1. Bonding, Postnatal Care, and The Hospital Stay

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

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