September is Baby Safety Month, and on this week’s Health Matters we sat down with Christine Powell, BSN, RN, from the Aultman Birth Center to talk about what every parent, caregiver, and family member should know when it comes to keeping infants safe.
From prenatal care to safe sleep practices, Christine shared valuable insight into how small choices can make a big impact on the health and safety of newborns.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation
1. The Importance of Prenatal Care
- Prenatal care should begin as soon as possible during pregnancy.
- Regular visits help detect conditions that can affect pregnancy outcomes.
- Early detection and care support healthier moms and babies.
2. Mental Health in Pregnancy & Postpartum
- Mental health is as important as physical health.
- New parents should watch for signs of postpartum blues, depression, or psychosis.
- If symptoms occur, seeking help quickly is critical for both mom and baby.
3. Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome
- Shaken baby syndrome can have devastating consequences.
- It’s not always parents who shake a baby—stress or frustration can affect anyone.
- Education and awareness are the best tools for prevention.
4. Safe Sleep Practices
- Babies should always sleep on their backs, not on their stomachs.
- No blankets, pillows, or toys should be in the crib.
- Appropriate sleepwear is safer than loose blankets.
- Breastfeeding mothers should also follow safe sleep practices to reduce risks.
5. Car Seat Safety
- Car seats should always be installed correctly—professional checks are recommended.
- Children must remain in a car seat for as long as safety guidelines recommend, depending on age, weight, and height.
A Final Word on Infant Safety
Christine reminded listeners that infant safety is about awareness, education, and consistent habits. From car seats to sleep, every small step helps protect the most vulnerable members of our families.
Watch & Listen
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Thanks for listening today! We’d like to remind our listeners, if you suspect you have a medical issue, please contact your healthcare provider. Thanks to our sponsor Aultman Health System. As always, we thank our listeners for joining us on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Have a healthy week and we’ll see you again next Friday right here on News Talk 1480 WHBC.
