Newborn Baby

Appearance: Conclusion

It is possible for female, and sometimes even male, newborns to discharge milk from their nipples. This is called witch's milk, also known as neonatal milk, and is due to the mother's hormones before birth. This only occurs with some infants born at full term. Prematurely-born infants are not prone to such secretions. It normally resolves itself without treatment within one to two hours after birth. However, it may persist for anything up to two days in uncommon cases. Newborns may also discharge a bloody or milk-like substance from the vagina. Such occurrences are considered normal in either case, and will disappear in time.

The Umbilical Cord, which is alternatively known as the birth cord, is the means whereby the developing embryo is attached to the placenta, which itself provides a means of connecting the fetus to the wall of the uterus. The placenta is instrumental in supplying the fetus with food and oxygen. It also serves as a conduit for the removal of fetal waste by way of the mothers' kidneys.

The Umbilical Cord itself is essentially white in colour, but with a slight blue tinge. Shortly after birth, when it stops pulsating, the cord is duly cut. However, it is usual to retain a short stub, some one to two inches in length. Subsequent to this, the stub will initially begin to dry out, and then become darker and shrivel up. After some three weeks or so, the stub will finally detach itself from the umbilicus (or tummy button, as it is commonly called). In certain circumstances, a triple dye may be administered to the stub in order to minimise the risk from infection. Such a procedure may cause the stub and surrounding skin to attain a purple colouration. However, such a colour change is normally only transient.

It is quite usual for a newborn child to develop in such a way that many of these physical characteristics are quickly outgrown. It is, in this respect, not an uncommon perception that newborn babies may be regarded, by some, as unattractive whereas older babies, who have passed through this phase, are considered with feelings of awe and rapture. It is for this reason that mothers carrying their first child should be adequately educated in respect of their reaction to the changes outlined above.

Newborn Senses

Like all creatures, both human and animal, the neonate is capable of experiencing a wide range of sensations. However, it should come as no surprise that their most positively reactive response would result in their receiving cuddles, gentle stroking and soft caresses. An infant who is experiencing distress will generally respond favourably when rocked gently backwards and forwards. An effective alternative may be the application of a gentle massage or careful positioning in a warm bath.

Notwithstanding this, the newborn may feel the need to comfort itself, most commonly by the action of sucking its thumb, a response that is often carried forward well beyond the neonate phase. Alternatively, as a substitute for the thumb, the infant may benefit from the use of a "dummy", which is a nipple-shaped device, made from rubber or plastic, which the young child can suck upon. This act of sucking a thumb or dummy is instinctive and is the natural response in feeding.

Young Baby - How To Succeed