Baby Steps to Motherhood
From breastfeeding to setting the newborn’s eating pattern, six ways to help you become a perfect mother
Like every journey, motherhood also comes with its share of preparation, excitement, anxiety and surprises. The initial few days post birth may seem overwhelming for a young mother. Waking up multiple times at night to baby’s cries causes sleep deprivation and the initial discomfort of breastfeeding, all the while recovering from childbirth, makes you restless. Tending to the needs of the child 24x7, life with a newborn is not easy and your body undergoes physical, hormonal and emotional changes. Here are a few tips and tricks about how to care for yourself as well as your baby in the exciting but often frustrating first weeks post birth.
BREASTFEEDING BASICS
Breastfeeding is a natural process but it can be difficult for some new mothers. Nursing is smoother for women who breastfeed their babies within an hour of delivery. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the hospital. Most hospitals have lactation consultants on staff. After getting home, it’s essential to let your baby a nurse whenever he/she wants during the first six weeks. Trying to establish a feeding schedule too early however can backfire by interfering with your milk supply. Go slow and don’t worry about having enough milk. Remember the more your baby consumes, the more your body will produce.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BABY’S EATING PATTERN
Don’t try and get your baby on feeding schedule as each child has her own unique pattern and rhythm. While some babies need to be fed every two hours, others would like to be fed every hour only during night and would sleep through the day. You would get used to your baby’s pattern in a few days. Keep a watch on your baby’s urine output as six to eight wet nappies in 24 hours indicate good milk intake.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BABY’S DIGESTION
Maintaining baby’s gas and digestion are one of the biggest challenges. Some babies face a serious case of gas, so much so that they are difficult to put to sleep. Follow the elbow-to-knee trick, which instantly removes baby’s gas. Lie your baby down on his back. Move his right elbow and left knee towards each other in a way that they seem to be touching each other. Do the same with the other elbow and knee.
DON’T KEEP YOUR BABY AWAKE LONGER THAN AN HOUR AND A HALF
Babies can only stay awake for small periods of time during initial months. What needs to be understood is that they don’t just fall asleep when they feel tired. If they’re over stimulated, hungry, unco-mfortable or tired, they have a hard time falling asleep. Be conscious of how long your baby has been awake. An hour-and-a-half is about the most a newborn can stay awake. Don’t hesitate to put your baby down for a nap even when he’d only been awake for 45 minutes or an hour. Your baby will be less cranky and overtired and instead would welcome the next nap.
DON’T FORGET TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
While taking care of the baby all-day long, do not forget to take care of your own body. Drink adequate amount of fluids as well ensure you are having a well-balanced diet. Catch as much rest as possible especially when the baby is sleeping as well. Co-sleeping with your baby is an excellent way to ensure you both get some good sleep.
INVOLVE YOUR PARTNER
Despite all the efforts, there would be times when you feel that you are unable to do enough. Don’t think twice to involve your partner in the care of the baby. This will not only lighten your load but also give your partner confidence as a parent. Don’t shy away from asking for help. Seek support of family and friends as well as professionals whenever you feel that things are seemingly daunting.