A5 Advice for new parents

Question 1

what is the fourth trimester?

Answer 1

first 12 weeks after giving birth

Question 2

red flags to inform new parents to look for in their baby

Answer 2

• jaundice
• failure to thrive

Question 3

what should be done if a baby is presenting with failure to thrive?

Answer 3

• referral to paediatrician
• reassure that parent hasn’t done anything wrong, some babies just need the extra help

Question 4

state 4 ways we can support new parents

Answer 4

reassurance
support
referral
general advice

Question 5

what reassurance can be given to new parents for support?

Answer 5

• being a new parent is hard, even if it is not your first baby (they’re all different!)
• newborns in particular have short sleep wake cycles due to small stomachs and needing to feed
• in birth mothers, there are huge physical and hormonal changes in the 4th trimester
• manage expectations (in the first couple of weeks just get through the day and stay fed and watered)

Question 6

what support can be given to new parents?

Answer 6

• be a listening ear, they may really be struggling
• encourage them to ask for help from family/friends
• signposting
• know about local support groups in the area you work

Question 7

what general advice can be given to new parents for support?

Answer 7

• sleep when baby sleeps
• ask for help
• take a gentle walk each day outside
• join parent and baby groups to be with like-minded people
• pelvic floor exercises
• signs / symptoms of postnatal depression
• make them aware of a strain on relationships

Question 8

red flags to look for in birth mothers

Answer 8

• wounds or stitches from C-section or tearing becoming infected

Question 9

red flags to look for in breastfeeding mothers

Answer 9

• mastitis (infection in breast tissue and nipple)

Question 10

how is mastitis treated?

Answer 10

antibiotics are required

Question 11

red flags to look for in ANY new parent

Answer 11

postnatal depression

Question 12

signs and symptoms of postnatal depression

Answer 12

• a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
• lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world
• lack of energy and feeling sleeping during the day
• finding it difficult to look after yourself and your baby
• withdrawing from contact with other people
• problems concentrating and making decisions
• frightening thoughts (eg. about hurting your baby)

Question 13

what reassurance and advice should you give to new parents regarding postnatal depression?

Answer 13

• treat parent with respect
• reassure that the baby will not be taken away if they seek help
• 10-20% of new mothers suffer from varying degrees of postnatal depression

Question 14

top tips for new parents

Answer 14

• sleep whenever you can
• talk to more experienced parents
• it will get easier
• always do what feels right for you and your family
• trust your gut
• do not struggle alone, ask for help!
• only have people round when you want to and if they can help