WEBVTT FILE

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Every new parent thinks
about their new baby's

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safety-but did you know
that safety starts in the

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hospital, before
you go home?

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This is when you can take
steps to reduce the risk

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of your baby falling.

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The most common reason
newborns fall is because

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of exhausted parents.

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While you're in the
hospital, it's important

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to get enough rest to
keep your newborn safe.

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Exhausted parents are more
likely to fall asleep and

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let their newborns
slip from their arms.

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The main reasons babies
fall in the hospital

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include: Caregiver
exhaustion.

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This is especially true
on the second day after

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delivery, when new moms
tend to be more tired and

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are already starting
to miss sleep.

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Opioid medications.

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A new mom is given opioid
medications for pain.

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This can make the mother
sleepy and less able to

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hold a wiggling baby.

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A history of
substance abuse.

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Inexperience breastfeeding.
During breastfeeding,

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a new mom may not be

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used to the proper
holding positions.

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C-section. If you have

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had a C-section,
you may not be physically

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able to hold your baby.

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Furniture in your
maternity room may also be

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a risk factor for
newborn falls.

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Many bassinets are lower
than a typical hospital

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bed, which can make it
tough to put your baby

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down to sleep.

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Skin-to-skin contact is
good for newborns, but it

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can also increase
the risk of a fall.

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Skin-to-skin contact
causes your body to

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release relaxing hormones
that can make you sleepy

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and increase the chances
of a fall or drop.

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There are several steps
you can take to help

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prevent an accidental
infant fall.

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Ask for help if you're
tired, especially if you

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taken pain medications
in the last 2 to 4 hours.

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Make sure you can safely
move your newborn from the

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hospital bed to the
bassinette after a feeding

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or after receiving
pain medications.

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If you are not
sure, ask for help.

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Enjoy skin-to-skin contact
with your baby, but make

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sure to call a nurse
or ask your partner or

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another caregiver to
take your baby to a safe

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sleeping environment
before you fall asleep.

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Make sure you get as much
uninterrupted sleep as

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possible, especially in
the first 48 hours after

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delivery.

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If you're breastfeeding,
take advantage of

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lactation education and
counseling to ensure you

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are feeding your baby
in the proper holding

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technique.

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Pay attention to when
you're feeling tired and

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ask for help if you're
having trouble staying

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awake while holding or
breastfeeding your newborn

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so you can keep your baby
safe and healthy in the

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hospital.