Globally In the first 28 days of life (neonate) approximately 2.6 million babies die, most of them in the first week itself. The aim is to decrease the mortality rate to less than or equal to 20 per 1000 live births by year 2035 in India.
Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for first six months are necessary and below are tips and steps on how mothers can handle their babies easily.
How to feed?
A new born baby needs to be fed every 2 to 3 hourly or on demand feed for 10 to 15 minutes one breast at a time. Clues that the baby is hungry are crying, putting fingers in his or her mouth or making sucking noises. You know that the baby is fed well when he or she has passed urine at least 8 to 10 times per day and one or two stools per day.
What are bathing basics?
A bath two to three times in a week with lukewarm water and mild soap in the first one year of life as more frequent bathing can cause drying of skin. Sponge bath the baby in the first one to four weeks so that the umbilical cord falls off and the navel heals completely
How to burp?
Burping is very important after every feed as baby swallows air during feeds which can cause colic. It should to done for approximately for 1 or 2 minutes by placing the baby on your shoulder and chin resting on your shoulder and repeatedly patting on the baby's back.
Comforting, bonding and soothing
Encourage kangaroo mother care, skin to skin, rooming in as soon as the baby is born. Babies cry for around 1 to 2 hours per day in the 1st 3 to 4 months of life and the reasons could be hunger, dirty diaper, sleepiness, light/ noise or rashes.You need to tackle each one of this and if crying persists consult your paediatrician. Comforting can be done by singing, cuddling, rocking or holding your baby close.
Massaging
Gentle massaging can be started after the first few weeks of birth either with coconut oil or lotion. It cabn be done by slowly stroking or kneading each part of the baby body. Cloth nappies have to be used during the day and diapers at night. Change the nappies/diapers as soon they are soiled.
Umbilical cord care
Be gentle and never ever pull onto the cord, keep the cord clean and dry at all times, fold the diapers so that they rest below the cord to prevent soiling of the cord with urine and stools. Leave the cord alone until in falls by itself (1 to 4 weeks).
Disinfection
Wash your hands with soap and water/use sanitizer before handling the baby (Parents/ attenders). As new-borns don’t have a strong immune system dirty hands can cause infection. Always secure your baby in the carrier stroller and the car seat and see that the baby is securely fastened in the carrier stroller or car seat.
How to put baby to bed?
Clear the clutter, dim the lights, share the room with baby but don’t share the bed. Newborns sleep for 2 to 4 hour periods and approximately 16 hours or more per day.
Handling a newborn
Never shake your baby playfully or in frustration as it can cause bleeding in the brain and even death. Instead tickle your baby's feet to wake him or her.
(The writer is a doctor at Manipal Hospital, Goa)
