Birth and newborn baby

Birth Labour: sequence of events that leads to the birth of a baby. -First step of labour are contractions. Contraction of the uterus muscle). -They start being 20 min apart from each other. -The frequency and strength increase as birth approaches. Hormones control the process of birth: 1. Progesterone prevents contractions from happening. 2. Oxytocin stimulates contractions. 3. Oestrogen levels rise as birth apporaches. It also makes the uterus more sensitive to oxytocin.

Birth Contractions: -Cause the amniotic membrane to break and release the amniotic fluid (breaking the waters). -The cervix dilates (wider). Stage one of labour ends when the cervix is wide enough to let the baby’s head push through. Stage 2: -Once the baby’s head pushes through into the vagina (birth canal). The process is faster. -Baby may lack oxygen because the umbilical cord is compressed by the walls of the birth canal. -Once the baby is out and breathing is restored, the umbilical cords is clamped to prevent bleeding.

Feeding Breast feeding -Babies have a natural reflex to suckle mum’s nipple when it is placed close to it (suckling reflex) -Suckling stimulates the mother’s brain to release oxytocin. This will cause tiny muscles in the mammary glands to squeeze out milk (lactation). Ideal food: -Mum’s milk has all the nutrients in the right proportion to insure the baby’s growth. -It contains antibodies from mum which protect the baby. -Milk produced the first days contains a high number of antibodies and less nutrients Colostrum

Feeding Advantages: Breast milk -Mum will continue to produce milk as long as the baby suckles on it. -Babies lack teeth and a developed digestive system so they must feed on liquids. -Low in bacteria and contains antimicrobial factors (baby less likely to get infections). -Low cost and encourages bonding between mum and baby. Disadvantages: Breast milk -It is hard to control how much a baby is eating. -Feeding can be shared with other members of the family. -Feeding might be difficult in public places.

Feeding Advantages: Formula milk -Easy to track baby’s daily intake of food. -Both parents and other members of the family can take part in the bonding in feeding. Disadvantages: Formula milk -Based on cow milk so it must be modified because a baby’s digestive and excretory tracks lack the capacity to digest normal cow milk. -More bacteria get passed during the preparation process. -More likely to get tummy aches.(gastrointestinal deficiency disease). -Expensive.

Postnatal care: MUM Mum must start exercises to regain the strength in the muscles used during labour. A wound remains for 4 to 6 weeks in the uterus where the placenta was attached. While the wound heals, a substance called lochia is secreted and passed through the vulva. Mum must take care to keep this area clean to avoid infections. Regular bathing is essential and if possible add some salt.

Postnatal care: BABY The baby cannot regulate his body temperature properly. It takes a few weeks for it to start working independently. He also needs to add some fat under the skin to help isolate his body. Baby’s room must have a constant temperature of 20°C. Mum should wash hands before and after feeding to avoid bacteria. Baby should have a daily bath preferably before a meal. If using bottles, they must be washed and scrubbed with detergent and placed in sterilising solution. Teats should be washed and boiled after every use.