For information about your baby’s nutrition and health from 0 – 6 months please contact your healthcare professional

Becoming a parent is full of Excitement

The first six to eight weeks after your baby’s birth is known as the post-partum period, a time of physical and emotional readjustment.

Apgar:
A system of evaluating a newborn’s physical condition by assigning a score (0,1, 2) to each of the following criteria:

A Breastfeeding experience which is enjoyable and beneficial to both mom and baby depends on a relaxed, well-nourished mother who approaches this experience positively and with confidence.&nb

Breastmilk is uniquely designed for each individual baby!

If you are ever concerned about your baby’s health, behaviour or development, consult your doctor or clinic sister. It is better to be safe than sorry.

The average stay in hospital is about three days, if there are no complications. Use the time to rest and gather as much information as possible.

After the birth your body undergoes rapid physical and hormonal changes.

Check your basic progressive exercise programme with your caregiver.

A young baby’s skin passes through many phases, from clear to spotty (rash), to peach-like. This may be due to the transition from a protected environment in the womb to the outside world.

Possetting

Thrush is a fungal infection and can be found in your baby’s mouth, nappy area or under the chin. The fungus lives on the skin and usually causes no harm, but when conditions are favourable,&n

Physiological jaundice

Clinics and primary health services are freely available in most countries in Southern Africa. Locate your closest clinic and the telephone number from your local authority or hospital.

Getting enough sleep during the first months of your baby’s life means adjusting to your own new sleep habits and those of your baby.

Babies all have individual temperaments, which will affect their sleep patterns. Some are sleepy and others more alert and wakeful.

Parent-infant interaction

Interaction with your baby begins before she is born. You usually feel life at about 20 weeks into pregnancy as light, fluttering sensations.

Use your hospital stay to learn how to bath your baby. Babies usually have their first bath about an hour after birth.

Taking care of a newborn baby is a full time job which requires dedication from you and your family.

Birth weight depends on several factors, including the mother’s nutritional status and genetic disposition. The average weight for a newborn is around 3,3 kg.