30/06/2023
NewBorn Babies
I was on night duty when i was called to attend to a 22year old primigravida (first conception) who came in labour.
Delivery was successful, mother and child well and stable. She was counselled on proper care of the newborn and was discharged after 48hours.
After 4days post discharge from the hospital, baby brought back with complaint of
1. High grade fever
2. Inability to suckle the breast.
3. Restlessness.
On this note it will interest us to note that care of newborn is tedious and fundamental to their survival as they do not talk but communicate to the mother through various means.
On assessment of what transpired that a previously healthy bouncing baby girl turned out to be very ill looking within a space of 6days. I will advice all mother to always do the following.
1. Clean the baby umbilical cord atleast every 4 hours with spirit swab or chlorhexidine until it falls off.
2. Do not give your baby any fluid except breast milk in the first 6months of life
3. Breastfed baby as frequent as possible as may be required by the baby( atleast 3 hourly interval)
4. Always empty one breast at a go before jumping to the contralateral breast
5. Keep your baby warm by mother to child body contact and as well covering babys body well.
6. Always cover your baby with well treated nets.
7. Do not by any means give your baby a herbal concussion ( very important).
8. Ensure your baby is properly immunized for age.
9. Always seek the help on medical doctor if your baby have the following (a) fever (b) excessive cry (c) difficulty breathing or fast breathing (d) unable to suckle (e) coughing (f) passage of watery stool.
Childhealth tips by Dr Eze Chinedu Joseph ✅✅✅
