After you've given birth, your baby may experience a variety of newborn care procedures. These tests and procedures are done to ensure the health and well-being of your infant. Each state has a public-health policy that decides which procedures and tests are given to newborns. Policies differ depending on the birthing circumstances, so speak to your hospital, birthing center or midwife before you give birth to find out which procedures are performed.
Cut the Cord
While your baby is attached to the placenta and the umbilical cord pulses, she is still getting oxygen. Some care providers cut the cord immediately, which allows the baby to receive care while in the baby warmer or bassinet. Others believe in allowing the cord to continue to pulse until it stops on its own to ensure that the baby has the proper amount of blood in her system. The umbilical cord stretches approximately 21 inches, so you may hold your baby while the cord is cut. Some people prefer the care provider cut the cord, while others like a family member or partner to cut the cord. Speak to your medical team about who'll be cutting the cord.
Antibiotic Eye Treatment
Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia are passed to babies as they move through the birth canal. These diseases can lead to blindness in newborn infants. Even if a mother has tested negative for STDs, most public-health policies require infants to receive a dose of antibiotic cream in his eyes approximately one hour after birth. Some health-care providers feel that using antibiotics on a healthy newborn is unsafe, and since the baby's vision is blurred by the treatment, it may interfere with the bonding process between baby and mother. You may be allowed to refuse this treatment if you feel it's not necessary. Speak with your health-care provider to find out what laws apply to your area.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K plays an essential role in the clotting of your blood. According to Sutter Medical Center, newborn babies have a low level of vitamin K in their blood and are given an injection of vitamin K to enhance their clotting ability and protect them from hemorrhages. Vitamin K levels in the blood increase to an adult level about 10 days after birth. Some states allow parents to choose an oral dose of vitamin K over an injection. Parents may be able to postpone the injection for up to two or more hours after birth, and in some instances, parents are allowed to refuse the dose of vitamin K. Speak to your care providers to know which options are available for you and your baby.
Blood Tests
After your baby is born, her blood will be screened for disorders and diseases that cause developmental delays. The test screens for thyroid disease, galactosemia and hemoglobinopathy. According to Birthing Naturally, the main issue the test screens for is phenylketonuri, known as PKU, which keeps babies from digesting a certain protein. In most hospitals, the blood is taken from the infants heel and must be performed 24 hours after birth and before you and your baby leave the hospital. Some states may allow parents to refuse the blood tests or delay them until a later date. Speak to your health-care provider to find out what your state laws require.
