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While your baby is in the hospital
Caring for your baby
Keep your baby with you in your room as much as possible. All of your baby's care can be provided in your room, and you can participate as much as you wish.
This will be a good time for you to learn your baby's cues for feeding and comfort needs -- and you'll have the help of experienced nurses. Talk to the staff about how to handle times when you are in the shower or napping.
When your baby is in your room:
- You can find diapers, clothing and extra baby supplies in the crib drawer.
- Your nurse will show you what to do with dirty linen.
- Ask your nurse any questions you have about baby care or postpartum care.
- When you want to walk outside your room with your baby, remember to put your baby in the crib.
Your baby's security
Your baby's identification and your name will be printed on your baby's ankle and/or wrist bracelets. The same information will be on your bracelet and on your partner's. Each time your baby is brought to you, her identification bracelet will be checked and compared with your own. In addition, the hospital staff will have name badges identifying them as employees of the hospital.
Baby pictures
Most hospitals offer a photography service so color pictures can be taken of your baby before you go home. Ask for information about this service, including prices and instructions for ordering. Let the staff know if you have a special outfit for your baby to wear for pictures.
You are also welcome to take as many of your own photographs as you would like.
Related Links
Source: Allina Patient Education, Beginnings: Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, fourth edition, ISBN 1-931876-14-2
First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 06/19/2003
Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts