When you have just given birth, you may be drowsy from medication, and very tired following labour. The hospital is an unfamiliar environment, and you are getting used to taking care of a new baby, possibly for the first time. There are things you can do to reduce the risk of your baby being dropped.
Reduce the risk of your baby being dropped
- Leave curtains open so we can see you are both OK if you fall asleep.
- Sleepiness can cause babies to be dropped. Put your baby in the cot if you are tired.
- Keep your call bell close to ask for help.
- Staff will move your baby after feeding if you’re feeling tired.
- Medicine can make you drowsy.
- Change baby in the cot; unattended babies can fall from beds.
- Walk carefully, there may be tubes or wires near your feet.
- Skin-to-skin: baby’s face must be visible
- Don’t slip: wear shoes to move around the ward
- Parents and visitors must use a cot to move babies from one space to another
- Keep the height of your bed as low as possible.
