Checking that your baby is well - patient information

Happy Not sure UnhappyFeeding: The frequency with which your babyfeeds changes over time, please discuss this withyour midwife. If you are breastfeeding, pleaserefer to your breastfeeding diary, as this will giveyou a day by day guide to feeding your baby.Wet and dirty nappies: The contents of yourbaby’s nappy changes from day to day in thebeginning. You should expect:• Day one to four: Baby’s nappies are usuallyblack/green in colour. It can look like thicktar or marmite!• Day four to seven: Your baby’s nappies willstart to change colour from black/green toyellow.• Day seven onwards. A baby’s nappy will beyellow. It will be soft and seedy if you arebreastfeeding or look like play dough if yourbaby is formula fed.Cord: The umbilical cord will start to dry outand will usually fall off by the time your babyis two weeks old. The cord needs cleaningwith cool boiled water and drying afterwards.Dry Skin: It is normal for your baby to havedry skin.A well fed baby will be contentduring and after a feed and havewet and dirty nappies.Babies will normally have severalwet nappies a day.Some baby girls can have a smallbleed or a discharge from theirvagina.You may even notice a yellowor dark orange urine stain in thenappy. This is normal.The cord can be sticky underneath,this is normal.Wash your baby with water. Avoidusing cleansing products.If you have any feeding concerns call your postnatal co-ordinator who willcontact your midwifery team or visit a breastfeeding support group today.If you are worried that your babyhas not passed much urine (wee)you should feed them frequently.Put a little cotton wool in theirnappy and you will know if theyhave passed urine.There may be a spot of blood whenthe cord falls off. This is normal.Let the midwife know today if theyhaven’t passed much urine.Your baby may be constipated ifthey are struggling to poo. Informyour midwife or health visitor forfurther advice.If you notice a red ring around thetummy button let a doctor knowstraight away.If your baby’s skin is very dry ask your midwifery team for advice at yournext appointment.SouthamptonNew ForestPostnatal midwifery co-ordinator (8.30am to 4.30pm) 07786 266529 Postnatal midwifery co-ordinator (8.30am to 4.30pm) 023 8074 7693Broadlands Birth Centre (out of hours) 023 8120 6012 New Forest Birth Centre (out of hours) 023 8074 7690If you need a translation of this document, an interpreter or a version in large print, Braille or onaudio tape, please telephone 023 8120 4688 for help.Revised August 2013 Review date August 2016. PAH001.01www.uhs.nhs.uk