The newborn phase is the hardest as well as a beautiful journey that every mother cherishes when the baby is a grown up. Sharing stories while going down memory lane feels wonderful and amazing.
But, right now, since you will be in the zone of the newborn stage, yes, it will be challenging, especially if it’s your first time.
The best part about this journey is that once you are used to the routine, you will start feeling much better. The initial week with your newborn can make you feel scared and that means being around your baby 24*7.
The time for this phase to end varies from 24 days to 2 months but you have to be prepared for the first three months as you are going to be jam-packed with managing your baby while recovering yourself from the delivery phase.
We understand that you wish to be sane and patient throughout this time. Here are postpartum guides that will help you survive the phase and will help you have the best challenging time with your baby!
Prepare Yourself Ahead Of Time
You went through the labor but the journey doesn’t end here. When we say prepare, we don’t mean that you pack your bags with all the things right for the journey but make sure you plan ahead of time.
Create an ultimate checklist of things for your baby and keep them handy so there’s no hustle-bustle when you want to find one. Make life simpler for yourself, not complicated.
Post Hospital Time
Your baby will be examined post-delivery and when your newborn is home, you will notice some unexpected sights which are absolutely normal and nothing to worry about.
a. The umbilical cord will look dark and this is okay as it will get better in three weeks. Try to keep it as clean as possible and dry. Give your baby a sponge bath in that area gently for a while.
b. If your baby spits up after breastfeeding, again, that’s normal too. Your baby is just getting used to it so we suggest you let her take time.
To diminish this phase, what you can do is let your baby burp post five minutes of feeding. Hold your baby in for a few seconds and let it come naturally. Do not rush to feed your baby.
c. In the beginning, the baby’s poop is dark in color and it can be runny or pasty. Again, this is normal too. This will get better with time.
Bathing
Bathing can be a challenge. You can do this by holding her or placing her in a dry plastic tub. You can also wet a washcloth and clean her up on a changing table.
Your baby needs a full bath only once a week. But your baby needs to be cleaned in some parts like the face, head, and bottom.
Some things to remember during this process are that she should be fed before the bath, the room should be warm and you should keep everything ready as you can’t leave her open even for a mini second.
Use a gentle shampoo first. Support her head while doing so and start washing her from the top and then slowly come down. Use a soft cloth and make sure you use tap water at normal temperature.
Be sure you wash her face, eyelids, etc. Be cautious around the mouth area as it can cause rashes. Rinse your baby the right way and once done, pat her dry with a towel. Tada, she is ready!
Read also: How to correct a shallow latch breastfeeding
Build a Routine
Newborns don’t have a routine and can get up at odd an hour which means you need to be up too. This is unavoidable but you can take control of this by developing good sleeping habits for your baby.
The goal here is to make sure that your baby is fed well before her sleeping hours. You can create an environment that helps your baby nap well without any fuss.
This can take time but when it starts working, both your baby and you will be at peace.
Calming a Crying Baby
Crying is a way of communication for your baby and hence you need to check what she is trying to convey here. Is she hungry or her diaper is wet? It can be many things.
You can begin this way:
a. You need to comfort your baby and rock her side to side and then back and forth. You can sing lullabies to her.
b. You can also rub her back or you can continue walking with your baby in your arms.
c. You can give her your finger or a pacifier so she can suck it.
d. You can also swaddle her.
Babies usually have a fussy time but all you can do here is be by your baby. It can be stressful but you being a mom can make the situation calmer.
Give your baby attention and some love and you will be good to go!
Read also: How To Give Massage To A Baby
Feeding Time
All newborn babies have a small tummy but need to be fed at least 12 times in a 24-hour period. It can be a task initially but eventually, you will understand when your baby needs food.
This also means you will have to be awake as well. Try clearing your tasks before so you can nap in between.
Once you have understood the schedule and everything is well-settled, you can also let your partner take over the process by feeding your baby with pumped breastmilk.
Be patient and as we said, the process gets simpler and your baby’s schedule is bound to change over time.
You Can Follow This Article: Signs Of Low Milk Supply & How To Boost Milk Supply.
The Crib Should Be In Your Room
Setting up the baby’s room becomes an essential part of the baby’s arrival. Research suggests that the baby should sleep near moms for at least 6 months.
Make sure your child’s bassinet is situated right next to you in your bedroom. This reduces the chances of SIDS as well and enables you to manage things stat.
Make sure the area is always clean and free from blockers like pillows or stuffed animals. This will help your baby have a good night’s sleep until the next feeding session.
Keeping a Proper Track
It is vital to check if your baby is gaining weight or not. During the initial stage, since moms can’t keep track of the measure of the milk consumed, only feeding your baby frequently can help.
Your doctor will check the weight of the baby after the discharge and check it again post one week. There are some other signs you can watch out for to check if your baby is being fed well.
Keep a log of the number of times there are wetting and poopy diapers.
Do this for at least a few weeks so you communicate the same to your pediatrician during the nursing routine.
What to do your some self-love?
Yes, it is a big change in your life. It will turn 360 degrees and everything will begin to make sense post you have passed this stage.
To help you get through, without hampering your self-esteem, here are ways you can do it:
a. Chances are that your sleep will be hampered but getting sufficient sleep in tits and bits is okay too. All you need to do and make sure is that you need to nap when your baby is napping.
That way, you will stay energetic.
b. Take a walk and run a few errands if possible. You will need your partner or a friend to do so. If needed, get professional help. Make sure walking becomes a part of your routine, even if it is for 10 minutes.
c. Allow your spouse as well to take care of the baby so you can get some time for yourself as well. Enlist some chores that your partner can do.
d. Eat properly; keep levels of vitamins and nutrients in your body intact. A well-planned diet can go a long way and can be beneficial for you and your baby.
e. The first few weeks will seem overwhelming but you need to hang in there as you and your baby are learning about each other. Hold onto it and you will learn every parenting guide.
Your baby’s happiness lies with you!