Please be mindful that this article is just a guide, if you have a concern about your baby’s health or wellbeing please contact your GP or PHN. Trust your gut, you know your baby best. In an emergency ring 999 or 112.

That being said it can be hard to tell if your newborn is sick. Pay attention and watch them closely for any of these signs of illness. How to recognise if your baby is unwell:

• If your baby has a high temperature over 37.8 or your baby’s temperature falls below 36 C, call the doctor.
• Not settling as normal
• Not feeding efficiently
• Having less than 6 wet nappies a day
• A change from baby’s normal bowel habit
• Not back to birth weight after 2 weeks
• If your baby has an unusual rash get it checked out
• If your baby is crying a lot and won’t settle
• If your baby is very sleepy ( all baby’s should cry when you change their nappies for example).

One of the main things to look for in your newborn is if he or she looks or acts in any way that seems abnormal to you. If this happens, call your baby’s doctor right away. 

Some of the ways he or she could look or act abnormal include:

• Changes in how they cry: this could be crying more often, having a weak cry, sounding strange, or frantically crying without stopping.
• Irritability
• Coughing
• Diarrhea, or vomiting. If your newborn vomits green (bile), call the doctor right away.
• Changes in feeding. Newborns usually eat frequently. If you have to wake your newborn to eat or they can’t finish their feedings, they could be sick.
• Weak sucking or not being able to suck for very long.
• Sweating while they eat.
• Sleeping more than normal (needing to be woken up to eat, for example).
• Decreased muscle tone or floppy limbs.
• Moaning or grunting noises when they breathe.
• Decreased urination (fewer wet diapers) and dry mouth (dehydration).
• Any change in color, such as pale, bluish, or gray arms and legs.

If you are worried about your baby, do not hesitate to contact your GP or public health nurse for advice. Many GPs will provide advice over the phone or will try to fit a baby or young child in without an appointment.

Never worry about bothering them. They would prefer to advise you now and prevent a baby from getting seriously unwell later.

For more information on how many times your baby should wet their nappy per day, sign up to our FREE Baby Essentials Class. In this free LIVE class, you’ll learn all the necessary basics on how to care for your baby during their first few days of life. Click here to sign up for FREE!

Nappy rash is a red, moist or broken area on your baby’s bottom. Most babies get a nappy rash at some time, but some are more sensitive than others. Your baby’s skin needs to be clean and dry to help prevent nappy rash.

If your baby’s bottom has redness or spots:

1. Change them more often
2. Give them time without a nappy

Nappy rash can occur when:

• Your baby is left too long in a dirty or wet nappy
• a rough nappy rubs against your baby
• Your baby has a thrush infection
• Their skin is sensitive to a soap, bath product or detergent like washing powder
• You use baby wipes that contain alcohol
• Your baby is teething
• Your baby or toddler has recently been on antibiotics

How to heal nappy rash:

• Always wash your hands before and after changing your baby’s nappy. Use cotton wool and water to clean your baby’s skin. Try not to use baby wipes until your baby is 4 to 6 weeks old.
• Gently wash your baby’s bottom and pat it dry at each nappy change. Leave off the nappy for half an hour and expose the skin to fresh air, as much as possible.
• Add a thin layer of protective barrier cream. Your pharmacist, public health nurse, or GP can recommend one. You should only use a barrier cream if your baby has a nappy rash it should not be used daily unless you are advised to do the same.
• Don’t use bubble baths, talcum powder, or any scented products on your baby. Sometimes it can be helpful to give your baby their evening fluids early. This means the nappy may not be as wet overnight.

Remember babies don’t get nappy rashes from the brand of nappy you use. If you are concerned at all please contact your GP or local PHN. Go to your GP if your baby or toddler is in discomfort, your GP can prescribe an ointment to help to heal the nappy rash

There are many different types of nappy rash creams available. Make sure you speak to a healthcare professional on which one is best for your baby.

How We Can Help

We have a range of live online classes which you can attend from the comfort of your own home where you will get the chance to ask a midwife any questions you have throughout the class making you well-prepared for labour birth and more. You can see our range of available classes by clicking the button below.

A lot happens in the first few days after the birth of your child. There’ll be physical and emotional changes. 

What will be happening in my body?

In the week or so after birth, you’ll bleed from your vagina. The blood is called ‘lochia’. It is bright red and heavy and might have clots. This is normal, but if you pass a clot bigger than a 50 cent piece or notice a bad smell, tell your midwife. You can expect to see lochia for 4 to 6 weeks. Eventually, it will become lighter, reddish-brown or pink.

Some women have pains for a few days after birth. After-birth pains can feel like labour pains or mild to moderate period pain. This pain comes from your uterus contracting towards its pre-pregnancy size. They are more common in women who have had other babies than in women who have just had their first baby.

You might notice after-birth pains when you’re breastfeeding. As your baby suckles, your body produces hormones that shrink your uterus. A warm pack on your back or belly may help. You can also ask your doctor or midwife for pain relief.

If you’ve had stitches after tearing or an episiotomy, bathe the area often in clean warm water to help it heal. Have a bath or shower with plain warm water and after bathing, dry yourself carefully. In the first few days, remember to sit down gently and lie on your side rather than on your back. Pelvic floor exercises can also help to heal.

Post-natal check-up

You will have a free check-up 6 weeks after the birth of your baby called the post-natal check. This will be done by your GP or obstetrician. The aim of this check is to ensure you are recovering from giving birth, and that you are feeling well.

When recovering post-birth:

Drink plenty of fluid and eat plenty of fibre so your bowel motions are soft. Your bowels should open within 3 days after birth. If you have swelling, stitches or varicose veins in your vulva, your first bowel movement may be uncomfortable. Avoid straining.

Talk to your doctor, midwife or pharmacist if you have severe headaches, blurred vision, leg swelling, heavy vaginal bleeding, severe wound pain or other signs of being unwell such as fever.

You might find that you go up and down a lot, from being elated to feeling very down. That’s normal.

Many women feel teary, irritable or more emotionally sensitive than usual a few days after giving birth. These feelings are known as the baby blues, and they’re normal, too. It’s a physically and emotionally challenging time. Most women feel better a few days after birth with support and understanding from those around them. If you don’t feel better after 2 weeks, please seek help.

How We Can Help

We have a range of live online classes which you can attend from the comfort of your own home where you will get the chance to ask a midwife any questions you have throughout the class making you well-prepared for labour birth and more. You can see our range of available classes by clicking the button below.