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Direction – Health of the Child

Vaccinations

Vaccinations in the first days of a child's life

In the first days of the child’s life, with the parents consent  and in the absence of contraindications, the child is vaccinated against hepatitis B and tuberculosis.

The child stays under the supervision of nurses and neonatologists after the manipulation. In accordance with international standards and the Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, all children are recommended the injection of vitamin K for the prevention of bleeding in newborns in the first hours of their lives.

Screening

What screenings are performed?

The Perinatal Center conducts an early screening of various pathologies the treatment of which in the early stages will help youavoid severe consequences in the future.

 

Hearing screening

Is carried out on the 2-3 day of the child’s life. The aim is the diagnosis of hearing impairment by means of the otoacoustic emission.

 

Pulse oximetry

Is conducted next day after the birth. Early screening of congenital heart defects.

 

Genetic screening for 9 hereditary diseases of metabolism

It is recommended by international standards and orders of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine in order to avoid severe consequences, which may be inevitable if no measures on care, supervision, and treatment of the child are taken in advance.

Breastfeeding

Features of breastfeeding

The Perinatal Center encourages mothers who choose to breastfeed their children. We are all well aware of the fact that breast milk is a unique source for the development of the baby in the physical, emotional and intellectual aspects. It is also a key to maternal health.

All the peculiarities of breastfeeding are told by specialists of the Perinatal Center at the Parenthood School.

The first breastfeeding is very crucial for the formation of the child’s health and occurs in the delivery room. The child is in close contact with the mother (“skin-to-skin”) within two hours. Thanks to breastfeeding in the first hours, as well as direct contact, the child’s skin and intestines receive the first portion of a wholesome family biocenosis.

Colostrum is an elixir of health

Colostrum is produced in the breast of the new mother on the first day after giving birth. This product is very valuable due to the content of a large number of antibodies that protect the newborn from infections. You should know that colostrum is produced in a small amount of 5-30 ml per day, but this is enough to give the child the nutrients and help in the adaptation to feeding conditions. A few days later, the mother’s breasts are gradually filled with milk.

Do not limit yourself in the amount of food or liquid in the first days.

Proper breastfeeding to the breast when feeding a baby

“Cradle” pose

The child’s head is placed on the elbow bend of the mother’s hand, turned to the mother with his/her tummy. The other hand of the mother supports the child’s back, maintaining the “tummy-to-tummy” position. Mother’s legs should be conveniently placed on a support stand and the like.

“Cross cradle” pose

The difference from the previous one is that the child is supported by the hand opposite to the breast. The mother supports the child’s back and head with the forearm and wrist of one hand opposite to the breast, to which the child is attached.

“Out of hand” pose

The child is placed under the hand of the mother from the side as if covering the mother’s side with his/her body.

These positions are recommended for the first stages to “automate” the correct and precise pose for breastfeeding. We recommend using a pillow or other support for the hand to reduce overstrain in sitting poses.

Breastfeeding when lying on your side is a comfortable pose in order to help the mother relax and breastfeed while sleeping, or if there are contraindications to the sitting pose.

The woman is in the position on her side without leaning on her elbow. The child is also turned to the mother’s tummy (You can use a small pillow to support the back of the child), and the head is thrown back a little bit.

“Lying on the back with support” pose

It is useful in the delivery room for the first breastfeeding stages, as well as under condition of contraindications to the sitting position. The mother is in a lying or semi-lying position on the back and the child lies on the tummy with free hands and legs. Mother’s hands create the support for the child’s head and press well the lower part of the child’s body to hers.

Proper breastfeeding Factors

In any position, factors of correct breastfeeding are important:

  • Strong contact between the mother’s and child’s body. The child is completely pressed against the mother’s tummy.
  • Movement of the child’s head is not limited. Try to hold exactly the child’s back, body and neck, but not the nape or head.
  • The nipple is at the level of the child’s nose and directed towards the sky. Thus, the child lifts the head up and wide opens the mouth.
  • Try to put the breast in such a way that the lower part of the areola “pressures” on the lower jaw of the child.
  • Most of the areola is in the mouth of the child.
  • The child’s mouth is wide open.

If you have doubts about the correct pose, feel pain when breastfeeding, contact the lactation consultant or the staff member of the pediatric or obstetric department as quickly as possible to correct the shortcomings.

Newborn care

Care and help in adapting the baby

The child comes into the world after being in a securely protected mother’s womb. In this world, there are a lot of different factors that differ from what the child had before. Therefore, the child needs care and help in adapting to the new environment. Parents often require help as well.

Within 28 days after birth, the child undergoes physical changes on a daily basis. It is therefore very important to have the support of professionals. Our specialists will help you overcome a lot of doubts and avoid problems.

Questions to find out the answers

Perhaps, prior to the childbirth, the mother has studied a lot of information, but most often during the first days or weeks, there arise such pressing questions, which the mother has not thought of before, or which require practical skills.

For example:

  • How to care for the child’s skin properly? – How does the original lubricant look like and what should one do with it?
  • How long should the baby sleep and in what rhythm?
  • Can I bathe the child and how?
  • Should I go for a walk and how?
  • Does the child get enough milk?
  • How to care for the umbilical cord wound properly?
  • How to breastfeed safely?

And a number of other questions.

That is why our pediatricians, children’s nurses, midwives, who provide support, understand the responsibility for health and the future of the child, always stay in contact with parents in our Center.

Special care

The special childcare is provided for those families where children were born prematurely. Qualified professionals  in our Department of Post-intensive Care and Nursing of Newborns provide recommendations consistent with international standards, support families and continue monitoring the child during the year after the birth.