When a baby is born, so is a mother. A 'mother' who does not know what to do with her baby. There are many things that a mother worries about, such as when to breastfeed her baby, how to dress her baby, and whether the baby will get covid. They need extra care during the first 90 days of life. Know the big and small things you need to know about the physical and mental health of the newborn.
Wrap the baby
Grandmothers' eyes widen when they see mothers who do not have a baby. They say that children should love their mother only if they are put together now. But that is not the real reason for keeping the baby close to the mother. As the baby emerges from the mother's heat, it takes time to adjust to the ambient temperature. During this time, the baby's body temperature should not be kept low.
Newborns have relatively few muscles in their body. No fat layer is seen under the skin. Lola is a skin condition that causes growth problems when the body temperature drops. Infection is also likely to occur. Digestive problems can occur when there is a change in body temperature. This can lead to weight loss and that illness.
During the first two weeks after birth, the baby should be wrapped in a cotton cloth so that only the face is visible. Newborn babies should be kept cool for at least two months. This is essential when it is raining and cold. Socks and mittens can be worn at night. Babies born prematurely, low birth weight babies and low birth weight babies need extra care and warmth.
No powder
It is the custom of mothers and grandmothers to apply powder on the baby's neck and arms. The powder is applied to absorb moisture from these areas and keep the skin hydrated, thereby reducing itching and discomfort. But the tiny particles in baby powder can reach even the smallest compartments of the lungs along with the breath. This can lead to chronic cough and shortness of breath. After bathing, wipe with a soft cotton cloth to remove moisture.
When lying in the cradle
With the mother, it is best to keep the baby close to the body. The baby needs the mother's warmth and smell. In addition, the mother should know the baby's small movements. The problem with cradles is that babies do not get the attention they deserve. All this will invite danger.
New baby clothes
After purchasing a soft cotton cloth, wash the baby thoroughly with soap and water, especially in the covid situation.
There is nothing wrong with dipping the disinfectant in baby clothes. But the cloth soaked in these should be washed again two or three times in good water to remove any part of the disinfectant. Or the baby may be allergic to the delicate skin. Wash the baby's clothes and dry them in the sun. Ironing also destroys germs.
Need a diaper?
It is best to minimize diaper use in the early days. Putting on a diaper at night will help the baby to sleep comfortably. But the urea in the urine stays with the baby's body for so long. It can cause allergies in some people. Especially on the delicate skin of newborns. Nappy rash is a type of fungal infection that causes redness on the thighs and buttocks. This may require treatment.
The baby cries in the evening
Babies crying non-stop can be 'evening colic'. The crying is mostly in the evenings. This problem is seen in babies from two weeks to six months of age. Colic can be caused by the baby's developing stomach, food protein allergies and gas in the stomach.
See a doctor to make sure there are no other causes for crying. It is best to rub the baby's abdomen and back if there are no problems. Even taking a short walk will reduce the baby's discomfort.
Yellowing of the body
Yellowing of the baby's body is usually seen two to three days after birth. This problem can affect up to 80% of adult babies. This is due to the accumulation of hemoglobin in the newborn and the inability of the liver to regulate bilirubin, which is formed during the rapid destruction of red blood cells. When the baby is two weeks old, the liver matures and turns yellow.
Care should be taken if the jaundice does not change after two weeks or if it turns yellow. Beware of yellowing of the baby on the day of birth.
When to breastfeed?
In the early days, the mother has less milk. Milk should be given within hours of delivery. The mother can have milk only if the baby drinks milk. Doctors prescribe 'on-demand feeding'. The mother should give milk whenever the baby shows signs of hunger. Both breasts should be sucked each time. During the first few days, the baby sleeps longer. The baby sleeps 14–17 hours a day. Baby wakes up when he is hungry.
For the first six months, breast milk alone is sufficient. Do not give boiled water or formula milk.
Most mothers are skeptical about whether the baby will drink milk or have a full stomach, even if it is fed at regular intervals. If the baby urinates more than six times a day, it may indicate that the baby has a full stomach.
It is natural for milk to thicken
It is most common in babies up to six months of age. This problem can be solved by pumping the gas properly after drinking the milk. Don't be alarmed by the fact that only white milk vomits a little three or four times a day. However, you should see your doctor if you have discoloration (severe yellow or green) or excessive vomiting.
Do not shake the baby if it gets stuck in the throat while drinking milk. This is a mistake that most people make in panic. No matter how small the baby is, lie down on your wrists and push it out. Special care should be taken to keep the head slightly lowered. It gets stuck in the throat and goes out through the mouth. No blows to the head or blows to the head will result.
When the baby breathes
During the first month, the baby's breathing will not be normal. Do not be afraid to make small noises when breathing or to hold your breath for a while and then breathe again. Seek medical attention if you find you are breathing too fast, have difficulty drinking milk, your body turns blue, or suffocates several times.
‘Alarm Science’ in Health
. Failure to urinate within the first 24 hours after birth, no urination within the first 48 hours, yellowing of the skin in the first days after birth, persistent salivation, coughing when drinking milk, bluish discoloration of the baby's lips or nails, and signs of epilepsy are some health problems of the baby. These must be taken care of.
. The baby's temperature drops to 36.5 degrees Celsius. Increase to 37.5 degrees Celsius.
. The baby should be checked for milestones. During the first month, the baby looks at the mother's face and laughs. From the second month on words, they look at them as they move the pen or toy through their eyes. By the third month, the neck begins to open. Hold the head straight, baby.
Some rules for mother and baby
. The diet and routine of the mother during breastfeeding can also cause changes in the baby. Decreased water intake, eating fried and fried foods, and eating too much meat can cause constipation in the mother. The mother's eating habits also affect the baby's bowel movements.
If the baby's constipation lasts for more than a week, check for thyroid problems. The mother's diet should also be taken into consideration.
. The health of the mother of the newborn is also important. You can take Ayurvedic medicines. Medications should take into account the health of each woman. For this, the doctor's recommendation should be taken. These will also benefit the baby.
You can drink boiled water with crushed tincture. Ginger, pepper, curry leaves and red onion can be included in the diet. Maternal digestion will increase and immunity will increase.
Will covid come to the newborn?
Covid does not affect newborns much. This is because babies are less likely to have a protein called ACe2 receptors, which is the gateway to the covid virus. Infants are more likely to develop mild colds, fevers and sneezes. But do not give up. Fear not. It is better for the mother and baby to avoid visitors completely during the covid period. Or if someone comes, wash your hands and feet with soap and let them in. Show the baby in any other ventilated room, except in the room where the mother and baby sleep. No need to hand over the baby to pick up and carry.
If a person comes to bathe the mother and baby, be sure to wear a mask. Make sure it is hygienic. Household members should be careful to wear masks and maintain social distance when going out. Wash with soap and water as soon as you get out. Only go to the baby wearing a mask.
When going to get the vaccine
BCG, OPV, and hepatitis B vaccines are given at birth. BCG is given against TB, OPV against polio and hepatitis B against jaundice. During the sixth week after birth, the mother and baby need to see a doctor to check their health. The second vaccine was given at this time. The second dose of hepatitis B vaccine is polio, DPT or triple (against diphtheria, pertussis, typhoid and other diseases). DPT booster and polio in the tenth week.
Do not take the vaccine for fear of covid. Go to the hospital when it is not too busy. Mom wears a double mask and keep a social distance. Do not go inside crowds. Lay the baby on a cloth that is taken away from home and immediately change the cloth and cover with a new cloth after getting the vaccine room
Baby room
During covid, it is better for the mother and baby not to have much contact with outsiders. Choose a well-ventilated room. The windows should be left open during the day. When there is plenty of light in the room, the baby can distinguish between day and night. Makes a good night's sleep.
All the essentials can be arranged in the room. Towels, wipes, etc. should be kept out of reach. The water can be heated and stored in a flask.
There is nothing wrong with putting newborns in an AC room. But do not overdo it. AC can be placed one degree lower than ambient temperature. Also, the difference in temperature when leaving the AC room can be a problem for the baby.
Excessive cooling as soon as the mother's uterus comes out of the heat can be detrimental to the baby's health. And do not forget that a ventilated room is better in the covid situation.
Babies can get allergic problems such as colds and shortness of breath if the AC is not cleaned in a timely manner. Therefore, great care should be taken in the use of AC.
Should medicine be applied to the baby's umbilical cord?
The umbilical cord is usually removed within five to seven days after birth. In the past, medicine was applied to the umbilical cord and antibiotic powder was applied. But doctors say you should not apply any medication on the navel. All you have to do is wipe it clean with a clean cloth.
Water, oil and milk can get stuck in the navel and cause infections. If there is redness or swelling around the umbilical cord or bleeding, see a doctor immediately, as this may be a sign of infection. Do not delay in seeing a doctor in such cases baby
When bathing the baby
A healthy baby is bathed six hours after birth. One week after coming home, you can apply oil and gently massage and bathe the body. Until then, wipe the baby's body with a cloth soaked in warm water.
Ayurveda says that the most important thing in the care of a baby during the first three months is an oily bath. Coconut oil is enough to bathe the baby. It can be applied on the head and body. Do not use castor oil for up to three months. Oils can be used after three months as prescribed by the Ayurvedic doctor, depending on the baby's skin condition and immunity.
Gently massaging the baby's body will increase blood flow. The baby can be bathed immediately after the massage. Do not allow more than 5–8 minutes to bathe. Fry in lukewarm water using a fork, a fork or a fork. Instead of soap, you can use dried pea powder, gooseberry powder, dried tea or copper.
If you lie down and give milk
Mothers can breastfeed comfortably. But it should not be in a way that could endanger the baby. The problem is not breastfeeding while lying down, but breastfeeding during sleep. The baby and mother often fall asleep while breastfeeding at night. There is also non-drinking milk in the baby's mouth. When you cry during sleep or take long breaths, it can get trapped in your lungs and cause accidents.
Whenever milk is given, the baby should be placed on the shoulder and gas should be expelled. Only lie down after making sure the baby is drinking milk. If breastfeeding is done while sitting, the mother is less likely to fall asleep. Also, when lying on the wrists, the head is slightly raised so that the milk goes down quickly.
Infection of the ear is another problem caused by lying down and breastfeeding. The milk enters the inside of the ear and causes infection. This problem can be solved by raising the head and breastfeeding.
The weight of the baby
The best way to find out about a baby's health is to check their weight. The baby loses weight in the first five days after birth. Birth weight will be regained within two weeks. During the first trimester, babies are more likely to grow. Weight gain of about 200 grams per week. This can lead to weight gain of three and a half to one kilogram a month.
If the mother covid is positive
If the mother has any disease, it is transmitted to the baby through proximity and breathing. Not through breast milk. So there is no point in stopping breastfeeding. If breastfeeding is stopped, the baby will get many other diseases.
Keep these things in mind when the mother is breastfeeding with a covid positive...
. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before breastfeeding. Use three masks while breastfeeding. You can also wear a face shield.
. The baby can be given milk after covering the washed cloth with a cloth. Or change into a dress to wear only when feeding the baby. Wash your hands and change clothes after wearing the mask.
. After breastfeeding, the baby can be changed into new clothes. This is to prevent any harm to the baby if the sap is spilled on the clothes in any way.
If all the above are done carefully, the mother and baby can be happy without any worries.
Enjoy motherhood, be happy 🙂
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