Newborns and infants (0-12 months)

Colostrum is the first milk your body makes. If your baby is in a neonatal unit, expressing and collecting your colostrum allows your baby to receive this important early milk.

You and your premature baby will continue your breastfeeding journey after leaving hospital. Feeding can take time and ongoing support may be helpful.

Donor breastmilk may be available for some pēpi (babies) when their own parent’s milk is not available or there is not enough. It can provide a safe bridge while a parent establishes their milk supply.

Some newborn pēpi (babies) need a blood transfusion if they are unwell, were born early or have lost blood. Blood transfusions are generally very safe, and the healthcare team will closely monitor your baby throughout.

Cows’ milk protein allergy happens when a baby’s immune system reacts to protein in cows’ milk. It can cause fast or delayed symptoms. Most pēpi (babies) grow out of it in early childhood.

Food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) is a type of food allergy. It affects the digestive tract. It is most common in young pēpi (babies) and usually improves with time.

Urinary tract dilatation (UTD) means part of your baby’s urinary tract looks wider than usual on an ultrasound scan. Health professionals use ultrasound scans to grade UTD. Your baby’s grade helps their healthcare team plan scans, tests and follow-up.

Urinary tract dilatation (UTD) means part of your baby’s urinary tract looks wider than usual on an ultrasound scan. In most pēpi (babies), it improves before or after birth and does not cause long-term problems.

Blood pressure is an important vital sign for pēpi (babies) in a neonatal unit. It helps the healthcare team assess your baby’s circulation and blood flow.

Baby poo can vary in colour, consistency, smell and frequency. Knowing what’s normal for your baby can help you recognise constipation.

Gastroschisis is a condition where your baby’s bowel grows outside their abdomen (tummy) through an opening in the abdominal wall. Learn more about what to expect during pregnancy, birth and after your baby is born.

Omphalocele is a condition where some of your baby’s bowel or other organs grow outside their abdomen (tummy) in a protective membrane or sac. Learn more about what to expect during pregnancy, birth and after your baby is born.

Torticollis is when a baby’s head tilts to one side because of a tight neck muscle. It is common in pēpi (babies) and usually gets better with simple exercises.

An electroencephalogram (EEG) records the electrical activity in your baby’s brain. The healthcare team can use EEG monitoring to look at how your baby’s brain is working and look for seizures.

Reflux is very common in premature pēpi (babies). Most reflux does not harm premature pēpi.

Pēpi (babies) who are not responding and not breathing normally need CPR.