Newborn: Health24: parenting

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Baby centre

Newborn

Congratulations with your baby! You have now started a new journey in your life and we hope it will be filled with joy and happiness.

During the first few weeks after birth your baby is learning to adapt to the external environment (including temperature), and to changes in breathing and circulation.

Your baby's first test

The first thing in store for your new arrival is an APGAR score. The test helps doctors and nurses to quickly evaluate the condition of a newborn.

Vaccinations

Your baby will be immunised against tuberculosis and polio.

Bringing up wind

Far too much emphasis is placed on winding. It is not imperative for a baby to be winded after a feed. If you do, keep it short – two to three minutes will do.

Other issues

We take a look at weight gain, neonatal jaundice, your baby's first stool, visitors and much more.

Good-looking baby?

Most parents immediately claim how beautiful their babies are, but let’s be honest: a newborn baby is quite a strange looking creature.

Examinations after birth

Shortly after birth, the doctor will clamp and cut the umbilical cord, give a vitamin K injection and do a series of examinations. This section outlines how the screening works.

Cleaning the umbilical cord

Most new parents are hesitant to clean the umbilical cord because they are scared that they will hurt their baby. We show you how to do it.

The arrival of your new baby is an exciting event. However, with all this upheaval in your lives, the mother’s concerns can sometimes be overlooked. The mother may have many concerns and discomforts. Not to worry, this is quite normal as it may take quite some time for a new mother’s body to return to its pre-pregnant state.