1. The Newborn

2. 6.2 The Baby Arrives
Lungs
During pregnancy, baby’s lungs are collapsed
During delivery, lungs fill with amniotic fluid
Most fluid is squeezed out while in birth canal
Remaining fluid suctioned out after birth

3. Umbilical cord
After the placenta/umbilical cord is delivered, cord is clamped and cut
Stump will fall off in the first few weeks
Needs to be kept clean and dry

4. Newborn’s Appearance Skull may appear pointed or lopsided
Skull bones are not fully fused
Fontanel – open space found on the baby’s head where the bones are not yet joined.
Allow the bones to move together during birth
Bones fuse, or combine within the first year and a half

5. Newborn’s Appearance
African, Asian and Hispanic descent babies often have brown eyes at birth
Caucasian babies’ eyes are usually a dark grayish- blue
Color becomes permanent at 3-6 months

6. Newborn’s Appearance
Lanugo is fine, downy hair growing on newborns’ foreheads, backs and shoulders.
Vernix is a thick, white, pasty substance on the baby at birth.
Protects against constant exposure to the amniotic fluid
Milia – tiny, white bumps or baby acne
Plugged oil ducts caused by stimulation from the mother’s hormones, disappears in a week or so

7. Examining the Newborn Apgar Scale – rated from 0-2 Heart rate
Breathing
Muscle tone
Response to stimulation
Skin color
Checked at one minute old and again at 5 minutes

8. Examining the Newborn Weigh, Measure and Dry the newborn
Antibiotic to the baby’s eyes to prevent infection
Vitamin K injection to prevent a rare bleeding disorder
Foot printed for public record
Plastic bands are placed on wrist/ankle of mother and child

9. Later Tests Hearing tests
Blood is taken from the umbilical cord to determine Rh and screen for certain diseases
Blood is taken from the heal to test for diseases and disorders

10. 6.3 The Postnatal Period
After the Birth Neonatal Period – first month after the baby is born Jaundice – inability of the baby’s liver to remove bilirubin, baby’s skin and eyes look slightly yellow Bilirubin – a substance produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. Baby may be producing too much or the liver may not be removing it fast enough. Treatment – ultraviolet light/sunlight

11. Bonding Emotional ties between parents and child
Baby carrier – rhythm of a heartbeat comforts babies
Sing or read – sound of familiar voice can be comforting
Helps brain build connections by holding or singing
Allow dad time with baby – get to know them better
Let baby handle you – textures (beards or long hair)

12. Breastfeeding
Helps mother’s uterus contract after birth
Colostrum – high-calorie, high-protein early breast milk that provides protection from illnesses and satisfies baby’s appetite
Lactation consultant
Rooming in
Legal documents – birth certificate and social security number

13. Premature babies Born before 37 weeks NICU
Incubators and special warmers until their organs develop enough to function without help
To go home: breathe without a machine, drink, maintain a steady body temperature and maintain a weight of 5 pounds or more

14. Mother’s Postnatal Care
Physical Needs
Rest
Exercise
Nutrition
Checkups
Emotional Needs
Postpartum depression

15. Answer the following questions to turn in for a grade.
How do the baby’s lungs change during delivery?
What happens to the umbilical cord after birth?
What is the purpose of the fontanels?
List the five characteristics that are rated on the Apgar scale.
What causes jaundice and how is it treated?
How does drinking colostrum help a newborn?
What 4 criteria must premature babies meet before they are allowed to go home?