Check-up

Check your basic progressive exercise programme with your caregiver.

Thrush is a fungal infection and can be found in your baby’s mouth, nappy area or under the chin. The fungus lives on the skin and usually causes no harm, but when conditions are favourable,&n

The normal temperature of a healthy infant varies between 36–37°C. A slight rise in temperature may be due to a cold or a mild digestive upset.

A baby’s bowels usually work within the first 24 hours after birth. The first stool, meconium, is blackish-green and sticky, with no smell.

Getting enough sleep during the first months of your baby’s life means adjusting to your own new sleep habits and those of your baby.

The average stay in hospital is about three days, if there are no complications.

After the birth your body undergoes rapid physical and hormonal changes.

Physiological jaundice

Use your hospital stay to learn how to bath your baby. Babies usually have their first bath about an hour after birth.

The aim of immunisation is to prevent disease. It protects the community as well as individuals.

A new baby cries a great deal of the time. It is her only way of communicating. It is difficult at first to know why she cries, but your ability to interpret her cries will improve with time.

Your feelings about the birth

Hello, world!

Routines are difficult to establish with a new baby. You may feel as if your life revolves around the insatiable needs of your baby.

Clinics and primary health services are freely available in most countries in Southern Africa. Locate your closest clinic and the telephone number from your local authority or hospital.

Becoming a parent is full of Excitement

The first six to eight weeks after your baby’s birth is known as the post-partum period, a time of physical and emotional readjustment.

Your baby will smile deliberately, especially for his parents. He can hold his head up momentarily, and focus on and follow moving objects.

If you are ever concerned about your baby’s health, behaviour or development, consult your docto

Taking care of a newborn baby is a full time job which requires dedication from you and your family.