Jaundice Your baby’s skin may be tinged with yellow (jaundice) due to the breakdown of excessive haemoglobin. The jaundice normally peaks around the fourth or fifth day. Phototherapy may be required if levels of jaundice become too high. Sleeping A newborn sleeps between 16–20 hours per day and will make sounds, smile and will have rapid eye movement during sleep. Settling techniques Start developing a settling technique when your baby is a newborn that is calming and relaxing for you both. Settle your baby in the cot when you recognise the signs of tiredness: • Fist clenching • Jerky movements Breastfeeding Talk There is a breastfeeding talk provided by our staff for your information on Wednesday mornings - morning tea will be provided. Please ask staff for more information. Greenslopes Maternity Childbirth and Parent Education 35 • Facial contortions • Grizzling Settling can be assisted by: • A warm deep bath and/or massage • Cuddling and rocking • Talking or singing softly and gently • Playing relaxing music • Gentle rhythmical patting, gradually slowing down Partners and other familiar adults can share this settling routine. If your baby is still unsettled, it might be helpful to ask staff for assistance. Wrapping and safe sleeping guidelines Ask your midwife to demonstrate this technique. To wrap your baby for sleep: • Use a sheet, preferably a thin cotton one. Blankets get too hot and overheating is not good for babies. • Lay your baby in the middle of the long side of the sheet and wrap each side over in turn, tucking the sheet under the baby (see diagram). The sheet should come up to your baby’s shoulders. • Don’t overdress your baby if wrapping. In mild or warm weather just a singlet and nappy is fine. If it is cold in your baby’s room you may like to put a light suit on him/ her under the wrap. The postnatal period is a time of enormous adjustment for new parents. Correct wrapping for sleep
Childbirth and Parent Ed Book 1015 PI448
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