Red Flags - How to know when to seek help

If there is frequent and effective breastfeeding and there are any of the following concerns, refer to your LMC, GP, or other health professional.

- Baby has lots more than 10% of his birth weight by Day 5, or has not regained his birth weight in the first two week of birth.

- From birth to 3 months, baby has gained less than 450 grams in a month.

- Baby breastfeeds long and often but is not gaining weight.

- Sleepy baby: not waking for feeds on his own, and falling asleep shortly into a feed

- Is breastfeeding less than 7-8 times in 24 hours.

- Jaundice: should not be seen below the umblicus

- Inadequate output: baby has less than 6 wet nappies in 24 hours, decreased bowel motions and/or delayed transitional stools (meconium after 72 hours)

-Dehydration: Lethargic, distressed or weak cry, dry mouth, dry eyes, low grade fever, lack of skin turgor or concentrated urine/ urates after day 4.

- Sore nipples that don't improve with correct latch and breastfeeding continues to be painful.

- Sore breast (s) that do not improve.

- Mother appears unhappy/de[ressed - anxiety, panic, mood swings, insomnia, general lack of interest in life, fear of hurting the baby or inability to care for the baby, loss of appetite, unable to feel happy.

- Mother is excessively tired

 

 

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