Those first few days with a new baby are a whirlwind, aren't they? You're likely spending a good chunk of time just gazing at this tiny new person, trying to absorb every little detail. If anything at all worries you, no matter how small it seems, don't hesitate to mention it to your midwife. They're there to help.
One of the first things you'll be offered is a vitamin K injection for your baby, usually within the first 24 hours. It's a simple step to guard against a rare but serious blood disorder. Then, within their first 72 hours, a health professional will conduct a newborn physical examination. This thorough check looks at various aspects, including their eyes, heart, hips, and if they have them, their testicles, to catch any potential issues early on.
As the weeks unfold, your baby will also undergo a newborn blood spot test and a hearing screening. These are crucial for monitoring their development and well-being.
Caring for the umbilical cord stump is another common concern. It typically takes about a week to dry out and fall off. The key is to keep it clean and dry during this period. If you notice any bleeding or discharge, it's always best to let your midwife, health visitor, or GP know.
Speaking of new arrivals, you might notice soft spots on your baby's head. These are called fontanelles, and they're areas where the skull bones haven't fused yet. The larger, diamond-shaped one at the front can take a year or more to close. Don't worry about touching them; they're protected by a tough membrane.
Your newborn's skin is incredibly delicate at birth, thin and easily damaged. Over the first month, it matures, developing its own protective barrier. That white, sticky substance you see, vernix, is actually a natural moisturizer and infection fighter, so it's best left on the skin initially. For the first month, plain water is usually all you need for baths; avoid adding cleansers or using lotions and wipes. If your baby was born prematurely, their skin is even more sensitive, and the neonatal unit staff will guide you on specific care. For babies born overdue, their skin might appear dry and cracked because the protective vernix was absorbed before birth.
Newborns' eyes are checked soon after birth. While they can see, their vision isn't very focused, and it develops gradually. It's also normal for their eyes to roll away from each other occasionally – this is called a squint and should resolve by about four months. If it doesn't, a chat with your health visitor or GP is a good idea.
It's not uncommon for newborns to have some swelling or bruises on their head, and perhaps bloodshot eyes, especially if they had a tricky birth. These are usually temporary and caused by the squeezing during delivery. Birthmarks are also common, from faint pink marks on the face and neck that often fade, to slightly raised strawberry marks that can appear after birth and gradually shrink over time.
Spots and rashes are par for the course with newborns. They can come and go. However, if you notice a change in your baby's behavior alongside these, like poor feeding, excessive sleepiness, or irritability, it's important to contact your midwife or GP right away.
Finally, you might notice swollen breasts and even a small amount of milk discharge in both baby boys and girls, and their genitals may appear swollen initially. Baby girls might also experience a slight bleed or a cloudy discharge. These are all temporary effects of hormones passed from you before birth. It's all part of the fascinating, sometimes surprising, journey of welcoming a new life.