newborn care after delivery ,newborn baby care, nursing care of newborn baby

There are a lot of things that go into caring for a newborn. Here are some of the most immediate things to be done, as soon as your baby is born.

1. THE UMBILICAL CORD CARE :

    During pregnancy, the umbilical cord was a lifeline to your baby. However, after birth, it isn't required anymore.

After cutting the umbilical cord, the stump of the umbilical cord remains in your child's navel. Don't try to remove the stump, as it will eventually fall off by itself.

2. BREASTFEEDING :

   You can start breastfeeding your baby about an hour or two after birth. The initial milk is thick, yellowish, and is nutrient-rich! It is called colostrum.

3. INITIAL BREATHING :

   Post-birth, the baby's lungs, which were previously filled with fluid, are now filled with air. This sudden shift can be difficult for a baby. The first few breaths of your infant are usually hard, laboured , shallow and irregular. This isn't a cause of concern, as long as the baby's breathing steadies and normalises, eventually.

4. APGAR TEST :

  The doctor first performs the APGAR test, which check appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration. A score of 7 and above is considered normal .A score of 4 to 6 is considered relatively low, while anything below 3 is critically low. In case of a low score, immediate care is required.

5. WEIGHING YOUR BABY :

  The weight of your child is an indicator of how your child is doing. Most newborns weigh between 2 to 4 kg, which initially decreases and then increase.

6. SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT :

  Your baby is placed naked, against your naked skin, and a blanket is wrapped along both of you. You'll see the baby relax almost instantly and familiarise himself with you.

7. VITAMIN K :

  Vitamin K is administered to the newborn to prevent any bleeding, as it helps in clotting of blood.

8. EYE CARE :

   Your baby's eyes are extremely sensitive. With in an hour after birth the doctor will put some eye drops to prevent any infection. Regularly wipe the eyes with a damp cloth. 

9. HEPATITIS-B VACCINATION ;

  The Hepatitis-B vaccination is essential, as the disease is fatal. Every vaccination is important for your child, so mark the dates and make sure you get him vaccinated.

10. BATHING : 

 For the first week and a half, give your child a sponge bath with warm cloth and a gentle cloth, the umbilical cord stump can dry. Bathing your baby three days a week is enough as his skin is extremely sensitive and prone to dryness. Make sure the water is lukewarm, and not extremely cold or hot. Use a mild soap or shampoo. You don't have to wash you baby's hair everyday; twice or thrice a week should suffice.

11. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION :

  Like APGAR test, a physical examination after birth is necessary. The doctor will examine your child, to see if hi is healthy.

12. PROVIDING WARMTH TO BABY :

  Swaddling your baby helps in regulating body temperature. Wipe your child dry immediately after a bath and make him wear warm clothes. 

                  GIVE YOUR BABY LOVE AND CARE, AND MAKE SURE YOU TAKE

                                      GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF, TOO!