After the pregnancy and delivery period, finally holding your baby in your arms is a dream come true. Nurse Christabel Ajaero-Ugbo shares tips on caring for the baby after delivery, cord care and bathing in the video below. We also dive into the importance of breastfeeding, breastfeeding positions and how to handle expressed breast milk:
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Breast milk storing tips
– Store in smaller containers that can be consumed at once
– Use sterilised BPA free containers or storage bags
– Always label and date expressed milk before storing, using the older one first
– Never microwave expressed milk, instead allow it to thaw and then reheat by placing it in warm water.
Cord care
– The umblical cord typically falls off between 7-14 days, and can take up to 21 days
– Apply chlorhexidine gel or methylated spirit from the base of the stump to the top regularly during the day, and with every diaper change
– Avoid touching or pulling the cord, always be gentle to it
– Always fold the diaper to rest below the cord.
Signs of cord infection
– Swelling or redness around the cord
– Whitish or yellowish discharge
– Blood at the end of the cord
– Signs of tenderness or pain from the baby when the cord or surrounding area is touched.
Bathing of Baby
– Babies should not be bathed immediately after delivery but hours after
– Sponge bath babies till cord falls off and circumcision heals (not submerging them in water)
– Baths can be given for newborns 3-5 times a week
– Temperature of water should be warm and always keep baby warm during bath time
– Maintain a firm hold on the baby at all times. If you need to pick something, keep one hand firmly on them
– Never leave your baby alone during a bath, not even for a second.
