Bonding, Postnatal Care, and The Hospital Stay

Bonding The process of forming an attachment, or feeling of close connection, between parent and child. Can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, months of life together.

Postnatal Care Postnatal means after the birth Apgar Scale: medical checkup to detect any problems that require immediate medical attention Rates an infants physical condition Receive a score of 0,1,or 2 for various signs Scores recorded at one minute and five minutes of life Score of 7 or more means good condition Score 4-6 may need some assistance like oxygen or suctioning Less than 4 may require emergency life-saving measures

Postnatal Care Cont… Routine Newborn Care: medicated drops are put into the eyes to prevent possible infections; Vitamin K and Hepatitis B shots are given; baby is weighed, measured and washed; identification bands are placed on the baby; footprints are recorded Neonatal Intensive Care: for babies who are born premature (before 37 weeks) or who are born low-birth weight (5.5 lbs. or less) may receive medical care in the NICU, they may be placed in an incubator, given oxygen, receive constant monitoring. Babies born premature or low-birth weight have an increased risk of long-term health problems and disabilities.

Postnatal Care Cont… Postnatal Care of the mother: mother is monitored including blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate Mother may have chills and be very thirsty and hungry Usually taken to a recovery room and given something to eat and drink.

The Hospital Stay Rooming-In: the baby is cared for in the mother’s room rather than the nursery; allows the baby and mother to spend more time together; helps mother learn how to care for her baby; Full rooming in: baby stays all day and all night Partial rooming in: baby stays with mother most of the time and is taken periodically to the nursery

The Hospital Stay Breastfeeding: nurses or lactation consultants can help get the mother started. Mother produces colostrum, a yellow fluid rich in nutrients and antibodies that protect the infant from infection Circumcision: the male infant undergoes a surgical procedure where the foreskin of the penis is removed Usually done on the second day after birth Some do it as a religious rite Some believe there are health advantages Only parents can decide if this is to be done

The Hospital Stay Birth Certificate: essential for proving: Legal age- prove age Citizenship- necessary to obtain a passport Relationships- used to establish family relationships