Babies Tale

Your baby will be given the Apgar test. This test [named for Dr, Virginia Apgar, the pediatrician who devised it] is to assess whether your baby needs extra medical care right away. Babies with breathing problems or nervous system problems may need extra care, the Apgar score is determined twice-one minute after birth and then again five minutes after birth-and gives your doctor an idea of whether these problems exist. Usually scores of between seven and ten are signs that your baby is in good condition. If his scores are below seven you baby may be taken to the nursery for observation and care. Be sure to ask about your baby’s Apgar scores.

Apgar Scoring

Within the first hour after birth, most babies receive a medication in their eyes. This might be erythromycin or tetracycline [both antibiotics] or silver nitrate. As required by law in all states and provinces, these medications are given to reduce infections of the eye, which could result in blindness. On rare occasions, a mother may have organisms in her vagina which, if picked up by the baby during birth, could cause eye infections. Gonococcus and Chlamydia are two common organisms that can cause serious problems. Because we do not have laboratory tests that are one hundred percent accurate in discovering whether a woman has these organisms, laws exist to protect babies who might be infected unexpectedly. Many parents prefer the antibiotic ointment over silver nitrate, since they do not burn or irritate baby’s eyes as silver nitrate does. Your baby’s vision will be blurry until the ointment is absorbed.

This immediate care can be done with your baby in your arms or very close by. Once these procedures are completed, you may spend some uninterrupted time with your baby. Although your nurse or midwife will be observing the baby and periodically checking your temperature, your blood pressure and the condition of your uterus, she should try and stay in the background and disturb you as little as possible. This is the time you and your partner can become acquainted with the baby and start the first feeding, if you plan to breastfeed. Most parents describe this as a wonderful time. Usually the baby is alert and calm, very interested in your faces and voices, and in the new sounds he is hearing. When held close to your breast, your baby will begin nuzzling and licking, and then will take the nipple in his mouth and begin to suckle.

Even after a long, tiring labor, you and your baby will probably be wide awake and interested in each other. After spending one or several hours together, both you and the baby will probably doze off, possibly very soundly.

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