What to Expect When Your Baby Arrives? Having a baby is a huge deal. You want to be sure that you know all you can about what to expect when your new bundle of joy arrives. Here are a few things you should know.
Swaddling
Depending on your baby’s age, swaddling can be either a good or a bad idea. Swaddling can be a good way to get your baby to sleep. However, it can also be dangerous. Especially if your baby is not accustomed to being swaddled.
To swaddle your newborn, you’ll need a square piece of fabric. It can be made from cotton or flannel, and it should be a thin gauge. To start, spread out the fabric and fold one corner down toward the middle. Then, pull it four inches from the left shoulder.
You’ll also need flat strings. These should be long enough to reach from the top of the blanket to the bottom.
Skin-to-Skin contact
During the first hour after birth, the maternal oxytocin level rises in the blood vessels. This surge of oxytocin is released to reduce the amount of blood lost and to facilitate the placental discharge. In turn, this surge also stimulates the maternal uterus to contract. It also enables the mother to have a more intimate relationship with the newborn.
The oxytocin increase may be related to the improved bonding between mother and infant. It is possible that this increase in oxytocin levels may have an impact on the maternal sensitivity towards the infant’s cries.
The first hour after birth is a critical time for the baby. The staff must protect this time by establishing evidence-based routines and monitoring the mother’s and infant’s vital signs.
Stools
During the first few months of life, your baby’s stool is a very important part of tracking his or her growth. It is also an indicator of the food your baby is eating.
Your baby’s stools will change in color and consistency as he or she grows. Some changes are not serious, while other problems should be checked by a pediatrician. If your baby’s poop has a blood tinge, see a doctor. This may be a sign of a cold, GI tract problem or a food allergy.
When you first start feeding your newborn solid foods, you will notice that the stools are more firm and formed. This is because the baby’s digestive system is not ready to digest them yet.
Feeding
Bringing a baby into the world is a big event and one that evokes many emotions. This is particularly true when it comes to feeding a newborn. The baby is hungry and needs fat to develop, and following a solid feeding routine is essential to keep your little one healthy.
Breastfeeding is a great bonding experience for both mother and child. The first 24 hours after birth are the ideal time to breastfeed, and you can start anytime. If your doctor has given you the go-ahead, you’ll want to feed your baby frequently to establish a milk supply.
Newborns need a minimum of eight to ten feeds per day to stay healthy. Most babies will regain their birth weight within ten days.
Learning to talk
Developing language skills at a young age is an important part of child development. As children grow older, they will begin to form sentences and use full words. The process isn’t quick, however. It takes thousands of hours of practice.
One of the best ways to help a baby learn to talk is to read to them. When parents read to their babies, they encourage the baby to associate the sounds of language with the things they see.
When talking to your baby, start with simple phrases, such as “mama” or “no.” After you’ve introduced your child to these phrases, move on to more complex words.
Sleeping
Managing newborn sleep is one of the most challenging tasks for a new parent. As babies grow, they will get used to their surroundings and will begin to settle into a routine. The timing of your baby’s sleep will vary, but most babies will sleep for approximately eight to nine hours each day.
In the first few months, most babies will wake up multiple times during the night to feed. While this can be frustrating for parents, it is normal. As long as you are feeding your baby regularly, it is not a problem.
A baby’s breathing is very loud. They breathe quickly, pause for a few seconds, then resume breathing again. They also flare their nostrils when they breathe. This is a normal habit, but if your baby’s breathing is difficult, you should consult with a doctor.
