What follows are instructions for my clients after a home or birth center birth. Always check with your provider to make sure instructions are compatible with you and your baby’s needs.
Congratulations on your new baby! A newborn exam was performed and will be faxed to your pediatrician. Your baby is now a patient of your chosen provider. Please call and make an appointment at your earliest convenience to bring your baby in. Here are some guidelines for caring for your baby in the first week.
Cord Care
You can apply the cord care in your birth kit a few times a day. If cord becomes soiled, wash with mild soap and water, then dry. Keep diaper folded below cord until it dries and falls off.
Skin Care
Your baby’s skin may be dry and peel for up to 3 weeks. You can use any natural products like almond oil to rub in but it’s not necessary.
Diaper Care
Almond oil on bottom between diaper changes will help meconium wipe right off. BOYS – Do not retract foreskin. GIRLS – A small amount of pink tinged vaginal discharge is normal.
Temperature
Your baby’s temperature should be between 98 and 100.4. If it is not in range, notice the temperature of the room and how your baby is dressed. Make adjustments and retake in 1⁄2 hour. If it is still not in range, call your pediatrician.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellowish color of skin. It can be a normal physiological process. It peaks between days 3-5. With the arrival of your mature breastmilk and 3-5 minutes of direct or indirect sunlight a few times a day, the jaundice should begin to decrease. Call your pediatrician if baby’s skin looks increasingly yellow. If you notice jaundice in the first 24 hours, please call your pediatrician.
Bowel Movements and Voids
Baby should have one void in the first 24 hours, 2 on second day of life, 3 on 3rd, 4 on 4th, then 5-6 a day thereafter. Your baby’s first bowel movement will be a very dark, sticky substance called meconium. These will begin to turn green and then a mustard, seedy, yellow. Your baby should have several bowel movements a day in the first weeks of life. If you are concerned with
your baby’s pattern, please call your pediatrician or an IBCLC.
Breastfeeding
Baby should breastfeed 8-12 times a day (minimum). “When in doubt, take boobs out.”
Breathing
Baby’s tend to have irregular breathing patterns. Your baby should stay pink, except hands and feet may appear blue in the first day. What is not normal is breathing fast, or having a difficult time breathing. This may look like nasal flaring, chest retracting, or grunting. If you notice a purple or gray discoloration anywhere but hands and feet or difficulty breathing, call 911.