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| New born babies suffering from EB need careful monitoring every day because of their vulnerability. They often stay in hospital for several weeks following diagnosis, to allow the parents enough time to learn how to look after them and to prepare for returning home. It is also a good idea to use this period for contacting the various authorities that can provide financial and practical aid. |
During this period, as with all new parents, you need to get acquainted with your child. It is necessary to learn how take care of him.
You may be reluctant to pick up your baby for fear of causing blisters. However, a newborn baby needs physical contact and cuddles to help him to develop. You will soon learn how to handle him gently: having removed any jewellery that could hurt the baby, roll him slightly onto his side away from you, then place one hand under his head and the other under his bottom and let him roll into your arms as you lift him up from his bed without letting him slide across the sheet. If your friends want to pick him up too, pop the baby onto a pillow and then they can carry him in complete safety.
When he is bigger and holds out his arms for you to pick him up, place one hand under his bottom and the other behind the nape of his neck. Don’t grab him under the arms because this is a fragile area that heals with difficulty.
Even if you have taken all the necessary precautions, blisters may still appear develop but this is still a better option than no cuddles at all!
You should also explain to your friends and family how to look after your baby; you must be able to leave him without any worries.