Mother and Child; Good Health Lesson 20

MOTHER AND CHILD; GOOD HEALTH LESSON 20
CARE OF THE BABY

CHANGE NAPPIES
It is essential to follow the guidelines of cleanliness in looking after your new baby. Baby's nappy should be changed immediately whenever it is wet or dirty. If baby is left with a soiled or wet nappy, nappy rash can result (sore red bottom). 
The best way to prevent nappy rash (diaper rash) is by keeping baby's skin as dry and clean as possible. 

UMBILICAL CORD CARE
A newborn's umbilical cord stump typically falls off about two weeks after birth. In the meantime, treat the cord stump with care. Keep it clean and dry and don't bump it. Keep the nappy/diaper folded down so that it doesn't cover the stump. While mom was pregnant, the umbilical cord supplied nutrients and oxygen to developing baby. After birth, the umbilical cord is no longer needed, so is clamped and snipped by the Doctor and Midwife/Maternity Nurse, leaving behind a short stump which doesn't hurt baby. 

Baby's umbilical cord changes in colour from yellowish green to brown to black as it dries out and eventually falls off, leaving behind the little 'belly button' as a reminder of our miraculous growth and entry into life on earth. Never pull at the stump at all, let it drop off on its own. If the stump becomes dirty or sticky, clean it with clean plain water (not dirty water from an  unclean well or pond where animals have been). Dry the stump by fanning it until it is dry. 

If baby has any problems from the navel such as pus or a bad smell, immediately visit your Doctor. If the baby has a fever, breathing difficulties or refuses to take feeds, take baby to a Doctor or Clinic for help. 

BABY'S STOOLS
Check that baby passes stools properly. Very rarely a baby is born without an anus (exit opening for stools), or with an anus in the wrong place. Your Doctor and Midwife/Maternity Nurse checks that baby is passing stools normally. If baby is not passing stools and gets a swollen tummy, and you are in an outlying area, don't delay but immediately get your baby in to your Doctor. The condition called Imperforate Anus needs to be immediately treated for baby's safety and future health. 

DIARRHOEA
If your baby develops diarrhoea, don't delay but immediately get baby in to your Doctor for treatment. Baby can dehydrate easily, and needs proper care. 

VOMITTING
If baby develops vomitting, get Baby seen by your Doctor.

Umbilical Cord Care 
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/umbilical-cord/art-20048250?pg=2

Imperforate Anus 
http://www.healthline.com/health/imperforate-anus#Symptoms

Diarrhoea
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-diarrhea-causes-treatment

Vomitting
http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/vomiting-children

With thanks to Mayo Clinic, Healthline, Webmd

*Disclaimer; Please note that the information on this Health Post is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional care