Sunday, April 29, 2018

Key Principles Concerning Newborn Care Worcester MA Residents May Find Beneficial

By Brenda Cox


The survival of a newborn is determined, to a great extent, by the kind of care received during the perinatal period . Care of the baby actually begins when the child is still in the womb preparing to come to the world. Developing countries are the worst hit by sickness and death of newborns due to the fact that they lack the necessary expertise to alleviate these deaths. In this article, we talk about some of the key principles regarding newborn care Worcester MA residents may be interested in.

Newborn care begins right from when the mother goes into labor since complications may arise that could affect the neonate. Delivery by operation should be given timely consideration in cases where labour goes on for too long. The mother should be under the care of experienced birth attendants to ensure that both her health and the health of the unborn baby is not put at risk.

The immediate post delivery period entails cord clamping and assessing and intervening appropriately on the health status of the baby. The umbilical cord should be clamped approximately one to three minutes after birth. This gives some time for blood to flow from the placenta to the neonate thus reducing the risk of iron deficiency anemia especially in premature infants.

Before handing the bundle of joy to their mother, amniotic fluid is wiped off the skin. At this point, the mother and her newborn can have ample skin to skin contact time. This not only helps in bonding but also keeps the baby warm. The health care provider has to ensure that any signs of birth defects, infection and breathing problems have been ruled out. Breastfeeding is introduced as soon as possible (within one hour after delivery).

To counter breastfeeding difficulties, inexperienced mothers can be encouraged to attend classes on lactation as they prepare to welcome their babies into the world. This can help a great deal in allaying anxiety and boosting their confidence. The general rule is to ensure that the mouth of the neonate is fully open and latched onto the surface of the areola. Breastfeeding becomes enjoyable and great time to bond with your baby as long as you are relaxed and have positioned the baby correctly and comfortably.

The cord should get maximum attention as it can easily get infected if neglected. The mother simply needs to keep that area dry. Most expers advise that babies be given sponge baths during this period. Normal water baths can be introduced when the cord area is deemed fully healed.

Make sure your hands are always clean every time you come in contact with the baby. This is because their immune system is still not fully developed and the infant is at high risk of infections. The skin of the baby is also highly sensitive and clothes should be changed as soon as they get wet.

Growth and development of newborns greately depends on the amount of effort and attention we put in as caregivers. Recommended vaccinations during the post natal period should not be overlooked as they go a long way in building the immune system of the child as they grow. Lastly, a well fed baby is a happy baby, therefore feeding them should be priority.




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