Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...
Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...
Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...
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Reference Manual<br />
• A white discharge from the vagina, with or without blood, is normal in the first week of<br />
life. Referral is required only if bleeding is excessive <strong>and</strong> should be done after<br />
administration of vitamin K1 (1 mg).<br />
Check the back<br />
• Turn the baby over gently, ensuring that the head is turned to one side, <strong>and</strong> examine the<br />
back for obvious defects such as a swelling or an open spina bifida along the vertebral<br />
column. Sometimes spina bifida occulta may be present without any obvious swelling or<br />
an opening but may manifest with a tuft of hair or a dimple. Although not urgent, such<br />
babies need referral to a higher center for x-rays of the spine.<br />
Assess Feeding<br />
This can be done at any convenient time after excluding danger signs, such as the inability to<br />
suck, that need immediate attention. If the baby can suck well, assess attachment of the baby’s<br />
mouth. Note that:<br />
• The baby’s chin is touching or nearly touching the breast.<br />
• The mouth is wide open.<br />
• The lower lip is everted.<br />
• Most of the areola is inside the mouth, especially the part below, so that it is visible more<br />
above the mouth than below.<br />
• The sucking is slow <strong>and</strong> deep <strong>and</strong> swallowing is often audible.<br />
Counsel the Mother/Family<br />
Advise the mother on:<br />
• frequent breastfeeding on dem<strong>and</strong> day <strong>and</strong> night<br />
• keeping the baby appropriately warm<br />
• washing h<strong>and</strong>s before h<strong>and</strong>ling the baby, at least after using the toilet <strong>and</strong> after<br />
changing the napkin/diaper<br />
• having an extra meal <strong>and</strong> additional fluids<br />
• the danger signs to look for in herself <strong>and</strong> in the baby<br />
• when she has to come with the baby for follow-up <strong>and</strong> for immunization (make an<br />
appointment)<br />
<strong>Integrated</strong> maternal <strong>and</strong> newborn care<br />
<strong>Basic</strong> skills course<br />
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