Overview
Parenting and the newborn
Assessment of the newborn
The paediatrician’s role
Adjusting to parenthood
Baby blues and postnatal depression
Physiological changes in the newborn
Jaundice and phototherapy
Sleep and SIDS
Settling your baby
Crying
Assessment of the newborn
Your midwife will perform an initial newborn baby assessment and will contact the
paediatrician if there is any cause for concern. A more thorough examination of your baby
will be performed by the paediatrician within 24 hours of birth unless otherwise indicated.
Something to
Remember
Adjusting to parenthood
The postnatal period is a time of enormous adjustment for new parents. Your
previously predictable and organised day is suddenly disrupted by the newborn,Remember
whose needs are immediate and constant. Routines develop at different stages and
are always changing as your baby grows. Routine revolves around your baby’s needs
of feeding, bathing, quiet and awake time and settling. Ask your midwife to assist you
as required.
Baby blues and postnatal depression
It is normal to feel tearful around the third or fourth day (called ‘the baby blues’) due
to hormonal changes and overtiredness. If you are feeling tearful, anxious and like you
are not managing beyond the tenth to fourteenth day, please speak to your obstetrician,
GP or child health nurse, as you may be suffering from postnatal depression.
Physiological changes in the newborn
Some of the physiological changes that occur in the newborn over the first five
days include:
• The stools will change in colour from black meconium to a mustard colour.
• Your baby’s urine may become concentrated until your milk supply is established,
at approximately 72 hours of age.
34 Mitcham Maternity Childbirth and Parent Education
Vitamin K and Hep B Immunisation
Newborn Screening Test
Healthy hearing screening
Circumcision
Premature babies and
Special Care Nursery
Early childhood clinic
Pelvic floor exercises
The role of
your paediatrician
There is paediatrician on call
24 hours a day who will be
contacted if there are any
concerns about your baby.
The paediatrician is not usually
present at the birth of your
baby, unless the obstetrician
or midwife has concerns for
your baby’s welfare, or you are
having a caesarean section.
The paediatrician will perform
a comprehensive head to toe
examination. During this time,
you will have the opportunity to
discuss with your paediatrician
any concerns you may have
regarding your baby.
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