The day you find out that you and your partner are expecting can be both thrilling and terrifying. You are now growing a tiny human who is both helpless and filled with potential.
You experience the birth of your child and those first days. Hopefully, those days include some supportive nurses, family members and friends. Then it happens. You find yourself at home alone with this squeaky newborn. One who is delicate and just. so .new.
Nourishing Your Newborn
Whether you breastfeed or formula feed your child, we can all agree that it can be stressful. You may feel like you are the only one awake at 2 am, weary and exhausted. Truthfully, I do not believe that one's body ever really gets accustomed to this change. Our brain needs sleep. Our body needs sleep. Our spirit needs sleep. Just as you think the exhaustion will never end, your baby may start having longer stretches of sleep. Despite all of the advice about how to do this, it is a developmental process. It cannot be rushed. In the first few weeks, babies need a certain number of calories for optimal growth. They get these by feeding frequently. It is quite normal for babies to eat every 2-4 hours in the early weeks, round the clock. I believe in following your baby's cues and feeding on demand (being careful not to extend past the four hour mark in the early weeks). Creating a strict schedule does not change the fact that your newborn will be waking at night to eat. So, roll with their rhythm. They are usually happier little beings. Be patient. In time, their nervous system will mature, their body will grow and their need for night feeds will fade. Believe me, you will have plenty of opportunities to "sleep train" in the coming years. Save your energy. Always speak to your pediatrician if you have specific questions about your child.
tips:
- breastfeeding has many benefits. your baby will grow. your baby will thrive.
- formula feeding is OK if that is your personal choice. your baby will grow. your baby will thrive.
- feed on demand
- do not put any rice or baby food in the bottle, studies show that this does not help your child sleep through the night
- follow directions when mixing formula, never add more water than recommended, never water down pumped breastmilk
- always contact your pediatrician if your baby is not feeding well, if lethargic or unable to suck, there could be a serious, underlying illness
- expect that babies sleep a lot of the time in the early weeks, feed on demand and get weight checks at your pediatrician if need be
- if you breastfeed, your baby may at times eat more often then every 2-4 hours, this can help build up your milk supply (the more your body thinks the baby needs, the more your brain signals it to produce)
- lactation specialists can guide you if you need extra help with breastfeeding, ask your doctor for a referral if you are struggling, getting through the first 3-4 weeks is the hardest part - then the pain eases, you learn about your baby's preferences and needs, your milk supply increases
Bathing Your Newborn
Once your little one's umbilical cord falls off you may give the long awaited first bath! I must say it was quite awkward bathing my firstborn. Thankfully, we videotaped it so I could be reminded of this at any time:) She was screaming, red faced and likely cold, despite my attempts to wash one limb at a time and to cover the remainder of her with a towel. I remember thinking to myself, "hurry up, she is freezing!" We both survived. My husband and I became more comfortable as the newness wore off. Eventually, we had those moments of bliss, where we both enjoyed her baths. The warmth of the water and the soapy massage can be overwhelmingly calming for an infant. I encourage you to massage your child often, in the bath or out. There is information about different, infant massage techniques, but I bet you don't need it. You know what to do. Just do what comes naturally. Bounce off your child's response and enjoy it.
tips:
- newborns and infants only need a bath every few days (don't forget that you need one too!)
- use a gentle baby wash
- clean the face with just warm water
- avoid harsh lotions on the face and body in the early weeks
- skin peeling is usually normal and lasts a few weeks
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