Among the tidal wave of new concerns associated with pregnancy comes the thought of life after pregnancy: being a parent. You’ve worked so hard to make sure Baby is happy and healthy in the womb, but what happens when they are free to crawl around the world?
Parenting is the only job that comes with a lifetime contract and no manual, so every new mom and dad will approach it differently. However, all first-time parents may have one experience in common–a mild panic after arriving home from the hospital, acknowledging that they aren’t sure what to do from there.
Helpful resources
At times like these, it can help to find your village. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family members who have experience with newborns. You may think that asking for help reflects poorly on your parental instincts, but the truth is, everyone needs help. If a neighbor offers to drop off a meal, say yes! Visiting a baby group for the first time can feel uncomfortable, but social support from peers in the midst of the same struggles can be invaluable.
Postpartum doulas, lactation consultants and your pediatric provider can all provide different types of support and information. And don’t forget your online community. Whether you want to track feeds, read up on the latest about infant development or chat with community members, Ovia has you covered.
Holding an infant
Infants have unique needs—both physically and from an immune perspective. Their immune systems do not reliably fight off infections. Anyone who holds your newborn should have clean hands and be feeling well. When Baby is riding in a stroller, car seat or other infant carrier/container, make sure they are safely secured and that you’ve checked the relevant manuals for updated instructions for use, including recalls.
Connecting with Baby
When your baby comes home, it can feel like there are hundreds of new tasks to complete. Laundry, dishes, meal prep, and baby care can feel like a huge mountain to climb. In the midst of so many things to take care of, find time to slow down and enjoy the new connections you can make with your baby. Skin-to-skin time, wearing them in a carrier, and just looking into their eyes and singing are all wonderful bonding experiences. Accept help for the tasks and chores so that you are free to pave the way for extra bonding time.
Diaper changes
We all know that infants are basically eating and pooping machines, so you should expect to visit the diaper changing station about 10 times a day. It won’t take long for you and your partner to get the hang of this process. After all, practice makes perfect!
Always have clean diapers, a trash bin, wipes, and rash ointment at your diaper changing station so that you don’t have to run out of the room and leave Baby unattended. A few different diaper areas or baskets can be helpful to minimize going up and down stairs.
Diaper rashes are common but mostly harmless, and they usually go away after a few days. They’re caused by friction with the diaper or overexposure to a moist environment, so feel free to use some diaper-free time in addition to a thick layer of diaper cream.
Baby having lots of blowouts? Try sizing up or a diaper with a rear pocket to contain mess. If pee or poop are leaking out of the legs, look for a diaper with slimmer leg openings until you’re ready to size up!
Feeding and burping
If you’re breastfeeding Baby, you can expect at least 8 quality feedings every 24 hours, and likely a few more that are shorter or less successful. This may happen every 2-3 hours or at really irregular intervals. Following your baby’s hunger cues is your best bet.
Following cues is also important for babies receiving formula! Pacing bottle feeds allows Baby some control over the speed and amount they get each time and may prevent overfeeding. This can mean less gas and less spit-up!
Many babies need a good burping session after feedings, but some babies don’t appreciate all of the repositioning and firm patting if they’ve dozed off during a feeding. Try a few different burping positions (or not burping at all) to see what works best for your little one.
Sleep
Although newborn sleep can be challenging, safety is key. Whether you are using a crib, bassinet, or other separate sleep space, it should be dressed for success. A fitted sheet is all you need. Baby should be placed on their back for every sleep—naps included. Learn all of the details here.
The thought of managing an infant can be intimidating, but everyone gets some on-the-job training for this work! Childcare classes are a great way for you and your partner to learn the basics of attending to a newborn before they arrive. Line up as much support as you can, and know that you are already crafting a safe and loving environment for your family.
