In most babies jaundice is normal and not serious. It will nearly always disappear gradually after a few days without the need for any treatment. Greenslopes Maternity Your Journey 31 Baby jaundice It is not uncommon in newborn babies to have jaundice (yellowing of the skin). In most babies jaundice is normal and not serious. It will nearly always disappear gradually after a few days without the need for any treatment. If it becomes more intense your baby will be seen by a Paediatrician who may order a blood test and possible treatment. Ask the staff for further information. Bleeding You will experience some vaginal bleeding after the birth of your baby. This is natural in the first few weeks, but can last up to six weeks. At first it will be heavier than a normal period and then turn a pinkish-brown colour. Contact your doctor if • you are concerned about the amount of bleeding • you pass clots larger than a 50 cent coin • the bleeding stops and then starts again suddenly, and becomes bright red again • you have a fever, chills or generally feel unwell • your vaginal discharge has a bad odour • you have increasing pain in your wound or your stitches are hot and red. Breastfeeding Breast milk provides all the nutrition your baby needs for the first six months of life and forms the major part of nutritional requirements throughout the first year and beyond. Breast milk also helps to protect your baby against a range of infections, allergies and other medical conditions. Even if your baby is born prematurely or is ill, your breast milk is the perfect food for growth and development. Breastfeeding is a learned skill. Both you and your baby need time, patience and practice to get it right. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you choose to formula feed your baby, Greenslopes Private Hospital will respect your decision and will support you with any information and practical information required. Benefits for you Breastfeeding reduces the risk of bleeding after the birth, may help you return to pre-pregnant weight and is convenient and costs nothing. Breastfeeding also protects you against breast and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis. Benefits for your baby Your breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. It protects against gastroenteritis and diarrhoea, ear and chest infections, allergies, diabetes and other medical conditions. Exclusive breastfeeding to six months When babies are exclusively breastfed, they need no other food or drink until at least six months of age. You can be confident that your baby is receiving enough breast milk in the early weeks if they have six or more heavy, wet nappies and at least one bowel motion a day. It’s also a good sign if your baby settles after most feeds. For breastfeeding information and advice contact: Australian Breastfeeding Association, telephone 1800 686 268. Getting position and attachment right The first few days after the birth offer the best opportunity for you and your baby to learn to breastfeed. Your breasts are still soft for a few days after the birth, then as breast milk changes from highly nutritious colostrum to mature milk, your breasts can become quite full and firm. Breastfeeding is a learned skill that takes time and requires patience. Skin-to-skin Keeping your baby with you promotes a feeling of closeness, which produces a strong hormonal response that is linked to greater breastfeeding success. In the majority of cases it will be possible to have your baby with you immediately after a caesarean section. All healthy term babies will be seen by a paediatrician within 24 hours of birth.
GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216
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