Did You Know?

Congenital syphilis is a condition in which the baby gets syphilis from their mother, who has syphilis. If it is not treated, it can cause serious and often permanent damage to many of the baby’s organs, including their brain, spinal cord, eyes, bones, skin, and other internal organs. We are in the middle of an epidemic of congenital and maternal syphilis in California and San Bernardino County, and surrounding areas, with the rate going up by 1200% in the past 3 years. The tragic thing about this is that it is completely treatable and preventable with antibiotics given to the mother before delivery. That is why testing for syphilis in expectant mothers is now mandated by law. At San Bernardino County Public Health MCAH, we are actively pursuing all pregnant mothers and testing them for syphilis in their first and third parts (trimesters) of their pregnancy and treating them as soon as possible before birth.

-A message from San Bernardino County Health Officer Dr. Michael Sequeira

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Nutrition: Breast milk contains nutrients, antibodies, and other essential factors.

Fewer appointments and lower costs: Breastfed babies typically require fewer sick visits, prescriptions, hospitalizations, and medical care costs compared to infants who were never breastfed.

Stronger bonding: Breastfeeding helps the mother and baby bond. Skin-to-skin contact, sometimes referred to as kangaroo mother care, boosts oxytocin levels in the mom and helps babies feel secure and comforted.

Reduced risks for mothers and children. Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of developing:
     • Breast cancer
     • Ovarian cancer
     • Type 2 diabetes

Learn more at: https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/focus-areas/perinatal-infant-health/understanding-breastfeeding-benefits

Other breastfeeding links:

• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM)
• California Maternal/Child Health Breastfeeding Program
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Breastfeeding Site
• La Leche League International (LLLI)

Dr. Kiti Freier Randall, Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Psychologist

Dr. Kiti is an internationally recognized Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Psychologist with extensive expertise in high-risk infants, neurodevelopmental disabilities, trauma, and pre- and postnatal substance exposure. She serves as Professor and Chief of the Division of Psychology in the Department of Pediatrics at Loma Linda University Health, and as Medical Director for the Inland Empire Autism Assessment Center of Excellence. In addition, she contributes her expertise to the San Bernardino County SART programs, Children’s Network, and First 5 San Bernardino.

Dr. Kiti is the creator and director of the Trauma, Loss & Compassion (TLC™) program. Throughout her career, she has been deeply committed to supporting children, families, professionals, organizations, and communities in fostering the physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual well-being of young lives.

• Supporting Healthy Infant Head Shape: Non-Helmet Strategies for Positional Plagiocephaly
• Understanding Screen Time in Children – A Neurodevelopmental Perspective

Extreme Heat During Pregnancy

Extreme heat during pregnancy may increase the risk of dehydration, preterm labor, stillbirths, birth defects, and other serious complications. Learn more about safe pregnancies in extreme heat.

Feelings in Motherhood

Pregnant and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders affect the whole family.

View our Feelings in Motherhood brochure to learn more about maternal mental health.

Feelings in Motherhood

Return to Zero: HOPE

Return to Zero: HOPE is a community of bereaved parents, families, and providers offering inclusive resources and holistic support for anyone whose life has been touched by loss, including infertility, secondary infertility, miscarriage, ending a wanted pregnancy, stillbirth, infant or toddler death, loss through surrogacy or failed adoption.

No matter if your loss is recent or in the past, RTZ Hope is dedicated to empowering parents to seek whatever paths to healing are right for you.

RTZ Hope comes alongside anyone who would otherwise suffer in silence. As impossible as it may feel right now, they want you to know there is hope. You will never forget your baby, but you will find meaning and experience joy again.

Family PACT

Family PACT addresses the family planning needs of low-income California residents who lack other sources of coverage. Learn if you are eligible for Family PACT.