Here we tell you some of the essential care that you and your newborn need to be comfortable at home.
WHAT DO MOM AND BABY NEED WHEN THEY GET HOME?
Before being discharged, the gynecologist will check the status of the episiotomy or the caesarean scar, if the uterus involves correctly … And the pediatrician, that the weight of the baby is adequate, how the umbilical cord evolves, and before discharge, the little one will have blood drawn from the heel that is used to diagnose metabolic diseases. If all is well, it is time to go home.
MOM NEEDS
For the episiotomy wound, daily showering and genital cleansing a couple of times a day, always from front to back, with neutral soap and drying the entire area very well with small touches with a clean towel or several dry gauze pads .
The discharge report indicates the analgesics that can be taken to relieve the pain and discomfort typical of the first days, without affecting breastfeeding.
Regarding milk feeds, there is no need to worry about the duration or frequency. The really important thing is to make sure that the baby sucks properly. In this way, the breast empties well, the nipple is not compressed, does not hurt and cracks are avoided.
If you do not want a new pregnancy, when sexual intercourse is resumed (after quarantine), you should consider a contraceptive method, since you should know that not having a period does not mean you cannot get pregnant, since you can ovulate anytime. It is true that, at the beginning, when the baby only takes breast milk and it is frequent, it is difficult to get pregnant because the hormones of lactation interfere with those of ovulation, but it is advisable to use means if another baby is not desired so soon. It is best to consult with the gynecologist which contraceptive method is the most suitable.
BABY NEED
Umbilical cord care: daily cleaning with water and neutral soap, keep it clean and dry and if secretion, bleeding or bad odor appears, go to the pediatrician.
Color of bowel movements: Meconium, a thick and sticky residue, black in color, lasts approximately two to four days, but contact your pediatrician immediately for any questions.
Safe sleep: baby should sleep on his back, avoid soft mattresses, pillows and toys in the crib and avoid over-shelter.
No suckers: do not give them until breastfeeding is well established, more or less at 4 weeks of baby’s life.
Prevent respiratory infections: Prevents the baby from being in smoky environments, from not coming close to people with colds, washing hands before loading or changing, throwing away used tissues and cleaning their toys often.
Take the precautions you think necessary to take care of your baby’s health.
How old is your newborn?