New born

👶 Welcoming Your Newborn: What to Expect in the First Month 👶

A newborn coming into this world is considered mature (Term baby) if the delivery has taken place at 37 to 42 weeks of gestation either through a Normal delivery or a Cesarean section. 🌟

One of the most amazing moments when a baby is born is when they take their first breath and let out that first cry. 😍👣 That cry signals that their breathing and circulation have started working on their own. Before birth, babies rely on their mother's circulation for nourishment and oxygen, but once they're born and the umbilical cord is cut, they take their first breath – a remarkable moment in itself! 🌬️👏

Here's what you need to know about taking care of your newborn during the first 28 days (i.e., a neonate): 🍼👶

1. Keeping Your Baby Clean 🛁

After birth, it's essential to clean your baby and their umbilical cord stump. 🧼 You can use wet wipes or a soft towel to clean your newborn. A full bath can wait for about 48 hours in a warm environment with warm water once your baby's body temperature has stabilized. Don't forget to clean the cord stump with a spirit swab once a day. 🌡️✨

2. Keeping Your Baby Warm 🌡️

Newborns need to stay warm. You can do this by holding your baby close to you, and if necessary, using a warmer. Dress your baby in soft, cotton gowns that are easy to take off if needed. 🤗👕

3. Starting Breastfeeding 🤱

Breastfeeding is important and can begin as soon as the mother is stable, usually within 1-2 hours after birth. Make sure to clean the mother's breasts with a wet towel before each feeding. After feeding, hold your baby upright and support their head for about 15 minutes to help with burping. Please avoid laying the baby face down to prevent suffocation. 🍼🤱👶

4. Eye Care 👀

Clean your newborn's eyes with sterile cotton dipped in sterile water, using a new swab for each eye to prevent infection. 🧼💧

5. Baby's Weight ⚖️

Newborns typically lose a few grams in weight right after birth due to the transition from the mother's womb to the outside world. After that, they usually gain about 30 grams a day in the first month, followed by 20 grams a day in the second month, and around 10 grams per day until their first birthday. 📈👶🎂

6. Immunizations 💉

Your baby will receive some essential vaccines at birth, including BCG, OPV, and the Hepatitis B vaccine. These vaccinations are crucial for their health and protection. 💪💉

7. Watch for Signs of Illness 🚑

Babies can get sick easily, so keep an eye out for signs of illness, such as jaundice on the first day, bleeding from the umbilical stump, no feces (meconium) within 24 hours, no urine within 48 hours, excessive sleepiness, fever, cold to the touch, convulsions, or rapid breathing. If you notice any of these signs, contact your pediatrician or visit the nearest medical care clinic right away. 🩺👀🚨

Call for action 📢

Taking care of your newborn can feel overwhelming, but with these simple guidelines, you'll be better prepared for this exciting journey into parenthood. If you are a new parent or expecting to be one soon, do note down these guidelines and be ready to implement them soon. We wish you all the best in your parenthood journey! 🌟👨‍👩‍👧‍👦❤️