Revision for Postnatal Placement Flashcards
What babies on the postnatal ward may need increased care on the PN ward due to increased risk of medical morbidities, feeding difficulties and re-admission?
- Late preterm babies (>36+0/40)
- Weight 10%
- hypoglycaemia
- jaundice
- congenital abnormalities (e.g. down syndrome, cleft lip/palate)
- other risk factors related to feeding
What assessments are vital in assessing the wellbeing of babies who require extra care on the PN ward?
- vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate)
- tactile warmth
- colour
- output
- hydration
hourly for 4 hours then before feeds/ 4 hourly for 24 hours - signs of jaundice
- weight at 24 hours
- ? blood sugar levels
What is the best way of preventing hypothermia?
immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact
- consider review if 2 hours despite skin-to-skin
What are some signs that supplemental feeds (preferably EBM) may be required for babies requiring extra care? These signs may indicate that discharge should be delayed
- less than 10 minutes effective breastfeeding at most feeds
- weak, disorganised, immature suck patterns
- less than 4-5 wet nappies per day after 96 hours
- > 10% weight loss post birth
- weight
What midwifery care should be provided prior to discharge from PN ward for babies requiring extra care?
- referral for home visits as required for followup
- assessed by neonatal doctor
- written discharge feeding plan
- assessment of output (wet/dirty nappies), weight loss/gain
- parent education
In educating parents prior to discharge, what signs should be highlighted as reasons to access further care for their baby?
- lethargy
- poor feeding
- vomiting (particularly large after several feeds, or if green)
- pale
- excessive crying
- jaundice
- less than 5-6 wet nappies in 24 hours
- fever, rash
- difficulty breathing
- turning blue
If parents are concerned about their babies wellbeing what might they do depending on the issue and their level of concern?
- discuss with home visiting midwife
- visit emergency department
- see GP
- call ambulance
What are some other contacts in the community that may be able to help if parents are concerned?
- Australian Breastfeeding Association 24 hour helpline
- MCHN helpline
What assessments should be undertaken by midwives during postnatal home visits for babies requiring extra care?
- routine care
- assessment of early breastfeeding
- vital signs
- signs of jaundice
- tactile warmth, colour, alertness and frequency of feeds
- output
- hydration
- assessment of behaviour, sleeping and crying
- weight
- assessment supplementation
What are some risk factors for adverse outcomes associated with feeding difficulties?
Maternal
- history of insufficient milk supply or underweight baby
- lack of previous breastfeeding
- age > 37
- nipple trauma, flat or inverted nipples
- previous breast surgery or breast abnormalities
- excessive, prolonged breast engorgement
- perinatal complications - labour medications, assisted birth, prolonged labour, induction, PPH, hypertension, infection
- preexisting conditions - obesity, diabetes, endocrine disorders
Baby
- preterm
- birth weight 7-10%
- poor output
- multiples
What is expected for babies in terms of weight changes post birth?
- very normal for babies to loose weight in the first few days post birth
- weight loss>10% requires further assessment
- about 20-30g weight gain/day (or about 150-200g/week) expected after day 4-5
- usually regain birth weight by day 10-14
What is expected in terms of babies outputs after birth?
- At least 5 clear wet nappies per day
- at least 1 soft yellow poo per day
- no urates after day 3
- other signs of good hydration
After the first 24 hours, how many times is normal for babies to need to breastfeed?
8-12 effective feeds in 24 hours
What is expected in terms of frequency of formula feeds per day?
6-8 feeds per day
If If there are concerns about a baby’s weight, feeding or outputs what should be assessed and what care should be provided?
if concerns about hydration or milk supply refer to emergency - particularly signs of unwell, poor perfusion or breathing difficulties
otherwise assess breastfeeding positioning, attachment, frequency, supplementation, formula feeding/preparation, follow up visit, consider referral to LC
How can midwives in the birth room support breastfeeding for the well term baby?
- immediate uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact for at least 1 hour or until after first feed
- assess vital signs, breathing, colour and tone without interrupting skin-to-skin
- educated about feeding cues
- help position mother/baby for first feed
What are some early feeding cues?
- crawling movements
- mouthing
- vocalising
- hand-to-mouth
- searching for the nipple
- rooting
- rapid eye movements
- waking from sleep and becoming restless
- sucking hands
What are some recommendations you might give a women about breastfeeding?
- should be flexible, unrestricted and on-demand
- offer both breasts, alternating the starting breast
- allow baby to finish at first breast before offering second
- length of feeds is very variable
- skin-to-skin can facilitate establishment of breastfeeding