Baby Care

Upon arrival to the Mother/Baby unit, your infant will be provided with a crib and infant care items. Extra blankets and shirts can be obtained from the nursing staff. Here are some tips to remember.

• Keep the room temperature about 70-75 F.
• Keep your baby warm and dry.
• Keep your baby away from windows and air vents.
• Keep your baby bundled in a soft blanket with a newborn cap.
• Position your baby on his back with the head turned slightly to the side; NEVER on the stomach.
• Never prop a bottle to feed your baby. This causes choking and ear infections.
• Hold your baby securely during feedings.
• Keep a sleeping baby in the crib. It is the safest place.
• Always keep a bulb syringe within easy reach.

The nursing staff will be checking your baby's temperature and heart and respiratory rates frequently during the first 24 hours following birth. They may monitor your baby's blood sugar by obtaining a small amount of blood from your baby's foot. If you are not able to care for your baby, please ask for assistance. Your baby may to go the nursery located beside the nurse's station called the "stork's nest."

Comforting Your Baby
Infants cry for different reasons. It is your baby's way of communicating, and it is normal. It may indicate that your baby is hungry, tired, over excited, frustrated, wet, too warm or cold, lonely or sick. As you get to know him, you will be able to tell the difference between the type of cries and their meaning. If the intensity of the cry seems abnormal to you, especially if it continues, talk to your doctor.

Comforting measures such as swaddling, rocking, music, massage, gentle motion or talking softly may help your baby relax and calm down. Use of a pacifier or a clean finger placed gently in the mouth brings comfort to most babies. Sucking on their finger or thumb is normal and does not always mean that they are hungry. Wrapping your baby in blankets is security to most babies.

Remember, as hard as birth was on you, your baby has just entered a whole new world and is trying to adjust to many things all at once. Patience, love and time are required from everyone to make this transition as easy as possible. You will be surprised at how much you learn from this little person if you give it time and be patient.