Newborn Care in the Maternity Ward During First Days

Newborn care in the maternity ward during the first days of life involves ensuring proper nutrition, maintaining hygiene, monitoring temperature, and regularly observing the baby’s condition. These measures are essential to create a comfortable environment and prevent possible complications during the adaptation period.

The first days after birth are a special stage when the newborn adjusts to the outside world, and parents learn to understand and care for their baby. The specifics of care in the maternity ward are dictated by the need to ensure the child’s safety and health, as well as to help the mother recover after childbirth. It is important to know which procedures and recommendations are standard to feel confident and calm.

If you are interested in broader aspects of child-rearing and development, we recommend our detailed analysis «Pros and Cons of Children: A Comprehensive Review of the Joys and Challenges of Parenting,» which reveals both the joyful moments and difficulties that families face at various stages of a child’s life.

• 3200–3500 g Average newborn weight in Russia
• 50–52 cm Average newborn length
• 1 mg Vitamin K dose for newborns
• 1500–5000 ₽ Cost of additional care services in private maternity wards per day

What are the main medical procedures newborns undergo during the first days in the maternity ward?

Mandatory procedures

During the first days in the maternity ward, newborns undergo a number of mandatory medical procedures aimed at preventing diseases and ensuring safety. These include bathing within the first two hours after birth according to the sanitary norms of the Russian Ministry of Health 2023, which helps prevent infections and ensures the baby’s comfort.

• Intramuscular administration of 1 mg of vitamin K to prevent bleeding — a standard practice in Russian maternity wards;
• Screening for phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism within 24 hours according to Ministry of Health Order No. 572n of 2024, enabling detection and early treatment of dangerous hereditary diseases.

Medical measurements

Newborns are routinely weighed and measured to assess overall health and proper development. The average newborn weight in Russia ranges from 3200 to 3500 grams, and length is 50–52 centimeters, which aligns with pediatric standards and helps promptly identify deviations.

How to properly organize newborn feeding in the maternity ward?

Breastfeeding

The first breastfeeding session is recommended within the first hour after birth — this stimulates lactation and strengthens the baby’s immune system. The volume of the first feeding is usually about 20–30 ml, with subsequent feedings every 2–3 hours or on demand, promoting healthy weight gain and proper development.

Feeding on demand is widely practiced in Russian maternity wards and is considered effective for establishing breastfeeding. The frequency and duration of feedings may vary, but the key is to maintain regular contact with the breast, which supports milk production and helps the baby adapt to life outside the womb.

Formula feeding

If breastfeeding is not possible, adapted milk formulas such as Nutrilon Premium are used in maternity wards. The cost is about 1200 rubles for 400 g. Feedings are given at the same frequency as breastfeeding — every 2–3 hours — with careful control of the volume to avoid overfeeding or undernutrition.

• Nutrilon Premium — an adapted formula for newborns that supports immune system development and digestion;
• The volume of the first formula feeding is also approximately 20–30 ml, gradually increasing;
• Feeding frequency — every 2–3 hours, optimal for maintaining normal weight and growth.

What care and hygiene products are needed in the maternity ward for the newborn?

Hygiene products

For newborn care in the maternity ward, hypoallergenic products with a neutral pH level are required, such as baby shampoos and soaps with pH 5.5. Trusted products include Mustela and Johnson’s Baby, which in 2026 cost approximately 400 to 700 rubles per 200 ml bottle.

• Disposable diapers are an essential hygiene item that helps maintain cleanliness and ease of care.
• Wet wipes with minimal alcohol and fragrance content are suitable for gentle skin cleansing, costing on average from 150 to 300 rubles per pack of 60 pieces.
• For preventing diaper rash during changes, baby creams with zinc are used to protect the skin and speed healing.

Umbilical cord care

Newborn umbilical cord disinfection is performed with a 0.05% chlorhexidine solution, applied according to the instructions of the Russian Ministry of Health. This product effectively prevents infection without harming the baby’s delicate skin.

• Chlorhexidine 0.05% — topical solution, costing in Russian pharmacies in 2026 between 50 and 150 rubles per 100 ml bottle.
• Application is done daily until complete healing of the umbilical stump, usually within 5–10 days after birth.

What are the limitations and common mistakes in newborn care in the maternity ward?

Hygiene mistakes

Bathing a newborn more than 3 times a week often leads to dry skin and irritation, which impairs its protective functions. Using wet wipes with high alcohol content, such as popular brands on the Russian market, may cause allergies and redness, especially in babies with sensitive skin. It is recommended to limit bathing to 2–3 times per week and choose hypoallergenic care products.

Feeding mistakes

Delaying the first breastfeeding session beyond 2 hours after birth reduces the effectiveness of lactation and the baby’s immune protection. According to modern perinatal guidelines, starting breastfeeding within the first 30–60 minutes promotes colostrum production and strengthens immunity. Equally important is maintaining a regular feeding schedule, avoiding long breaks to support successful breastfeeding.

• Bathing frequency — no more than 3 times per week
• First breastfeeding session — within the first 60 minutes after birth
• Use of wet wipes — preferably alcohol-free
• Placing the newborn on the stomach — only under supervision to avoid the risk of SIDS

What recommendations are there for parents interacting with maternity ward staff in the first days?

Information transparency

Parents are encouraged to actively inquire about the newborn’s condition and all procedures performed in the maternity ward, including vaccinations and screenings — this is part of the standard mandatory information exchange. Russian Law No. 323-FZ «On the Fundamentals of Health Protection of Citizens» (2026) guarantees parents the right to be present during all medical procedures involving their child, promoting transparency and care oversight.

In some maternity hospitals in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, breastfeeding consultations with lactation specialists are available. Such consultations help mothers better understand feeding specifics and address questions arising in the first days after birth.

Additional services

• Individual newborn care in private clinics in Moscow costs from 1500 to 5000 rubles per day, including personal attention and extra procedures.
• Lactation consultations in specialized centers at maternity hospitals are provided free of charge or at minimal cost, significantly easing breastfeeding adaptation.

Parents should clarify in advance the cost and terms of additional services to plan their budget and avoid unexpected expenses in the newborn’s first days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

• The first breastfeeding session should occur within the first hour after birth
• Vitamin K is administered intramuscularly at a dose of 1 mg to prevent bleeding
• Newborn bathing frequency should not exceed 3 times per week
• Mandatory tests include screening for phenylketonuria and hypothyroidism
• Parents have the right to be present during all procedures with the baby