These first days in the hospital are not easy not only for a newborn but also for a mother, because there are so many things that she has yet to learn.
Care in first moments of life and in days to follow
But what exactly happens to both the mother and the newborn after labor?
First, doctors cut the umbilical cord, and then they remove the excess mucus from the respiratory tracks so that it does not hinder and the child can breathe. After that, the newborn gets a few drops of antiseptic into its eyes in order to avoid conjunctivitis.
Neonatologist examines the newborn daily. He informs the mother about the newborn’s state and gives recommendations for after-discharge care.
When examining a baby, the doctor pays attention to the color of skin, the condition of the mucous membranes, the presence of unconditioned reflexes, muscle tone.
A hearing loss test is also performed at the hospital. Neonatologist monitors the baby’s heart, breathing, digestion, stool, and urine. In the hospital, they also immediately suggest BCG vaccination (against tuberculosis).
At the hospital, a doctor or nurse treats the umbilical wound daily (after returning home, the mother performs this procedure). In case if it takes longer for an umbilical cord to dry, it can be tied once again.
After the umbilical residue is detached, one still needs to take care of it (for example with the use of brilliant green and hydrogen peroxide).
Doctors weigh the newborn every day. Important to mention that during the first days of life, babies actually lose weight. There is no need to be worried this is simply physiology. The Baby’s weight will be gradually growing during the weeks to come.
Mother and Child After Labor
Most of the maternity hospitals let mothers and their children be in a ward together, however only if the baby is perfectly healthy. Initially, it is a baby nurse, who teaches a newly minted mother about taking care of the baby.
Later, the mother looks after a baby on her own. In case, if the mother’s state of health does not let her take care of a newborn, the little one is transferred to a children’s ward.
A joint stay of a mother and a child helps to avoid diseases. When caring about the baby, the mother contributes to the population of the newborn’s body with her microflora. It reduces the possibility of catching an infection. The main benefit of staying together in one ward is feeding on demand.
It helps to establish lactation. Breastfeeding in free mode reduces the risk for the mother to get stagnation. It helps the mother to recover faster, which ultimately leads to a quick discharge from a hospital.
Long-awaited discharge
If no complications occur after labor, then in 3/4 days both mother and child are free to go home. A conversation with the pediatrician before leaving the hospital is a must. The doctor brings up the issues of feeding and care.
The information about the woman’s state of health, pregnancy, method of baby’s delivery, and carried out activities is stated in a prenatal record.
Apart from this, the card contains information about a baby: height, weight, head and breast circumference, general condition, type of feeding, date of vaccination, medical records, and blood type.
In the future, the doctor of a children’s hospital at your district should monitor the condition of the baby.
If you feel this important information after labor is helpful, you might also want to check out The Ultimate Guide to Baby Nursery Essentials and learn how to start organizing your Baby Nursery!
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