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Fort HealthCare is also committed to making sure you have all of the information that you need beyond what is offered through our classes.
Every expecting mother in her first trimester receives educational material and instruction from our OB/GYNs. The information explains what is happening with you and your baby and important prenatal and lifestyle guidelines for every step throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
We also keep in touch with you after you have your baby to send you helpful information, tips and advice on parenting.
Our information provides you with answers to questions about:
- First Trimester
- Second Trimester
- Third Trimester
- Breastfeeding
- Labor
- Vaginal and Cesarean Birth
- Possible pregnancy complications
- Ways to take care of yourself (rest, diet, exercise, dangers to avoid)
- Your hospital stay
- Postpartum care
- Newborn care basics
- Positive parenting
Car Seat Safety and WHALE Program
Car Seat Safety
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. But many of these deaths can be prevented. Placing your baby in age- and size-appropriate restraint system lowers the risk of serious and fatal injuries by more than half.
You’ll need a safety seat for your baby’s first ride home from the hospital. Plan to get a safety seat well before your due date. You will need time to practice using the seat in your car before you baby’s first car ride. Fort Memorial Hospital has car seat technicians on hand to help you and make certain that your car seat is properly installed in your car before you leave the hospital with your new baby. If you have concerns about obtaining a car seat, speak with your doctor.
Accidents happen. Always wear a seatbelt. When wearing your safety belt, follow these rules:
- Always wear both the lap and shoulder belt
- Buckle the lap belt low on your hip bones, below your belly
- Place the shoulder belt off to the side of your belly and across the center of your chest (between your breasts)
- Never place the shoulder belt under your arm
- Make sure the belt fits snugly
The upper part of the belt should cross your shoulder without chafing your neck. Never slip the upper part of the belt off your shoulder or behind your back. Safety belts worn too loosely or too high on the belly can cause broken ribs or injuries to your belly.
WHALE (We Have a Little Emergency)
Rescuers and other emergency staff frequently report unnecessary frustration, heartache and even life-threatening delays when they face a traffic accident where the parents or other caretakers are not able to respond. These professionals have no way of finding out if a child involved in an accident may have special medical needs, such as asthma, allergies to medications, or some other health condition.
Fort HealthCare recommends that new parents participate in the free WHALE program. WHALE is a child seat occupant identification program sponsored by the Partners of Wisconsin Hospital Association in cooperation with the Wisconsin Hospital Association. Simply ask the Fort HealthCare Volunteer Services office at Fort Memorial Hospital for a WHALE packet.
The packet includes:
- Two WHALE stickers for the rear driver’s seat windows of one vehicle
- Two WHALE stickers for the two sides of a child’s car safety seat
- A 4”x4” printed label to affix to the back of your child’s car safety seat. Clearly print any pertinent medical information on the label before you place it on the back of the car seat.