What is a nursery? What does it do? Why do mothers trust it to take care of their children?

• A hospital nursery is a specialized department for the care of healthy, full-term newborns from birth until their discharge. Pediatricians and professional nurses provide close 24-hour care to ensure safety and allow mothers to rest.
• The nursery's responsibilities include assessing the newborn's health, monitoring for abnormalities, screening for genetic disorders, administering basic medications and vaccinations, and providing mothers with guidance on infant care.
• Postnatal care in the nursery covers hygiene, nutritional management and breastfeeding, monitoring bowel movements, maintaining infant body temperature, and assisting with nighttime care to allow mothers to fully recover.
• Pre-discharge training includes essential skills such as correct breastfeeding positioning, bathing and umbilical cord care, recognizing abnormalities requiring immediate medical attention (e.g., jaundice, labored breathing), and creating a safe and secure sleeping environment for the infant.

Welcoming a new member to the family is a joyous occasion, but for many new mothers, anxieties about caring for their little one in the early stages can be quite daunting. This article will help you understand what a nursery is, its functions in a hospital, its crucial role in newborn care and postpartum health monitoring, along with essential advice.

What is a Hospital Nursery?

A hospital nursery is a specialized department focused on closely caring for newborns from birth until they are ready to go home. A team of neonatologists and professional nurses provide 24-hour care.

Mothers trust hospital nurseries to care for their babies because this department is well-equipped with specialized medical personnel, emergency medical equipment, and a strict infection control system. It also helps alleviate the burden on postpartum mothers, allowing them to rest and recover fully, while ensuring the baby receives safe and medically sound care.

What are the functions of a hospital nursery?

• Assessing newborn health; evaluating the baby's overall development (APGAR Score), weighing, measuring body length, and measuring head circumference.
• Monitoring for abnormalities; closely monitoring vital signs such as heart rate, respiration, and body temperature, including screening for jaundice.
• Administering basic medications and vaccines; administering BCG vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, and Vitamin K injections to prevent bleeding disorders in infants.
• Screening for congenital diseases; taking heel blood samples to screen for genetic disorders, hypothyroidism, and hearing screening.
• We provide guidance to mothers, teaching and training them in basic newborn care, such as holding, bathing, umbilical cord care, and breastfeeding techniques by nurses.

What is postnatal care like in the nursery?

• Daily hygiene care bathing, washing hair, cleaning eyes, and properly cleaning the umbilical cord of the baby to prevent infection.
• Nutritional management bringing the baby to the mother for feeding at scheduled times, or assisting with supplemental feeding if the mother has insufficient milk or complications, while recording the amount of milk the baby receives.
• Bowel monitoring observing and recording the frequency and characteristics of urination and defecation (meconium) to assess the functioning of the digestive system and evaluate whether the baby is receiving enough milk.
• Body temperature control ensuring the baby is at an appropriate temperature, swaddling the baby to prevent hypothermia, which is common in newborns whose body temperature regulation centers are not yet fully developed.
• Scheduling rest periods for the mother, caring for the baby at night, or during periods of postpartum fatigue to allow the mother's body to fully recover. The baby will be brought to the mother only during feeding times or as requested by the mother.
• The department has a support team to assist mothers. 24-hour baby care is available, depending on the wishes and health of both the mother and baby.

What are some signs to monitor in newborns after birth?

Jaundice

• Observe for changes in skin and eye color (yellowing). Jaundice usually starts on the face and gradually spreads to the body and limbs.
• Measure bilirubin levels using a transcutaneous bilirubinometer or by drawing blood.
• If bilirubin levels are higher than the standard, the infant will need phototherapy to remove excess bilirubin from the body and prevent it from accumulating and harming the brain.

Excretion

• Stool monitoring Monitor the passage of meconium (sticky, dark green stool) within the first 24-48 hours after birth to confirm that there is no obstruction in the digestive system. The stool color will gradually change to yellow with feeding.
• Urination The infant should urinate for the first time within 24 hours after birth. With sufficient milk intake, the infant should urinate at least 6-8 times per day with clear yellow urine.
• Record the frequency, amount, and characteristics of each bowel movement to assess kidney and bowel function and determine if the infant is receiving sufficient milk.

Vital signs measurement

• Body temperature Maintain and monitor body temperature between 36.5 and 37.5 degrees Celsius to prevent hypothermia, which is dangerous for infants, or fever indicating infection.
• Respiratory rate Normally, newborns breathe at a rate of approximately 40-60 breaths per minute. Monitor for abnormalities such as shortness of breath, noisy breathing, flaring nostrils, or chest retraction.
• Heart rate Check the regularity of the heart rhythm, which is normally between 120-160 beats per minute.
• Blood oxygen saturation level Screen for poor lung function and congenital heart defects to ensure the infant is receiving sufficient oxygen.

What are some nursing skills training tips for mothers, as recommended by the nursery?

Breastfeeding

• Position your baby so they are at chest level, with their head and body in a straight line.
• Encourage them to latch deeply onto the areola, not just the nipple, to prevent cracked nipples and ensure they receive enough milk.
• Feed your baby on demand, or approximately every 2-3 hours, for about 15-30 minutes per side.
• After each feeding, hold your baby over your shoulder or on your lap and gently rub their back for about 10-15 minutes to burp and prevent spitting up.

How to Bathe Your Baby

• Prepare shampoo, soap, and warm water to a comfortable temperature before bathing your baby.
• Always support your baby's neck and head with your arm or hand while in the bath.
• Gently clean your baby, focusing on the neck, armpits, and groin.
• Avoid bathing for too long. After bathing, immediately pat your baby dry with a towel to prevent heat loss and hypothermia.

Observing for Abnormalities

• Observe the skin and whites of the eyes. If you notice increasing yellowing of the skin, spreading to the chest or abdomen, immediately take the baby back to the doctor for jaundice testing.
• Observe breathing. If the baby has labored breathing, flared nostrils, sunken chest, or bluish lips, it is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospitalization.
• Observe bowel movements. If the baby has not had a bowel movement or urination for more than 24 hours, has abdominal distension, or is unusually fussy or irritable, close monitoring is necessary.
• Observe behavior. If the baby becomes lethargic, refuses to feed, or spits up large amounts of milk after each feeding, consult a pediatrician.

How to clean a newborn's umbilical cord

• Wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning the umbilical cord.
• Use a cotton swab dipped in 70% alcohol (or the solution provided by the hospital) to clean from the bottom of the umbilical cord upwards to the tip, wiping in one direction only, not back and forth.
• Clean at least twice a day after bathing in the morning and evening, or when the umbilical cord is wet.
• Fold the edge of the disposable diaper or Pampers so that it is below the level of the umbilical cord. To prevent chafing and promote faster umbilical cord healing, never apply powder or any medication to the umbilical cord area.

Sleeping Environment

• Always place the baby on their back; avoid placing them on their stomach to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Choose a firm, flat mattress; avoid soft or saggy mattresses.
• Keep the bed clear; avoid placing pillows, stuffed animals, or thick blankets near the baby to prevent them from covering the baby's nose and mouth.
• Keep the room temperature cool and comfortable with good ventilation; do not use a fan or air conditioner to blow cold air directly onto the baby.

Childcare Consultation at Vibhavadi Hospital

For new parents who are feeling overwhelmed with raising their first child, you can consult the Pediatric Department at Vibhavadi Hospital. They are ready to provide comprehensive advice on childcare, from postpartum self-care and monitoring newborn symptoms to skill training for mothers, ensuring a smoother childcare experience.

Summary

The hospital's Nursery is a 24-hour newborn care center staffed by a team of pediatricians and professional nurses. They assess newborn health, administer basic vaccinations, screen for congenital diseases, and closely monitor vital signs and bowel movements to prevent complications such as jaundice or hypothermia. They also manage hygiene and nutrition to allow mothers to fully recover. In addition, the Nursery helps mothers develop essential childcare skills, enabling them to confidently and safely care for their little ones upon returning home.

New parents seeking advice on newborn childcare can consult Vibhavadi Hospital. They are ready to provide guidance on childcare, observing early signs of newborns, and skill training to ensure mothers can provide comprehensive care for their children, promoting their healthy growth and development.