The days after birth carry real risks for mother and baby. Know the check-ups to attend, how to feed and keep your baby warm, and the signs that mean you should seek help.
The birth is over, and everyone's attention turns to the baby. But the first six weeks are a time when mothers and newborns both need watching closely. Many of the most serious problems appear in the first days.
Check-ups after birth
You and your baby should be checked within the first 24 hours after birth. After that, the World Health Organization recommends at least three more postnatal contacts: around day three, between one and two weeks, and at about six weeks. Go even if you both seem well.
Feeding your baby
Put your baby to the breast within the first hour after birth. The first thick, yellowish milk is exactly what a newborn needs. For the first six months, breast milk alone is enough — no water, no other foods or drinks. Feed whenever your baby asks, day and night.
Keeping your baby safe
- Keep the baby warm, skin to skin against your chest and covered.
- Keep the cord clean and dry. Put nothing on it unless a health worker tells you to.
- Wash your hands before you handle the baby.
- Take the baby for vaccinations on the dates you are given.
Seek care immediately if you, the mother, have
- heavy bleeding, or bleeding that increases instead of slowing;
- fever, or bad-smelling discharge;
- a severe headache, blurred vision or fits;
- difficulty breathing, or chest pain;
- a painful, swollen leg, or a breast that is hot, red and painful.
Seek care immediately if your baby
- is not feeding well, or has stopped feeding;
- feels very hot or very cold;
- is breathing fast or with difficulty;
- has fits, or is unusually sleepy and hard to wake;
- has yellow skin or eyes in the first day, or yellow palms and soles at any age;
- has a red, swollen or leaking cord.
Your own mind matters too
Feeling tearful in the first days is common and usually passes. Sadness that lasts more than two weeks, feeling unable to care for your baby, or frightening thoughts are not weakness and not your fault. They are a health problem with real treatment. Tell a health worker, and tell someone close to you.