Helping Your Newborn Get Off To A Healthy Start

Congratulations you just had a baby! I'm nearing the end of my pregnancy now and can't wait to hear those words. In the meantime, I'm planning all the ways that I'll be working to help my newborn get off to a healthy start.

Here are my tips** for helping your new baby stay healthy:

1. Breastfeed (or the next best thing): We all know breast is best right? Hopefully you've had a chance to try and breastfeed your newborn and experience the trials but mostly the bonding that goes along with it. Breastmilk is such heads and shoulders above the "competition" for the baby's needs it's hard to quantify. However for some women, I know it's easier said than done, and you may be looking for what the next best thing is for your baby. Did you know that goat's milk is actually the next best thig? Cow's milk formulas are not ideal for really young infants - so see about finding goat's milk formulas (and they are especially great for colicky babies). The next alternative is organic baby formulas, and there are several great brands to try so shop around!

2. Infant Massage: Not only is infant massage a great way to bond with your baby, but it helps relax them and can even help with digestion. The ideal way to learn and practice infant massage is by finding a class in your area. If you can't find any (or if they're too pricey) there are various books and videos available as well. Once you learn, it's an easy technique to do at home, and babies love massage the most right after a warm bath!

3.  Chiropractic care: Did you know even newborns can have their spines out of alignment? The birth canal can be a tricky route to manouver, and it's not uncommon for baby's to have their necks and jaws out of alignment. Babies respond very well to gentle adjustments, and even those doctors that practice cranial sacral therapy are experts with infants.

**I'm obviously not a doctor and am not giving medical advise, just sharing my experience as a mom to many!**

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