Congratulations on the new addition to your family!!
A new member in the family, especially a baby, can be quite stressful. More so if you are a first-time mother. "What to do..? How to go about doing it..?" are just a few of the many questions that you tend to keep asking yourself.
Here are a few pointers that may help you both when it comes to handling your newborn
•Exclusively breastfeed your baby every 2 to 3 hours. Do NOT feed your baby anything else. Burp baby well after each feed. If you have any difficulties in feeding baby, please reach out to your doctor or consult with Lactation Consultant for guidance. Breastfeeding is best for your newborn and introduction of any formula feeds carries its own risks. Speak to your doctor who will guide you to do what is best for baby.
•Wrap your baby well to keep baby warm. Ensure that baby wears a cap, socks and mittens. Avoid loose blankets or clothing in the crib as these may get entangled and obstruct breathing.
•Newborns do not need a pillow below their heads. Instead, a shoulder roll placed below the shoulders will extend the baby’s head and make baby comfortable.
•Babies should always be placed on their backs while in the crib. Side-sleeping or sleeping on the tummy is strongly discouraged, as it is known to be associated with increase risk of SIDS. (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Avoid co-sleeping as there is always a danger that you or your spouse may roll onto baby and cause suffocation.
•You can help your baby sleep better by setting the right environment, like a comfortable room temperature (20-24 deg C) and dim lighting, all in a quiet room.
•Babies tend to be more awake at night and are usually more fussy at this time. Their crying at night can be quite stressful. The five S's of sleep maybe used: swaddle, side or stomach position, shush, swing, and suck.
Swaddle: use a thin blanket and make sure the room isn't too warm.
Side or stomach position: You can begin to calm your crying or fussy baby by putting him on his side or stomach. This is only to be used for soothing the baby and NOT for sleeping. Once baby falls asleep, put him on his back.
Shush: Put your lips right next to your baby's ear and "shhh" loudly.
Swing: Gently jiggle baby, moving back and forth no more than an inch in any direction.
Suck: Put your swaddled baby to the breast and let baby suck. Sucking may help her relax and calm down.
•Avoid too many visitors and ensure that all guests wash their hands and use a hand sanitizer before touching the baby.
•Do not use talcum powder for baby. Baby lotion may be used after the 2nd week.
•Before your baby leaves the hospital, they are vaccinated with BCG, OPV (oral polio drops) and Hepatitis B vaccines. These usually do not cause fever. Collect your vaccination card before you leave the hospital. Your baby's next vaccination will be at 6 weeks of age.
•It is recommended that your baby undergoes a Hearing Screening Test (OAE testing) in the first week of life. This is done by an audiologist. Inquire with your hospital if it is being done or visit an audiologist.
•Blood tests : Some basic blood tests are usually done at/around 48 hours of life. These tests are done to check for Baby’s blood group, Jaundice and a metabolic screen blood test to rule out certain metabolic disorders that may not manifest immediately. Speak to your doctor about these tests. They will guide you.
For any further information or concerns that you may have, don't hesitate to speak to your doctor.