COMMON PROBLEMS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Your baby will face some problems for the first few days out of the womb. Mothers generally get tensed and start worrying that the baby might be sick and get panicked. Following listed are the common problems that your newborn will face.

First Bowel Movements:
Your baby's first bowel movements are generally green and sticky as they are composed of mostly merconium and full of digested mucus. Hence don't worry if you see green sticky stool. Breastfed babies usually produce soft, yellowish stools, sometimes tinged light green with little odour. A bottlefed baby often produces stools that are firmer, brown and smellier.

Fussing during Feedings:
This is the common problem faced by most of the mothers. Your baby may be crying because of many reasons. Usually there is something they are not happy about. It could be a burp ready to come up, it might be that the milk flow is too fast, your baby may be full, or if you are breastfeeding, your breast may be empty. These moments of fussiness usually occur around six weeks and again at eight to twelve weeks. When your baby fusses, stop the feed to release wind. Then resume the feed on the second breast. When your baby fusses again, stop the feed and return it for the last time to the first breast. If your baby is bottle fed, follow the same process. Burp your baby, check to see that the teat is not blocked, and also check that the teat hole is the correct size for your baby's age. You can tell if your baby is getting enough by the number of soiled and wet nappies you are changing and by your baby's weight gain.

Releasing Wind:
Air can be swallowed while suckling, when your baby is crying, or if the flow of milk is too fast. Correct positioning of your baby before and after feeding can help prevent excessive wind and provide relief. The release of air may bring up regurgitated milk. Keeping your baby's back reasonably straight with its lower back supported upright will help your baby expel excessive air more easily. After a feed you can help your baby to release wind. Sit your child on your knees, leaning forward and supported by one of your hands across the upper chest. With your other hand, stroke your baby's back from the base of the spine upwards. Then pat gently between your baby's shoulder blades. Baby massage on the back and stomach will help disperse trapped wind.

Vomiting:
When a baby vomits, it is usually a sign that your baby is full or needs to get rid of mucus in the stomach. The best thing to do is change your baby's nappy and put it to bed. Even if your baby has just regurgitated most of the feed, there is no immediate need for more food. A sleep will do wonders though your baby may wake a little earlier than usual for the next feed. If your baby is repeatedly vomiting, is not gaining weight, has blood or green-tinged bile in the vomit or has a constantly high fever, call your doctor. Repeated vomiting is dehydrating for a little one.

Snuffles and Hiccups:
Young baby get lots of hiccups and snuffle a lot causing lot of concern to you. But you need not worry because this is due to the respiratory system developing. Many babies born by Caesarean have more mucus in their system and thus have problems during breathing. This is because babies born vaginally are squeezed through the birth canal, an action that often forces a lot of mucus out of the baby's system.

Weight Loss:
Often babies lose weight the first few days out of the womb. This is quite normal because prior to birth babies retain fluid and nutrients and these are shed in the days following. Weight is regained and usually surpassed within the first week or so. However if your baby is continuing to lose weight, seek medical advice.

Twitching, Blisters and Dry Skin:
Young babies also tend to twitch and jerk in their sleep as their nervous system continues to develop. Young babies often develop suckling blisters in the first few weeks. These will disappear without treatment. Dry and peeling skin on the hands and feet is common with young babies and it tends to disappear without treatment. It is not usually eczema. But if the condition is bad then do seek your Doctor's advice.

Sticky Eyes:
Babies often are affected by thick, sticky, yellow mucus around the eyes. This is usually a result of a blockage in the tear duct called the lacrimal duct. In babies the duct is very narrow and is easily blocked by debris from the eye. A sticky eye needs to be cleaned frequently with cotton buds or a muslin facecloth and warm water.

Digestion Problems:
Most babies experience some degree of digestive upset due to their still-developing system. Mild constipation can be alleviated through regular massage, particularly of the tummy, back and buttocks. Abnormal bowel movements can be distressing. If your baby has sudden vomiting or diarrhoea, severe or long-lasting swelling of the belly or blood in the bowel motions, call your doctor immediately. Repetitive diarrhoea is dehydrating for a baby's system.

Insomnia:
During the first few weeks of a life, a newborn finds itself in a strange environment. If your baby is having difficulty sleeping, check that the environment is suitable and the room temperature is proper. A warm bath followed by a baby massage is the ultimate preparation for bedtime.