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Check your basic progressive exercise programme with your caregiver.

A general physical and gynaecological examination is advised 4–6 weeks after delivery to assess your recovery and the return of your body to its non-pregnant state.

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, it thrives and causes havoc.

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. The baby’s general appearance and behaviour is your guide.

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. Here are a few things that might help with getting baby to sleep and to help you get sleep:

The average stay in hospital is about three days, if there are no complications. Use the time to rest and gather as much information as possible. Alternatively, you may want to consider early discharge.

After the birth your body undergoes rapid physical and hormonal changes. Your caregivers will carefully check on your temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure during the first hours and days after the birth. They will monitor the amount and character of bleeding, the position of the fundus and uterus, and the functioning of your bladder and bowel.

Many parents are surprised or even alarmed at the sight of their newborn. It is important to understand that the effects of birth are usually temporary and the baby’s looks improve rapidly. Common characteristics include:

Babies all have individual temperaments, which will affect their sleep patterns. Some are sleepy and others more alert and wakeful.

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. There are many reasons why a baby cries. Concentrate on discovering and responding to her needs.

Physiological jaundice

Many babies develop ‘physiological jaundice’ on the second or third day after birth. The liver normally breaks down the red blood cells, producing pigment called bilirubin. Immature livers in some babies, take a few days to cope with the breakdown and excretion of bilirubin, which causes an excessive build-up in the blood and makes the skin and eyes yellow. A minority of newborns require testing, and even fewer need phototherapy.

Use your hospital stay to learn how to bath your baby. Babies usually have their first bath about an hour after birth. This may vary slightly, according to hospital policy and the condition of the 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.

Your feelings about the birth

Your feelings about the birth can range vastly, from euphoria to depression, from fulfilment to a sense of loss or indifference, from disappointment to extreme gratitude. You will relive the birth many times and may feel disappointment if, in your eyes, any factors were a failure.

Hello, world!

Your newborn is here and you’re busy getting to know each other. For baby, it’s all one big adventure. For parents, it’s a beautiful and challenging learning experience. Your newborn baby can see, hear, feel, smell and taste. Baby’s main needs right now are feeding, sleeping and being soothed.

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

If you are ever concerned about your baby’s health, behaviour or development, consult your doctor or clinic sister. It is better to be safe than sorry. Rather obtain treatment earlier than later.

Taking care of a newborn baby is a full time job which requires dedication from you and your family. So when you’re planning to go back to work, you can only imagine how much that’s going to test your organisational skills!