Taking care of a newborn, especially for first-time moms, can be challenging. It may even be frustrating as your newborn is unable to articulate exactly what he/she wants. How we wish we can have device to read their minds! Nevertheless, I have curated some tips that I hope can be helpful for all mothers to understand and meet your newborn’s needs.
Breastfeeding Tips
Be mentally and physically prepared in breastfeeding.
Be mentally and physically prepared in breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can be physically and emotionally demanding. You can read up more beforehand to know what to expect and how to tackle the challenges.
Learning the correct breastfeeding techniques requires time and patience.
Ensuring a good, deep latch will prevent breastfeeding problems like sore nipple, breast engorgement and plugged ducts. You can get a lactation consultant to help you get the right techniques.
Support from family and friends is a great help to overcome breastfeeding difficulties.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially from those that have gone through this journey before – they are more than willing to help. Emotional support is important too.
Cater your own personal time for rest and relaxation.
Taking care of your baby is exhausting, therefore, you need to take care of yourself to avoid burnout.
Have a well-balanced diet.
In order to stay healthy and have a good milk supply, you need to have a well-balanced diet. Remember to eat well!
Neat Diaper Changing Area
Ensure that you have packed the necessary items.
Like wet wipes, diaper rash cream, clean diapers, changing mat and hand sanitiser to minmize your own panic attack in times of emergency.
Talk and engage with your baby and locking eye contact with baby.
This will soothe your child and make him or her feel secure and loved.
Never leave your baby unattended.
They are quick in action, you will never know when they can roll off.
Change soiled diapers regularly to avoid diaper rash.
Allowing baby’s skin to breathe for a few minutes between changes.
Diapers should not be worn too tight or too loose.
It is to prevent leakage and discomfort.
Sleeping 101
A baby who doesn’t get enough sleep is harder to manage, easily irritable, cries often and is more demanding. Parents may become tired, stressed, worried and frustrated as a result. Having a good sleep routine is therefore crucial – so that both you and your baby get much-needed rest.
Swaddle baby helps.
It mimics the warm cocoon-like-atmosphere of a mother’s womb which will soothe and comfort your little one.
After feeding, remember to burp your child.
They will sleep better after a feed and burping helps prevent digestive discomfort.
Set a good pre-bedtime rituals.
Once lights are off, place baby into the cot. Do not rick, walk or feed your child to sleep as he or she may be conditioned to understand these as pre-bedtime rituals.
Ensure a safe sleep environment.
The cot must be secured and placed in a safe area. Check that there is nothing in the cot, like pillows, blankets and toys, to prevent suffocating your child.
You can never do everything right, but what we can do is to do our very best in our preparation on the arrival of our newborn. There is always a saying, by failing to prepare, you are prepared to fail. Not to worry, with our tips above, it can help to ease your stress and worries. Happy baby = Happy mum 🙂