Month: December 2022

There is so much to learn on caring for your newborn once you get home. Your Nurse will review this vital information with you before discharge.

1. Safe sleeping: your baby should sleep on their backs only on a flat firm mattress in a crib at night. You do NOT want your baby propped up on pillows or sleeping in bed with you at night , they can fall, suffocate and because of SIDS (crib death). You do not want to place objects and toys in the crib. Keep the baby in the room with you ideally for the first year. Do not swaddle them tightly let their arms be free to move.
2. If your baby is crying, that is how they communicate with you, they may be telling you they are wet, have gas, hungry or want to be held. First check the diaper, then burp them, then feed, sometimes they just want to be held.
3. Before leaving the hospital the nurse will remove the cord clamp, that will leave a cord stump. This will fall off in about 2-3 weeks, just keep it clean and dry. Do not immerse the baby in water until this falls off, just fold the diaper down. You may do a sponge bath, no soap on the face, mild soap on the body and not a lot of lotions, their skin is sensitive and they could break out in a rash. For sharp nails use a baby emery board, do not cut them and NO mittens they can choke on them.
4. If your baby has a circumcision, the nurses will give you instructions on caring for this, usually you place gauze with petroleum jelly on the penis . Make sure the baby urinates at least 12 hours after the procedure. Any questions or concerns call your Pediatrician.
5. Some babies get a little jaundice caused by bilirubin built up in the blood. It’s passed in the urine and stool so it is very important to keep tract of the number of urine and stools the first week. Check the diaper BEFORE each feeding. Frequent feedings help to excrete this, so breastfeed every 2-3 hours on demand. Formula feed every 3-4 unless otherwise specified by your Pediatrician. If your baby wont’t eat and becomes lethargic and has yellow eyes and skin , you need to contact your Pediatrician right away. There is a blood test done in the hospital and DR’s office to check this before discharge. Some babies need to have phototherapy if levels are too high.
6. Babies need to go home in the car seat , make sure you know how it works before your discharge day.
7. If the baby is spitting or choking, turn the baby on the side, or upright and pat their back and use a bulb syringe to gently remove secretions from the mouth or nose if needed. It is also a good idea to take a Baby CPR class before you delivery.
8. Be sure to keep your follow up appointment usually within 1-2 days with the Pediatrician.
9. Be sure your baby is not around any sick people and anyone holding your baby should wash their hands. Babies can not fight off many infections at birth. Moms should be encouraged to get the TDAP, FLU, and COVID vaccines which helps protect your baby. Discuss this with your Doctor ideally before delivery. See the CDC site for more information.
10. It is also NOT recommended to post your babies birth information and photos online or social media. It is also not recommended by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to decorate the outside of your house with balloons, announcements, or other lawn ornaments for you and your babies safety. See their information on “What Parents Need to Know”.
11. Before you leave the hospital, find out what Lactation consultants and support groups are available for new Moms.
12. Enjoy your new baby! Again for any concerns you have contact your Pediatrician.

• Postpartum tips for the next 4-6 weeks after giving birth
• Did you know it takes your body about 4-6 weeks to get back to its pre pregnancy state?
• Be sure to nourish yourself with a healthy diet and drink lots of fluid to help your body heal and recover after birth, you need to replace blood and fluids lost at delivery and stay hydrated.
• You may be sleep deprived and exhausted after delivery so try your best to REST when the baby sleeps, like in between feedings. Let others help you if you can and rest when you can.
• Activity: do NOT lift anything heavier than your baby, no strenuous activity, some Dr’s say not to drive for a few weeks as your reflex’s may be off. Speak with your Dr./Midwife.
• You may take Showers but NO tub baths, swimming pools, jacuzzis, you do not want to sit in water others are sitting in to prevent infection, the only exception is a sitz bath if prescribed by your provider for lacerations and hemorrhoids. Continue peri care as you did in the hospital.
• If you are breastfeeding, wear a good supportive bra and attempt to feed every 2-3 hours on demand. If you are not breastfeeding, wear a supportive bra and do not have any stimulation to the breast like letting warm water run down your chest in the shower.
• Pain control : your provider will give you pain meds after delivery, if you take motrin, be sure to take it with food so it does not upset your stomach, narcotics may make you drowsy and constipated. You may have afterbirth cramps especially after nursing, this occurs when your uterus contracts. You may also try to ease your discomfort with ice, heat, rest, relaxation.
• Baby blues or Postpartum depression, some women may feel happy one minute and tearful the next, this is normal and can last a few days, it is due to the lack of sleep, hormones and adjusting to your new routine. If this last more than 2 weeks or so and you are having trouble coping with taking care of you and your baby, contact your provider.
• If you have pain, swelling or feel heat in the back of your calf, contact your provider it could be a blood clot. To prevent this , stay hydrated, keep moving every hour while awake. Report any symptoms to your provider.
• The big 3 complications to be aware of after delivery are these below and call your Provider. Call also for any other concerns you have with instructions your provider gave you at discharge.
• 1. Infection if you have a fever over 100.4, fever, chills, foul discharge, painful breasts, tenderness or swelling around incision.
• 2. High Blood pressure if you develop headaches, visual changes, epigastric pain, sudden swelling, decrease urine output, shortness of breath, call your Dr.
• 3. Heavy bleeding: if you soak more than a pad an hour, passing clots, feeling weak and dizzy. Call your Dr.
• Nothing in the vagina until the provider says you can resume activity, you could get pregnant or get an infection. NO tampons, or douching. You may or may not get a period in 4-6 weeks. You may not get one at all if you are breastfeeding, however you may still be ovulating and you could get pregnant even though you are not having a period.
• Vaginal bleeding should get less and less and turn from red to brown to yellow or white over the next few weeks.
• If you have any problems with urination or bowel problems contact your provider.
• If you had a cesarean section, keep the incision clean and dry, in the shower let water run over it but do not scrub it, just pat dry and follow any other instructions.
• Be sure to keep follow up appointment with your Provider.