Unit 1.6 Understand the needs of the mother and baby during pre-conception,

pregnancy and the first years of life

Learning outcomes Understand post-natal care

• Describe concerns parents may have following the birth of a baby

• Identify sources of support for parents following the birth of a baby

• Describe how to prevent SIDS • Explain the difference between breast and bottle feeding

LO3. Understand post-natal care [AC 3.1]

Time: 10 mins • Think of 4 to 5 concerns that new parents may have following

the birth of their baby.• Complete the first Colum of your table.• Share and discuss these with a partner.

The first few weeks for new parents can be a daunting time especially if it is their first baby. Parents may be concerned about:• Knowing what the baby wants (what the babies different

cries mean).• Feeding: is the baby getting enough milk especially if breast

feeding.• How to make sure the baby is not too hot or cold.• Sleeping, including cot death.

LO3. Understand post-natal care [AC 3.2]

The first few weeks

Time: 10 mins • Discuss with a partner how the parents may overcome their

concerns.

LO3. Understand post-natal care [AC 3.2]

Time: 15 mins • Silent debate • Debate the concerns that new parents may have and how

these fears can be supported and overcome.• Use the discussion had in the Pairs activity to support the

debate.

LO3. Understand post-natal care [AC 3.2]

There is a team of professionals and agencies who can help with any concerns a parent may have about their new baby, including:• Midwife in hospital• Community midwife (from discharge until baby is 10 days old) • Health Visitor (from 10 days until child is 5 years old)• GP.

LO3. Understand post-natal care [AC 3.3]

Professionals and agencies

Time: 15 mins• In small groups find out information about different agencies

that could support new parents with concerns about their baby.

LO3. Understand post-natal care

• A major concern for new parents can be Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or cot death

• It ranks near the top of most parents list of concerns• SIDS in occurs in fewer than 1 in every 1,000 babies

LO3. Understand post-natal care [AC 3.2, 3.3]

Sudden Infant Death (SIDS)

Time: 15 minute• Recap from unit 1.3 how parents can reduce the risk of SIDS.• Devise a quiz to test each others knowledge

LO3. Understand post-natal care [AC 3.1]

• Feeding can be a major concern for parents• Some mothers are not able to breast feed for a number of

reasons. These can be due to medical reasons or surgery.• Some medical conditions may also prevent the mother from

breast feeding. • Some mothers may choose not to breast feed by personal

choice.

LO3. Understand post natal care [AC 3.2, 3.3]

FeedingWhat concerns might a parent face when Feeding their baby?

Time: 10 mins

• How and who would you advise a parent, if they had concerns about their new baby to consult ?

• What advice could you give them?

Understand post natal care

Time: 15 minutes• Produce a leaflet to show parents the pros and cons of breast

and bottle feeding. • This should be informative to support them with concerns.

LO3. Understand post natal care

Learning outcomes Understand post-natal care

• Describe concerns parents may have following the birth of a baby

• Identify sources of support for parents following the birth of a baby

• Describe how to prevent SIDS • Explain the difference between breast and bottle feeding

Summary – plenary activities1. Parenting is a difficult job. Every child, parent and family is different, so

it should not be assumed that advice will support their particular circumstances.

2. Who will know the parents better then often the professionals and sources discussed and could support them?