June 27, 2012
Do You Know How to Take Care of Your Newborn?
Pregnant moms, will you know what to do when you bring home your newborn? Well, here’s a gem from a nursery that might help.
- Always place the baby on its back, including after feeding
- Clean the umbilical cord with alcohol every diaper change; keep diaper folded below cord; notify physician for drainage or odor
- Breastfeed every 2 to 3 hours on demand
- If feeding with formula, feed every 3 to 4 hours, burp every ½ to 1 ounce and after feeding
- Change soiled diapers quickly; diaper away from umbilical cord, swaddle up to 10 days
- Keep the baby’s bottom clean and dry paying attention to folds, girls clean front to back
- Newborns usually have 7 to 8 wet diapers/day; less for breast fed babies until milk is in
- Breast fed infants will have meconium which is greenish black, yellow, slightly watery and seedy stools
- Formula fed infants will have meconium that is greenish black, brown, pasty; note changes in pattern or very watery stool; notify physician if stools are watery
- Sponge bath every other day until cord or circumcision is completely healed; gather all articles needed before beginning with face, then body, hair last
- Keep circumcision clean until healed which is about 10 days. Notify physician for drainage, odor, failture to urinate, bleeding.
- Take infant’s temperature under its arm. Notify physician of temperature elevation as per physician instruction
- Infants sleep at least 16 hours per day; if crying; hold closely and securely
- Notify physician of any abnormal temperature, difficulty feeding, diarrhea, vomiting, unable to calm or other unusual symptoms
Don’t be a martyr. Ask for help if you need it or feel overwhelmed and above all, enjoy your new journey of motherhood. You will be blessed in more ways than you can imagine.
Victoria said,
June 27, 2012 at 9:13 am
I was told no alcohol on the umbilical stump for both of my children. They are 3 and 5. Im a nurse so I am wondering if and when that recommendation changed?
drlindagalloway said,
June 27, 2012 at 10:10 am
Hi Victoria,
Thanks so much for your question. Alcohol is a controversial topic but I’ve included a link for you written by a pediatrician. http://pediatrics.about.com/od/weeklyquestion/a/0707_umbil_cord.htm
Thanks so much for your input.
Victoria said,
June 27, 2012 at 9:15 am
Did you not include intact male care for any reason? Giving parents a source that shows proper intact care (which is doing nothing and leaving the skin alone) might be a great way to show the ease of caring for an intact penis.
No retraction, wipe downward with a wipe like a finger. EASY PEASY!
drlindagalloway said,
June 27, 2012 at 10:12 am
I certainly appreciate your advice regarding this subject and I’m sure the readers will do so as well. Thanks for your comments and hope you will “like” me on Facebook.
Cee said,
September 24, 2012 at 10:21 pm
I am now reading your book now, as far I cant put it down. I am only a few weeks along, but I want would like for you to be my Dr. I am in Orlando area. this is my frist pregnancy and I would feel so safe under your care.
drlindagalloway said,
September 25, 2012 at 12:20 am
Hi Cee,
I’m incredibly humbled by your comments and so happy that you appreciate the book. I am no longer seeing patients but I would be happy to unofficially guide you during your pregnancy at no charge. If you have questions, I’ll answer them to the best of my ability. I understand how concerned you must be as this is your first pregnancy and it’s very normal. I want to assure you that things usually work out well for most pregnant moms so please don’t worry. Feel free to contact me via my website http://www.smartmothersguide.com or in this very same format. Have you selected a doc as yet? I know of a great midwife who practices in Winter Haven. Is that too far for you? Thanks again for you great comments and don’t hesitate to contact me in the future.
All the best.