YOUR BABY’S HEALTH
Parents-to-be often ask in antenatal classes how they will know if their baby is ill. In practice, you gradually get to know your baby’s personality and their pattern of sleeping, waking and feeding. You will be able to tell if something is unusual.
If you do feel that things are not quite right, don’t hesitate to consult your midwife or doctor. It can be a good idea to make a note of everything you want to say before you make the phone call.
Keep all important telephone numbers to hand: a doctor’s surgery; hospital A&E department; a reliable taxi firm; and the number of a neighbour who can look after any other children in an emergency.
If you are asked to bring your baby to a health centre out of hours, you may worry that a late-night journey will make them worse. However, it’s probably better that they are examined somewhere that is fully equipped for treatment than at home.