Do's and Don'ts

Immediately Following Delivery

Immediately after vaginal delivery, your support person or clinician will cut the baby's umbilical cord. If you would like to have your support person cut the cord, be sure to let your clinician and the hospital staff know ahead of time.

I would like to have the umbilical cord cut by:
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After birth, your baby may be placed directly on your chest. This provides skin to skin contact, which helps maintain a newborn's temperature. You may also ask to have your baby wrapped and held by your family member or friend, or placed in an infant warmer, close to you. Just let your clinician and the hospital staff know what you prefer.

I would like to have the baby:
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Immediately after delivery your baby will be monitored closely by the nurses. Interventions such as suctioning fluid from the mouth and nose and giving oxygen may be necessary. (Ask your clinician or childbirth educator about these things).

Notes/things to ask:
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Your baby is most alert during the first two hours after delivery. This is the optimal time to begin breastfeeding. Studies have shown that starting breastfeeding soon after delivery increases the rate of continued lactation. A nurse will ask you your preference for breast feeding or bottle feeding and will work with you to successfully feed the baby.

I would like to feed the baby by:
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State law requires that all newborns receive erythromycin ointment soon after birth to prevent eye infections that can be passed on from the birth canal. You may request to have the application postponed (usually a few hours) after delivery. Ask for your hospital's guidelines regarding the length of time you may delay this and just let your clinician and the hospital staff know your preference.

I would like to have the ointment put on:
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When your baby's temperature is stable, it's time for a bath! If you or your support person want to participate in bathing your baby, discuss this with your nurse.

I would like the baby to be bathed by:
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Comfort Measures After Delivery

Ice packs and pain medication are available to help with perineal pain and uterine cramping that follow delivery. These pains are normal and will get better with medication and time.

Rooming In
"Rooming in" provides you an opportunity to keep your baby in your room with you at all times. This enhances care for you and your baby as a "couple." The baby is placed in the nursery only at your request and for medical treatments that cannot be performed in your room.

If you would like to "room in," depending on the hospital, you may need to request a private maternity room.

Hospital policy on "rooming in":
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Your wishes:
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Your Baby's Care

Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding provides early protection against infection and optimum infant nutrition, so your ob/gyn and pediatrician encourage you to breastfeed. If you choose to breastfeed your baby and experience difficulty, do not hesitate to ask the nurses and your clinician for help.

Most hospitals have lactation consultants (women who specialize in breastfeeding and the production of milk) who provide support for uncommon breast feeding problems. Other sources include the LaLeche League and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Regardless of your choice, your nurses will support your efforts with newborn feeding.

Circumcision
A circumcision is the removal of the foreskin surrounding the penis. It is important to discuss with your clinician the pros and cons of circumcision well before your delivery. The American Academy of Pediatrics' Circumcision Policy Statement states that there are potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision, but the data are not "sufficient ro recommend routine neonatal circumcision." If you opt for circumcision, discuss the use of local anesthesia with your clinician. You may request Tylenol to be given to your baby as needed to relieve discomfort following the procedure.

What is your decision regarding male infant circumcision?
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Other Care Measures

A complete newborn examination will be performed by your pediatrician, nurse practitioner or covering physician during the first twenty four-hours after birth.

Pacifiers are available from the hospital should you desire. Please discuss your wishes regarding use of a pacifier with your nurse. If you are beginning to breastfeed, you should try to avoid pacifiers to prevent confusing your baby with another nipple.

There are several procedures that are required by law and are necessary to promote the health of your newborn. They may be performed by your nurse either in your room or in the nursery.

• Vitamin K Injection is necessary because vitamin K levels are often low during the newborn period. This vitamin helps prevent bleeding.
• Hepatitis B vaccine is required of all children before entering school to guard against hepatitis. This vaccine is administered 3 times before the child enters school, with the first shot at delivery.
• Antibiotic Eye Ointment, as discussed previously, prevents infections that can be passed through the birth canal.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal detection of hearing loss before 3 months of age. Most hospitals are screening newborns for hearing loss to assure early intervention is made.
• Metabolic Testing (PKU), is a blood test which is performed prior to baby's discharge from the hospital and again at the two-week baby visit. This blood test screens for several rare diseases that may be treated if detected early.