Something to Remember 34 Greenslopes Maternity Your Journey Safe sleeping Safe sleeping for your baby is promoted within the Maternity Service. Bed sharing is when a baby is brought into an adult bed for feeding or settling without the intention of sleeping. Co-sleeping is when a mother/parent and baby sleep together in a bed. Bed sharing may be practiced within the ward but co-sleeping is not approved. You will receive information on safe sleeping and SIDS when you come in to hospital. You or your partner should never sleep with or next to a baby if: • you or your partner are a smoker • you or your partner are intoxicated If you or your partner use alcohol, illicit drugs, or any sedating medication, do not have your baby in the same bed. Sedation may alter your ability to respond to your baby’s needs and you may not be aware of where your baby is in the bed. If you choose to have your baby sleep in a cot, consider having the baby in your room for at least six months. Having the baby in their own cot in the same room as their parent/s has been found to reduce the risk of SIDS. Settling your crying baby All babies cry. Crying is your baby’s way of communicating. Your baby will cry because of hunger, a full nappy, sickness, pain, feeling tired or lonely. Often it’s unclear why your baby is crying which can be frustrating and upsetting. Try to respond in a consistent manner to your crying baby. Start by checking that your baby is comfortable, not hungry, then help them settle. Settling may take longer than you expect and can be stressful. There are a number of things you can try when your baby has been fed, changed and cuddled, but continues to cry. You could try: • feeding again • relaxing your baby by bathing, gently massaging, cuddling, walking • taking your baby for a walk in fresh air • singing or talking to your baby • settling in a quiet and dark room • giving your baby to another person to hold and settle. If your baby keeps crying try and stay calm. If you are worried, speak to your carers. If you need any help and support with coping, or looking after your baby, there are a number of options available in the community: These include: • your local doctor (GP) or Child Health nurse • Post and Antenatal Depression Association (PaNDA) 1300 726 306 9.30am to 4.30pm. If you require assistance after hours please call one of the following services: • 13 HEALTH or 13 432 584 • Parentline (24-hours) 132 289 • Lifeline 131 114 • Lifeline Suicide Helpline 1300 651 251 • Men’s line 1300 789 978 Each woman with postnatal depression will experience symptoms that are unique to them and can be mild or severe. Your Child Health Record is given to you after the birth of your baby in hospital. It is an important record for you to use and keep for your child. It includes child health information for parents and is a record of your child’s health, growth, development and immunisations from birth to six years of age.
GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216
To see the actual publication please follow the link above