Beware of Dr Google

That’s what I tell moms that come to the new moms groups I lead, but I realize how hard it is to follow that advice. It seems so quick and easy when you have a question, or you’re just not sure about something, to turn to Google and see what comes up, but when you are a new mom, it’s really not a good idea to start with Google.

Make no mistake. I Google all the time, but when it comes to figuring out what may be going on health wise with my children, it’s really not a good idea at least not until you’ve got a clear diagnosis made by your pediatrician. The reason is that you can really send yourself to a very scary place unnecessarily, and why put yourself through that. Google will bring up all different kinds of sites, some valid and trustworthy, and some that appear valid, but a really just one person’s opinion based on their own experience that they’ve now turned into an expert advice giver… you know, you’ve seen the sites.

So how do you know which sites to turn to, as the web can give you a wealth of knowledge right at your fingertips. Here are some of my recommendations for trusted sites to access.

If you already delivered your baby at BIDMC, you may have watched the Newborn Channel on the TV in your postpartum room. You can still access the wealth of topics available, whether you’ve already gone home with your baby, or you have not yet delivered. The channel covers a range of topics this including breastfeeding, newborn care, and safe sleep. Just go to www.thenewbornchannelnow.com. It will ask for your hospital password, which is on the flyer we provide you in the packet of information we send you home with. If you’ve lost it, no worries. The BIDMC password is 05259.

Another great website is www.healthychildren.org. the site of the American Academy of Pediatrics, specifically for parents, and covers different age ranges, wellness and development.

If you are looking for a Lactation Consultant in your area www.zipmilk.org is a great place to start along with

www.lalecheleague.org

At BIDMC we run a free drop in postpartum breastfeeding support group that meets on Wednesdays from 12-1:30pm on our 6 Feldberg postpartum unit. It’s free and you just show up with your baby!

www.bidmc.org/parentconnection

If you are parents of twins or multiples, the Massachusetts Mothers of Twins Association has been around for a long time, their site is www.mmota.org.

Going back to work and don’t know where to begin to look for childcare in your area?

http://www.eec.state.ma.us/ChildCareSearch/EarlyEduMap.aspx

This is the state of Massachusetts site that will provide you with a list of licensed day care centers and family based childcare in your area. Just plug in your zip code and mile radius and you’ll get a listing of providers. You’ll need to spend some time and energy calling to first determine if there are openings for newborns, and then scheduling a visit, but it’s where most people who do not have a family member who is available and able to care for a newborn for the time you need, start.

If you are wondering if your feelings of sadness, or anxiety may be going on for too long, or seem to be getting in the way of your enjoying your baby https://psichapters.com/ma/ is the Massachusetts version of a nationwide site dedicated to providing information and resources regarding postpartum mood disorders. It’s a great site with comprehensive information that not only outlines the range of symptoms associated with postpartum mood disorders, but also describes how common these disorders are not only for the mom who delivered, but also for her parenting partner! Another great site is Postpartum Progress at www.postpartumprogress.org. While this online community is no longer active, the website still is full of great information.

Looking to find ways to connect with other new moms? If you live in the Dedham, Chestnut Hill, or Milton areas, give the Parent Connection a call at 617-667-2229. We run FREE new moms groups in those communities. We also offer a group specifically for working moms that meets during evening sessions in Dedham.

www.bidmc.org/parentconnection

So there you go, that’s my listing of websites that you can trust. Anything else just be careful!