The first 24 hours
The moment you’ve been looking forward to. The baby is finally here and you are snug at home.
Of course, these hours are also a bit exciting. During the day the maternity nurse is there, but at night you are going to do it yourselves.
Below are some tips for the first hours:
Nutrition
The baby has reserves for the first 24-48 hours, so it is not necessary to feed the baby every 3 hours from the first moment. Often babies fall into a deep sleep several hours after birth. Let them sleep soundly. From the moment the baby wakes up for the first time you will try to give breast or bottle feedings (10ml) every 3-4 hours.
Crying
Babies cry. Some babies more than others, but all babies cry. Every parent has moments of despair in the first few weeks, when you don't know what else to do to comfort your little one. This is part of the process. Causes of crying can include hunger, a dirty diaper, cramps or a burping that bothers and being too hot or too cold. However, babies often need to get used to being born. Take the baby to your chest and often you will find that your voice, smell and heartbeat will soothe the baby.
Color
Newborn babies are pink in color. Because the baby's circulation has yet to get going, you sometimes see blue discoloration around the nose and mouth and in the hands and feet. This is normal. However, a blue discoloration in which the lips and tongue are also blue is not normal. Babies who see blue-gray or start seeing yellow in the first 24 hours are also alarming. In this case, call us immediately at the emergency number.
Spit
Many babies experience nausea in the first 24 hours. This is because they swallow some blood and amniotic fluid at birth. They have to spit this out on their own. You can lay your baby on its side for the first 24 hours to make spitting up easier.
Temperature
A normal body temperature for a baby is between 36.5 ºC and 37.5 ºC. Some babies have difficulty keeping themselves at temperature. Be sure to warm the crib or stroller with hot water bottles beforehand. If the baby's temperature is too low use an extra blanket or hot water bottle or just take the baby in a diaper and hat on your bare chest and crawl under the covers together. A baby who is too warm take off a layer. If despite your actions the temperature does not normalize we would like you to call us.
Blood loss
After giving birth, you will have ample blood loss, often more than a period. This is normal. You may also lose clots, these may be the size of a tennis ball. It is normal to lose two of these clots. If there are more of these or the blood continues to seep continuously you should call us.
Temperature
It is not normal for mothers in labor to have a fever. However, you may have some elevation (up to 38.0ºC) when you have congestion. If you get an elevation or fever in the first 24 hours you should always call the midwife on duty.
Puddles
A full bladder increases blood loss. Therefore, it is important to urinate within six to eight hours of delivery. If you can't, call the midwife on duty. She will come and empty your bladder with a catheter. Sometimes you may not feel the urge to urinate properly after delivery. Try to urinate every three hours.
Aftermath
After delivery, your uterus contracts to shrink back to its normal size and reduce blood loss. You may sometimes suffer from this, especially during breastfeeding. You may take 1000mg of paracetamol every 8 hours for this if needed.