1. Cheyenne County Hospital Childbirth Class Candi Douthit, BSN, RN
Care of the Newborn
Cheyenne County Hospital
Childbirth Class
Candi Douthit, BSN, RN

2. Initial Newborn Care Initial Cares after birth: Best for Baby:
Ensure they are breathing well
Warm, dry, and stimulate to get them crying really good
Best for Baby:
Immediate skin to skin with mom
Breastfeed within 30min to 1hr of life
Kangaroo care
Keep them warm

3. Initial Newborn Care Nursing Tasks: Weights and measurements
Medications
Assessments
Apgar
Ballard
Blood sugar
Physical exam
Vital signs
Newborn care immediately after birth | BabyCenter

4. Initial Newborn Appearance
Can be very wrinkly, pink, covered with a white, thick substance
Head can be cone shaped or swollen, may appear or be bruised
Skin: lanugo, milia, vernix, hands/feet may be blue purple
Eyes: mostly blue/gray
Pictures: Gift of Motherhood pg 65
Infant will look much more normal in 12-24hrs

5. Initial Newborn Appearance
Acrocyanosis Vernix
Acrocyanosis Milia

6. Basics of Care Feeding-every 2-3hrs
Hunger signs-sucking on
hands, rooting, lip moving, crying is a late sign
Want to feed them before they are crying
Not just about eating, it is about bonding, interacting, and comforting
No bottle propping
Check water source if using formula
Burping-to be done after each feeding
positions

7. Diapering
10-12 times per day…>5000 diapers in a lifetime  (isn’t that great news)
Always wipe front to back (esp. on little girls)
Cord Care
Circumcision Care
Check before/after
meals

8. Basics of Care Crying: Temperature Control:
Comfort (hot, cold, lonely, scared, hungry, diaper issue)
Snuggling them in their blanket
Temperature Control:
Need to be kept warm, but not too hot
Temperature instability
SleepSacks
One layer more than you have on

9. Basics of Care Bathing Sleeping Every 2-3 days Dry skin
No submersion until the cord comes off
Sleeping
12-16hrs per day
SIDS Prevention Strategies
How to reduce your baby's risk of SIDS | Video | BabyCenter

10. When to call the Doctor Not eating well Not peeing or pooping
Turning colors (orange, yellow, blue)
Temperatures (newborns < 1 mos should not be getting fevers and should be evaluated)
Not acting normal
Sinus drainage/cough
You are concerned

11. Things to Consider No ibuprofen/motrin until 6 months No water needed
Call the lactation consultant if you are concerned about breastfeeding
Everyone will have advice for you, take it or leave it. Ultimately you are the parents and you’ll need to decide what is best for you and your baby.

12. Things to Consider
Know there is no perfect way to raise a child. You will make mistakes and have regrets. Just do the best you can and pray often
You are now parents!!! What an incredible blessing this is. Take time to just be with your child as it will go very fast. Take a moment to cherish where you are in life.