Baby's first cry...

Crying is the first sound the baby makes when he/she enters this world, which is a very positive sign of a new healthy life. His/her crying leads to relief on the doctor's part. Weird, isn't it to feel relieved instead of being disconcerted on 'The Cry’ Cry is all a baby can do to express any discomfort it feels. 

But why cry? Because we elders can speak out but the baby isn't privileged enough yet. He/she would take some time in being able to blurt out whatever he/she feels. 

Here we consider the views on the crying of an immediately delivered baby. When a baby is first born it has no way of communicating. Normally, immediately after birth a baby will start screaming. Doctors say this is how they test their lungs. Crying is the best and most efficient way to quickly pump up the lungs. Some people say that it is their way of protesting for being taken from the nice, warm cocoon in their mother's belly to the cold air in the real world. In reality it is probably a combination of both.

Skin problems in babies

Skin problems in infants are very common. The outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) is immature in the newborn, which causes the skin to be more susceptible to irritation and illness. Many skin problems are treated with over-the-counter medications and some need a prescription. Regardless of the diagnosis, parents should be aware of symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be started to relieve the child's discomfort.

Eczema is an extremely common skin condition which affects babies, young children and adults of all ages. The severity of eczema can vary from mild to one that causes dreadful itch, discomfort, disfigurement and distress. While there are many different types of eczema, the most common is atopic, which is usually inherited. Atopic eczema sufferers are more prone to developing other allergy-related conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and hay fever.  In the case of babies, eczema can be successfully managed by avoiding allergens, irritants and other triggers. As well as through the application of moisturizing creams and emollients and use of medicated preparations, such as steroid-based ointments and creams.  

Breathing problems of a newborn

Babies who have breathing problems exhibit certain symptoms that show they are in distress. The normal rate of respirations for a newborn is between 40 and 60 breaths per minute, although this may slow when a baby is sleeping or may be faster if she is crying. Health care professionals who work with newborn infants are specially trained to recognize breathing problems and to provide treatment for a newborn in distress.

Babies who are having breathing problems may breathe at a rate greater than 60 breaths per minute despite the absence of crying. Babies may also use muscles of the abdomen, between the ribs or near the neck to breathe, which indicates they are working harder to get air. Other signs of breathing problems include a bluish color around the lips, grunting while exhaling and flaring of the nostrils.

Transient Tachypnea

Transient tachypnea of the newborn occurs when amniotic fluid inside the baby's lungs remains after delivery, causing breathing difficulties. According to Penn State Children's Hospital, a baby's lungs are filled with fluid that may be squeezed out while coming through the birth canal. Lack of crying, a very fast or precipitous delivery or birth by Cesarean section can all increase a baby's chances of having retained fluid in the lungs.

Newborn baby's vision development: prevent an eye infection

Soon after your child’s birth, your doctor will briefly examine his/her eyes to rule out signs of congenital cataracts or other serious neonatal eye problems. Though such eye problems are rare, they must be detected and treated early to minimize their impact on your child's vision development.

Also, an antibiotic ointment is usually applied to your newborn's eyes to help prevent an eye infection from bacteria present in the birth canal. At birth, your baby sees only in black and white and shades of gray. Nerve cells in their retina and brain that control vision are not fully developed. Also, a newborn infant's eyes don't have the ability to accommodate (focus on near objects). So don't be concerned if your baby doesn't seem to be "focusing" on objects, including your face. It just takes time.

Growing and learning your baby

Watching your child grow and learn is a rewarding experience. Every stage brings something new: at first it is rolling over, sitting, crawling, and walking. Once he/she is mastered those, he/she will learn to talk, and will refine his/her co-ordination and dexterity. Although there is nothing as thrilling as watching him take his first steps, the next year will bring some subtler achievements that will fill you with pride. Throughout these pre-school years, your child needs your attention and stimulation.

During first six months you will see your baby develop a real personality and he/she will reward you with plenty of enchanting smiles and gurgles. Although there are a lot of toys aimed at this age group, he/she needs and loves your company most of all. When he is wakeful, talk and smile with him. Plenty of stimulation in the form of things to look at sounds to hear and textures to explore is vital too. 

At around six weeks, let your baby spend some of his wakeful times in a bouncing chair on the floor. If you show him something colorful that makes a noise, he/she will show his interest by wriggling around. He may be able to hold something light if you put it his hands, and soon he/she will reach out clumsily to grab things.

Newborn checks in delivery room

Your baby will examine several times in the first week. The midwife will weight him regularly, and check him daily for any problems or signs of infection. After born, your baby will have several tests and examinations to check that he is healthy and that all is well. Soon after birth a caregiver will perform a general overall check of your baby. This examines your baby's physical appearance, five fingers - five toes etc. and is usually done when the baby is being measured and weighed, in the hour or two after being born. The midwife will weigh your baby and measure his length and the distance around his head. 

Some babies may face challenges after birth. Babies that need special care may be placed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This is a part of the hospital where babies are cared for using advanced technology and specially trained health care professionals. 

As soon as he(she)’s born, your midwife will carry out some basic checks:

• Assessing his /her color
• His/her breathing
• His/her heart rate
• His/her movements
• His/her crying

General examination in newborn baby

Newborn Baby's Care in the Delivery Room

The birth of a baby is one of life's most extraordinary moments . Newborn babies have marvelous abilities; however they are completely dependent on others for every aspect - feeding, warmth, and comfort. Amazing physical changes occur with birth. When the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord is cut and clamped near the navel. This ends the baby's dependence on the placenta for oxygen and nutrition. As the baby takes the first breath, air moves into the lung airways.

Before birth, the lungs are not used to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, and need less blood supply. The fetal circulation sends most of the blood supply away from the lungs through special connections in the heart and the large blood vessels. When a baby begins to breathe air at birth, the change in pressure in the lungs helps close the fetal connections and redirect the blood flow. Now, blood is pumped to the lungs to help with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Some babies have excess amounts of fluid in their lungs. Stimulating the baby to cry by massage and stroking the skin can help bring the fluid up where it can be suctioned from the nose and mouth.