Page 13 - GCMC Third Trimester

STAGE 1: THE BIRTH CRY. This distinctive cry occurs immediately after birth.
STAGE 2: RELAXATION. During the relaxation stage, the newborn exhibits no mouth movements and the hands are relaxed.
STAGE 3: AWAKENING. During this stage the newborn exhibits small thrusts of move- ment in the head and shoulders. The newborn may exhibit head movements, open his eyes, show some mouth activity.
STAGE 4: ACTIVITY. During this stage the newborn begins to make increased mouthing and sucking movements as the rooting reflex becomes more obvious.
STAGE 5: REST. At any point, the baby may rest. The baby may have periods of resting between periods of activity throughout the first hour or so after birth.
STAGE 6: CRAWLING. During this stage the baby approaches the breast during this stage with short periods of action that result in reaching the breast and nipple.
STAGE 7: FAMILIARIZATION. The newborn becomes acquainted with the mother by massaging the breast.
STAGE 8: SUCKLING. During this stage, the newborn takes the nipple, self-attaches and suckles.
STAGE 9: SLEEP. After eating, the baby will fall asleep.
Rooming-In on 24-Hour Basis
Rooming-in—keeping your baby in the room with you at all times after birth—offers many benefits. It has been shown that a baby who stays in mom’s room is generally more content, cries less, and seems to develop more regular sleep-wake cycles earlier. Also, if your baby stays in your room, you actually tend to get more rest. Sleep when your baby sleeps! You should not be expected to provide total care to your newborn in the hospital room. You will have a nurse to help and assist you with getting to know your baby, as well as teaching you how to care for them.
Breastfeeding
Current evidence indicates that skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby shortly after birth helps to initiate early breastfeeding. This will increase the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding for the first one to four months of life, as well as the overall duration of breastfeeding. Evidence has shown that breastfeeding is the best and most ideal way of feeding your baby. Almost as important as a good nutritional start, breastfeeding greatly contributes towards your baby’s emotional development. There is very little that you need to do to prepare for breastfeeding. Your body has already done the necessary preparation. What you can do is prepare yourself by becoming knowledgeable about your important role in nurturing your baby.
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