According to American pediatrician Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a neonatal care specialist in California, proper care from the very beginning can help children born by cesarean section develop well and reduce the risk of health problems.
1. Pay attention to your breathing
One of the biggest differences in children born by cesarean section is the risk of respiratory problems. Because the lung fluid cannot be "exfoliated" through the tubes, children born by cesarean section are prone to shortness of breath or slow to adapt to breathing on their own.
According to Dr. Sarah Mitchell, children born by cesarean section need to be closely monitored for the first 24-48 hours to detect early signs of respiratory failure such as purple, rapid breathing or thoracic removal.
2. Increased skin-to- skin contact
skin-to- skin contact immediately after giving birth not only helps connect mother and baby but also supports the regulation of the body temperature, heart rate and breathing for the baby. This is even more important for children born by cesarean section because they may not be properly warmed immediately after surgery. Lying on the mother's breast as soon as possible will help stabilize physiology and facilitate breastfeeding.
3. Breastfeeding
Babies born by cesarean section may suck more slowly than babies born naturally. Due to the effects of anesthetics or the mother's recovery process, starting breastfeeding can be difficult. However, breast milk is still an optimal source of nutrition, especially helping children boost their immunity. Dr. Sarah Mitchell recommends: "Mother should try to breastfeed as soon as possible, or express the milk so that the baby can suckle if necessary in the first hours."
4. Careful navel care
Whether a cesarean section or a normal birth, the navel of a newborn should always be kept dry and clean. However, the hospital environment and surgical sites can increase the risk of cross-infection. Parents should pay attention to removing navels with a 70-degree alcohol (if recommended), avoid getting water stuck and monitor for unusual signs such as redness or odor.
5. Carefully monitor strange manifestations
Babies born by cesarean section may be at risk of mild jaundice due to slower metabolism. In addition, parents need to pay attention to signs such as poor breastfeeding, sluggish sleep or crying excessively. This may be a sign of the disease that needs to be examined promptly.
Caring for a newborn requires patience and special care. Although not too different from normal babies, early recognition of specific characteristics will help ensure the baby's development journey goes smoothly and healthily.
