Postnatal Care for the Baby

First 72 Hours

The first 72 hours is when the baby gets used to her new environment. The baby should cry immediately after birth to enable the lungs to start functioning properly. Also, she should pass urine and meconium (thick brown stool-like substance) from the first day.

Check how the baby is taking to breastfeeding. In case she doesn't pass a stool (a sign of constipation) or passes excessive liquid stools (a sign of diarrhoea) after breastfeeding, inform the doctor.

Some babies may cry excessively, arching their back. This condition of inconsolable crying is called colic. Medical experts haven't detected reasons for colic as yet. There are no medications to deal with it, but it is a phase that will pass.

First 24 Days

Check the baby's hearing through a screening test available at all major hospitals.

Nappy rash is very common within the first five days. Sometimes the rash aggravates and turns into to a thrush infection, which is a fungal infection. Here, the baby's skin around the nappy area is red and inflamed skin with blisters. Consult your doctor for an antibacterial or antifungal cream.

If the baby's temperature is more than 38 degrees, she has a fever and needs treatment. Fever can be caused by infections or stress.

Jaundice is also common with newborns. If you observe diarrhoea with yellowness of skin and eyes, inform your doctor. Jaundice in babies must be treated immediately, as their system isn't strong enough to fight it on their own.

With inputs from Dr. Kiran Coelho, Senior Gynaecologist, Lilavati Hospital.