How can you care for a newborn's skin without being misled by advertising?
Parents today have very different levels of knowledge about caring for a newborn. It largely depends on what each parent wants to know. Information is available almost everywhere: in books, online and at antenatal classes. Sometimes, however, parents ‘know better’ because they hold certain views on particular matters — and those views are not always right. We spoke to Maria Lepucka, a lactation specialist, psychodietitian and midwife, about where to find reliable information on baby care.
‘Sometimes parents’ knowledge is so extensive that they tell me about new developments before I have heard of them. Unfortunately, there are also people who have their own views…’ admits midwife Maria Lepucka. ‘Mums turn to advice from friends, siblings, or even their mothers or mothers-in-law, saying: “It worked in my family, so it will work now too.” But we must remember that times change. That is where friction arises, because better solutions are available today.’
Today’s parents are not left without support after a birth. The knowledge they gain at antenatal classes, for example, can be expanded during visits from a midwife. We should also remember that the period after childbirth can be difficult. Do parents often panic?
‘It all depends on the person,’ the midwife replies. ‘Some parents trust their knowledge and believe they will cope. They plan certain aspects of their baby’s care and feel confident they are doing the right thing. But sometimes a parent applies the knowledge they took in before the birth and suddenly discovers that the solutions they had planned do not work. They then ask me for advice or a visit, either to check whether they are putting their knowledge into practice correctly or to seek advice on what is not working.’
Natural skin care — what does it mean?
Do parents know what a natural skin-care product is? Here, too, individual attitudes matter. A well-informed consumer chooses products carefully in the shop, reading and analysing ingredients and trying to make sensible purchases. The way they choose products for themselves will later shape the choices they make for their child.
‘Very often, however, the appeal of a familiar brand comes into play. “This is a manufacturer of children’s products, so I don’t even read the ingredients,” a parent thinks. Certain things can also be misleading. A product may be described as natural, but that is just a label. It is therefore worth having some basic knowledge in this area, and if you do not, ask a specialist,’ the midwife advises.
Differences in caring for boys and girls
‘Parents usually worry more about boys’ hygiene. They think it is simpler with girls. They could not be more mistaken,’ says Maria Lepucka. ‘Intimate hygiene for a boy is straightforward. Quite simply, we wash what is dirty. Parents worry about whether they should retract their baby’s foreskin. But the body’s physiology does not allow that at this stage of life. It will only become possible in the third or fourth year. Doing it earlier can cause injuries, and in most of the cases I have seen, it was the father who had done it.’
With girls, it is more complicated. ‘Parents also hear conflicting information. For example: “You don’t clean inside there.” That information does not help. What we want to know is what to do and how far to go. All external parts of the intimate area must always be clean,’ Maria Lepucka stresses. ‘I often see this being neglected. Often, parents are not to blame; the problem is precisely this misinformation. Wipe away the contents of the nappy from top to bottom, gently parting the labia. But do not forcibly wipe off the white coating,’ Maria Lepucka advises.
Conflicting information can leave parents confused. It is better to ask a midwife for clarification on particular issues. ‘Even medical professionals differ in their advice. Here, too, personal views come into play,’ Maria Lepucka concludes.