A developing baby goes through important growth throughout pregnancy, including in the final months and weeks.
Supplemental oxygen and other emergency care may be provided if the baby has breathing difficulties.
Risks and Complications
The neonatal period is the riskiest period after birth.
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What Happens in the Neonatal Period
A lot happens during the neonatal periodespecially immediately after delivery.
While each baby moves at a different pace, here are some general milestones to expect during this time.
An eye ointment will also be applied to prevent certain infections that can be transmitted during delivery.
Before you leave the hospital, you should have a follow-up care plan for your baby established.
Bonding and feeding are the primary tasks in this first week.
It’s common for infants to lose weight after birth.
Don’t be alarmed if your baby sleeps a lot this first week also.
Week 2
Sleep and feeding are erratic at this stage.
Your baby may be having their first growth spurt, having returned to their birth weight and then some.
Most babies will consume 16 to 24 ounces of breastmilk or formula each day during this time.
Most babies begin to lift their head and should have regular “tummy time” to help develop strength.
Week 4
You’ve officially reached the end of the neonatal period.
For many parents, feeding and sleeping become more routine at this stage.
Your baby may be responding to you more as their senses like hearing and vision develop.
You may even begin to recognize patterns in the sounds and cries your baby makes.
Coping
Coping with the challenges of the neonatal period can be difficult.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are struggling to care for your baby.
Be aware of the signs of postpartum depression.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preterm birth.
American Academy of Pediatrics/American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Guidelines for perinatal care.
World Health Organization.Newborns: Improving survival and well-being.
University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s.Newborn complications we treat.
National Conference of State Legislatures.Maternity length of stay rules.
American Academy of Pediatrics.AAP schedule of well-child care visits.
Kaiser Permanente.Newborn visit - Day 2.
