Newborn Discharge Instructions

Feeding:

Feed your baby whenever he or she shows signs of hunger (hands in mouth, rooting, lip-smacking, cooing). Breastfed babies usually eat every 2-3 hours but may eat more frequently at certain times of the day. Bottle fed babies usually eat every 3-4 hours.

Urination:

During the first few days of life, your baby will urinate 2-3 times each day. By the 4th or 5th day of life, your baby should urinate 6-8 times a day.

Bowel Movement:

Your baby’s first bowel movements are called meconium and are thick, black and sticky. During the first 4-5 days of life, your baby’s bowel movements will change from brown to green and finally to yellow. Most babies have 3-4 bowel movements daily. If you are breast feeding, you will know your baby is getting enough to eat if he/she has at least 3-4 soft yellow bowel movements each day.

Bathing:

Your baby does not need to be bathed every day 2-3 times a week is enough. Use mild, non deodorant soap and dry the baby very well to prevent him/her from becoming cold. Be sure to clean the diaper area well with each diaper change.

Cord Care: Your baby’s cord will fall off in 5 to 15 days.

Positioning:

Your baby should fall asleep on his/her back. Your baby should NOT sleep on his/her stomach. It is OK for your baby to lie on his/her stomach when he/she is awake and you are playing.

Temperature:

If you are concerned that your baby is sick, you can take a temperature under the baby’s arm. The normal temperature for a baby is 97 to 99 degrees.

Notify your baby’s Doctor immediately for any of the following problems:

• If your baby is having difficulty breathing or breathing very fast • If your baby’s skin or eyes are becoming yellow • If your baby is sleeping all the time and not walking us for regular feedings • If your baby is not having regular wet diapers or bowel movements • If the skin around your baby’s cord is red or pimply or if you notice a foul odor from cord • If you notice drainage from baby’s eyes • For circumcised boys; if there is bleeding or pus from the penis • Temperature over 100 degrees
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Postpartum Discharge Instructions

During the 4 to 6 weeks following your birth you should take extra care of yourself by following these guidelines:

• Place nothing in the vagina (no tampons, no sexual intercourse, no douching, etc). If you have stitches, they will dissolve and do not need to be removed. • Urinate frequently (as soon as you feel the urge). • Practice good vaginal hygiene (use the peri bottle after going to the bathroom). • Use the sitz bath as directed. • No heavy lifting (nothing heavier then your baby). • Get plenty of rest (rest when your baby sleeps). • Eat well and drink plenty of fluids. • Check with your Doctor or Midwife before resuming strenuous exercise. Brief daily. walks are OK and you may find them enjoyable. • Kegel exercises as instructed by your nurse.

Notify your Health Care Provider for any of the following situations:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour). • Fever, temperature greater than 100.4 degrees F. • Abdominal pain which is not relieved by pain medication. • Pain or burning when urinating. • If you do not have a bowel movement within 3-4 days, or if moving your bowels is painful. • Redness or painful swelling in your breasts. • Pain, burning, or foul smelling discharge in your vaginal area. • Pain, redness, discharge, or opening of your incision line, (if you had a Cesarean Section) • Any signs of depression (if you feel you can’t take care of your baby or yourself. Or if you fell very sad or if you just need someone to talk to).