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For questions about after your baby is born, your baby's pediatrician is always the first person to ask. Many moms have questions so why not look into a "MOMS" Newborn Support group. Please call 901.516.9607 for more information. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers that may also be of assistance. How soon will I go home?
When can I breastfeed my baby?
If I decide not to breastfeed, can I get a shot or pills to dry up the milk?
What is routinely done for a new baby at the hospital?
When will my baby boy be circumcised? Who will do the circumcision?
Who should I call with questions after we leave the hospital?
How soon will I go home? Most moms and babies are ready to go home the day after the baby is born. Home is the best place for rest, recovery and getting to know your new baby. Insurance plans are different, but most mothers who have had a vaginal delivery go home three days after birth. Your doctor and the baby's doctor will send you home only when you are medically ready to leave the hospital. When can I breastfeed my baby? Your baby's sucking instinct is strongest during the first hour after birth. Your nurse will work with you to get your baby to breastfeed as soon as possible, within the first hour if mother and baby are doing fine. Then you may breastfeed any time your baby is hungry. Your nurses will help you.
Refer to our breastfeeding section for more information. If I decide not to breastfeed, can I get a shot or pills to dry up the milk? No medicine is routinely given to dry up milk. While medicines were often given in the past, recent research has found that those medicines increase the risk of disease later in life. To help dry up the milk, wear a tight fitting bra all the time, don't touch or squeeze your nipples and use ice packs to help with the soreness. It will take several days for the milk to dry up and the swelling of your breasts to go away. What is routinely done for a new baby at the hospital? After your baby is delivered: -
The cord is cut and clamped at delivery. Later the cord is wiped with an antiseptic to help it dry up. -
Antibiotic medicine is applied to the baby's eyes to prevent infection, as required by state law. -
The baby will receive a Vitamin K shot to help the blood's ability to clot. -
The baby will be bathed and his temperature will be check closely. Babies are frequently placed in a specially warmed bed to help normalize his/her temperature. -
Blood may be taken from a prick in the baby's heel to check blood sugar. -
When the baby is 24 hours old, blood is taken from a heel prick to check PKU, as required by Tennessee law. You may be asked to take the baby to the pediatrician after you leave the hospital to have this test repeated. -
The nurses caring for your baby will answer any questions you have. If your baby is healthy and stable, you may breastfeed anytime you want. -
Your baby's doctor will come to the hospital soon after the baby is born to check the baby. When will my baby boy be circumcised? Who will do the circumcision? Usually, your obstetrician will circumcise your baby boy soon after he is born. You will sign a special permission form for this procedure. Check with your baby's insurance plan and your doctor to see if this procedure is covered. Your nurse will show you how to care for the circumcision. Whom should I call with questions after we leave the hospital? It is normal to have questions when you get home. Luckily there are many people and resources out there to answer your questions. Here are some: -
Questions about your baby's health can be answered by your baby's doctor or the staff at his or her office. -
If you have concerns about your own condition, call your obstetrician. -
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