Nine months of waiting to hold your little bundle of joy in your arms has finally come to a joyous end. You have become a mother and like all first time mothers you are feeling on top of the world with excitement. You must be feeling a lot of stress and tiredness too from months of pregnancy followed by labor and delivery. And with the usual formalities at the hospital discharge desk done, you are ready to take your lovely baby home.
But once you are home, you may suddenly wonder about the things you will have to do to provide the best care for your newborn. A few baby care basics will guide you and make you more confident about caring for your baby.
Seeking help after your baby is born:
After child birth you are bound to feel tired and stressed out. Under these conditions do not hesitate to seek the help of friends and/or relatives. Their help and experience, especially those of the elderly ladies, can go a long way in helping you take care of your baby. At the hospital, seek the help of doctors and nurses to learn how to breast feed your baby.
It is important for you to know how to hold your baby while breastfeeding and to Burp it after feeding. While at home, you may want to employ a nurse to take care of your baby, especially if you do not have family members other than your husband living with you.
How to safely handle your baby:
Newborn babies are fragile and need to be handled with care. You may feel a bit scared in the beginning but with a little bit of practice you will soon learn the skills:
Support your baby’s head and neck:
When you are carrying your baby, take care to support his or her neck and head with the palm of your hand. This also applies when you are trying to lay the baby on the bed or cradle.
Do not shake your baby vigorously:
Never shake your baby vigorously, whether you are doing it playfully or maybe in irritation. It can sometimes lead to bleeding in the brain and even death. While trying to wake up your sleeping baby, pat it awake gently or awaken it by tickling the soles of its feet. Similarly, do not take your baby on rough or bumpy rides whether in its carrier or your car. While playing with your baby, do not throw it up in the air—your baby is too fragile for such activity.
Connecting with your baby :
Soon after birth and in the days following birth is the time you will feel a physical and emotional bonding with your baby. This is one of the most fascinating moments of motherhood, when you and your newborn will develop an emotional connection with each other. This connection is vital for your baby’s overall growth—physical, psychological and emotional. Show lots of love and affection to your baby. Maintain as much skin contact with your baby as possible—your baby needs your warm and affectionate touch.
Source: Dr. Anu
December 28, 2011
