Low Cost Dental Services

  • Manos De Cristo Dental Clinic

    4611 Harmon Avenue Austin TX, 78751 36

    No service for children under 7 years of age

  • Ben White Dental Clinic

    1221 W. Ben White Ste. 112B Austin, TX 7870444

  • North Central Health Center

    1210 W. Braker Lane Austin, TX 78758 37

  • South Austin Health Center

    2529 South 1st St. Austin, TX 78704 36

Tips for your 3-4 month old baby

HELP ME BE HEALTHY.

At this checkup, the doctor will:

  • Weigh and measure me.
  • Check me from head to toe to see:
    • How I move.
    • How well I hear.
    • How well I see.
  • Give me a few vaccines. Remember to write them in my health journal.

FEED ME AND TAKE CARE OF MY TEETH AND GUMS.

  • Ask the doctor or WIC nutritionist about eating cereal at 4 months. Rice cereal is the first cereal I should try. Please feed me my cereal from a spoon. Don’t put it in a bottle.
  • Hold me while I drink my bottle. It makes me feel safe and loved.
  • Don’t put me in my crib and prop the bottle up for me. I could spit up and choke.
  • Don’t put me to bed at night with a bottle. If I have a bottle in my mouth all night, the milk or juice could decay my new teeth.
  • Holding me at feeding time makes me feel secure and loved.
  • Clean my mouth with a soft, moist washcloth – even before I get my first teeth.
  • Once my teeth start coming in, use a very soft, infant-sized toothbrush to brush my teeth.

KEEP ME SAFE.

  • It’s time to make our house safe for babies. Look at it from my eye level. Crawl on your hands and knees and look around. Take away or move anything that I can reach or that could hurt me when I crawl around. Keep me away from cords of all kinds: telephone cords, drap­ery cords, and electric cords. Cover the electric outlets and put safety latches on the doors.
  • Keep me away from cigarette and cigar smoke. It makes it harder for me to breathe.
  • Make sure that the toys, pacifiers, and other things you give me are safe for me. They should not have any sharp edges or loose pieces. Toys should be big enough that I cannot fit them into my mouth.
  • Use the safety strap and keep the baby seat on the floor and away from steps or other dangers. I’m now strong enough to wiggle out of the baby seat or tip it over.
  • Never leave me alone on a bed, sofa or changing table, or in a walker or cub.
  • Keep me away from hot liquids like coffee, tea, and soup. When you’re holding me, don’t try to drink anything hot. A hot liquid could spill on me and burn me badly.
  • Keep balloons away from me. If a balloon covers my mouth, I can’t breathe.

PLAY WITH ME, IT HELPS ME LEARN.

Baby on blanket with mobile

 

  • Play “Talking back and forth.” First, I make a noise and you listen. Then, you make the same noise and I listen. We can do this many times.
  • Put me on my back and let me reach for toys hanging from the sides of my crib or playpen. Make sure these are tied tight so they won’t hurt me.
  • Read to me. I like rhyming words and stories that are short.
  • Play Peek-a-boo with your hands or a blanket.
  • Hold a rattle or toy in front of me. Move it to get my attention. Then let me try to keep my eyes on it while you move it from one side to the other, up and down, and in circles. This helps me use both eyes.
  • Let me babble to you.

WATCH HOW I GROW.

New things are happening to me.

When something new happens to me, I might fuss. Change is hard for me. You could get confused and angry with me. What I really need is for you:

  • To be patient.
  • To show me new things, new people, and new situations very slowly.
  • To let me try three or four times to get used to something new. I might like it better the second or third time I try it.

Each child grows and changes at a different rate.

Help me learn new skills by playing with me. Most babies have the following skills at the end of 4 months. If you are worried, talk to my doctor or nurse. To find a nearby Early Childhood Intervention program, call the DARS Help Line toll-free at 1-800-628-5115.

Watch for me to:

  • Smile at you.
  • Hold up my head without bobbing it around when I sit in your lap.
  • Hold a small toy, like a rattle, for a few seconds in my hand if you place it in my hand.
  • Laugh out loud.
  • Say “oo,” “aah,” and other vowel sounds. Sometimes I say these sounds fast.
  • Sometimes I say them slow and kind of sing them.
  • Hold my head all the way up and rest on my arms when I’m on my stomach.
  • Recognize sounds I hear a lot, like your voice, the sound of a favorite toy, or running water.
  • Let you know I recognize you as a special person. I get excited when I see people I know or my bottle.
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The Magic of Everyday Moments (4-6 Months)

Remember, everyday moments are rich bonding and learning opportunities. Enjoy the magic of these moments with your child.

These booklets brought to you by:

Logo for Johnson and Johnson Pediatric Institute LLC

Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., is a company solely
dedicated to improving maternal and children’s healthcare through the advancement of continued learning and research in pediatrics, child development, parenting and maternity care. Through partnerships with leading healthcare professionals, developmental specialists and international organizations, Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, L.L.C., identifies, develops and implements initiatives and programs that help shape the future of children’s health around the world.

Logo for Zero to Three organization

ZERO TO THREE is a national nonprofit organization of renowned pediatricians, educators, researchers, and other child development experts who specialize in the first years of life.

You’ve survived those first 3 months, giving everything you’ve got to help your baby adjust to his new world—no small feat. And your hard work has paid off. Now you know his signals. You know the special voice that he finds comforting, how to rub his back when he needs to burp, and how to make him laugh. He’s awake much more during the day, and he’s more eager than ever to be engaged with you.

For many of you, it is at this time that your parental leave comes to an end and you must return to your paid job—just when the fun is starting. This transition can be very distressing to moms and dads: “Can I find someone who will take care of my baby as well as I do; who’ll keep him safe and help him grow? Will I still be the most special person to him?”

Rest assured, your baby will always know you’re his mom and dad and you will always be the most special people to him. If you’re working, you don’t have to quit your job to nurture your child’s healthy development. As you read about how feeding and playing with your baby are wonderful opportunities to bond with and teach your baby so many important things, think of all the other moments you share each day that enrich your child’s life.

Download The Magic of Everyday Moments™ (4-6 Months)

Helping Your Baby Sleep

Being tired can be a big part of life with a new baby.

But parents can help babies learn good sleeping habits right away.

FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS:

1. Make up your own get-ready-to sleep steps.

  • For example:
    • Read a short book
    • Sing a lullaby
    • Give good-night
    • Kisses and turn out the lights

2. Put your baby in the crib while still awake but sleepy.

  • After you put your baby down, it may take 20 minutes for them to fall asleep.
  • If they cry, check diaper, burps, and rock or cuddle
  • Lastly, put them back down to finish falling asleep.

3. Do the same get-ready-to-sleep steps every night in the same order.

4. Make middle of the night feedings brief and boring.

5. Keep daytime naps to no more than 3 hours per nap.

6. Try to make your babies go-to-bed time the same as the last feeding of the day.

FOR 2-4 MONTHS:

1. Keep up the same get-ready-to-sleep steps, but add a new step:

  • Brush your baby’s gums/teeth with water and a washcloth.

2. Have your baby sleep in a separate room. Or:

  • Use a screen or furniture so the baby cannot see you from the crib.
  • Do not use a blanket over the side side of the crib as it could cause suffocation.

3. Delay middle of the night feedings.

  • Try only one or two feedings a night.
  • Do not lay your baby down with a bottle.

4. If your baby wake more often:

  • Try to quiet them with some gentle cuddling in the dark room.
  • Check diapers.
  • Burp your baby.
  • Check that your baby is not too hot or cold.

5. If your baby still will not settle down:

  • Feed your baby with less milk than what you gave during the day.

It takes patience, but you will get to sleep soon!

Adapted From:
Instructions for Pediatric Patients, WB Saunders Co. 1999, Barton Schmitt, MD

Domestic Violence is a Crime

Domestic Violence is a Crime

It may begin gradually as verbal or emotional attacks. It can start when your pregnant or when your baby is born. However, domestic violence is not okay.

What is Abuse?

  • Emotional Abuse
    • Constant criticism and jealousy
    • Making you feel bad and blaming you for when you are not at fault
    • Being lied to, punished, or threatened
  • Isolation
    • Preventing you from seeing friends or family
    • Your partner is very jealous of anyone else in your life
  • Threats
    • Your partner threatens your family, friends, pets, or property
  • Economic Abuse
    • Your control over money or income is threatened
  • Physical Abuse
    • Pushing, slapping, kicking, biting, restraining, use of weapon against your, or having things thrown at you
  • Sexual Abuse
    • You are forced to have sex or your partner refuses to practice birth control
  • Property Destruction
    • Smashing, destroying, stealing, or damaging things you value

Truths About Abuse

  • No one deserves abuse
  • Domestic violence is not mutual – it is not just an argument or a lover’s quarrel.
  • People who stay in abusive relationships do not enjoy violence – leaving is not simple, some people are too frightened while others hope the abuse will stop.
  • Abuse can be found in all parts of the community – people from any social group can be abused.
  • There is no excuse for violent behavior – violence is a choice, the abusive person is responsible for their actions.

If You are a Victim or a Survivor of Abuse

You are not to blame for another person’s violence.

You have the right to a safe, healthy relationship.

You deserve to be treated with respect.

Make a safety plan in case you need to leave quickly.

Establish contacts with friends/family to go to in an emergency.

Consider getting a protective order to protect yourself.

A pregnant belly being cradled by female hands

Abuse and Pregnancy

For 1 of every 3 women who are abused, the first abuse happens during pregnancy

An unhealthy relationship is not just physically hurtful. All abuses are dangerous to your well being and the well being of your unborn child.

Being abused before or during your pregnancy increases your risk of miscarriage, anemia, infections, bleeding during the first two trimesters, and having a low birth weight baby.

One hand reaching out and grabbing another in support

Reach Out for Support

  • You are not alone. Support and help are here.
  • Call the Safe Place 24 hour help line: 512-267-7233
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-700-7233
  • Austin Police Department Victim Services: 512-974-5037
  • Texas Department of Family and Protective Services: 1-800-252-5400
  • United Way Capitol Area: 211.
  • Dial 911 in an emergency.

This brochure is based on information provided by Safe Place.

Tips for Your 1-2 Month Baby

HELP ME BE HEALTHY

At this checkup:

  • I will be weighed and measured.
  • I will get a few vaccines. These vaccines help my body fight disease.
  • The doctor will ask you if I have had a fol­low-up hearing test. If I don’t pass this hear­ing test, I need to see an audiologist. The audiologist will give me a diagnostic hearing test. The doctor will also send us to the nearby Early Childhood Intervention program.

Keep a special notebook for my health journal.
Write about my doctor visits and the times when I’m sick. Take my health journal to my doctor visits so you can write the date that I got my vaccines.

FEED ME OFTEN, I EAT DAY AND NIGHT

Some babies, especially breastfed babies, eat more often on some days.

Follow these tips:

  • Holding me while I eat makes me feel safe and loved.Illustration of a mother and a father holding a feeding baby
  • Breast milk or iron-fortified formula should still be my only food now. Don’t put cereal or other solid food in my formula. My body isn’t ready for solid foods until I’m 4 to 6 months old. Feeding me solids too early might make me have allergies or eat too much.
  • If I’m nursing or was born early, my doctor might say I need vitamin drops. Talk to the doctor about this.

How do you know when I’m hungry?
If I’m fussy, it’s okay to try to feed me. I want to nurse or drink iron-fortified formula.

KEEP ME SAFE

  • Handle me gently. Don’t pick me up by my arms or swing me by my arms or legs. Don’t shake me or throw me in the air.
  • Protect me from falls. Be careful not to fall with me in your arms. Don’t leave me alone on a changing table, bed, or other high place, I could fall.
  • If you give me medicine at night, turn on the light and read the label every time to make sure you are giving me the right medicine and the right amount of medicine.

PLAY WITH ME, IT HELPS ME LEARN

  • Let me feel different objects by rubbing them against my hands. let me feel some soft and some bumpy materials. I like to feel the differ­ent clothes you wear.
  • Tell me how special I am. Smile and talk to me a lot.
  • Show me bright colors. I can easily see the difference between black and white or red and yellow.
  • Put me in a baby carrier or carry me and hold me while you move around the house. Talk to me about what you are doing. I like to see what is happening.
  • Look at me when you talk to me. I want to copy your mouth.
  • Repeat the sounds I make. I like the game of making sounds.
  • Read to me. I like to hear the sound of your voice.

READ ABOUT BEING A PARENT

  • Go to your local library for books, magazines, newsletters, and leaflets on parenthood. Use the library’s computers.
  • The Mental Health America of Texas website has help for parents at www.parentinginformation.org. Read the section “How to Help Your Crying Baby” or the childcare checklist in the downloadable version of this guide.
  • Ask someone you trust to come watch me so you can have a break. Join a group of parents that talks about ways to help children grow. To find parent educators near you, go to the Texas Registry of Parent Educators Resources (ROPER) at www.unt.edu/cpe.
  • When you feel stressed, talk to your partner, a family member, or a good friend about your feelings. It helps to talk with someone who is close to you.

WATCH HOW I GROW

Illustration of happy baby on blanket with toys

  • Wave, kick, and squirm when lying on my back.
  • Make sounds like “uh,” “eh” and “oh.”
  • Look and stare at things. I look at you a lot.
  • Lift my head up and turn it side­ ways when I’m on my stomach.
  • Turn to you and smile at you when I see or hear you.
  • Quiet down, move my eyes, or change my expression when I hear, your voice or some other noise.

You might notice that I also:

  • Cross my eyes sometimes. This is normal. I will do this until my eye muscles get stronger.
  • Gurgle, smile, and laugh when I’m happy.
  • Have tears when I cry. My tear ducts are starting to work now.
  • Like to suck my thumb or pacifier. Sucking is a way that I learn about my world. It is also one way that I calm myself down.

Children are very different from one another.
If I was born early or have special needs, it might take me a little longer to do some things. You can help me learn. If you are worried, talk to my doctor or nurse. To find a nearby Early Childhood Intervention program, call the DARS Help Line toll-free at 1-800-628-5115.

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Baby Blues

Baby Blues

Very common; can go away on its own, but talking to a health care provider can help.

Signs:

  • Crying
  • Not Sleeping
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Not wanting to eat
  • Short temper/mood swings

Postpartum Depression

Common anytime during baby’s first year; goes away with help from a health care provider.

Signs:

  • Sadness
  • Not wanting to touch or hold baby
  • Not wanting to talk to family or friends
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or baby

Postpartum Anxiety

An intense worry that takes over your life; seek help as soon as possible.

Signs:

  • Uncontrolled worry
  • Not being able to sleep when baby does
  • Afraid that something will hurt baby
  • Afraid that YOU will hurt baby
  • Afraid to be alone with baby
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating/shaking

Postpartum Psychosis

Not common; SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY.

Signs:

  • Hallucinations
  • Feeling very confused
  • Speech that doesn’t make sense
  • Severe insomnia
  • Thoughts about hurting yourself or baby right now

Where to seek help?

Postpartum Depression Hotline: 1-800-773-6667 (24-hour hotline)

Any Baby Can – Postpartum Support and Groups: 512-334-4444 (Parent Helpline); 512-454-3743 (Main phone)

Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773

2-1-1 Texas from your cell phone: 1-877-541-7905

Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net

DSHS Pregnancy, Parenting and Depression Resource List

The National Women’s Health Information Center: www.womenshealth.gov

Parents Anonymous: www.parentsanonymous.org

Depression During and After Pregnancy

The Online PPD Support Group: www.ppdsupportpage.com