Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Having health insurance is an important step to make sure you and your family are prepared. The best place to start is understanding your options. You may qualify for partial or full medical coverage for you and your family through; your employer, Medi-Cal, or Covered CA. Visit www.c4yourself.com to explore your options and see what works best for you and your family. The most important thing is to be covered.

Don’t wait until your child is sick to take them to the doctor; be prepared and have a regular doctor you know and trust. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you take your baby in for at least 9 checkups within the first 3 years. You can follow their schedule for well-child visits found at www.healthychildren.org but, remember, those visits don’t stop when your child enters school and regular check-ups with the doctor are an important part of health maintenance from infancy to adulthood.

Just like visiting the doctor, you and your family should have a regular dentist and make it a part of your annual routine visits. Just because they fall out, doesn’t make baby teeth any less important. As soon as your baby’s first tooth sprouts, begin brushing their teeth (or tooth!) twice a day and visiting the dentist every 6 months. It’s a great way to get your child comfortable with having their teeth examined, taking away some of the common fears associated with the dentist.

Starting as early as pregnancy, having regular immunizations is an important part of good health, from infancy through adulthood. It’s best to know the facts and a great place to start is by talking to your doctor or your child’s pediatrician about the illnesses vaccinations prevent and the risks versus benefits associated with them.

Congratulations! Visiting your general practitioner or OBGYN within the first 3 months of pregnancy is the best start for you and your baby. As soon as you think you might be pregnant, call to schedule your first visit, where your doctor will discuss first steps to a healthy pregnancy.

Breastfeeding is one of the best starts you can give your new baby, providing key nutrition and time for mother and baby to bond. For questions and support regarding breastfeeding, talk to your OBGYN, pediatrician, a lactation consultant, WIC, Public Health Nurse, or the La Leche League. Remember, just as in pregnancy, everything that enters your body is being passed to your baby through breast milk so it’s important to continue a healthy lifestyle to give your baby the best start. Visit www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding for more information.

You play the most important role in your child’s safety and making your home and family spaces safe for your little one goes beyond just baby-proofing drawers and light sockets, it’s a never ending job as a parent to think ahead and have a plan. Here are some helpful numbers and resources to consider: www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs

The challenges of parenting change as your child grows and enter each new phase of life. Talk with your doctor about how to encourage your adolescent or teen to take an active role in their own health, teaching them key life skills that will carry them into a healthy start as an adult.

Being pregnant and being a parent, comes with a lot of challenges and can feel overwhelming at times. This is completely normal and finding trusted people to talk to is one of the best things you can do for you and your family. Remember, healthy relationships also impact the health of your family so consider what relationships may be a positive force in your life and which may be negative and adding stress. Here are a few resources to consider:Infant Parent Center (530) 676-2899New Morning Youth and Family (530) 622-5551South Lake Tahoe: A Balanced Life (530) 561-5387South Lake Tahoe, Vista Rise Collective, Office (530) 544-211824-hour crisis hotline (530) 544-4444