MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

ACCEPTING HELP When friends and family members offer their help around the house, letting them pitch in allows you to focus on caring for yourself and your newborn. Because you’re recovering from childbirth and probably tired most of the time, this is the perfect opportunity to graciously accept help from caring people who really want to make your first days at home easier. What to remember • Don’t attempt to do everything yourself • Don’t try to stick to a strict schedule • Let others help with shopping, cooking, other kids, pets • Sleep (or at least rest) when your baby sleeps • Be willing to tell someone if you have any specific needs • Make time for yourself without feeling guilty that you need it MANAGING VISITORS You may have caring friends, colleagues, neighbors, and other people who want to visit you and meet your new baby. But these visits can also be exhausting, especially in your first days and weeks home. What to know • You don’t have to entertain guests if you don’t feel up to it • It’s OK to politely say no to a visit or ask people to wait for a while • If a visitor is sick, don’t let them approach or hold your baby • Don’t let visitors kiss your baby, especially on the baby’s face or hands • Ask visitors to thoroughly wash their hands before holding the baby

Follow-Up Care

Babies who are discharged less than 48 hours after their birth must have an early follow-up appointment with their health care provider—on or before their third day of life. Babies discharged more than 48 hours after their birth should see their health care provider on or before their fifth day of life. At your baby’s first follow-up appointment, their health care provider will check their weight and overall health. They may check your baby's bilirubin level. They will ask you how breastfeeding is going and may offer a referral to a lactation consultant if you need additional help or support. Bring your baby’s daily feeding log to this appointment and be ready to discuss: • When and how much your baby is feeding • How many wet and dirty diapers baby makes each day

FAMILY PETS Many parents think of their pets as their “fur babies” or “first babies.” Like other family members, pets are curious about the new human baby and may even become jealous of all the attention the baby receives. With some common-sense preparation, your pets and your baby can learn to live together in peace and harmony. What to know • Have pets smell some of your baby’s clothing or supplies to introduce their scent • Have someone else hold the baby when you first arrive home, then greet your pet • Maintain your pet’s regular walking, feeding, and playing routines • Never force your pet to interact with your baby • Install a sturdy barrier if your baby’s room is off limits • Ask your veterinarian for advice or suggestions

NEWBORN WARNING SIGNS

Even experienced parents may feel worried as they adjust to a new baby’s habits, needs, and personality.

These newborn warning signs are presented for

SCAN + PLAY

general information only. Because every baby is different, you should trust your own instincts, reach out to the baby’s health care provider if you feel something is not right, and follow that provider’s instructions and recommendations.

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care