A–Z Glossary

Jaundice

Newborn jaundice is yellowing of a baby’s skin or eyes caused by increased bilirubin in the bloodstream.

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Warning signs and when to seek medical attention

Warning signs and when to seek medical attention

Why warning signs matter around birth Pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period involve major cardiovascular, respiratory, hematologic, hormonal, and psychological changes. Blood volume is higher, clotting tendency is increased, the uterus is highly vascular, and the body is adapting quickly after delivery. Because of this, some serious conditions can progress rapidly, including hemorrhage, hypertensive complications, […]

Common complications and safety of assisted birth

Common complications and safety of assisted birth

When assisted birth is considered and what makes it safe Assisted birth is usually considered during the second stage of labour, when the cervix is fully dilated and the baby has descended into the pelvis but birth is not progressing adequately. Common indications include prolonged or ineffective pushing, maternal exhaustion, and a non-reassuring fetal heart-rate […]

Impact of assisted delivery on baby

Impact of assisted delivery on baby

What assisted delivery means for the baby During an assisted vaginal birth, the baby is already low in the maternal pelvis and birth is expected to occur through the vagina. A vacuum cup attaches to the fetal scalp and provides traction during contractions and pushing. Forceps are curved instruments placed around the baby’s head to […]

Is assisted delivery dangerous myths vs facts

Is assisted delivery dangerous myths vs facts

What assisted delivery means In an assisted vaginal birth, an obstetric clinician places a vacuum cup on the baby’s scalp or positions forceps around the baby’s head. The device is used during contractions and pushing to add traction, helping the baby descend and be born. The baby must usually be low enough in the pelvis, […]

Delayed cord clamping explained

Delayed cord clamping explained

What delayed cord clamping means The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta and contains two arteries and one vein. Before birth, the placenta performs gas exchange and supplies oxygenated blood through the umbilical vein. After birth, the lungs expand, pulmonary blood flow rises, and the newborn begins the transition to independent circulation. Delayed […]

Benefits and safety of delayed cord clamping

Benefits and safety of delayed cord clamping

What delayed cord clamping means Immediate or early cord clamping occurs soon after birth, whereas delayed cord clamping involves waiting before applying the clamp. Guidance commonly supports delaying clamping for at least one minute when the clinical situation permits. Some protocols use a longer interval, such as 30 to 60 seconds in preterm birth or […]

Newborn poop color guide

Newborn poop color guide

The normal newborn stool transition The first stool is called meconium. It is made from material accumulated in the intestine before birth, including mucus, intestinal cells, and other substances. Meconium is typically thick, sticky, and difficult to clean. Its color may be black, dark green, or nearly black. Most newborns pass meconium during the first […]

What to Prepare Before Bringing a Newborn Home

What to Prepare Before Bringing a Newborn Home

Set Up Safe Sleep and Transport The sleep area should be ready before the baby arrives. Current safe-sleep guidance recommends placing an infant supine, or on the back, for every sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface designed for infant sleep. Keep the sleep space free of pillows, quilts, bumpers, stuffed animals, positioners, and other […]

Feeding on demand vs schedule

Feeding on demand vs schedule

What feeding on demand means Feeding on demand, also called cue-based or responsive feeding, means offering breast milk or infant formula when the baby shows signs of hunger rather than waiting for a predetermined interval. The parent observes the infant’s behavioral state and responds to early cues. These may include stirring, hand-to-mouth movements, rooting, lip […]

Early illness warning signs

Early illness warning signs

Why early signs can be subtle Early illness in babies often begins with small departures from their normal pattern rather than one dramatic symptom. A baby who usually wakes to feed may become unusually difficult to rouse. A steady feeder may tire early, cough during feeds, or take much longer to finish. A normally engaged […]

What happens at newborn checkup

What happens at newborn checkup

When the first newborn checkup takes place The first outpatient visit is often scheduled shortly after discharge, commonly within the first few days of life. The timing is individualized. A baby discharged early, a baby with feeding concerns, or a baby who has not yet had a complete screening sequence may need assessment sooner. Babies […]

Why breastfed babies grow differently

Why breastfed babies grow differently

Breastfed and formula-fed infants often follow different trajectories Healthy breastfed and formula-fed infants can both grow normally while following somewhat different statistical patterns. Breastfed babies may gain weight quickly during the first months, then experience a gradual reduction in weight velocity compared with formula-fed infants. This difference is most apparent from approximately three to six […]

Early baby care essentials

Early baby care essentials

Supporting the newborn transition Immediately after birth, the priorities are effective breathing, thermal stability, skin-to-skin contact, and timely feeding. Drying the baby thoroughly and placing the infant skin-to-skin with a parent helps reduce heat loss and supports cardiorespiratory adaptation. A hat or additional covering may be used when clinically appropriate, while the baby’s face remains […]

Risks of assisted delivery for mother and baby

Risks of assisted delivery for mother and baby

What assisted delivery involves Assisted vaginal delivery is used when a clinician helps guide the baby out using either forceps or a vacuum cup. Forceps are curved metal instruments placed around the baby’s head, while vacuum extraction uses a suction cup attached to the baby’s scalp. In both cases, traction is applied during contractions while […]

Risks benefits and recovery after vacuum delivery

Risks benefits and recovery after vacuum delivery

What vacuum delivery means Vacuum delivery is an assisted vaginal delivery in which a clinician places a soft or rigid cup on the baby’s scalp and applies controlled suction. During a contraction and maternal pushing effort, the clinician gently guides the baby through the birth canal. The aim is not to pull the baby out […]