Baby Guide Spring 2021 by Day Communications/DayCom Media

BABYGUIDE SPRING / SUMMER 2021

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TOP QUESTIONS That All New Parents Have

ou read all the books, you studied up as best you could for your infant's arrival, but putting what you know into action is not as easy as you thought. Relax, lots of parents understand. Here are the top questions most new parents face, answered by the American Academy of Pediatrics. OK, SO WHEN WILL THE BABY SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT? Sleeping through the night WILL happen ... in your baby's good time. Many 2-month-olds can sleep for five hours straight before waking to feed. All kinds of ideas for getting Baby to sleep through the night will rear their heads, but your little one may take as long as five months before that magic moment appears, and even when it does, nighttime sleep may be erratic for the first year and longer. ARE WEIRD-COLOREDPOOPS NORMAL? Yes. Green, brown, light yellow, seedy mustard ... it's all good.

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Try not to fixate on this too much, but if your Baby eliminates white and chalky, thick and black or red, a call to the pediatrician is in order. IS IT OK TO WAKE A SLEEPING BABY TO FEED HIM? Yes, in fact, if your baby is a preemie, you may be told to wake her at regular intervals to ensure she gets the nutrients she needs. And, starting at about 6 months old, you can try dream feeding. Dreamfeeding is waking your infant to feed him before you turn in for the night as detailed in the book On Becoming Babywise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep by Robert Bucknam, M.D. (Parent Wise Solutions; 2012). IF I AM BREASTFEEDING AND DRINK A GLASS OF WINE, DO I NEED TO PUMP AND DUMP? If you choose to have an alcoholic drink, do it just after nursing rather than before. Then, wait at least three hours before the next breastfeeding or pumping session since

it takes several hours for alcohol to leave your system (depending upon how much you drank, your weight, the amount of alcohol in your beverage of choice, and whether or not you have eaten). WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN TO FEED YOUR BABY EVERY THREE HOURS? It means you start the hour count from the start of one feeding to the next. So if you feed your newborn at 9 a.m., his next feeding is at 11 a.m. If a feeding session takes an hour or so, yes, you can start to feel that you are feeding your infant constantly. Take heart, nursing will speed up over time! AT WHAT POINT SHOULD I CALL THE PEDIATRICIAN? While the majority of newborns are perfectly healthy, there are a few red flags to watch out for, says the AAP. Call your doctor if your newborn has a rectal temperature of 100.4 or higher or a temp that is too low (below 97.7).

Baby Guide

Also, put a call in if your baby isn't urinating as much as he has been as he could be dehydrated. Strange, green spit-up can indicate an intestinal issue and definitely warrants a call to the doctor as does blood in Baby's poop or spitup. Listen to your instincts and don't hesitate to call the doctor any time of the day or night. HOW DO I CARE FOR THE REMAINING UMBILICAL CORD? During the first one-to-two weeks at home with your infant, the umbilical cord will still be present. Gently dab a bit of rubbing alcohol on the cord during diaper changes to help it dry. However, if you notice excess redness or a foul odor, take your baby to be seen by the doctor. HOW LONG DOES MY BABY NEED TO SLEEP ON HIS BACK? Until he learns to roll over. Then you can let him sleep on his side. Avoid stuffed toys, pillows and blankets until about 5 months of age.

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FEATURE

MONITORING MAMA the PROS & CONS of baby video monitors Gone are the days of silently tiptoeing into the nursery to peek on your napping baby, only to be thwarted by that creaky floorboard and then … whoops! You accidentally woke him up!

arents who want to be reassured with a 24/7 view of their little one no matter where they are in their home certainly have that option nowadays. We recently transitioned our 2-and-a-halfyear-old from his crib to a “big boy bed,” and realized he now had the option to get up from bed whenever he wanted to. So, we decided to try out a video baby monitor (it was actually a Wyze doorbell security camera we had gotten as a Christmas gift)

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BY MICHAEL W. ALDRICH to make sure he was'nt getting into any night time mischief. At first, when it was time to go “night night,” we put him in his bed and pulled up the video app on my phone. It was a little weird at first; it kind of reminded us of The Truman Show — like we were the masters of his universe. And I have to admit, we could’ve watched him swinging his arms around like an orchestra conductor all night long — it was our new favorite show! The first time we saw him start to get out of his bed, we remembered the intercom function on the device's app that allowed us to speak through the camera.

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My wife grabbed the phone, held the intercom button and said, “it’s time to go night night, buddy.” He immediately jumped back into bed, pulling the covers over himself faster than I've ever seen him move, and didn’t get up for the rest of the night! The experience was most certainly a win for us, but parental powers like this must always be used for good — and knowing at what age to stop is key. After all, people managed perfectly well for centuries without many of the hi-tech gadgets we have today. That said, here are both the pros and cons of video monitors, because we know you're just dying to peek at your baby!

PROS

CONS

of Video Baby Monitors

Baby video monitors are nice to have rather than a must-have. If you are expecting your first child, you will undoubtedly have plenty of other things on your shopping list that may take a higher priority. That being said, here are 10 ways that a video baby monitor will make mom and dad’s life a little bit easier:

Baby video monitors do have their advantages, but what are the drawbacks to baby monitoring devices? Well, for one, while baby monitors are convenient to have, they are not cheap. The best video baby monitors will set you back around $150 (see a fewer less expensive options in our Editor's Picks). Here are a few other disadvantages to bear in mind:

1. Peace of Mind A video monitor will allow you to put your mind at rest as often as you wish. And you will not need to open the door and disturb your sleeping baby when you check on them.

2. Check on Baby Without the Lights There will be times when you want to peek at your baby at night to ensure that everything is Ok. The best baby video monitors have night-vision. See your sleeping child without switching on any lights.

1. Signal Interference You might find that some appliances in your home interfere with a wireless baby monitor’s signal. You will also need to check the signal range of a baby monitor before you buy it. The wireless signal on the best baby video monitors is excellent these days. Even so, there is no guarantee that you will always get a perfect signal in your home.

2. Hacking 3. Fewer False Alarms Having an audio-only baby monitor can lead to unnecessary trips up the stairs to the nursery. A video baby monitor will allow you to investigate any noises from the comfort of your chair.

It has been known for video baby monitors to be hacked. So, make sure that you understand the security features of a baby monitor. And don’t forget to change the default password for your device when you set up the system.

4. Help Train a Baby to Sleep

3. False Sense of Security

A video baby monitor will let you judge if your baby needs help or not. Sleep training a baby will be much easier if you don’t need to see your child every time there is noise.

Some people argue that baby monitors create a false sense of security. You could become too reliant on the monitor and not physically check on your baby often enough. It should always be remembered that no electronic device can be a replacement for good parental care.

5. Talk to Your Baby Remotely Some of the best baby video monitors have a two-way talk feature, an excellent item for giving your baby a few comforting words if she's having trouble getting to sleep. When your child gets a bit older, the two-way talk will also come in handy to tell them to put down their toys and get back to sleep!

4. Increased Anxiety It could also be argued that a video monitor could lead to increased anxiety. You could wind up never taking your eyes off your baby monitor’s video feed. The ability to watch the baby 24/7 could create more worry for some parents than if the child were left on their own to sleep.

EDITOR'S PICKS Best Budget Video Baby Monitor Wyze Cam Available starting at $26

Best Budget Baby Monitor With Screen Summer In View 2.0 Color Video Monitor Available starting at $79

Most Easy-to-Use Video Baby Monitor Eufy SpaceView Baby Monitor Available starting at $160

Video Baby Monitor With the Best Zoom Arlo Baby Monitor Available starting at $187

Best Video Baby Monitor Overall Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor Available starting at $166

6. Allow You to Take Naps Catching 40 winks can be a challenge when you are listening for a baby. If you place a baby monitor by your side when you take naps, you will be able to hear any noises straight away.

5. Too Much Hovering It is possible for monitoring to become a crutch, causing an excess of usage. Find a balance so you are still meeting Baby's needs. Michael W. Aldrich is a father, husband, writer and journalist.

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SPRING/SUMMER 2021 11

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FEATURE

Vacations with your little one can be enjoyable — even wonderful — with the right attitude, tips and three important keys.

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By Susan Day

t's super easy to become overwhelmed by the minutiae that packing for babies requires if you're heading to the beach or even just for a weekend away. The number of items you need in your diaper bag just for a brief day outing is bad enough. But you have a baby now so taking your little one with you is a rite of passage to embrace. You can tackle the packing, unpacking and carrying on with our tips and keys.

KEY NUMBER ONE: YOUR ATTITUDE You've seen them: the families loaded with luggage piled high at the airport, the travel-weary parents, the wild-eyed toddlers rolling around on their personalized Trunkis. But you're not there yet — you're just out of the gate with your first baby and dipping your toe into the travel waters. So first things first: Know that like anything else that requires a learning curve, a first vacation with our baby will require a herculean effort on your part. You WILL be traveling with a lot of paraphernalia and you DO want to have a good time. With that awareness, the first thing to tackle is your attitude. (please turn the page)

Baby Guide

SPRING/SUMMER 2021 13

VACAY WITH BAY-BAY According to Travels With Baby (Travel with Baby Books; 2014 by Shelly Rivoli), your attitude is your most powerful secret weapon when you travel with a newborn or baby. Being organized and anticipating needs will go a long way towards making or breaking your vacation. It DOES take extra effort, so adopting a can-do attitude is the key. KEY TWO: PACKING Whether you're flying or driving to your destination will change your packing needs a bit. Obviously, if you're heading to the beach it's a lot different than traveling to Grandma's for a visit (she can stock items for you to cut down on your load). If you will be flying, your diaper bag will be screened, so be mindful. The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) allows for formula, breastmilk and juice for children in "reasonable" quantities, but be sure to pack all liquids separately in a plastic bag so they can be easily removed. Exactly what you will need to pack depends on how you are traveling, where you will be staying, how long you will be gone and the weather while you're away. DIAPER BAG No matter how you are traveling, these are the items you'll need at the ready for your baby: √ Bibs √ Blankets √ Bottles & Nipples √ Clothes including hats √ Comfort items √ Diaper Changing pad √ Diapers √ Formula √ Gallon-sized storage bags √ Hand sanitizer √ Medicine √ Pacifiers √ Toys √ Toiletries (sunscreen!!!) √ Wipes

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PARAPHERNALIA The equipment you'll need most include: √ Baby Carrier - Pack your sling to keep Baby close. √ Baby Monitor & receivers - Especially if your baby will be sleeping in a different room. √ Breast Pump - If you're breastfeeding, having a pump will be helpful. Many airports provide nursing pods. √ Pack 'n Play - Take your own for your baby's comfort, or, if staying at a hotel, call ahead to see if they can provide one. If you're beaching it, a pack 'n play words wonders. Plunk some shade overhead and Baby's set. √ Stroller - a light and solid, travel stroller will be your best friend. If you are flying, plan on checking it at the gate of the plane. KEY THREE: UNPACKING Once you're checked in at your destination, you may be tempted to drop everything and get going. Only, how you packed for your baby is just as important as how you unpack! Take a little time to settle in and get your items in order. And if there's anything you forgot to bring, go get it now so you don't come up short later when you're in need. • Set up your sleep area to make it as close to home as possible. Put the baby bed near your own and make it, so it's ready when Baby needs it. • Designate a changing area by setting out the diapers and wipes, etc. in one space. • Establish a spot for bottles, dishes, formula, etc. If you're in a hotel, the bathroom may be a good spot since there's a sink there. • Reorganize the diaper bag for lighter travels now that you've arrived.

A portable pack 'n play — or playyard — is an important item to bring on vacation for your baby, like this highly-rated LOTUS TRAVEL CRIB ($209 on Amazon).

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TOP TIPS FROM MOMS • For more fun, slow down and adjust your mindset • Embrace naptime together • Be ready for any climate • Don't wait to travel with Baby • Request a crib from your hotel or Air BNB • Use a white noise app on your device for napping • Bring trash bags for emergencies • Know that Baby can sleep anywhere • Be flexible with schedules

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FEATURE

DAYVS CARE PRESCHOOL Confused by the differences in child care? Here's what you need to know. By Michael W. Aldrich

kay, baby time has been fun, but your maternity leave is up and you may be wondering: What’s the difference between daycare and preschool? Are they the same? Do the benefits of preschool outweigh those offered by a good day care? Not necessarily. That’s because day care centers and preschools operate under the same general guidelines — they’re even licensed and regulated by the same state agencies. These days, day care centers often provide more than care — they also offer learning activities to prep kids for kindergarten, which means the curriculum

16 SPRING/SUMMER 2021

may mirror a good preschool’s. Plus, sending your child to day care can cost about the same as sending him to preschool. Still, there are some key differences between the options — differences you’ll probably want to consider before you turn over that (hefty) deposit. Here’s what sets them apart:

WHAT IS DAY CARE? Daycare is geared toward providing a safe environment for children to stay when their parents are working or otherwise engaged. Children here play with others of their age group. Daycare provides parents with the ability to go to work and not fret about

Baby Guide

leaving their kids with a babysitter or the expense of hiring a private nanny. Daycares do not follow a school schedule, which means they offer longer hours and are open during holidays and school breaks. Infants to kids who aren't yet old enough to go to kindergarten are typically accepted into daycare.

WHAT IS PRESCHOOL? Most preschools accept students from ages 3 - 5. These children are learning and growing but not old enough to attend kindergarten. Preschool provides a foundation for older toddlers to build on when they reach elementary school. These facilities typically follow similar schedules to regular

school, meaning they are closed on holidays and during the summer. Preschool is often a half a day, but some offer full days as well.

HOURS Preschools have shorter daily hours — most also close on holidays, for weeklong breaks and for the summer (though some preschools offer camp for an extra fee when the school year ends). With preschools, you usually have to choose between half-day and full-day programs. And you probably need to enroll your child for at least two days each week. Daycare centers are more flexible when it comes to hours — they tend to open early and close late to cater to working parents. Plus, they’re more likely than preschools to remain open year-round. Some daycare centers allow you to totally personalize your child’s schedule (just an hour on some days so you can run errands at your pace and not your tot’s; full days on others so you can go to work).

POTTY PREREQUISITES Many preschools require a child to be toilettrained. Daycares accept kids in diapers.

AGE REQUIREMENTS Kids, from wee infants to grade-schoolers,

are welcome at many daycare centers. That means your tyke may get a chance to socialize with bigger kids and be around babies (a huge bonus if your only child is soon becoming a big sibling). Downside: It also means the caregivers may be more preoccupied with the really little ones. Preschools usually accept children ages 3 to 5. Plus, age groups tend to be separated at preschools — there’s usually one classroom for the 3-year-olds and another for the 4- and 5-year-olds, though they may mingle by the swings and slides at the playground.

CAREGIVERS AND TEACHERS Preschool programs are more learningoriented and are often based on a certain teaching approach. Many states have higher education standards for preschool teachers and directors than for those at daycare centers, so preschool staff may have more formal training. Still, Tennessee requires a minimum amount of experience for teachers at preschools and daycares. Look for friendly and knowledgeable staff who can handle daily leadership.

HOW TO DECIDE What do you want your child to get out of

his time while you're at work? Would you like those hours spent on purposeful learning or more social interaction and play? Do you prefer that your child is supervised by licensed teachers or daycare providers? If you work irregular hours or a longer day than a 9 - 5, a daycare may be your best option as preschools offer limited hours. Your child's age is also a factor as he may not be old enough to attend preschool yet but can go to daycare until that time comes. It's also important to consider cost when making this decision. Make sure to tour facilities you're interested in. Talk with the teachers or care providers to learn about daily routines and get to know some of the individual staff members. Your preferred program will be the one that best fits you, your child, your schedule and your budget. Make a chart of the individual pros and cons. Ask yourself: Which teachers are warmer? Which classroom is more inviting? Which one offers more engaging activities? The more on-site investigating you do, the more likely you’ll find the perfect daycare (or preschool) match for your munchkin — and you. Michael Aldrich is managing editor of Baby Guide, a dad, husband and journalist.

Preschool is for children ages 3 - 5, but new parents should know that the most desired preschools have waiting lists. No matter what kind of care you need, pursue it earlier rather than later.

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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

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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. Baby + Co. 3212 West End Ave., Ste. 100, Nashville 615-647-8220 • babyandcompany.com Collaborative midwife and physician team for delivery in the birthing center and at area hospitals. Virtual classes and support groups. 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. 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 • lllodkytn.org Hendersonville/Sumner • 615-714-9224 Nashville • 615-861-1037 or 615-883-6823 Rutherford • 901-568-9202 Williamson • 615-830-0041; 615-579-8019; 615861-1037; 251-751-7256 Support and information for breastfeeding mothers. Mama Moon Birth Concierge 615-973-2377 • mama-moon.com Labor and postpartum doula services, prenatal massage, childbirth education, sophrology, AquaNatal classes 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, post-partum doulas, Hypnobabies and placenta encapsulation.

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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 Doula Services nashvilledoulaservices.com Labor doula support, lactation support, childbirth education, placenta encapsulation and more. 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. 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. 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 Department hosts a breastfeeding support group every week. Call to RSVP. Womankind 615-426-1977 • womankindmassage.com Pre- and post-natal massage and doula services.

parent groups Baby + Co. New Moms Group 3212 West End Ave., Ste. 100, Nashville 615-647-8220 • babyandcompany.com Meet other new moms virtually. Babywearing International of Middle TN bwiofmiddletn.com Middle Tennessee Moms of Multiples Facebook group. MOMS Club (Moms Offering Moms Support) momsclub.org Stay-at-home mothers offering connectivity throughout Middle Tennessee.

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DR.

WE THINK EVERY

Moms of East Nashville Facebook group.. 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. 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 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 Hendersonville Medical Center 355 New Shackle Island Road, Hendersonville 615-338-1710 TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center 200 StoneCrest Blvd., Smyrna • 615-768-2234 milkbanktn.org Via Mothers' Milk Bank of Tennessee, preapproved donor mothers drop off frozen milk for testing and pasteurization. It is made available for use in neonatal intensive care units. Postpartum Support International800-944-4773 • postpartum.net Provides local resource information for women with perinatal mood disorders. 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.

22 SPRING/SUMMER 2021

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. Champ's Corner Store at Vanderbilt Children's Store: 615-936-1869 Appointment line: 615-936-7233 childrenshospital.vanderbilt.org/champscornerstore Low-cost safety products and education. Car seat safety inspections available by appointment. 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.

Hendersonville Public Library 140 Saundersville Rd, 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 615 Church St, Nashville 615-862-5800 • facebook.com/NPLMain Wishing Chair Productions, Nursery Rhyme Time with JJ the Lamb, Storytime at the Professor's House, Lee con Klem-Marí and more. Nashville Public Library Bellevue 720 Baugh Rd, Nashville 615-862-5854 • library.nashville.org

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital Vanderbilt at Williamson Medical Center 615-435-5000 williamsonmedicalcenter.org/kids Comprehensive inpatient pediatric, emergency care.

Nashville Public Library Bordeaux 4000 Clarksville Pike, Nashville 615-862-5856 facebook.com/NPLBordeaux

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.

Nashville Public Library Donelson 2315 Lebanon Pike, Nashville 615-862-5859 facebook.com/NPLDonelson

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.

storytimes The following offer virtual storytimes on their website, Facebook or Youtube channels. In-person storytimes are also starting to return. Time and dates vary, so check in regularly 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 Rd, Brentwood 615-371-0090 • brentwoodtn.gov/departments/library facebook.com/BrentwoodLibrary

Baby Guide

Nashville Public Library Edgehill 1409 12th Ave S, Nashville 615-862-5861 facebook.com/NPLEdgehill 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 Ln, Hermitage 615-880-3951 facebook.com/NPLHermitage Nashville Public Library Inglewood 4312 Gallatin Pike, Nashville (615) 862-5866 facebook.com/NPLInglewood/ Nashville Public Library Looby 2301 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville 615-862-5867 facebook.com/NPLLooby

Nashville Public Library Madison Branch 610 Gallatin Pike S, Madison 615-862-5868 facebook.com/NPLMadison Nashville Public Library Old Hickory 1010 Jones St, Old Hickory, TN 615-862-5869 facebook.com/NPLOldHickoryBranch

fitness Blooma Yoga (East and West Nashville) 615-797-8064 • bloomanashville.com BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby) in daily online classes. KidFIT: Movers & Shakers (Murfreesboro) 615-893-7439 • murfreesborotn.gov/parks You and your little one (ages 1 - 3) can get moving. Check website for more details.

Nashville Public Library Southeast 5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy #201, Antioch 615-862-5871 facebook.com/NPLSoutheast

Let It Shine (Franklin) 615-369-3547 • lisgym.com Parent-and-child movement classes available for 6 months-walking, 12-23 months and 24-36 months.

Nashville Public Library Thompson Lane 380 Thompson Ln, Nashville 615-862-5873 facebook.com/NPLThompsonLane

Music City S.L.A.M. (Nashville) strollerstrongmoms.com/nashville Stroller fitness classes for moms with newborns toddlers. Meets at the Gordon JJCC playground.

Rachel Sumner Live Streaming Show facebook.com/RachelForKids rachelsumner.com Airs on WRFN in Nashville, streams online, and is played in 32 children's hospitals around the world on Radio Lollipop. Smyrna Public Library 400 Enon Springs Rd 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 infant massage Angie Gray Massage Therapy angiegraymassagetherapy.com Learn to give Baby a full-body massage using ageappropriate techniques. Infant Massage USA infantmassageusa.org Find 10 Certified Educator of Infant Massage instructors in the greater Nashville area. Sara B. Dye Massage Therapy 615-579-3686 • learninfantmassage.net Classes in Murfreesboro. This Little Piggy Infant Massage 410-375-0003 • mgreffen.wix.com/thislittlepiggy Follow Facebook for Reopening.

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 NCT's theater offerings are being transitioned to a virtual setting for children birth to 5 years.

My Gym (Brentwood) 615-371-5437 • mygym.com/brentwood Tiny Tykes class ages 4-22 months for motor skills. Nashville Gymnastics Training Center (Nashville) 615-298-2264 • nashvillegtc.com Little Peepers for ages 9 - 18 months builds strength and coordination.

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 online 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 Wed 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, Hendersonville, 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 St, Nashville 615-297-2966 • nashvilleballet.com Children's classes (ages 2-7), virtually or in-studio. 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.

BABY WORLD choosing CHILD CARE

aking the decision to leave your baby in the care of others isn't an easy one, but if you go that route, do your homework. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests the following questions to help you make the best child-care choice: LICENSING/ACCREDITATION Is the center licensed or registered with the appropriate local government agencies? Are there any outstanding violations? Is the program currently accredited or in the process of becoming accredited? VISITING POLICY Can you visit the center before your child is enrolled? If your child is enrolled, can you visit the center anytime it's open? Can you see all the areas your child will use? Are visitors screened or is their ID checked so only approved adults can visit the center and pick up children? HEALTH PROFESSIONAL Is there a qualified health professional, such as a doctor or nurse, for the program? STAFFING Are there enough trained adults available on a regular basis? What happens if staff are ill or on vacation? What are the child-staff ratios? What education, training and experience do the child-care providers have, and are they CPR certified? COMMUNICATION How often does the facility give feedback about your child? Does the provider seem approachable? DISCIPLINE Does the caregiver's discipline policy gel with yours?

Baby Guide

SPRING/SUMMER 2021 23

Personalized and compassionate prenatal and delivery care, on your terms.

New patients welcomed! -Prenatal, delivery and pediatric care -Birth planning assistance -Counseling services on-site -On-call midwife available after hours -Delivering at St. Thomas Midtown -Midwives can attend VBAC and VBA2C births with support from a collaborating physician

We look forward to meeting you! Connectus @ Vine Hill 601 Benton Avenue Connectus @ Priest Lake 2637 Murfreesboro Pike

Sliding fee discount available • Translation services • Insurance enrollment assistance available • Payment plans available

615.292.9770 • connectus.org

CHOOSING A PEDIATRICIAN...

ONE NEW PARENTING DECISION YOU CAN RELAX ABOUT!

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•• • • ••••••

Open Evenings and Weekends

(hours vary by location)

Voted Best Pediatrician by Williamson, Sumner and Rutherford Parent readers.

Serving your family at our four locations. All locations are accepting new patients. 4720 Trader’s Way, Ste. 600

1370 Gateway Blvd., Ste. 110

410 North Parrish Place, #2000

5505 Edmondson Pike, Ste. 104

Thompson’s Station, TN 37179

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Hendersonville, TN 37075

Nashville, TN 37211

(615) 302-1279

(615) 890-9008

(615) 826-2080

(615) 331-5898

www.TNPeds.com 24 SPRING/SUMMER 2021

Baby Guide

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middle tennessee

BIRTHING GUIDE Births per year BABY + CO 3212 West End Ave., Ste. 100 Nashville 615-647-8220 babyandcompany.com

MAURY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 1224 Trotwood Ave., Columbia 931-381-1111 mauryregional.com

500

1,500

LDR or LDRP

LDRP

LDR

NASHVILLE GENERAL HOSPITAL AT MEHARRY 1818 Albion St., Nashville 615-341-4000 nashvillegeneral.org

600

LDR

NORTHCREST MEDICAL CENTER 100 NorthCrest Drive Springfield 615-384-2411 northcrest.com

519

LDR

ST. THOMAS MIDTOWN HOSPITAL 2000 Church St., Nashville 615-284-2229 sths.com/midtown

7,000

Certified NurseMidwife

•

LDR

Certified Lactation Consultant

NICU Level

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

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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.

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Level IINeonatal

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.

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Level IINeonatal

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.

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Level I

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.

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Level IIIObstetric care & Neonatology Services

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.

ST. THOMAS RUTHERFORD HOSPITAL 1700 Medical Center Pkwy. Murfreesboro 615-396-4577 or 615-396-5376 sths.com/rutherford

3,300

LDR

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

SUMNER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 555 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin 615-328-8888 mysumnermedical.com

800

LDR

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Level IIObstetric

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

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.

TRISTAR CENTENNIAL WOMEN'S HOSPITAL 2221 Murphy Ave., Nashville 615-342-5661 tristarcentennial.com

3,500

LDR

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Baby Guide

SPRING/SUMMER 2021 25

middle tennessee

BIRTHING GUIDE Births per year

TRISTAR HENDERSONVILLE MEDICAL CENTER 355 New Shackle Island Road Hendersonville • 615-338-1000 tristarhendersonville.com

TRISTAR HORIZON MEDICAL CENTER 111 Hwy 70 E., Dickson 615-446-0446 tristarhorizon.com

TRISTAR STONECREST MEDICAL CENTER 200 StoneCrest Blvd., Smyrna 615-768-2000 stonecrestmedical.com

1,300

500

1,000

LDR or LDRP

LDRP

VANDERBILT WILSON COUNTY HOSPITAL 1411 Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon 615-443-2563 vanderbiltwilsoncountyhospital.com

750

LDR

WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER 4321 Carothers Pkwy., Franklin 615-435-5000 williamsonmedicalcenter.org

1,785

LDR

NICU Level

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

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Level IINeonatal

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.

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Level IINeonatal

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.

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Level IIIObstetric & Neonatal

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.

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Level IIObstetric

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.

Level IVNeonatal

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.

Level IINeonatal

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.

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LDR

1,200

4,800

Certified Lactation Consultant

LDRP

TRISTAR SUMMIT MEDICAL CENTER 5655 Frist Blvd., Hermitage 615-316-3000 tristarsummit.com

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER 1221 22nd Ave. S., Nashville 615-343-5700 vanderbiltwomenshealth.com

Certified NurseMidwife

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LDR

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.

26 SPRING/SUMMER 2021

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.

Baby Guide

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.

Award-Winning Maternity Care

Williamson Medical Center’s trusted team delivers high-quality care for you and your baby based on your health and your preferences. From prenatal through delivery and postpartum care, you’ll always have the support you need. Maternity services include: • Board-certified physicians and experienced, compassionate nurses.

• We offer immediate skin-to-skin contact following vaginal deliveries and C-sections.

• Exceptionally spacious birthing suites, providing a comfortable, private environment.

• Patients having a C-section have the option to choose a clear surgical drape that allows them to witness the moment their baby enters the world.

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with a fulltime neonatologist and a team of neonatal nurse practitioners and specially trained nurses.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call (615) 791-2229, or visit: WilliamsonMedicalCenter.org/OB

• Lactation services are available to assist mothers who choose to breastfeed.