As soon as the baby has been given to you after delivery,the baby should be covered in dry cloths.

The baby should be covered fully,specially head cap should be put on,and hands and feet should be kept covered.

The head ,hands and feet should be warm to touch and face should be kept open so that the baby can be visible and the baby can breathe easily.

Breast feed should be established within 1/2 to 1 hour of delivery even in Caesarean delivery.

The amount of breast milk is less during first 3 days of delivery and it it thicker,but it is sufficient for the baby.

Usually the feed should be on demand ,indicated by cry of the baby.

In general a baby should be fed 2-3 hourly.

If the milk is coming less,do not worry,just continue feeding the baby and keep your diet healthy,certainly the milk will be sufficient.

If you feed more ,more milk will come,if you feed less,less milk will come and if you will not feed the baby, no milk will come.

Nothing other than breast milk should be given to baby starting from just after the birth upto the age  of 6 months.

Even water should not be given till 6 months of age unless medically required.

The head and chest of baby should be slightly elevated while feeding.

Just after feeding,take the baby on shoulder and pat on the back for few times ,then make the baby lie on bed keeping the head end slightly elevated.

Normally the baby passes stool and urine within 24 hours of delivery.

WARNING:If the baby does not pass stool within 24 hours of delivery and urine within 48 hours of delivery,consult your doctor.

A newborn passes black stool  for initial 3 days, then the colour gradually changes to greenish-yellow then yellow.

A newborn passes stool 6-8 times and passes urine 12-14 times in 24 hours.

The stool frequency gradually decreases in next 6 months.

A newborn should not be given deep bath till the fall of umbilical cord stump which takes 6-10 days in usual cicumstances.

Till then, sponging with clean water should be done.

WARNING:Nothing should be applied over the umbilical cord stump.Sometimes,surgical spirit or betadine can be applied under supervision of a doctor.Consult your doctor if there is any discharge from the umbilical cord.

Oil massage should be done usually after 15 days of birth.

A newborn usually sleeps for 16-18 hours in 24 hours,so do not worry if your baby is sleeping most of the time.

WARNING:Consult your doctor if your child is sleepy and refuges to feed or taking less feed. Never feed your child or never give any medicine when the child is in lying position.Always put the baby in lap with head and chest slightly elevated while feeding or giving medicine.