Newborn Essentials: A Parent's Guide to Best-Evidence Baby Care

Newborn Essentials is a concise, practical guide to newborn care. Intended for first-time parents, this synopsis of best-evidence baby care provides guidance for those navigating the challenges of the newborn period. The emphasis, throughout the book, is on healthy, full-term newborns, as the vast majority of infants are born at a full-term gestation, with all the usual signs of health and well-being. What distinguishes this book from others, however, is that each concept is supported by evidence from the medical literature. Here the reader will learn not only how to care for a newborn, but why each concept is important, and when to be concerned.

Part I begins with the fundamentals—providing a safe, nurturing home environment for mother-infant bonding. Chapter 2 explores various aspects of growth and nutrition, including the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding. In chapter 3, the author discusses the important link between the quality of mother-infant interactions and early brain development. Chapter 4 examines common pregnancy complications, and how these impact the transition from fetal to newborn life. In chapter 5, the transitional period is discussed in greater detail, and how it relates to hospital discharge readiness. Chapter 6 is a review of conditions frequently encountered after delivery, especially those that can delay hospital discharge. Part I concludes with chapter 7, a review of conditions commonly encountered in the first six months.

Part II explores the more challenging aspects of care, such as prematurity (chapter 8), sudden unexpected infant death (chapter 9), and the care of infants with birth defects or disabilities (chapter 10). The author conveys a more optimistic view of conditions that are generally unavoidable, but includes potentially avoidable complications, such as sudden unexpected infant death, with a view to minimizing known risk factors. Chapter 11 includes a concise review of evidence regarding the benefits and potential risks of childhood vaccines. Part II concludes with a summary of important concepts, and practical ways to prepare for this life-changing journey. Part III is a brief summary of conditions that deserve a formal evaluation by a pediatrician (Appendix A), and a short description of the most common birth defects (Appendix B).

Inspired by conversations with family and friends, and over 25 years of clinical practice, this volume is intentionally brief to emphasize important concepts, which are easily lost in the “noise” of the unimportant. While the concepts herein are essential, the good news is that they are easily learned and applied to a wide range of circumstances. In the span of time it takes to read this book, the reader will learn to provide safe, developmentally appropriate newborn care - and thereby gain the peace of mind that comes from understanding what is important - and what is not - in the care of a newborn.

Board-certified in pediatrics and neonatology, Dr. Logan brings over 25 years' experience to this writing project. After completing residency training in pediatrics, he worked in a busy pediatric clinic in North Carolina, where he developed an interest in the care of high-risk newborns. This experience provided the motivation to pursue subspecialty training in neonatology. Since completing his fellowship at Duke University, he has been actively engaged in clinical care and research, and has authored or co-authored over 35 scholarly publications. He and his wife live in northeast Florida, where they enjoy boating, serving in their church, and spending time with their children, ages 9 to 23.