Physical Care of My Baby
After your baby is born, everyone is excited for you. So, your
room may be very busy with activity. Please see "recovery period
after delivery." After the first two hours following your recovery
after delivery, your nurse will be giving report to a postpartum
nurse who is already taking care of 3-5 couplets. Your infant
will be assessed every 8 hours and more frequently if needed.
Your baby's temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate (vital
signs) will be assessed. Your baby's bath will be done when your
baby has stable vital signs and has at least adequately fed once
(see bath care). Hepatitis B immunization information
will be given to you and your significant other to review and,
if desired, a verbal consent is given prior to administration
of the medication to your infant.
If desired, a circumcision will be done for your male infant
after he has urinated at least once and is feeding well. You
will need to stay at least 2 hours after the circumcision is
done before you can go home if the procedure is done on the day
of discharge (see circumcision
care).
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Care Provided by your Nurses and Pediatrician
When you baby is born, your pediatrician's office is notified.
Most private pediatricians do not make rounds on their babies.
So, our staff pediatricians will be completing your newborn's
physical assessment. You will notice that there is a pediatric
team who will come and see your infant. One attending pediatrician,
two pediatric residents, and 1-2 medical students will be involved
in the care of your baby. They are very open to questions and
provide excellent care. The pediatrician usually sees your baby
once after birth and then again upon discharge. The nursing team
does assessments on your baby every 8 hours, assists with feedings
and bathing, and is available as you need her.
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Information provided by UMHS perinatal education committee
March, 2005
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