Page 30 - Waterfall Issue 4 2021

Waterfall News

• With engorged breasts. • Avoid sick friends/relatives. your baby if you are well enough
• With impeded latching. • Breastfeeding your baby immune-rich to do so. Wash your hands and
• To give dads the experience colostrum in the first few days after wear a mask during handling and
of feeding baby. birth is particularly important for breastfeeding. It is safe to breastfeed
• Boost milk supply if you would like infection prevention and protection. your baby during the illness.
to donate to a breastmilk bank. • Fevers are not expected in babies • A happy baby requires a happy mom!
F under 3 months of age. If suspected • Use the time while your baby
One does not happen without the other.
Fever
and/or your baby’s temperature
o
When to seek immediate medical care: reading is above 37.5 C, contact your is asleep to take a nap, shower,
• Any fever (temp >37.5 C) in the paediatrician or seek advice at your eat or just zone out.
o
neonatal period (<28 days old) suggests nearest emergency department. • Where possible, enlist family
an infection until proven otherwise. J and friends to support you with
G Jaundice • It is important not to ignore
errands, buying groceries etc.
Gastric (stomach) Disease
• Signs include a yellow tinge to the
Gastroesophageal reflux disease skin and eyes and this normally negative feelings. Seek help if you
occurs in <1% of babies. occurs in the first 3 - 7 days of life. experience ‘baby blues’ or signs
• Symptoms of choking, • It is generally physiological, and of postpartum depression.
heartburn, poor weight gain and most cases resolve spontaneously.
Milk
restlessness are concerning. • Jaundice is treated with M
• Pyloric stenosis, or gastric outlet phototherapy, and treatment is • Breastfeeding can take up to
obstruction, presents with projectile guided by your paediatrician. 2 weeks to establish. It is a learned
vomiting from 2 weeks to 2 months. skill and requires patience.
KMc (Kangaroo Mother
• Please seek medical care. K • Babies feed frequently, every
h care) 2 - 4 hours. You may need to feed even
hygiene
• This is also known as skin on skin. It is
more frequently in the first 3 - 5 days
• Always wash your hands and/or use beneficial for both you and your baby. as your milk production transitions
a sanitiser before handling a baby. • It promotes bonding and the from colostrum to normal breastmilk.
• Avoid bathing a baby more than emotional, physical as well as • Our maternity and neonatal units
once a day. Initially, 2 - 3 times developmental growth of your baby. at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital
a week is fine, especially if your • It is also known to help stimulate have experienced midwives as well
baby is prone to dry skin. your breastmilk production. as a lactation consultant to help you
• Your baby’s immune system is with establishing breastfeeding.
Latest coVID-19 advice and
still developing and not strong, L • Maintaining a healthy diet,
so avoid contact with people Look after yourself staying hydrated, avoiding
who may have a cold or flu and • Remember to always caffeine and sugary foods will
be sure whoever is handling the maintain hand hygiene. help with milk production.
baby has sanitised their hands. • Avoid unnecessary visitors and N
I make sure people who do not Nails
Infection
• It is important to keep a baby’s
live with you wear a mask.
• Make sure your hands • If you have been infected with nails trimmed and tidy to prevent
are always clean. COVID-19, you must still care for them from scratching themselves.

28 Waterfall Issue 4 2021