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Your NewbornYou are not alone if the shock of caring for a newborn does not hit right away. Once many first time parents find themselves alone with their baby even simple tasks like changing a diaper can seem daunting; not to mention things that ooze, sneeze, hiccup etc. Try to relax and enjoy this time. They grow up so fast and in just a few weeks, it will all be second nature…. promise. The Bottom LineWithout a doubt, bowel movements will become one of your biggest obsessions. At this early stage, they’re an easy indicator that your child is doing well. Since breast milk is quickly digested, babies who are nursed may move their bowels after almost every feeding, and that means you’ll probably be changing your child every two to three hours at first. Formula-fed babies may not be much better; some may only have one bowel movement a day and some may have several. The texture, consistency and color will definitely vary from time to time and from baby to baby, and depends greatly on what the baby is drinking.What is not normal?
Diaper Duty1. Urination occurs frequently and erratically, so cover a boy’s penis with a tissue or towel to avoid getting sprayed during a change. Put a towel beneath a girl because her urine will flow down. 2. Wipe from front to back, especially on girls, so that feces doesn’t contaminate the vagina. A word about wipes: Some people recommend not using them during the first month or so because they sometimes irritate newborn skin. However, most babies can tolerate them right from the beginning. To be safe, try them once and wait for a reaction. If there is none, you can proceed. 3. Unfold the new diaper and position it beneath the baby. 4. Apply a diaper rash ointment (for prevention as well as treatment) to baby’s bottom. 5. Fold down the front of the diaper by the cord stump – if you aren’t using the newborn style that’s precut for this purpose – and fasten. Bath TimeYou’ll have to hold off on baby’s first bath until the umbilical cord falls off and the site is well healed, but most new parents don’t have a problem with that. Sponge baths are fine until the cord site is ready. • Gather all your supplies ahead of time. • Line the tub with a towel or washcloth to prevent slipping or use a baby bath hammock or baby tub. • Fill the tub with warm – but not hot – water. Test the temperature with your wrist or elbow. • Lower the baby into the tub. If you’re alone, support her head with one hand and use the other to wash. If you have help, the other person can hold the baby in position while you wash. • Shampoo the hair last, because wet hair makes for a cold baby. • Quickly remove baby from water and wrap her in a towel. • Avoid dry skin by skipping days in between baths if possible. JaundiceMore then half of all newborns develop jaundice because their livers are immature and are a little sluggish with processing excess bilirubin, a chemical produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. If you notice a yellowing of the skin – it may even seem like a tan – that begins on the head and spreads down over baby’s body about three days after birth, call us immediately. The whites of the eyes may also appear yellowish. Your baby is at increased risk for jaundice if he or she was premature, you are nursing, the baby is not feeding or pooping well, or if baby loses a lot of weight right after delivery. Jaundice is usually harmless and clears by itself in a few days. We may use blood tests to follow its progression. Extreme cases can cause brain damage. Some babies need to go back in the hospital for a day or two of phototherapy – placing the baby under ultra fluorescent lights. As long as jaundice is kept under control, babies do just fine. Cord CareThe shriveled brown stump that was once your baby’s umbilical cord requires only a quick swipe with rubbing alcohol each time you change her diaper. Fold the diaper down around it to keep the area dry. Most cords fall off within 2 weeks but some may remain longer. Trouble signs to watch for: redness and pus. A little bleeding and/or some discharge is normal just after the cord falls off. If this persists, please call the office. Remember, sponge baths only until this is completely healed. Newborn SkinInfant acne usually occurs between 2 and 4 weeks, as Mom’s hormones start to work their way out of baby’s system. The best course of action is to do nothing. Just keep baby’s skin clean and dry, and don’t squeeze pimples or apply any treatments. Most newborn rashes will resolve on their own. It is normal for skin to appear dry and slightly scaly a week or two after birth. Most baby moisturizers will take care of the dryness. If your baby’s skin appears to be extra sensitive, lotions, which are milder (without perfumes and dyes), may be indicated.Scaly patches on your baby’s scalp may be a sign of cradle cap, a form of seborrheic dermatitis that affects up to half of all newborns. Treat it by rubbing in a little baby oil or olive oil, wait half an hour, gently remove the scales with a baby brush, then shampoo. Do this before every bath and it’ll probably clear up in a week or so. Call us if your baby has a stubborn case. CircumcisionIf you chose to have your son circumcised, you can expect his penis to be a bit red. It may also develop a yellow coating for about a week. Until healed, apply petroleum jelly or A&D ointment generously to the tip of the penis to prevent it from sticking to the diaper. The circumcision site should heal in about a week. Trouble signs to watch for: swelling or persistent bleeding. Nail CareBaby’s fingernails grow very fast at first. Trim them twice a week while she’s sleeping. Use baby nail clippers, press down the pads of her fingers to avoid cutting the skin. Most new parents feel more comfortable filing nails down at first instead of clipping them. Toenails grow much slower and do not need to be cut so often. FeedingIf you're breastfeeding, plan to nurse every two to three hours around the clock. Newborns tend to feed on demand so it is normal if some times your baby wants to feed more often. In the beginning, about 15 minutes per breast will suffice. As you get to know your baby and your body you will become more comfortable with knowing when your baby is done. Please do not let your baby sleep through feedings. Once we are sure he or she is thriving, it is okay to let them stretch at night. Most nursing women become very concerned with whether or not their babies are drinking enough. Signs that breast feeding is going well and that the baby is getting enough:
If your baby is taking formula from a bottle, plan on feeding him every three to four hours. Initially, he'll eat about two to four fluid ounces at each feeding, but gradually the amount will increase. 24-36 ounces in a twenty-four hour period is normal. Do not let your baby sleep through feedings, especially during the day. Once we are sure he or she is thriving, it is okay to let them stretch at night. Please do not feed your baby water. It is not necessary and too much can cause problems. BurpingBabies take in air while they’re sucking on the breast or a bottle, and they need some help releasing it. Burp your baby halfway through each feeding – when switching breasts or after every two or three ounces of formula – then again when you’re done. Best positions for burping: flat across your lap, sitting up on your lap and leaning slightly forward, or across your shoulder with her head facing back. In each case, support your baby’s head and firmly pat his or her back. If nothing happens after about five minutes, he or she may not have to burp. Safety• Please have your newborn sleep on their back, as this is the best way to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Also, we advise not to have any stuffed animals or pillows in the bed with the babies. Everything elseWe encourage mothers and infants to leave the house when needed. However, we suggest that they stay away from public areas especially crowded stores. Fresh air and contact with family, small groups of healthy people only, is acceptable. If someone is sick, avoid contact with you infant until they are well. Also, try to decrease exposure to other children if possible, as kids are healthy one minute and sick the next. Everyone should wash his or her hands before having contact with the baby. Avoid sun exposure since your baby’s skin is delicate and more likely to burn. Sunscreen is NOT advised until your infant is 6 months of age. Utilize insect netting when outdoors. Insect repellent is NOT advised. Please remember that taking care of a baby can be difficult at times and downright exhausting. Do not hesitate to ask for help if you need a break. This is NORMAL. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps. Stay rested and eat well. If you need to have someone watch your baby so you can sleep or eat, that is okay and strongly recommended. If you feel you need help and do not have anyone to help you, please contact our office. NO medications are needed at this point. If you are considering any medications, please inform us. WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR YOUR NEWBORN:• Fever higher then 100.4°F RECTALLY in baby 3 months or younger. Accuracy is important! Please DO NOT give Tylenol. • Temperature lower than 96.8 RECTALLY. • Difficulty breathing • Forceful, repeated vomiting • Blood in the urine or stool • Inconsolable crying • Extreme lethargy • Refusal to feed • Yellow or orange hued skin or eyes • White patches in the mouth • Discharge from the eyes, nails, navel, or genitals • Bleeding or discharge from the umbilical-cord stump or circumcision site |
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