IC Night Two[1]

Newborn Care Class:

Newborn Care Class The Baby has arrived…… Now What?

Holding Positions:

Holding Positions Shoulder Hold Cradle Hold Nursing Football Hold Dad’s Football Hold

Skin to Skin:

Skin to Skin Improves Bond Should happen within 2 hours after birth and continue daily. Great way for dad’s to bond Promotes Better Breastfeeding Emotional Benefits to mom and baby

Umbilical Cord Care:

Umbilical Cord Care Think clean and dry (avoid getting it wet during sponge baths) Fold the diaper down off of the cord to prevent contamination from urine (it is okay for clothing to touch the cord as long as it isn’t causing irritation) Most care providers suggest using alcohol and a Q-tip at every other diaper change during the day (not necessary at night) Call immediately if signs of infection occur (warmth, swelling, pus, odor, sunburst streaking, etc.) The stump should fall off within 3 weeks

Circumcision Care:

Circumcision Care Think clean and moist Apply a small amount of Vaseline to the area itself (covering it with 4x4 gauze is optional) or to the diaper area that will cover it Call immediately if signs of infection occur (warmth, pus, odor, red sunburst streaks, etc.) Yellow crusting is normal with healing – do not pick or peel The area should be healed within 7-14 days

Types of Cries:

Types of Cries Hungry Tired Pain Discomfort Attention Seeking Angry Fussy Cries may change if they continue on with needs unmet Remember that when your baby cries it is how he/she communicates.

Crying and Comfort:

Crying and Comfort Expect 1 to 4 hours a day Only way baby can communicate Stay calm, don’t take it personally (babies feed off you) Assess baby’s needs After 3 months, baby cries less You can’t spoil your baby in the first 6 months Give yourself 6 weeks to learn baby’s cries Be gentle and talk to baby

Colic:

Colic Rule of 3’s: crying 3 or more hours a day starting at 3 weeks, ending at 3 months 1 out of 5 babies Unknown cause Pattern of behavior, not an illness so there is no cure Baby may pull knees to chest, pass gas or flail Doesn’t mean bad parenting Doesn’t determine future temperament Attacks stop and start suddenly Schedule help to give yourself a break

Comforting your Baby:

Comforting your Baby Provide a soothing environment Offer them something to suck on Carry baby around Release gas through gentle exercises Offer rhythmic motion Try soft lullabies Warm water on the tummy Rest baby on your chest Try a people swap Try the 5 S’s Swaddle Side lying Shushing Swinging Sucking

Swaddling:

Swaddling

Let’s Try !:

Let’s Try ! Swaddling Practice Session

Sleeping Basics:

Sleeping Basics 16-18 hours a day in 2-4 hour bursts Sleep when baby sleeps Help each other out 6 weeks = earliest recognition of day and night Make nighttime feedings businesslike Change only poopy diapers at night Teach baby to save long sleep periods for night Make the environment different for naps and sleep (routine) Make the crib a place for sleep, not play Respond only to real crying, give babies a few minutes to sooth themselves Realize that baby may be dreaming or getting comfy

Sleeping Basics:

Sleeping Basics Use gentle soothing techniques Keep the noise level up during the day from an early age Play lullabies or background noise Put baby to sleep at the first signs of sleepiness Move bedtime up if baby is not sleeping well Be patient and expect some setbacks Establish a good routine Let baby go to bed while still awake Consider tanking up Avoid cereal Progressively wean from nighttime feedings

Shaken Baby Syndrome:

Shaken Baby Syndrome Never, ever shake baby – keep your hands on baby at all times (never toss baby in the air – Shaken Baby Syndrome can even happen during play) Take a break and walk away – no baby has ever died from crying One out of four babies subjected to shaking will die In less than 20 seconds, baby will be shaken more than 50 times Usually happens before the adult realizes what has happened May result in brain damage, seizures, blindness, delays or death

SIDS: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

SIDS: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Unexplained death of an infant under one year of age Leading cause of death under 6 months of age 2,000 deaths a year (1 out of 2,000 babies) 90% before 6 months (peaks between 2-4 months) After age one – no longer a concern No warning signs, cause is unknown

SIDS: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

SIDS: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome “Back to Sleep” – decreased deaths by 50%: No side sleeping Turn baby’s head side to side Offer tummy time Healthy babies won’t choke on their spit-up No second-hand smoke – decreases risk by 50%: No smoky visitors, no smoky places, no smoky clothing or cars

SIDS: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

SIDS: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Clutter-free crib – decreases risk by 30%: Nothing in the crib but baby and a firm mattress No blankets, pillows, bumpers or wedges Soft surfaces may trap carbon monoxide or suffocate baby Overheating: SIDS peaks in the cold months Dress baby in one layer more than you Try bag sleepers as a blanket If in doubt, check baby’s temperature Use a ceiling fan or oscillating fan in baby’s room Co-Sleeping Alternatives

Feeding Basics:

Feeding Basics Be comfortable with your feeding choice No water or solid foods until Dr. directed (6 months) No cow’s milk, nuts or honey in the first year Don’t introduce foods too early – it may cause allergies and stomach upset Don’t give vitamins unless directed – too many may be toxic Ask how many hours baby can sleep without eating (usually 12 lbs. = 1 six hour period)

Breastfeeding Basics:

Breastfeeding Basics Your baby will first get colostrum , which is like liquid gold. It is full of vitamins, minerals and antibodies. Breast milk usually comes in 2 to 3 days. Baby is getting the exact amount needed for that time. Baby should nurse every 2-3 hours the first 2 weeks depending on weight. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt.

Feeding Basics:

Feeding Basics Don’t push baby to eat the same amount every time Signs of hunger: Looking alert Hands to the mouth or flexing hands and arms Sucking noises or motions Signs baby is eating enough: 6-8 wet diapers in 24 hours Audible swallowing Steady increase in weight (may lose some in week 1)

Bottle Basics:

Bottle Basics Never microwave a bottle (hot spots, nutritional breakdown) Never prop a bottle (poor bonding, choking, cavities, ear infections) Once it touches baby, its only good for one hour (don’t stick it back in the refrigerator) Sterilize bottles before their first use Use the same shape nipple and pacifier Watch nipple flow rates (newborns should use a 1) Make sure nipples are 100% filled with breast milk (or formula) Warm bottles in cups or pans of warm water (check temperature before use)

Burping:

Burping Babies vary in burp frequency (be ready for spit-up) Try burping every 1-2 oz. or when switching sides Rub gently but firmly, upwards and out Positions: Shoulder (not over the shoulder) Sitting Lying on the lap

Spitting Up:

Spitting Up Spitting up is normal – babies will vary in amount Watch for: Excessive crying Large amounts Poor weight gain Prevention: Unrushed and calm feedings Burp frequently Keep baby calm and upright for 15 minutes after eating Watch nipple flow from breast and bottle Excessive spit can be a symptom of an allergy or reflux

Poop Basics:

Poop Basics Babies will vary greatly – learn your baby’s normal First stool = meconium May happen inside the uterus Alert Dr. if it hasn’t happened by day 2-3, or only a tiny one Day 3-4 = becomes transitional Week 1-2 = developing pattern, amount may continue to decrease over the next several weeks Breastfed = usually go during every feeding but can go as long as a week. Bottle fed = may go after every meal as well, stronger smelling and firmer stool.

Constipation:

Constipation Look at quality, not frequency: Constipation = small, hard pebbles Breastfed babies may go up to one week, bottle fed babies may go several days – remember your baby’s normal and watch for drastic changes Straining, crying or turning red does not always mean constipation Offer extra fluids Call the Dr. if: Sudden change in quality and frequency Stomach is bloated and firm Baby is dehydrated Call before giving medications or home remedies

Diapering:

Diapering 10 diapers a day – stick with a brand Don’t stock up on newborn sized No need for nighttime diapers until later Always wipe front to back May not need wipes with a wet diaper – make sure you use made-for-baby, alcohol-free wipes or soft paper towels and soap Peeing: Baby should have 6-8 wet diapers in 24 hours If you aren’t sure, place a cotton ball in the diaper

Diaper Rash:

Diaper Rash Prevention: Change diapers (especially poopy) ASAP Avoid frequent switches in brands Treatment: Over-the-counter creams Cornstarch (use a cotton ball to apply) Mild soap and water to cleanse vs. harsh wipes Try a different brand or style Expose the area to air Could be yeast infection. Antifungal cream may work Call the Dr. if: No signs of improvement, or worsens in 48-72 hours Baby is on antibiotics

Bath Time Basics:

Bath Time Basics Babies don’t always like bath time, but they will soon Give sponge baths until the cord falls off and the circumcision is healed, then you may switch to tub baths Babies get slippery, always keep your hands on them and support the head and neck Turn the hot water heater down to 120 F. Bath water should be 90-100 F. – always test it and never run it when baby is in the tub Most babies do well with a bath every 2-3 days Cleanse the diaper area, hands and face daily

Bath Supplies:

Bath Supplies Gather supplies ahead of time – never leave baby alone 2 washcloths soapy and non-soapy Receiving blanket (optional) 2 towels (one for baby to lie on) Mild soap (can double as shampoo) Soft bristle brush Toiletries (lotion, diaper rash cream, etc.) Diaper and clothes Cord care supplies Vaseline for circumcision care

Sponge Bath:

Sponge Bath Hands-On Practice Session

Nail Care:

Nail Care Use an emery board, scissors or clippers Nails are very transparent and flexible Nails may need to be trimmed twice a week Toenails should be trimmed 1-2 times a month Try trimming them while baby eats or sleeps Face baby away from you when trimming

How to Cope with the Tough Times:

How to Cope with the Tough Times Seek help with baby care or household chores Eat plenty of nutritious foods, it will help produce breast milk and aide in physical recovery. Breastfeed, it releases oxytocin and can help with baby blues. Make time for yourself, it’s ok Enjoy some couple time, you need to remember the people you were before baby came along Seek support and friendship, don’t isolate yourself, talk about your feelings Exercise – it will release “happy hormones” Join a mom’s support group or Breastfeeding group

Helpful Books:

Helpful Books Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child Baby Wise Happiest Baby on the Block Dr. Spock’s Baby and Childcare Your Baby’s First Year Week by Week The Practical Art of Baby Massage Caring for Your Baby and Young Child – Birth to Age 5 The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers

The End:

The End Questions Comments Evaluations I wish you the best of luck on your journey into parenthood and don’t ever hesitate to reach out for a helping hand. Amanda Marshall, CLD, CPD, LE birthblessing@yahoo.com 720-839-8108