BIRTH AND THE NEWBORN BABY:

INTHE NEW WORLD

Chapter 4

Beyond the Book

Neonate Sensations and Perceptions

In the past, researchers underestimated the sensory and perceptual abilities of newborns. Based on the information presented in this chapter, describe what a newborn may experience in the first day of life.

Local Birthing Options

Investigate birthing options in your region. Write a short report comparing and contrasting two local options for birthing (i.e., hospital vs. free standing birthing center). Criteria for comparison may include location, cost, atmosphere, privacy, pre- and post-natal care options, match with birthing plan, policies on medical interventions such as episiotomies, availability of tubs for water births, separation of mother and infant, etc. Articulate which option you would prefer for yourself or your partner and explain why you have made this choice.

Protecting Fetuses from Noise Pollution

Research has shown that fetuses respond to sound waves as early as 13 weeks into gestation, and that hearing continues to develop throughout pregnancy. An article published in Pediatrics reported that exposure to excessive noise during pregnancy may result in high-frequency hearing loss in newborns (American Academy of Pediatric, 1997). Although no formal recommendations have been made for pregnant women, a 2003 newsletter published by Michigan State University’s division of Occupational & Environmental Medicine stated that several countries, “forbid pregnant women to work in surroundings with a high noise level (80 dB continuous noise and/or rapid impulse noise changes of 40 dB” (p.2). Using these guidelines, Make a list of occupational or living environments where women should be concerned about impacts on fetal hearing (i.e., near airports). Typical noise levels are widely available on the internet.

AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics (1997). Noise: A hazard for the fetus and newborn. Pediatrics,100, 724-727.

Noise and the pregnant woman. (2003, Fall). Now Hear This…, 6(3), 1-2.

The State of Premature Births

The March of Dimes is a large, non-profit organization whose mission is to “improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.” This organization runs an up-to-date website called PeriStats that offers free access to statistics on maternal and infant health data (March of Dimes, 2007). This data is customizable for each state, and can be obtained in the form of tables, graphs, and maps. Use this website to report on the current rates of premature births in your area. Has the rate of premature births dropped or risen in the past few years? How does this correspond with rates of maternal prenatal care/ smoking? How does this rate compare with other areas of the country?

March of Dimes Perinatal DataCenter (2007). PeriStats. Retrieved August 27, 2007 from

Warning Signs of Post-Partum Depression

Use the text and Internet websites to create a brochure for new parents explaining the warning signs of post-partum depression. The brochure should also suggest ways to cope with this condition and suggestions for treatment. One helpful resource may be the Postpartum Support International organization.

The Visible Embryo

Visit the following website: This is an interactive online tutorial on human development produced by Mouse Works and sponsored by The National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development. The site is a comprehensive resource of information on human development from conception to birth, presented in a weekly format. The Visible Embryo provides a detailed pictorial account of normal and abnormal development.