The treatment for jaundice is usually very simple. Babies with jaundice should be exposed to a lot of sunlight. The ultra violet rays break down the bilirubin in order for it to be processed by the liver. Within a few days, your baby’s eyes and skin will have returned to their normal color.
Labor and Delivery
Today, most babies are born in the hospital where the mother stays in the labor room and is then moved to the delivery room for the birth of her child. Usually there are nurses and a midwife or doctor present to assist in the delivery and to give medical treatment if necessary.
Specific Conditions
If a newborn baby’s spine is exposed, which is a condition known as spina bifida, or if it has excess fluid around its brain (hydrocephalus,) it will be given special medical care. There are times in these instances where the baby has to be transferred to a specialized hospital. Babies that are born with an exposed bowel will have them covered to stop infection and to protect them from heat and the loss of fluids.
If your baby suffers from meconium aspiration, the delivering doctor, midwife or gynecologist will use suction to clear the baby’s airways. There are times that infants will need a breathing tube. If this occurs, a neonatologist will make certain your baby is kept warm and will monitor her heart rate and breathing. If the baby is in distress, the doctor can administer baby CPR. Then, when the baby’s condition has stabilized, he will be transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where he will be closely monitored.
Where’s Mom?
While all of this is going on, your will be in the company of the obstetrics team. They will assure that the afterbirth is properly expelled and that you receive stitches, if needed. Stay calm. There’s no need to panic. Both you and your baby are in good hands and the health care professionals will do their best to ensure that both you and your baby remain safe.