HealthSheets™

Caring for Your Newborn 

Circumcision, if applicable

• Circumcision will heal in about 7-10 days

• No tub baths until it heals

• Do no use wipes on circumcision site. Clean with plain water.

• May apply Vaseline with each diaper change until circumcision heals.

Cord Care

• Clean with warm water 3-4 times daily and more if needed

• No tub baths until cord falls off

Feeding

• _____ Breastfeeding: Breast-feed on demand with a goal of 8-12 feedings each day. Offer breast every 2-3 hours during the daytime

• _____ Bottle-feeding: Formula type: ______________________________

  • Bottle-fed infants should take approximately 1-1.5 ounces (30-45 ml) about every 4 hours on demand. Increase feedings by half an ounce (15 ml) as infant tolerates.

Times to call the Physician

• Temperature greater that 100.4 F

• Missed more than 2 feedings

• Excessive drowsiness or very difficult to wake

• Worsening jaundice – skin color is yellow

• Foul odor or drainage from the umbilical cord or circumcision

• Seizures or convulsions

• Excessive crying or irritability

• Constipation or Diarrhea

• Very fast or noisy breathing

• If you have any concerns or questions

For more information regarding caring for your newborn, please refer to the MHP Maternity Care Handbook provided to you during your Stork’s Nest visit or upon admissions. For other questions or concerns, please call your doctor or your baby’s doctor.

MHP Pediatrics
Paula Gustafson, MD
Evan Eckart, MD
Angela Blum, MD
Anthony D'Amore, MD
Celia K. Stephens, MS, PA-C 
Suzanne Fox, CPNP, PHMS 
Amanda Anderson, NP
Andrea Hill, NP
2451 Intelliplex Drive Suite 240
Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 
Phone: 317-398-7337
Fax: 317-398-1863

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