After a forceps or ventouse delivery, the baby may be agitated (and cry more readily), due to a headache and / or any injury. There may be swelling, bruising and grazing around the baby's ears and cheeks, where the forceps were applied, or a bruised, grazed and swollen crown, where the ventouse was applied.
It is hard to comfort a newborn when they are clearly upset. Handling them gently and trying to avoid applying pressure to their head may help. Some women will hold them close, to reassure them. Sometimes giving them a warm bath soon after the birth can help to relax them. You may not feel up to this, but your partner may wish to try.
In the days following the birth, if you are in hospital, ask staff to handle your baby gently, particularly if they are helping you to latch him or her onto your breast. Some caregivers will tend to hold the baby's head to guide them onto the breast. Holding them at the base of their neck is a better technique.
Some women will use homeopathic remedies to help with bruising and swelling. Arnica is commonly used, and is taken by the mother only (to go through the breast milk for the baby). Consult with your homoeopath.