Hospital stay and going home

After the birth your body undergoes rapid physical and hormonal changes.

Check your basic progressive exercise programme with your caregiver.

A general physical and gynaecological examination is advised 4–6 weeks after delivery to assess your recovery and the return of your body to its non-pregnant state.

Thrush is a fungal infection and can be found in your baby’s mouth, nappy area or under the chin. The fungus lives on the skin and usually causes no harm, but when conditions are favourable,&n

The normal temperature of a healthy infant varies between 36–37°C. A slight rise in temperature may be due to a cold or a mild digestive upset.

A baby’s bowels usually work within the first 24 hours after birth. The first stool, meconium, is blackish-green and sticky, with no smell.

Getting enough sleep during the first months of your baby’s life means adjusting to your own new sleep habits and those of your baby.

Apgar:
A system of evaluating a newborn’s physical condition by assigning a score (0,1, 2) to each of the following criteria:

He starts to roll over from his tummy onto his back.

First teeth! Consult your dentist about fluoride for your child’s teeth. Until a child learns to brush his teeth, the mother must clean them for him.

A Breastfeeding experience which is enjoyable and beneficial to both mom and b

Many parents are surprised or even alarmed at the sight of their newborn. It is important to understand that the effects of birth are usually temporary and the baby’s looks improve rapidly.

Babies all have individual temperaments, which will affect their sleep patterns. Some are sleepy and others more alert and wakeful.

Clinics and primary health services are freely available in most countries in Southern Africa. Locate your closest clinic and the telephone number from your local authority or hospital.

Physiological jaundice

Use your hospital stay to learn how to bath your baby. Babies usually have their first bath about an hour after birth.

The aim of immunisation is to prevent disease. It protects the community as well as individuals.

A new baby cries a great deal of the time. It is her only way of communicating. It is difficult at first to know why she cries, but your ability to interpret her cries will improve with time.