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Mum calls for mandatory basic training around caring for a new baby before parents are discharged from hospital.

The mum shared how she is often sickened by how babies and infants get treated at times, by their caregivers and their partners.

We are too often reading breaking news about a child or infant losing their life after suffering some form of terrible abuse or neglect.

This mum (who wants to stay anonymous) believes all parents should have to  watch a compulsory video on basic care of their babies and toddlers, and should not be allowed to leave hospital with their new baby until they have signed an agreement that they have undertaken the basic training.

She also suggested it could be something taught in high school or even late primary school to help grow and nurture loving and caring parents.

One of the important topics to teach new parents include, what to do if your baby is crying:

1. Check that your baby isn’t thirsty/dehydrated

2. Check that your baby isn’t hungry

3. Check that your baby has a clean nappy

4. Do they have a nappy rash and how to treat?

5. Consider using a cheap dummy

6. Consider giving your baby a favourite comfort blanket or toy

7. Consider the option of having a pair of ear phones handy if you are struggling with a crying baby

8. Check for a fever, temperature, redness on body/face and when to seek medical assistance

9. Watch a video how to bathe a baby and how to check the water temperature first, on wrists.

Do you agree that new parents need more support after the birth of a new baby?

Read more – How to keep your child safe at home

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  • Lets face it …..most of us are thrown in the deep end when we have our first child. I was thankful that when I had my eldest the staff at the hospital took the time to show me how to bathe bub and in those days how to fold a nappy.

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  • I think this is a good idea because there is so much outdated information passed down from the older generation sometimes who don’t realise there is a safer way to do things now. Also very helpful for new parents and helping them to get their confidence levels up with the baby. I like this idea

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  • I think this would be a great guide for new parents. How to strap them into a car seat. My partner’s mum was going to do up the car seat over her wrapped in a blanket so would be helpful for new grand parents too. I did explain to her we can put the blanket down, secure her arms and legs in car seat then weap the blanket over her so she is safe and warm. I was a mess when i had my first daughter. Nobody showed me how to bath her properly until a midwife said didn’t anyone show you yet and i said no. So yeah good idea.

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  • Yeah, although a longer stay at hospital for new mums would be ideal. Then you have the midwives there to help and guide you.

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  • I guess it is worthwhile, cheers.

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  • I like this. I do agree that being in hospital post-baby is so full-on that this video may not be such a baby idea. How many new Mums are driving home with their new baby, or arrive home with their new baby, thinking… what the hell am I supposed to do now?

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  • I think these are common rules

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  • That’s the best idea I have heard for years – too many parents are let loose with a baby with no idea what to do.


    • How would it work for home births etc. I don’t think it’s a viable option.

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  • I think it would be a great idea if this was offered to new Mums’ but not forced on them. Nowadays you are sent home the day after the baby was born if there were no medical problems. I don’t believe in giving a dummy though that is my choice.

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  • Over 30 years ago most Mums stayed in hospital for a few days and didn’t need a nurse to call to do the checks. Mum’s breastmilk takes a few days to increase in quantity. Not all babies are strong enough and able to suck as strongly as they need to.

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  • Yes absolutely, especially for first time parents. Nowadays you are expected to look after your baby 24-7 straight away without even any rest. It’s a lot for a mother to cope with. Personally I think first time Mums need to stay in hospital at least a week with proper care and training.

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  • I don’t think a video sill do much good for parents who neglect of abuse their children.
    However, there is some merit in what she is saying. I spent some time in a mother baby unit and I learnt so many useful things while I was there.

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  • How many mothers are not prepared for caring the baby, surely most are already informed while they are pregnant, and most of the things are just using instincts that we are gifted with once baby is born. I think it should be a choice thing not mandatory. I don’t agree with number 5, giving a dummy, I never used one, they are disgusting things and not needed.

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  • What a joke! You can’t prevent stupid, unfortunately they breed too. Isn’t that the rule, only the fit survive or something. You can not mandate something like that my goodness

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  • I don’t think neglect or abuse is going to be influenced by a class. There are so many factors at play in these cases and usually many other issues that could be addressed to assist but like anything funding is the bottom line.

    Reply

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