Postnatal Information For Your Baby
Postnatal Information For Your Baby
Postnatal Information For Your Baby
At each postnatal assessment your midwife will check your baby's well-being. The following
observations help to build up a complete picture of your baby and your midwife will discuss the
findings with you.
Temperature
Your midwife will check how warm your baby feels to the touch which is a good indication of how
appropriate the temperature is around your baby. Your midwife can advise on the amount of
clothing and bedding to use, whether in the house, car or pram etc. If there are any concerns about
your baby's temperature, your midwife will take your baby's temperature using a thermometer.
Breathing
Your midwife will observe your baby's breathing. Your baby will breathe faster than adults. Their
normal respiration rate is between 30- 60 breaths/min.
Heart Rate
Your baby's heart rate is also faster than an adults'. In a newborn, a normal heart rate is between
100 and 160 beats/min.
Weight
It is expected for your baby to lose weight in the first 3—4 days; they should start to gain weight
after 5-7 days. Your baby will be weighed at birth; then if you are seen on day 3, he/she may also be
weighed. He/ she will normally be weighed again on days 5 and 10.
Your health visitor will give you information about local child health clinics. They will continue
assessing your baby's growth as he/she gets older. Most babies double their birth weight by four to
five months and treble their birth weight by one year.
These include:
The root reflex which begins when the baby's cheek is stroked or touched. The baby will turn his/her
head and open his/ her mouth to follow and "root" in the direction of the stroking. This helps the
baby find the breast or bottle and begin feeding. Babies are born with the ability to suck and during
the first few days they learn to coordinate their sucking and breathing.
The startle reflex occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. The baby throws
back its head, extends out the arms and legs, cries, then pulls the arms and legs back in. A baby's
own cry can startle him/her and begin this reflex.
They can also grasp things like your finger with either their hands or feet and they will make stepping
movements if they are held upright on a flat surface.
All these responses, except sucking, will be lost within a few months and your baby will begin to
make controlled movements instead.
Colour
Your midwife will check that your baby looks healthy and well perfused. Changes in skin colour can
indicate that your baby may require closer observation. See below for information on Jaundice
(yellow colouring of the skin).
Eyes
Your baby's eyes are observed for any signs of stickiness, redness or discharge. Cleaning of your
baby's eyes is not required unless your baby develops an infection. This can occur for no apparent
reason and appears as a yellow discharge in one or both eyes. If this happens, your midwife may
take a swab or arrange for your GP to prescribe treatment. Your midwife will also show you how to
clean the eyes properly.
It is common for a newborn to have poor control of their eyes and appear cross-eyed at times, but
this should decrease as the eye muscles strengthen. The eyes usually look blue-grey or brown. In
general, your baby's permanent eye colour will be apparent within 6 to 12 months.
Mouth
Your baby's mouth is checked for redness, white spots or a white coating, which does not disappear
between feeds. This may be a sign of thrush and can be avoided by good hygiene. Thrush is a fungal
infection that is most common in babies around 4 weeks old but may occur earlier. It is seen as a
white furry coating in the baby's mouth that does not go away when wiped.
Always wash your hands before preparing bottles and after changing your baby's nappy. If your baby
is sucking on a bottle teat wash these carefully and sterilise them before use. We do not recommend
the use of dummies, but if you do decide to use one, these must be sterilised before use. Never put
the dummy into your own mouth then into your baby's mouth. If your baby does develop thrush it
may be necessary to treat with medicine prescribed by your GP. Sometimes you will need to be
treated as well.
Cord
The stump of the cord will drop off between 7-10 days following the birth. It usually does not require
any special attention, other than careful washing and drying at bath time. It is very common for the
stump to bleed slightly as it separates and your midwife will advise you how to care for this. Usually
all that is required is to ensure the nappy does not rub on the area. If there is any heavy bleeding,
discharge, redness, or bad smell around the cord stump you should contact your midwife or health
visitor.
Skin
Your baby's skin is very sensitive in the early weeks. Your midwife will check your baby's skin for any
spots, rashes or dryness.
After your baby is born it may have small amounts of vernix left in the skin folds, such as under the
arms. This is the white creamy substance that protects their skin whilst inside your uterus. It is not
harmful to your baby and in fact will help moisturise your baby's skin. It will disappear over the next
few days so there is no need to try to remove it.
Some babies have dry skin in the first few weeks after birth; this is more common if your baby was
born after the due date. Avoid using baby bath liquid or soap when bathing your baby. After
washing, pat dry and make sure skin creases are dry. You may wish to rub some olive oil onto your
baby's skin (avoiding their face and hands); ask your midwife for more information.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/your-baby-after-birth.aspx
Urine
You should expect your baby to have the following wet nappies:
You may notice a red/orange/pink residue in your baby's nappy over the first 24-48 hours. These are
called urates and are crystals from your baby's kidneys. They should disappear after a couple of
days. This will be helped by regular feeding.
Bowels (stools)
The first stools are sticky, greenish-black and are called meconium. Over the next few days, the
colour of your baby's stool will change as follows:
If this doesn't happen, please inform your midwife, health visitor or GP.
Breastfed babies will have soft, loose yellow stools that do not smell, while a formula fed baby will
have stools that are more formed, darker and smellier. All babies should pass at least two soft stools
per day for the first six weeks regardless of feeding method. If your baby has a higher number and it
is looser than normal, contact your healthcare professional. If you have any concerns, ask your
midwife or GP for advice.
The fontanelle
When born, a baby's skull is not fully fused together in order to help it pass through the birth canal.
This leaves a diamond shaped patch on the top of your baby's head near the front called the
fontanelle. It will probably be a year or more before the bones close over it. You may notice it
moving as your baby breathes. You don't need to worry about touching it as there is a tough layer of
membrane under the skin.
Your midwife will check that this is not sunken which can be a sign that your baby is dehydrated.
Feeding your baby
Responsive feeding
Keep your baby close to you so that you start to recognise the signals they make to tell you they are
hungry or want a cuddle. Responding to these signals will make your baby feel safe. Breastfed babies
cannot be overfed so you can use breastfeeding to soothe your baby and as a way of spending time
together, or having a rest whenever you both want.
Skin-to-skin contact
Spending some time quietly holding your baby in skin to skin contact (baby naked or with just a
nappy against your bare chest, covered by a blanket) straight after the birth is very important
because: it helps to calm your baby; regulates their temperature helping keep him or her warm;
steadies your baby's breathing; and gives you time to bond. It also helps to get breastfeeding off to a
good start. Provided you are both well, you will be able to hold your baby straight away.
If you have had a caesarean delivery, or have been separated from your baby for a while after the
birth, you will both still benefit from skin to skin contact as soon as you are able.
Skin to skin is recommended as often as possible with your baby, and can also be done by your
partner.
Unicef : www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/support-for-parents/
NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/breastfeeding-first-
days.aspx
NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/bottle-feeding-
advice.aspx
If your baby is jaundiced and very sleepy with green or pale stools, this could be a sign that the level
of their jaundice is more serious. A serum bilirubin blood test (SBR) may be recommended to
determine what the level of jaundice is. If treatment is indicated this is done using phototherapy.
The undressed baby is placed under a very bright light, usually with a soft mask over the eyes. This
may continue for several days before the jaundice clears up. You will be advised according to your
individual circumstances.
Excessive crying
Some babies cry a lot and this can be very stressful. There may be times when you feel unable to
cope. This happens to lots of parents and is nothing to be ashamed of. Ask your family and friends to
help and discuss this with your health visitor or GP
Nappy rash
The skin on a baby's bottom is sensitive and prolonged contact with urine or stools can cause
burning or reddening of the skin. Nappies should be changed frequently, either before or after feeds
to prevent this.
There are many possible causes of nappy rash, for example poor hygiene and skin care, infection,
sensitivity to detergents, fabric softeners or other products that have been in contact with the skin.
If the skin does become sore, it is better to use warm water and cotton wool rather than wipes or
lotions to clean your baby. Cream can be used, but if the rash does not improve advice should be
sought from your GP.
Colic
A baby who cries excessively and inconsolably and either draws up his or her knees, or arches his or
her back, especially in the evening, may have colic. You should tell your midwife or GP so that an
assessment can be made to rule out other causes. They will then advise you according to your
individual circumstance. For more information: NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic
Prolonged jaundice
This is when jaundice is still present after 2 weeks, in which case an SBR may be recommended to
detect the level of jaundice. If treatment is indicated, this is done using phototherapy. See pg. 42
above for more information.
Infection
Some babies are at increased risk of developing infections in the eyes, umbilicus, urinary tract or on
the skin, particularly if the mother has:
Symptoms of infections are what your midwife is looking for during the baby assessments, and can
appear as sticky eyes, redness around the umbilicus and septic spots, which may or may not be
accompanied by your baby being generally unwell. If you have concerns regarding any of these
factors contact your midwife/GP.
Healthcare professionals who may help care for you and your baby
Midwives
Your midwifery team are usually the main care providers throughout the early postnatal period.
They will ensure that your care is tailored to meet your individual needs and will work in partnership
with you and your family to ensure you can make informed decisions about your baby's care. Visits
are arranged at home or at clinics in the local community. Care is provided by the midwifery team
for a minimum of 10 days or up to 28 days following the birth as required. The frequency and
location of visits will be decided between you and your midwife.
24 hour support is available from the midwifery service and you will be given all the information to
access that support if required. Please refer to the telephone numbers in your 'Going home with
baby' booklet. Your midwife also works in partnership with other health professionals and can refer
your baby to the appropriate specialist.
Health visitor
Health visitors work within the NHS. All are qualified nurses or midwives who have done additional
training in family and child health, health promotion and public health development work. They
work as part of a team alongside your GP and other community nurses such as practice nurses,
school nurses, as well as midwives. Your health visitor will visit you at home, around 10-14 days after
you have had your baby. Subsequent contacts can then take place either at home, the local health
centre, surgery or in the local community. They work with families and young children and all have
special expertise in the everyday challenges of parenthood.
Specialists
Some babies with medical problems from birth may need to be followed up by a neonatologist or
paediatrician. If a problem arises with your baby in the postnatal period, the following are also
available to help you: audiology for hearing; physiotherapy and orthopaedics for hips; and
ultrasound scanning for kidney problems.
Early development
Newborn babies can use all their senses. From birth your baby will focus on and follow your face
when you are close in front of them. They will enjoy gentle touch and the sound of a soothing voice
and will react to bright light and be startled by sudden, loud noises.
By two weeks of age babies begin to recognise their parents and by 4 to 6 weeks start to smile.
Interacting with your baby through talking, smiling and singing to them are all ways of helping your
baby feel loved and secure.
Sleeping position
Your baby should be placed in the cot, on his or her back with their feet against the foot of the cot.
This is to ensure that your baby's head does not become covered by bedding, which can lead to
overheating. This is commonly referred to as the 'feet to foot' position. For more information:
www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice
It is not safe to doze off with your baby on a sofa or armchair, therefore some parents choose to
create a safe space to feed their baby in bed and some fall asleep with their baby during the night
while feeding and comforting whether they intend to or not. Therefore it is very important to
consider the following points:
BEWARE it is not safe to share your bed with your baby if:
If there are concerns about how long your baby has slept, gently rouse your baby by providing tactile
stimulation such as changing their nappy, massaging hands and feet, rubbing their back or walking
your fingers up and down his or her spine. Your baby can also be placed in skin-to-skin contact (see
above).
Kangaroo care
Similar to skin to skin, dressed only in a nappy, the baby is held against your chest between your
breasts, snug inside your clothing, often for hours. Partners can do this too. Advantages include
more stable breathing, heart rate and temperature; less crying; better weight gain; and increased
milk supply.
Offer a feed
Put your baby next to your skin (skin-to-skin)
Wrap in a blanket so your baby feels warm and secure
Your baby may respond to being cuddled or stroked in a warm bath
In a car
It is illegal for anyone to hold a baby while sitting in the back or front seat of a car. The only safe way
for your baby to travel in a car is in a properly secured, backward-facing baby seat, or in a carry cot
(not a Moses basket) with the cover on and secured with special straps. If you have a car with air
bags in the front, your baby should not travel in the front seat (even facing backwards) because of
the danger of suffocation if the bag inflates. For more information:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/child-car-seats-and-child-car-safety/
In cold weather
Make sure your baby is wrapped up warm in cold weather because babies get cold very easily. Take
the extra clothing off when you get into a warm place, including the car, so that your baby does not
overheat, even if he or she is asleep.
In hot weather
Babies and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the sun, as their skin is thinner and
they may not be able to produce enough pigment called melanin to protect them from sunburn. The
amount of sun your child is exposed to may increase his or her risk of skin cancer in later life. Keep
babies under six months old out of the sun altogether, by making the most of the shade such as
trees or using a sunshade attached to the pram, and dressing them in loose baggy clothing. Let your
child wear a floppy hat with a wide brim or a 'legionnaire's hat' that shades the face and neck.
During summer, cover exposed parts of skin with a sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days. Use
one with a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or above and which is effective against UVA and UVB. Re-
apply often.
Vitamin K
Everybody needs Vitamin K to help their blood to clot. Babies are naturally born with low levels of
Vitamin K, which is normal. However, very rarely this can lead to Vitamin K Deficiency bleeding
(VKDB).
To reduce this chance of bleeding, the Department of Health recommends that all newborn babies
are given vitamin K at birth. There are two methods to give your baby Vitamin K.
By injection — one dose is given at birth. This is the method recommended by the Department of
Health
By mouth — two doses need to be given in the first week of life, one at birth and at day five of life.
Babies that are exclusively breastfeeding will need a third dose at 28 days of life. This dose is given
by your health care professional.
Vitamin D
It is recommended that all breast fed babies are offered vitamin D supplementation from birth. For
more information: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/vitamins-for-children.aspx
The second detailed examination will be done by your GP or health visitor when your baby is 6 to 8
weeks old. If any problems are identified during either of these examinations or at any time in
between, your baby will be referred to the appropriate specialist baby doctor, such as a
paediatrician or neonatologist.
The checking of your baby's well-being is a continual process, however, and each time your baby is
seen by your health visitor a detailed review of growth and development is undertaken as well as a
physical assessment. Consequently the progress of your baby is documented, which enables early
identification of any problems so that appropriate management and referral can be arranged. All
findings will be discussed with you in detail.
Congenital hypothyroidism
Cystic fibrosis
Sickle cell disorders or beta thalassaemia major
Phenylketonuria
MCADD (Medium Chain acyl-coA Dehydrogenase Deficiency)
Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)
Isovaleric acidaemia (IVA)
Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GAI)
Homocystinuria (pyridoxine unresponsive) (HCU)
Babies with these disorders can then be given early treatment to prevent serious problems. These
disorders would not otherwise be diagnosed in the newborn baby, even after careful examination by
a doctor. These conditions are covered in more detail in the leaflet ‘Screening tests for you and your
baby’.
Your midwife or maternity support worker will take a small sample of blood from your baby’s heel
onto a card usually between the 5th and 8th postnatal day (ideally on day 5). This is then sent to a
laboratory for testing. The heel prick will only cause a moment of discomfort which your baby will
soon forget. Repeat tests are sometimes necessary for various reasons: there may not have been
enough blood taken at the first test; the specimen may have been damaged or contaminated; a
problem may have occurred with laboratory testing and no result obtained; or there may be a
‘borderline’ or unclear result.
If your baby was born before 36 weeks or received a blood transfusion, a repeat test will be
arranged. There are several reasons for an unclear result and the repeat test is often completely
normal. If the repeat test is still unclear, arrangements will be made for your baby to see a
paediatrician.
Obtaining the results
The results are usually ready within one working week and your health visitor will record them on
your child’s record.
A positive result
The vast majority of results are negative. However, if your baby has one of these disorders,
arrangements will be made for you to see a specialist team experienced in managing these
disorders. Your GP will also be contacted.
Early immunisations
TB is a potentially serious infection, which usually affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of
the body. The BCG vaccination is usually given to the baby early in the postnatal period. Ideally it
should be given before the age of two months.
Hepatitis B
Some people carry the hepatitis B virus in their blood without actually having the disease itself. If a
pregnant mother has hepatitis B, or catches it during pregnancy, she can pass it on to her baby. The
baby may not be ill but has a high chance of becoming a carrier and developing liver disease in later
life. Babies born to infected mothers should receive a course of vaccines. The first dose is given
within 24 hours of birth, and two more doses are given at one and two months with a booster dose
at twelve months old. For more information: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/hepatitis-b-
vaccine/