Dehydration
Dehydration in a newborn is dangerous. If not properly addressed, a newborn’s condition can worsen within a few hours, perhaps requiring a hospital admission. Prevention is always the safest path.
Babies who are not feeding very well may become dehydrated. A baby that is very sleepy is difficult to feed. While newborns do sleep a lot, they still should be waking every few hours to feed. If she is sleeping more and more, and feeding less and less, she may become dehydrated. Try to wake her up by wiping her face, neck, hands or feet with a cold, wet wash cloth. A baby in a deep sleep often appears limp, but as you arouse him, the arms and legs regain good muscle tone. If you cannot seem to wake up your newborn, or if after stimulating her, she remains limp, call your pediatrician immediately.
Jaundice
Jaundice refers to the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which is due to an elevated amount of bilirubin in the blood. It is also referred to as hyperbilirubinemia. Bilirubin is produced as red blood cells are broken down. If the amount of bilirubin produced exceeds the rate at which the baby can excrete it through the diaper, the bilirubin level rises, and the newborn appears jaundiced.
Signs of jaundice are similar to signs of dehydration. The baby will become less and less alert, with a decrease in muscle tone. This is cause for concern and you should contact the pediatrician right away. An elevated bilirubin is confirmed by testing the newborn’s blood. The bilirubin level of a full term baby usually peaks around the third to fifth day, while the level of a preterm infant will peak a day or two later.
Many babies will need no intervention at all. The bilirubin level will decrease as the liver matures over the next few days and is better able to handle the breakdown process. When deemed appropriate, a pediatrician may order phototherapy lights, either in the hospital or at home. The home unit consists of a 10 to 15 pound box with an internal light source. A fiberoptic belt (often referred to as a blanket) is inserted into the box and wrapped around the infant’s middle. Parents are able to hold, cuddle and feed the newborn while he is receiving the phototherapy at home. Blood tests are usually done via a heel stick every day that the newborn is receiving phototherapy. After the level drops enough, the lights are discontinued. Once resolved, the problem is over with.
Postpartum Depression
While this time is often overwhelming, it is also wondrous and full of joy. If the joy and wonder is absent, and all you feel is incompetent, overwhelmed, sad and tearful, it is important to speak to a professional skilled in handling such issues. If focusing on your needs feels selfish, do it for your new baby. The better you feel, the more you are able to give emotionally to your child and the more you will be able to bond together. Help is available, and you deserve to receive it.
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Thats not recommended Mom. You should start feed your baby at 6 Month Old.