Congratulations to the new mom! Well, you have handled the discomforts of nine months of pregnancy and successfully made it through the excitement of labor and delivery, and now a new life is in front of you. The joy and happiness of bringing a life into this world cannot be described in words. With a newborn comes a lot of responsibilities and it can cause some nervousness for most new moms, especially those who have not spent a lot of time around newborns. In fact, many new parents feel unprepared when it’s time to bring their new baby home from the hospital. It is important to get help during this time. While in the hospital, talk to the experts around you and listen to suggestions from family members and friends. Taking a newborn care class during your pregnancy can prepare you, but the real thing can be quite different and present situations that weren’t covered in the class. There are many important things to keep in mind while taking care of your newborn baby. These tips and suggestions will make new parenthood a little easier.
Hold Baby with Care
Newborn babies have very floppy necks, as the muscles have not developed properly. The muscles start developing within the first few months, but until then parents should always be sure to fully support the baby’s neck. Proper support will prevent the head from moving in an uncontrolled way, which could damage the baby’s brain. Supporting the head and neck will also make it easier for you to hold your baby, and your baby would be less prone to “jumping” out of one’s arms. Always support your baby’s head and neck with your hands when you hold him. Try to cradle the head when carrying your baby. Also, support your baby’s head when carrying him upright and when you lay him down.
Help Your Baby Latch
The decision to breastfeed your baby is one of the best gifts you can give to your newborn. Breast milk has many health benefits, including strengthening your baby’s immunity. When it comes to breastfeeding, a good latch is very important, since improper latching can cause breast discomfort. A good latch means the baby’s mouth covers both your nipple and the areola. This way the baby’s mouth, tongue and lips will massage the milk out of your milk glands. To get a good latch, hold your baby facing your breasts and tickle the baby’s lip with your nipple to make the mouth open very wide. Once the mouth is open wide, bring your baby forward toward your breast. Keep a hold of your breast until your baby has a firm grasp and is suckling well. Allow your baby to nurse from both breasts – at least 10 minutes on each side. If you are having latch-on issues while breastfeeding, you can use breast shields to help the process.
Dont Forget Burp Your Baby
The air that your baby takes in during breastfeeding can interfere with your little one’s digestion. This can make your baby feel uneasy and even lead to colic pain. Hence, it is important to make your baby burp to free the system of excess air. This simple trick will keep your baby’s stomach troubles at bay. When it comes to burping, upright positions generally work most effectively. 1. Place your newborn in a sitting position, facing forward on your lap. 2. Support your baby with one hand on the baby’s front and lean him or her forward slightly. 3. Gently pat your baby’s back to release air from the tummy. 4. Listen for the slight burping sound. You can also place your baby upright on your shoulder and gently pat her back.
9Apps 4.9
