The nurse in charge will guide you step by step through the process of caring for your baby. You will learn to recognise your baby’s needs and respond to them. The care programme is tailored to your individual needs in consultation with the nursing staff.
Body temperature
In the first few days, a baby is not yet very good at regulating its body temperature. Dress your baby in clothes suitable for the season and protect it from draughts.
For your baby’s safety
Your baby will be looked after by qualified nurses in the maternity ward. If your baby requires specialised medical care or monitoring, they will receive professional treatment from our paediatricians. Furthermore, in the event of any complications, Klinik Im Park works closely with the Children’s Hospital or the University Hospital of Zurich.
Hearing tests
A hearing test is carried out as a matter of routine on every baby.
Early detection of metabolic diseases
Newborn screening is used for the early detection of congenital metabolic disorders and is carried out routinely on every newborn between 72 and 96 hours after birth. A few drops of blood are taken from your baby via a prick on the heel. The blood test is carried out at the Children’s Hospital Zurich. It takes about a week for all the tests to be analysed. You will only be informed of the results if any abnormalities are detected. In this case, you and your baby will be asked to return to have the test repeated. Not every abnormality necessarily indicates a disease.
Konakion is vitamin K. Newborns are often deficient in this vitamin initially. Even a slight deficiency can lead to impaired blood clotting, e.g. cerebral haemorrhages. To ensure optimal care, all babies are given one ampoule of vitamin K four hours after birth as part of the newborn screening programme – which is designed to detect congenital metabolic disorders at an early stage – and another ampoule at their first paediatric check-up after four weeks.
Our recommendation
Your pelvic floor muscles have been under a great deal of strain during your pregnancy. During a vaginal birth, they were further stretched – and possibly even injured – by the baby’s head. Some women therefore feel as though they are ‘open down there’ after giving birth. This sensation is also normal following a caesarean section and will improve within a few days. It is advisable to avoid putting too much strain on your pelvic floor during the early postnatal period (up to 10 days after the birth). The following recommendations can help restore its elasticity and supportive closing function as soon as possible.
Lie down a lot
Breastfeed whilst lying down wherever possible. Particularly if you have perineal injuries such as a perineal tear or episiotomy, you should stand or sit as little as possible during the first few days after the birth to take the pressure off the wound and promote rapid healing.
Dissolve in water
Sit upright with your back straight. Take your time; do not strain – the process of emptying your bladder will begin naturally as you consciously relax. Remain seated for a short while after emptying your bladder. Only then should you gently tense the sphincter muscle as you breathe out, restoring its closing function. You should always avoid interrupting the flow of urine by tensing the sphincter muscles.
Excretion behaviour
The strain placed on the pelvic floor by pregnancy and/or childbirth can make it more difficult to pass water and have a bowel movement after giving birth.
Stools
Make sure your stools are soft. Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the first urge to go. Sit with your back straight and tilt your pelvis slightly forwards (‘bottom over the toilet’). To avoid straining, push gently whilst exhaling, without holding your breath. After passing stools, contract your pelvic floor by tightening your sphincter muscle as you exhale.
Clothes and other accessories for your baby
Initial supply of clothing
- 6–8 bodysuits, long- or short-sleeved depending on the season, size 56/62
- 2–4 rompers/pyjamas, size 56/62
- 2–4 outfits, size 56/62
- 1 jacket, size 56/62
- A hat or sun hat
- Socks or tights
Sleeping accessories
- Cot, cradle, bassinet
- 1–2 sets of spare bedding for the cot
- Sleeping bag
- Mattress protector
Baby care accessories
- Changing table
- Nappies
- Nappy bin with lid
- Muslin nappies 80×80 cm
- Bath
- Bath thermometer
- Bath towels
- Baby nail scissors
- Clinical thermometer
- Baby care products (nappy rash cream, baby oil, baby lotion)
- Wet wipes
Nutrition accessories
- Dumpling (dummy)
- Baby bottles with teats
- Bottle brush
- Steriliser, if required
- Soft spoon
- Bottle warmer, if required
Miscellaneous
- Baby monitor
- Pram with rain cover and parasol
- Baby sling, baby carrier
- Car seat
- Sun visor for the car
- Winter bag for cold days