The Postnatal Period

1. The Postnatal Period Chapter 7 Section 2 The Developing Child

2. Introduction Imagine that you are a newborn. What do you think it would feel like to find yourself in the “outside world” after being accustomed to the dark, warm, confined space of the uterus? List 5 phrases expressing the newborn’s reactions to the “outside world.”

3. Examining the Newborn • Shortly after the delivery, the baby’s physical condition is checked using the Apgar Scale. • This gives the infant a rating from 0 to 2 in each of the following areas: • Heart rate • Breathing • Muscle tone • Reflect to simulation • Skin color • A total score of 6-10 is normal. Lower than 6 is a sign that baby may need special medical attention.

4. Apgar Scale

5. Examining the Newborn • The Apgar evaluation is done within 1-5 minutes after birth. • The baby is also weighed, measured, and cleaned up. • A copy of the baby’s footprint is made for public record. • Two plastic bands giving the baby’s family name are clamped to baby and Momma’s wrist/ ankle- preventing confusion later.

6. Later Tests • Within 60 minutes of delivery- drops of antiseptic are put into baby’s eyes to protect them from infection. • Vitamin K is needed to help blood clot, the body can naturally reproduce Vitamin K once it has a dosage within the system. Baby’s are given a Vitamin K shot to stimulate this process. • A blood sample is also taken from the baby to determine if certain diseases or defects are present. Example: PKU & Sickle Cell Anemia

7. Bonding and Attachment • Bonding- forming strong emotional ties between parent and child. • Some medical policies have changed over time to encourage bonding. • Delayed cutting of the umbilical chord and cleaning infant. • Baby is immediately placed in Mother’s arms to feel skin and hear the familiar heartbeat.

8. Bonding and Attachment • If Mother is breast-feeding she may began nursing. • Colostrum- the first breast milk given to baby. • This milk is easy for newborn to digest and rich in antibodies to build up baby’s immunities. • Some babies require immediate medical attention, preventing Mom and Dad from bonding right away.

9. The Hospital Stay • Birth is a big moment for Mom and baby. • The newborn is adjusting to a new world. • Mom needs time to adjust , rest, and recuperate. • The length of time mothers and babies stay in the hospital is unique to each pair. • A healthy mother and baby may go home as soon as 12 hours after birth. An average stay ranges from 2-3 days.

10. The Hospital Stay • In the past, it was common for women to stay 4 days after a normal delivery. • Some say that insurance companies have forced hospitals to release women and babies too soon. • Some states have passed laws requiring insurers to pay for a minimum of 2 days if requested by the doctor. • Some conditions may delay release for a few days. • Jaundice- baby has yellow colored skin and white of the eyes. • Caused by having too much of a certain chemical that is not yet filtered by the liver.

11. Rooming-In • Rooming-In: arrangement in which baby stays in mother’s room day and night rather than in the hospital nursery. • This allows father to visit as he wishes. • Benefits: • Chance to care for baby before going home. • Baby can be fed whenever hungry. • Family visitors can also get to know baby.

12. Legal Documents • Birth certificate is the most important piece of personal identification that anyone has. • It is required for entering school. • Social Security number is needed also. This number is used as a form if identification for government tasks such as filing for taxes or participating in government programs.

13. Caring for Premature Babies • Between 5-6% of all babies are born Premature-born before 37 weeks of development . • Many weigh less than 5 pounds. • These babies require special care. Some may not be ready to live outside the mother’s body. • Some are placed in an Incubator- a special enclosed crib where oxygen supply, temperature, and humidity is controlled. • Heart and lungs are closely monitored. • Good nutrition, healthy habits, prenatal care, and an understanding of warning signs can help prevent premature birth.

14. Postnatal Care of the Mother • Postnatal- the period after birth. • A lot of attention is focused on baby. • Mother has special physical and emotional needs at this time as well. • Physical Needs: • Rest • Exercise • Nutrition • Medical Checkups

15. Postnatal Care of the Mother: Rest • During the first few days and weeks it is natural to feel tired. • It is best to try and sleep whenever baby does. • Asking friends and family to help with household chores or caring for the baby for a few hours allows for rest time.

16. Postnatal Care of the Mother: Exercise • Wait for doctor approval. • Once mother feels able and doctor approves, she can begin mild exercise. • Exercise helps the woman return to her normal figure and correct posture.

17. Postnatal Care of the Mother: Nutrition • Eating right is just as important now as it was during pregnancy. • Breast-feeding supplies babies with essential nutrients. • The food you eat determines the quality of breast milk given to baby.

18. Postnatal Care of the Mother: Medical Checkups • After about 4-6 weeks after birth, mother should go in for a postnatal checkup. • Doctor will make sure that the uterus is returning to normal. • This is also an opportunity for the mother to discuss any questions or concerns she has.

19. Emotional Needs • Having a baby is a joyful, but stressful event. • Many new mothers experience a few days of mild depression after the birth- “baby blues.” • New fathers may have these feelings too. • Talking about feelings, taking care of yourself, seeking support, getting sleep, and avoiding isolation helps parents minimize the blues. • More serious or longer-lasting depression requires medical attention.

20. Review • What is the Apgar Scale? Why is it used? • Why do hospitals now delay some of the tests on newborns? • What is colostrum? • What are the advantages rooming-in? • What issues are involved in a mother’s postnatal care?