Human Growth and Development

Anesthesia Types ●​ Epidural: Anesthesia is injected into the epidural space; it takes about 10 minutes to place and another 10-15 minutes for effect. The catheter allows for continuous flow/doses of anesthesia. Used when there is enough time. You may still feel some pain. ●​ Spinal Block: Injecting anesthesia into the dural sac containing cerebrospinal fluid, providing immediate pain relief that lasts 2-4 hours. Complete pain block. Neonatal Assessments

Once babies have emerged into the world; they are no longer considered a fetus. They are now considered neonates. Several tests are conducted from birth to check the health of a baby. Below is a series of assessments and the age at which they are performed:

Assessment

Definition

Age

APGAR (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace response, Activity, Respiration)

Used at birth to assess an infant's color, muscle tone, reflexes, respiratory effort, and heart rate.

1 - 5 minutes after birth

BNAS (Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale)

Assesses the baby’s behavior, such as whether they are rooting, suckling, crying, etc. and neurological functions. This scale has been an assessment tool since 1950. It focuses on motor development and assesses an infant's reaction to objects.

3 days - 1 month

CIIS (Cattell Infant Intelligence Scale): An extension of the Stanford Binet Intelligence Test.

3-30 months

Bonding Right after birth, skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby helps bonding, regulates the baby's heart rate, stimulates reflexes, and triggers hormone release. This contact supports the baby's transition to life outside the womb and encourages breastfeeding. Birthing hormones are natural chemical messengers that guide important processes like labor, delivery, and breastfeeding. These hormones help both the mother and baby adjust physically and emotionally after birth. Early bonding is important for emotional development and future relationships. Some mothers feel an instant connection, while others bond over days or weeks. If a baby is separated at birth due to medical reasons, bonding may take longer, but it can still develop over time. Bonding is not limited to biological parents. Adoptive parents can form strong emotional attachments with their children through consistent care and affection.

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