New Born Nursing Care + Pt teaching

Bathing

• Typically delayed for 24 hours after birth​

• Bathing by immersion – after umbilical cord stump falls off​

  • Sponge bath​

• Ensure safe water temperature​

• Never leave unattended​

• Bathe 2 – 3 times per week with mild soap

Diapering

• Change frequently and keep the skin clean and dry​

• Cleanse front to back to avoid UTI

Circumcision Care (removal of foreskin)

• Parental preference or cultural practice​

• Wound should be kept clean​

• No tub bath until healed​

• Heals in 1 – 2 weeks ​

• Gauze and petroleum jelly on penis until healed​

• Monitor for bleeding and s/s of infection

Swaddling

Safe swaddling can soothe and comfort newborn

Safe Sleep

• Safe Sleep​

• Newborn should be placed on back

• Nothing in crib ​

• Discourage co-sleeping

Car Seat

• Infant should be in rear facing car seat​

• Parents should be knowledgeable on car seat use ​

Nur care + Pt education

determine how much knowledge pt has on newborn care

Discharge Teaching

• Should be initiated on admission​

• Focus → postpartum self care ​

• Utilize a variety of teaching strategies

  • Return demonstration, repetition, handout materials ​-

• Interdisciplinary​

  • Pedi​

  • Lactation​

• Are additional services needed at home?​

• Does the family have the supplies and resources?