Practices to promote better child development

This article is based on the infographic that highlights some of the observed postnatal risk factors that can be avoided in new-born babies.

Certain risk factors that can have an impact on the growth and development of the child and can be prevented. Others that cannot altogether be avoided, should be monitored closely and required steps should be taken to address these concerns. This will help avoid any adverse effects these might have on the baby’s health

Immediate new born period (0-7 days from birth)

• Complications due to low birth weight 
• Brain infections
• Complications due to preterm birth
• Lung/heart related problems
• High levels of jaundice pigment (bilirubin?)

New born period (0-30 days from birth)

• Complications due to low birth weight
• Low blood sugar
• Seizures/fits
• Bleeding disorders
• Genetic/ metabolic defects
• Thyroid related problems

What can you do to care for your baby?

1. Ensure adequate nutrition/supplementation (under doctor supervision)
   • It is important that the adequate nutrition is provided to the lactating mother
   • Maintain hygiene during feeding
   • Vitamin K injections for the new born baby within 2-3 days of birth
2. Monitor important metabolic process
3. Keep a check for any fever or infections. Address such situations immediately
4. Make sure all vaccinations are up to date as per the immunization schedule.

Most importantly. Ensure a healthy and comfortable environment for the mother and the baby and encourage the mother’s bonding with the new born child.

It is important to understand that there are considerable risks that occur after the birth of the baby.Many of these prenatal (before and during pregnancy) risks can be avoided or addressed by ensuring the well being of the mother and child and careful monitoring.

The infographic also specifies some precautionary measures that people can take to reduce or regulate risks associated herein.

Also do check out our infographic that highlights developmental risks associated during pregnancy.

Acknowledgements: We thank Dr.Sana Smriti, Neuro developmental and Behaviour Pediatrician for the time and effort taken to help us with proofreading and also revisions made towards the content of the poster.

We thank our volunteers Ms Sailaja Tadimeti & Mr Krishnaji Devalkar for the time and effort taken towards the translation of this content from English to Telugu. 

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DISCLAIMER: Please note that this guide is for information purposes only.