Preparing Baby For Discharge

The time has finally come to take your little one home, but before you can go, many tasks must be completed. What are these tasks you ask? Let's take a look.

Generally speaking, circumcisions (which is the surgical removal of foreskin) will usually be performed the day before discharge by your OB-GYN or in some instances your pediatrician or pediatric surgeon depending on the hospital that you deliver at. This procedure is completely optional and requires a signed informed consent from you. The doctor performing the circumcision should come and explain the procedure and potential risks to you. These risk include (but are not limited to) injury to the penis, infection, and potential loss of blood. Your nurse will show you how to care for your baby's freshly circumcised penis. Circumcision care involves applying petroleum jelly, vitami
A & D, or Earth Mama Angel Baby's Baby Bottom Balm to the penis every diaper change. This should be continued until the penis is healed which takes approximately 7-10 days. Your baby's nurse will be observing the site for bleeding or for signs of infection and will also be waiting for your baby to urinate after the circumcision. Be sure to notify your nurse or pediatrician (once discharged from the hospital) if excess bleeding and/or signs of infection are noted.

The law requires a metabolic screening (also known as PKU or newbo
screen) on every newbo
after 24 hours of life and again at 2 weeks of life. This test screens for a multitude of metabolic abnormalities (ex. thyroid function, sickle cell disease, phenylketonuria, galactosemia, etc.). Don't panic if the state sends you an official letter that states your baby's first PKU test was abnormal. This occurs frequently with the first test and can be due to inadequate protein intake prior to the test, improper collection procedure, or damaged PKU collection paper. This test will be repeated in your pediatrician's office and if those results come back abnormal, your pediatrician will advise you on further testing.

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