This post is for you hormone raging, lactating, sleep deprived mommas. Not knowing what to expect and how to deal with each situation a new baby can bring can be nerve racking. Just what you need! Here are some tips to help you deal.
Jaundice
About half of all babies have mild jaundice, which gives the skin a yellowish tint. It is caused by too much bilirubin. Your worst case scenario- your little one may need blue light therapy. These days they will deliver the lights right to your door!
Umbilical Cord
Give the baby sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off. They don’t get very dirty! Keeping it dry will help it fall off faster- usually within two weeks. If it bleeds a little it’s ok, and if it gets wet pat it dry.
Soft Spot
The soft spot can handle some handling, (not that you want to be “handling” it per-say) but combing over it is fine. It will pulse because it’s directly over the blood vessels covering the baby’s brain.
Feeding
Baby’s will let you know if they are getting enough to eat- and if they aren’t! Newborns lose 5 to 8 percent of their birth weight within the first week, but should gain it back by the second. Counting diapers also helps. After about 5 days you should see 5 to 6 wet diapers and at least one or two poops. Speaking of poop, it comes in a rainbow of colors. All are okay, except for white, red, or black unless it’s right after birth.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is common for newborns. After being soaked in liquid for 9 months, and then they hit the air…. well we would be dry too! Acne is also common but goes away after a couple of months. Weleda’s calendula products are great for newborns- it’s hypoallergenic and have a baby starter kit.
Going stir crazy
Having a newborn doesn’t mean you have to become a hermit. Use common sense when going out- keep the baby out of the sun, avoid sick people, and crowded enclosed places. Teach older children to touch the baby’s feet instead of their hands and face. If you don’t want to be the bad guy, have your older child be the hygiene police. “Don’t touch the baby unless you wash your hands!”
Sleep
Babies sleep a lot, but not for a long stretches. The first 3 months babies will eat every 2 to 3 hours or so. Then by 6 months most infants can sleep for 6 to 8 hours. Until then, try to get him on a night and day schedule. Don’t let him sleep for more than 3 hours without waking him up to feed him. At night, let him sleep as long as he wants once he’s regained the weight he lost at birth.
What to Expect the First Year is a great book and I went to it all the time. $17 Amazon.
Enjoy motherhood- it goes fast!
Mariel
Owner & Author at Or so she says...
Mariel (mahr-eeee-elle) is a mother to six, wife to one. Loves homeschooling, golfing, cupcakes, traveling, cuddling, non-fiction books, gardening, James Taylor, family time, and a sexy wedge. This is her blog. Enjoy!
@orsoshesays
Blogger, Promoting Motherhood, Creativity, Great Ideas, Good Food, and Family Values. http://www.oneshetwoshe.com
For all my Utah friends, if you have a kiddo that loves Thomas the Train, he's coming to the Heber Valley... http://t.co/rkrWrkoUbV - 3 days ago
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Good, good stuff. Im also a huge fan of giving babies comfort items like binkis and their own special blanket. It helps them to sleep so much…maybe I shouldnt say too much and do a post on it! Good work, sista! Thanks for taking my day!
Great basic info for any mom!
Cool pictures…but I gotta say, that last one with the babies in the bowl with cherries…a bit strange…