Most individuals and their babies do not get sick when they go home from the hospital. But sometimes, there are problems and you must call your doctor or midwife for help. The following points will give you some idea of when to call. If you feel your concern is urgent please proceed to your nearest Emergency Department (in London - Victoria Hospital, Children's Emergency) or call Telehealth services after hours - 1-866-797-0000.
Go to Emergency if:
- It is hard to wake up your baby.
- Your baby is breathing very quickly or having trouble breathing.
Call your baby’s doctor or midwife if:
- Your baby won't stay awake for feedings.
- It is hard to wake up your baby or, your baby won't stay awake for feedings.
- Your baby will not stop crying.
- Your baby feels very hot and has a temperature of more than 37.5°C (100°F). To take your baby's temperature: put the thermometer under your baby's arm next to his/her skin for 3 minutes, keeping your baby's arm close to his/her body while you are holding the thermometer.
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea that does not stop.
- Your baby has diarrhea. If you are breastfeeding, this is when the baby has more than 10-12 bowel movements ("poo") in a 24-hour period. If you are bottlefeeding, this is when the bowel movements are watery and there are more than 6 in a 24-hour period.
- Your baby has NOT had a bowel movements for 24 hours.
- Your baby does not "pee" often. Your baby should have 6 wet diapers in a 24-hour period once your milk supply comes in or if you are bottlefeeding.
- Your baby does not feed at least 6 times in a 24-hour period (either breastmilk or formula).
- You are worried or think your baby is sick (trust yourself).
- Your baby's skin turns very yellow or the white part of your baby's eyes turn yellow.
- Your baby's tongue & inside of his/her lips feel very dry.
- Blood, pus or a bad smell comes from the baby's cord/bellybutton.
- Redness around the cord larger than the size of a "toonie".
- Drainage from eyes (yellowish to greenish in colour).
