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Arrival at Home The birth of your child is a miraculous event in your life. You become a proud parent and want to share in the accomplishments that your child has endured. The following is information to help you prepare for that magic moment, as well as, information to help with caring for your newborn following dismissal. 1. Jaundice: Newborn babies sometimes develop jaundice, which is when their liver cannot get rid of a substance in the blood called bilirubin. This causes their skin to turn yellow. Jaundice usually appears on the 2nd day of life in full-term healthy newborns. It may occur earlier in pre-term newborns. The "yellow color" to the skin starts first on the face and then moves down the body toward their toes. If you notice your baby's skin turning yellow, notify your pediatrcian. A blood test to check your baby's "bilirubin" level may be necessary. If this test is required, a small amount of blood will be collected by heel stick. If the test shows that treatment is required, it would involve placing your baby under a special ultraviolet light called a "bili-light". Exposing the baby to these lights helps the body to rid the bilirubin. This treatment may be done in the hospital or at home; you can discuss this with your baby's physician. 2. Sneezing: Newborns sneeze frequently during the first few weeks of life. This is normal. 3. Hiccups: During or after eating, your baby may have hiccups; this is normal and no cause for concern. 4. Bulb Syringe: Your baby will be dismissed with a bulb syringe; this will assist you with removal of mucous from their mouth and nose. If you need to suction your baby, please suction the mouth first. To use, first squeeze the bulb until it is collapsed. Place it in one nostril or the inside of the cheek and quickly release. This will bring the milk or mucous into the bulb. After usage, you can squeeze the mucous into a Kleenex. After using, wash the bulb syringe with soapy water and rinse.
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5. Fingernails: Do not cut the nails with an adult clipper. Using mittens or booties to cover the baby's hands prevent the scratching of his or her face. 6. Ear Care: Do not place Q-tips or cotton swabs into the ears/ear canal to clean your baby's ears. A soft washcloth is acceptable. Labette Health cares about the quality of care that we provide. We strive to make you as comfortable as possible. We would like to offer you our assistance. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please feel free to give these to your nurse. If you have any questions about the services provided, please contact Donna Vitt, Director of Obstetrics Services, by e-mail or
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