When people decide to expand their family, it can be a monumental decision. There is a lot of learning involved when it comes to pregnancy, but once everyone is home then there is an additional list of problems to be prepared for. It can seem like the learning curve is never-ending, but here is a list to get you started on just a few things to watch for:
Umbilical Cord Care
It is very common for your baby’s umbilical cord stump to look dark and dried out. It typically falls off within a week. While it may look painful, you can be assured that your baby is not bothered by it at all. You can care for the stump by keeping it clean and dry until it naturally falls off. You definitely do not want to attempt to pull or force it to come off.
Back to Sleep
Another important thing to watch out for once your baby is home is the risk of SIDS. The current recommendations to prevent this are for babies to be put to sleep laying on their back with no pillow, no padding on the crib side rails, and no stuffed animals. Studies on using a pacifier at night have also been shown to lower your baby’s risk.
Colic
Ask your doctor about what the signs for colic are before you leave the hospital. This issue can be just as frustrating for your child as what it is for you. Experts recommend knowing the rule of threes before contacting your pediatrician—crying at least three hours a day, for three days a week, beginning within the first three weeks of life. Luckily, this phase usually ends by the time baby is three months old.
Birthing Injuries
It is possible for injuries to occur during the birth of your bundle of joy. Often, they are normal and do not affect your child long-term. Yet, it’s important to be knowledgeable about them if they do happen. Examples of birth injuries can range from the mild oddly-shaped head to the more intense brain injuries. If you believe that your child’s injury is the result of a mistake from the healthcare team, make sure to discuss your concerns with a lawyer, like those from Wegner C Dennis & Assoc.
As you can see, many of the issues that you will face when bringing your baby home have simple solutions. It’s important to remember to trust your gut. If you think something is wrong, it’s better to pursue it before the issue has the chance to get worse. No one knows your child better than you do.