Newborn Baby Health
From LoveToKnow Baby
Babies don't come with instructions which makes it quite difficult when you are concerned about your newborn baby's health. In fact, for many women, the first time they hold their baby might just be the first time they have ever held a baby, or at least cared for one. No wonder taking care of a newborn can be a daunting task! Newborns, although small in stature, require constant attention and care. If you are a first-time mom or it has simply been a while since you've handled a newborn, you may feel a bit intimidated. Don't worry. You're not alone!
Newborn Baby Health and Daily Demands
If your baby has already arrived, you've probably discovered that there isn't much rest for the weary...you. Your newborn will require round-the-clock attention, and no matter how much you adore him, there is only so much sleep-deprivation you can take. Be sure to lean on family and good friends to help you through these next few trying weeks. Sleep when your baby sleeps, if possible. Of course, this may be difficult if you already have another child or two at home. Still, you'll be able to handle everything much better if you are well-rested.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding your infant, things may not be going as smoothly as you'd pictured before your baby was born. Don't give up, though, since breastfeeding has been shown to be the best feeding method for your newborn baby's health. It may take you a month to become at ease nursing your child. Sore and cracked nipples can be discouraging. Use pure lanolin to keep them moist between feedings. Proper positioning of the baby's mouth during feedings will prevent soreness. Learning to help your baby latch on can take practice. If you begin to feel overwhelmed and need some help, contact your ob-gyn or pediatrician to get the names of recommended lactation specialists or contact your local [La Leche League] for guidance and support.
Formula
With so many formulas on the market, how do you know which is best for you baby? Hopefully, your pediatrician has already steered you in the direction of a good formula. If not, don't hesitate to ask for her recommendations. That is what she is there for! You also may be confused over which bottle to choose. Again, your pediatrician can help you, but you can also do a little experimenting to see which nipple your infant responds to the best.
Sleep
Babies sleep a lot, but only in short spurts. Don't worry about your newborn baby getting on a schedule just yet. That will happen gradually. Until then, let her sleep when she wants to. You can encourage more wakefulness during the day by keeping her in a well-lit room around noise and activity. Then, when it is bedtime, keep the lights down low and your voice quiet. She'll get the idea soon.
Baby Blues
You are suppose to fall immediately in love with your baby, right? Don't be so sure. You may take one look at the squalling, red-faced infant in your arms, and think to yourself, "What have I done?" Again, you are not alone in these feelings. Part of the problem is simply that your baby is a virtual stranger to you. Do you instantly fall in love and bond with others that you meet? Probably not, and the same may be said for your first meeting with your child.
On the other hand, you may be enamored of your infant immediately after her birth, only to be overcome with exhaustion a few days later. That's when the doubts begin to cloud your mind and heart. Again, you're not alone. Time will heal much of what you are feeling, and before too long, you'll wonder how you could have ever not simply adored your baby.
But what happens if you don't feel that way? The baby blues is a common term for women who feel depressed, lethargic, uninterested, and even resentful of their infants. Part of the reason you may be feeling this way is the fact that you are just exhausted. Hormones are to blame for the majority of those baby blues feelings. However, if you continue to feel depressed, you may be suffering from a more severe case of the baby blues called [post-partum depression]. If so, contact your doctor as soon as possible. There is help for you.
You Know Best!
Finally, you'll probably receive lots of unsolicited advice from family, friends, and even strangers about your newborn baby's health, care and feeding! Listen to whom you want, follow the advice you like, and ignore the advice you don't like. Only you and your partner will understand best how to take care of your baby. Trust your instincts, but don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
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