Being pregnant, giving birth and raising a child are life-defining events for a woman. Giving birth to a baby is one of the most natural things women can do. Raising children is also a normal part of life. But when you have your first baby, your life will change dramatically. You'll suddenly go from pregnancy to having a newborn baby to care for. A newborn baby needs constant care and nourishment, which brings many changes to a woman's life.
One way to make the transition and adjustments easier is to prepare for the baby before you give birth. Your health care giver can help you learn about newborn infant care. Also, read books and gather information from newborn-focused magazines for women. Be ready for your newborn to come home to a bed that is safe and comfortable. Have your baby's newborn clothes washed and ready to wear, and keep plenty of diapers and bottles on hand.
Feeding Your Newborn If you are going to breastfeed your baby for the first time, ask questions of both your caregiver and other experienced women. Whether bottle-feeding or breastfeeding, your schedule will be mostly decided by the demand of your baby during the first months.
Some babies sleep longer between feedings than others and some will take to a set schedule right away. There is no definite course for feeding because babies differ in their habits. Newborn babies may also have differences in their digestive functions. Some babies spit up after eating or even after burping; some may vomit and some never do. These are things you will have to adjust to with your baby. But don't panic at the first sign of milk coming back up; it might only mean that the baby has overeaten at the time.
Caring for Your Newborn Baby Many times women are fearful to give a newborn baby a bath. Babies seem very fragile when they only weigh a few pounds. You will soon learn to handle them and become comfortable with their care needs. Diapering and changing their clothes will help you to get used to how to hold them. Supporting their head for the first few months is one of the most important things to remember. As the baby grows, these tasks will be easier.
Sometimes a woman's greatest fear is illness in her newborn. Newborn screening is important because the caregiver can detect any problems early. Newborn jaundice is common among small babies but can be easily treated when caught early.
Even if you are a first-time mother, there are ways to tell if your newborn is sick. Sometimes a change is just temporary so it is better not to worry over every little thing. Some signs to watch for are: a change in behavior, crying or irritability, a change in digestion, constipation, diarrhea, or extreme vomiting, runny nose, coughing, congestion, trouble breathing, or fever. If you notice signs of illness, call your caregiver to describe the symptoms and how long they have been present. Arrange to have the baby seen as soon as possible.
Having a newborn baby is a wonderful and sometimes tiring experience for women. In these early days of your baby's life, you will build a bond of love that will last a lifetime. Try to enjoy every minute even when you are tired because these days only happen once.
•Take breaks from taking care of the baby as and when you can. When you do so, don't feel guilty, as it is necessary for your mental and physical well being.
•Have your meals regularly.
•Make sure you include fresh fruits and green vegetables in your meals.
•Use pre-prepared foods to reduce time and energy spent on cooking.
•If friends and family are willing to take over some of your chores, allow them to do so.
•Your night's sleep will be disturbed in the initial days. So learn to sleep whenever your baby sleeps.
•This is a period of great emotional upheaval. Talk to people who can help and will support you - mother, friend, doctor or anyone who will give you a patient hearing.
•If there is a local support group for new mothers, it would be a good idea to join it or at least attend a few meetings.