There has been a sharp decline in joint family system lately. Most couples prefer to stay away from their families after marriage. Though it is a matter of convenience on the couple’s part, it comes with its own set of disadvantages as well. Especially, when they have a new baby and they do not know how to handle it. It is quite a hard task to take care of a newly born. In particular, initial weeks after baby’s birth is the hardest time of all. They have no idea why the baby is crying, is it because of hunger or is it because of some other reasons. It only creates more confusions and anxiety.
Baby need special care from the day it arrives at home from the hospital. After its birth, the baby starts to develop a special affinity towards its mother. But, it’s quite necessary that father, grandfather, and grandmother take part in taking care of it and reduce the burden of the new mother. They should get to know the reasons for baby’s crying and screams.
Sufficient amount of milk secretion
Naturally, every new mother will have sufficient level of milk secretion for their baby. Milk secretion for first three days will be less, but it will be sufficient for the baby. Later, this quantity will gradually increase depending upon baby’s needs. So, it is not necessary to assume that baby always cries for milk and be worried about it.
We can get to know if the baby gets the necessary amount of milk through its sleep. If the baby sleeps for 3 to 4 hours after breastfeeding, it is a sign that it gets sufficient quantity of milk. For the first six months, babies do not need anything except mother’s milk. This includes water as well.
Urinating and Pooping frequencies
Babies will urinate once an hour, it is quite normal. At the least, they poop for five times a day. During the initial months, babies will drink milk, urinate, and poop. This will happen one after another. So better be prepared for it.
Babies that doesn’t sleep at nights
When the baby was in the womb, mother’s speeches, talks, conversations, and movements will seem like singing lullaby to the baby. This will keep them sleeping during the day. During the night, when the mother sleeps, the baby will think that lullaby has stopped so it will stay awake. This sleeping cycle continues for the baby after its birth and this cycle can even last for first few months. This will make them sleep during the day and be awake at night. But, as the days pass by, this sleeping cycle will start to change.
Babies can even sleep for 18 hours a day
During the first month of baby’s birth, it will sleep for 12 to 18 hours a day. Moms can breastfeed the baby once in every three hours interval. There is absolutely nothing to be worried about its sleep. But, if the baby sleeps in excess of 18 hours, get it checked with a Doctor for thyroid problems.
Do new mom’s need special food?
Breastfeeding moms should consume foods for their babies as well. But, that doesn’t mean they should increase their food quantity. They should consume healthy and nutrients rich foods. There is no need for any special foods for milk secretion. The excitement of being a mother is enough to increase the levels of hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin, which will in turn increase the milk secretion. It is quite essential for the mothers to kiss, play, and embrace their babies often. New moms have no restriction on foods. Liquid foods will help with milk secretion.
Special care for Baby’s skin
Baby’s skin is naturally very soft and tender. So, it is quite essential to keep it that way. Applying baby oil all over its body, massaging it gently, and exposing it to mild sunlight before bath is a good practice. This will improve baby’s over all health, and increase its blood circulation. Use only baby soap for its skin. To retain its skin moisture, applying coconut oil or baby lotion over the skin surface is necessary. They should always wear cotton cloths, refrain from using synthetic fabrics. Using light coloured cloths will make it easy to spot out any insects or mosquitoes over baby’s clothing.
Crying is baby’s language, so do not fear
Only way babies express their discomfort is through crying. So, do not come to a conclusion that the baby is crying because it needs milk. If the baby doesn’t stop crying even after breast feeding, check if there are any insects on its clothing, or its cloths are too tight. Make sure if its breathing is comfortable, check if there are any ornaments in baby’s body that is making it to cry. Apart from these, stomach pain, and sprain could also be the reason. If there is constant crying and the parents couldn’t figure out the reason for it, then it is better to take it to a specialist.
Do not allow multiple persons to handle the baby
During the initial days of baby’s birth, many people would want to visit it and handle it as well. It is better to not to allow them to handle the baby, but if it is unavoidable, the person can be asked to wash their hands clean with hand sanitiser before handling the baby. Additionally, sneezing, coughing, kissing the baby with mouth, and similar activities must be avoided.