Newborn care
When to See a Doctor
A child should have regular check-ups with a pediatrician to monitor their development, including weight, height, and head circumference.
You should consult a doctor immediately if:
The child appears depressed, weak, passive, or doesn't wake up to eat.
The child refuses to be fed, is excessively irritable, or cries constantly.
The child experiences persistent vomiting, or changes in the nature, smell, quantity, or frequency of stools.
The child has temperature fluctuations (above 37.3˚C or below 36.3˚C) that don't stabilize after addressing the initial possible causes.
General Advice for New Parents
The postpartum period, which lasts 6-8 weeks after childbirth, involves significant changes in the mother's body and mind. This is a time of hypersensitivity as the mother adapts to her new role. Hormonal shifts occur, and the mother’s attention is focused on the baby, who requires constant care. Women adjust to this period in different ways—some feel helpless and sleep a lot, while others experience euphoria and cannot take their eyes off their baby.
The mother and baby staying together helps build trust, as the baby learns that their needs will be met immediately when they cry, feeling loved and understood.
Baby Care Tips
Room Temperature:
Maintain a room temperature of 18-22°C for the baby.
Bathing:
It's best not to bathe the baby immediately after birth, even if the skin is dirty. Delay bathing as much as possible. When bathing, use clean water without the need for boiling or adding antiseptics. Baby cleansers can be used every 4-5 days. During the first month, bathing daily is recommended, but in cooler weather, 3-4 times a week is sufficient.
Walking:
Start with short walks on an open balcony for 10-15 minutes, gradually increasing the duration. Avoid direct sunlight and windy weather. In the first weeks, limit contact to family members. New mothers can benefit from walks in nature, helping with psycho-emotional balance and offering a chance for social interaction.
Postpartum Psychological States
Emotional changes are common in the first weeks after childbirth, and many women experience them. It's normal for the mother to feel intense sadness accompanied by emotional outbursts. These feelings should be accepted and understood by those around her, with no criticism or blame.
During this period, the mother needs strong support and encouragement as she adjusts to her new role. The transition from being pregnant to becoming a mother can be challenging.
Postpartum Blues: Often linked to dramatic hormonal changes, the "baby blues" typically occur in the first days after birth. Women may feel anxious, stressed, or guilty about these emotions. These feelings usually pass in a few days, especially with good support.
Mild Depression: Common among new mothers, this is often referred to as “baby blues.” Symptoms include mood swings, sadness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms can last from a few days to a month.
Signs of Postpartum Depression:
Trouble sleeping
Mood swings
Crying spells
Anxiety
Sadness
Hopelessness
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
If postpartum depression occurs, it can be treated with counseling, support groups, exercise, a healthy diet, and a strong support network, including family. The treatment should be discussed and prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist.