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TV actress Ruhi Chaturvedi, known for her role in Kundali Bhagya, has welcomed her first child, a baby girl, with her husband Shivendraa Om Saainiyol. The couple announced the joyous news, and have been looking forward to starting a family for five years. Ruhi celebrated the occasion on social media with a heartfelt post featuring a teddy bear and a caption expressing her joy: "Our Baby Girl Is here!"
As new parents, Ruhi and Shivendraa will soon explore essential newborn care practices following delivery. When welcoming a newborn baby, it's essential to be aware of the typical characteristics and behaviours that can be observed in infants.
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Exploring Newborn Care After Delivery
Exploring newborn care after delivery is vital for the health and well-being of both the baby and the parents. The initial moments after birth are crucial for bonding and establishing feeding routines. As per a study published by the National Library of Medicine, below are a few points.
- First Moments: After birth, the newborn is typically placed on the mother's abdomen for skin-to-skin contact or wrapped in a blanket for warmth. This early contact promotes bonding and helps stabilize the baby's temperature.
- Breathing and Assessments: Medical staff will clear the baby's airways of mucus and perform an Apgar test to assess the newborn's health immediately after birth.
- Breastfeeding: It is recommended to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, as this stimulates milk production and aids in uterine contraction, reducing postpartum bleeding.
- Feeding Schedule: Newborns typically need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours. Signs of adequate feeding include at least six wet diapers a day and passing meconium within the first 24 to 48 hours.
- Temperature Regulation: Newborns are vulnerable to temperature loss, so they should be kept warm with lightweight clothing and swaddling. It's important to maintain a comfortable environment, as babies should wear one or two layers more than adults.
- Umbilical Cord Care: Keeping the umbilical cord clean and dry is essential to prevent infection. Parents should monitor for any signs of redness or discharge around the cord area.
Tips To Care for Newborns After Delivery
Dr Sudheshna Ray, a gynaecologist at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai, advises mothers to care for their newborns themselves and not to hand them over to strangers. She believes mothers or close family members should handle the baby, ensuring a safer and more comfortable environment for the newborn. As per a study published by the National Library of Medicine, caring for a newborn after delivery is crucial for their health and well-being. Below are a few essential tips.
- Keep the Baby Warm: Dress the baby in 1-2 layers more than adults and cover their head with a hat to prevent heat loss.
- Breastfeeding: Feed the baby on demand, ideally every 2-3 hours as breast milk is the best nutrition for newborns.
- Hydration: Mothers should drink plenty of water, especially if breastfeeding.
- Umbilical Cord Care: Keep the baby’s umbilical cord stump clean and dry. Do not apply anything to it.
- Hygiene: Avoid bathing the baby until at least 24 hours after birth. Instead, clean the baby's face and bottom as needed.
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: Hold the baby skin-to-skin as much as possible to promote bonding and comfort.
- Health Monitoring: Schedule health check-ups at 3 days, 1 week, and 6 weeks after birth to monitor the baby's development and receive vaccinations.
- Safe Sleeping: Always place the baby on their back to sleep and keep them away from smoke and direct sunlight.
Takeaway
Having a newborn baby can bring a lot of joy and excitement, but it's important to take good care of them. Parents also need to take care of their own emotions and learn about other parts of caring for a newborn. It is normal to feel overwhelmed at times, so seeking support from family and friends can be very helpful. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby, as it helps you be the best parent you can be.