MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

In the Hospital

After an uncomplicated vaginal birth, the average hospital stay is around 24 to 48 hours. After a cesarean (surgical) birth, it’s around 2 to 4 days. If you experience complications during or after childbirth that require extra support or monitoring, your health care provider may want you to stay in the hospital longer.

Cold Sores Cold sores (herpes simplex virus) are common among adults but can be very dangerous and even fatal for babies. The virus is spread through direct contact, like kissing the baby when you have a cold sore or touching the cold sore then touching the baby. If you or a family member has a cold sore, don’t kiss or have face-to-face contact with your baby. Wash your hands frequently and wear a mask to avoid exposing your baby to the virus. Anyone who has had a cold sore in the last week should not visit. If they do visit, don’t let them hold your baby. Lowering Infection Risk • Limit who can visit and who can hold your baby • Do not allow other people to kiss your newborn • Anyone who is sick or has been exposed to illness should not visit • Ask visitors to wear a mask over their mouth and nose around your baby • Avoid crowds and keep public outings to a minimum • Exclusively breastfeed to boost your baby’s antibodies • Cover your mouth with your arm when you sneeze or cough • Encourage adult vaccinations like Tdap (whooping cough) and flu

ROOMING-IN Unless there’s a medical issue that requires you to be separated, most hospitals encourage parents to keep their newborn in their hospital room. This is called rooming-in or room sharing. Rooming-in allows the hospital staff to care for both you and your newborn

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at the same time. Be sure to tell your nurse about any assistance you need, especially if you had a cesarean birth, are taking narcotics for pain relief, or don’t have a companion in your hospital room. What to know • Pull emergency cord or push call button any time you need help in your room • Never leave your baby alone or unattended in the room for any reason • Keep your baby’s crib close to your bed and as far as possible from the room door • If you’re alone and need to go to the restroom, move the crib to the restroom door and leave the door open • Never give your baby to someone you don’t know; ask to see a hospital ID badge • Always follow hospital security procedures to keep you and your baby safe PREVENTING INFECTION Newborns haven’t been exposed to germs that boost their immune system. That’s why new babies are more vulnerable to infections. In fact, newborns can become seriously ill from infections that are minor in an older child or adult. What to know • Hand washing is the best way to prevent infection • Always wash your hands before and after touching your baby

AVOIDING FALLS Although accidental falls in the hospital are uncommon after childbirth, they can happen. Being in a hospital room with a different bed and unfamiliar furniture or taking medication can contribute to your risk of tripping and falling.

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To reduce risk • Don’t go to sleep holding your baby in your hospital bed • Don’t do skin-to-skin contact if you’re alone and sleepy; place your baby back in their bassinet or crib • Keep your hospital bed in the lowest position with the side rails up while holding or feeding your baby • Always keep a hand on your baby while in your bed or sitting on furniture; never let go or turn away for even a few seconds

• Use hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands, even if your hands appear clean

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care