Pharmacist’s Advice: Coming Home from the Maternity Hospital

How to make the first days calmer and easier

The day mom and baby come home from the hospital is one of the happiest moments for any family — but it often comes with fear, stress, and uncertainty.
These emotions quickly transfer to the baby.
Here is a clear, calm guide to the most common newborn situations and how to handle them without panic.

Common newborn conditions in the first weeks

1. Crying — completely normal

Crying signals:
• hunger
• a full diaper
• discomfort (too hot / too cold)
• need for closeness and warmth

If crying is weak, high-pitched, or long-lasting → visit a pediatrician.

2. Nasal congestion

Extremely common.
Help with:
• saline solution / sea water spray
• nasal aspirator

If accompanied by fever or cough → pediatrician.

3. Baby eczema

Harmless and self-resolving, usually disappears by 1 year, latest by age 4.

Recommended:

Probiotic drops containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG during the first 4 months — reduce skin allergies and bronchitis risk by up to 80%.

4. Infant colic

Most common from week 2 to month 4.

Symptoms:
• crying and irritability
• pulling legs to the belly
• redness

Helpful:

• burping mid-feed or after feeding
• probiotics (L. rhamnosus GG) from day 1
• simethicone drops
• warm compresses on the belly

Colic usually resolves naturally once gut flora stabilizes.

5. Spitting up

Normal and harmless — small amounts of milk.

Seek medical help if:
• frequent vomiting
• inability to retain fluids
• associated fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain

6. Cradle cap

Yellowish flakes on the scalp.
Treat with:
• baby oil
• daily washing
• gentle brushing

Breastfeeding essentials

Breastfeeding is crucial for early development.
Many mothers mistakenly stop breastfeeding when prescribed a medication — which disrupts milk production.

Medications NOT compatible with breastfeeding:

• Amiodarone
• Cytostatics
• High-dose iodine
• Retinoids
• Gold salts

For all others:
• take medication right after feeding
• maintain breast hygiene
• avoid contact of topical medicines with the baby
• always consult a doctor or pharmacist

When breastfeeding is not possible

Use infant formula, but only after consulting a pediatrician — each formula has a specific medical purpose.

Vitamin D3 and K1

Pediatric recommendation:
• Vitamin D3 400 IU + Vitamin K1
• from week 2 to week 12

When to see a pediatrician early?

• fever
• poor weight gain
• refusal to feed
• persistent irritability
• inconsolable crying

Final advice

Relax, follow your baby’s rhythm, and balance sleep, feeding, bathing, and care routines.
The calmer the parent — the calmer the baby.