Messages for parents and caregivers.

 

Caring for a newborn

Life with a new baby can be a uniquely challenging and emotional time. Here’s some key advice to support a healthy future for your little one.Attend health check-ups: Schedule and attend all recommended newborn care appointments to monitor your baby's growth and development. These visits are crucial for early detection of any health issues.

Practice safe sleep: Babies should lay on their back to sleep, on a firm mattress without soft bedding, pillows, or toys. This reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is highly beneficial for your baby, providing essential nutrients and antibodies. If breastfeeding is challenging, a trained provider can help resolve many common problems.
Bonding and interaction: Spend time holding, talking to, and playing with your baby. Skin-to-skin contact and responsive interactions help with bonding and support your baby's emotional and cognitive development.
Recognize signs of illness: Be aware of signs that may indicate your baby needs medical attention, such as fever, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or unusual lethargy. Trust your instincts and seek medical advice if you have concerns.
Look after your own health: When all eyes are on the baby, it can be easy to lose sight of your own health needs. But taking care of your own health helps protect you and your baby. Take time to rest, ask for support if you need it, and reach out for medical help if you find you are feeling extremely overwhelmed, sad or anxious.

Warning signs: Seek urgent care for your newborn baby if they have; a fever; a rash that comes on quickly and looks like bruises or bleeding under the skin or does not fade when you put a glass on it; seizures, are floppy or difficult to wake; difficulties breathing (they may be grunting or their tummy is sucking in when they breathe); signs of jaundice (yellowish discolouration of the skin); vomiting persistently or not keeping liquids down for several hours; diarrhoea, especially if it is bloody or accompanied by a fever, dehydration signs (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, sunken soft spot on the head).

Trust your instincts: If you notice anything that worries you about your baby, speak to your health worker for advice.

Here's some more information to know about newborn health.

Miscarriage and stillbirth

Losing a baby (defined as either a miscarriage or a stillbirth, depending on when in pregnancy it occurs) can happen to anyone, though certain factors – like some infections and chronic health conditions, tobacco and alcohol use – can increase risk.

For parents who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth 

Acknowledge your grief: Losing a baby is a unique and heartbreaking type of grief. It's important to acknowledge your feelings and understand that it's okay to grieve in your own way.
Seek support: Reach out to support groups or mental health professionals. In some countries, there may be health workers who specialize in supporting people who have experienced this kind of loss. Sharing your experience with others who understand can help with the healing process.
Communicate with loved ones: Let your friends and family know how they can support you. Sometimes they may not know what to say or do, so guiding them can help.
Take care of yourself: Allow yourself time to heal. This might include physical rest, mental health support, and engaging in activities that bring you comfort.
Plan for future pregnancies, if you wish: If you plan to conceive again, discuss with your health-care provider about any additional care or monitoring you might need. Most women who have experienced a loss go on to have healthy pregnancies.

Remember, you are not alone. Many people have gone through similar experiences, and there are resources and support systems available to help you through this difficult time. If you have concerns or need support, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.