care of the newborn immediately after the birth

BIRTH

Care of the newborn immediately after the birth

The importance of breastfeeding and colostrum

Many babies have a thin layer of creamy vernix covering some of their skin at birth, depending on how early or late they are born. Vernix is full of rich nutrients and is absorbed by the skin if it isn't cleaned off.[1] It moisturizes the baby's delicate skin, it heals wounds and has immune proteins similar to those in breast milk. It is good to find the vernix left in crevices, like behind the ears and in the neck, where it is often thicker, and rub it into the skin.

A baby benefits greatly if he is laid on his mother's chest for skin-to-skin contact (or on his father's chest if it was a caesarean), and covered with a light blanket to keep him warm.[2] He can be patted dry and cleaned off gently while being warmed like this. Immediate skin-to skin contact increases the likelihood of breastfeeding, strengthens the bond between mother and baby in

CARE OF THE NEWBORN IMMEDIATELY AFTER BIRTH

the first weeks, keeps the baby warm, and lessens a new baby's need to cry[3], [4]. Right after birth, the baby will often search for the breast on his own. The sucking reflex is strongest twenty or thirty minutes after the birth, so it's good to leave time for this if possible. There are many documentations of freshly born babies moving and finding the nipple by themselves. If possible, it is good to avoid bathing the baby for the first week until he can better handle temperature changes.

See Bathing

A birth plan

Clothing and care for the baby

The first months

How to make decisions

[1] Feuer, Jim. Skin Sciences Institute Study Key to Baby-Like Skin. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 6 May 2003, researched July 2009 <http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/about/news/release/2003/5-vernix.htm>

[2] Gartner, LM, et al.. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. National Guideline Clearinghouse www.guideline.gov Pediatrics 2005 Feb;115(2):496-506., 8 March 2009, researched August 2009 <http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=6499&nbr=4072&ss=6&xl=999>

[3] Gartner

[4] Moore ER, Anderson GC, Bergman N. Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD003519. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003519.pub2, April 2007, researched July 2009 <http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab003519.html>

Maternity by Pablo Picasso

The birth of cupid by the Master of Flora

Think about the first moments after the birth, what you would like done, or not done, with the baby. Unless there are complications, they can usually wait to cut the cord until it has finished pulsing, giving your little one that much more nourishment. You may wish to have a few minutes or half an hour to take in the miracle of your baby. Give it some thought and tell your caregiver and whoever else will be with you at the birth and write it in your birth plan.

WELCOME ABOUT PRE-CONCEPTION PREGNANCY PREPARING FOR BIRTH BIRTH THE FIRST MONTHS

CLOTHING AND CARE FOR THE BABY THE FIRST YEAR FROM ONE TO THREE RECOMMENDED READING, LINKS ARTICLES

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