The transition to parenthood has many psychological effects, and it is common to develop depression or anxiety. Having a baby is a daunting experience, and many first-time mothers need some advice from those with more experience. Learning first aid may help to ease your anxieties and provide you with the knowledge you need to help your baby should they injure themselves or become unwell. Have a look at some key techniques you may want to learn as a new mother.
Dealing With Burn Injuries
Around 75% of burn injuries in children are preventable, so it is best to look for burn hazards around the home and reduce the risks. If your child should accidentally burn themselves, don’t panic. Children do tend to run around and enter places they shouldn’t; this is very common, and not your fault. A burn is treatable at home if minor. Immediately run the burn injury under cold water for around five minutes. Burn bandages are included in first aid kits; therefore you should cover the burn after cooling. If you do not have a burn bandage, use something that will not stick to the burn. Protect the burn and prevent infection by washing with soap and water. Take your little one to the emergency room immediately if the burn is serious.
The Value Of Basic First Aid Training
Choking is a leading cause of injury among children under four years of age. It can result in loss of consciousness, and can even stop the heart. Should you find your baby unconscious and not breathing, you should immediately check the airways for any blockages and administer CPR. This will help to resuscitate your baby and help their circulation. Only do this if you are trained; new moms can benefit from receiving training on basic first aid. Schools in certain states are required by law to have an AED (automated external defibrillator) on hand; therefore, it may also be worthwhile to keep one at home to restart the heart in the unlikely event that your child suffers cardiac arrest. Again, you should be trained to use it, and must ensure the AED is designed for use on children.
Tackling Fall Injuries
Around 8,000 children are treated by doctors for fall-related emergencies every day. Therefore, it may be useful to learn some first aid techniques to lessen the impact. You should always keep a first aid kit at home to clean and dress any wounds. Apply pressure to the injury if it is bleeding, or apply a cold compress to reduce bruising. Look out for any head injuries and, should your baby or child feel dizzy, vomit or complain of increasing pain, take them to the emergency room. Child-appropriate painkillers can be administered if the injury is not serious.
The first lesson of first aid in any situation is not to panic. Although it may be difficult when it is your own child, this will help you keep a level head and enable you to perform the correct first aid technique, preventing further harm. Learning first aid will lessen your worry and concerns as a first-time mother, but rest assured that it is there for emergencies, and you may not ever need it.