So you’ve got a newborn…
Congratulations! Having a new baby is very exciting, and very exhausting! The hours will blur into days and suddenly you will look up from feeding and rocking your newborn and it will have been six weeks!!
Our Newborn Care guide is designed to take away the ‘so what do we do now’ feelings that will overwhelm you when you leave the hospital.
We’ve condensed everything so you have a quick reference; you will find more detail on most of these topics elsewhere on the website.
We recommend you print this page and stick it on the fridge, so that you’ll have a handy reference for when you need it the most!!
The MummyandTummy Newborn Care Guide
So you’ve got a newborn… She’s been bought home and you’ve shown her the new nursery, all those carefully folded clothes, the new bassinet… And now what?
Remember the Golden Hour!
Your newborn needs lots of sleep and following the Golden Hour will prove a lifesaver during these next few weeks. Once your baby is up, feed her, burp her, change her, wrap her and put her back to sleep (however you have decided to do this – rocking, sling or in bed). During these first few weeks, your baby wants to be cuddled and reassured by her close family and you cannot spoil her by doing this.
Keep A journal
You can record feeding times (and sides if you are breastfeeding), sleeping times, unsettled periods (allowing you to see a pattern if one develops) and any special moments. You can also write down your feelings, helping reduce stress and identify any problems.
Feeding
Your baby may feed as often as two-hourly or up to four-hourly during these first few weeks. If you are demand feeding (excellent for building up your milk supply) you can feed as often as she appears hungry. She will be demonstrating her hunger by ‘rooting’ against your top, or if you place your finger by the side of her mouth, she will turn her head towards it. Crying is a last resort if you miss this cues.
Remember that breastfeeding is a learned art, and as such, it may be difficult and painful at times. Seek help from your midwife or lactation consultant to ensure you are sitting and positioning correctly and to identify any problems.
If you are bottle or formula feeding, make sure you familiarise yourself with sterlising and other information on our website.
Burping
Try different ways to suit your baby. Supporting her neck and head and holding her upright against your chest, laying her across your arm, gentle patting on her back. Often laying her on the bed/floor and then picking her up can help.
Changing
Your baby will go through heaps of little nappies!! Changing her every time you feed is a good reminder, remember your baby may get more nappy rash if she is sitting in a wet nappy for too long. There is no need for powders/creams etc if she is cleaned and dried well although barrier cream works well for rashes and powder gets rid of the moisture in creases.
Baby needs to be in clean, dry clothes so you may go through a few changes in a day!
You can tell if your baby is warm enough by feeling the back of her neck. She will generally need one more layer than you – a singlet (woollen or merino in winter) and an all-in-one suit, followed by her clothing. Remember that wrapping is counted as a layer!!
Settling
Your babe has made an incredible journey from one world to another – she will be understandably upset!! She may also be crying if she is overtired, hungry, dirty nappy, windy or generally unsettled (foods affecting breastmilk, travelling etc). Once you are certain you have met her needs and if she is still crying, try:
Rocking the bassinet, bouncer, pram
Going for a drive to lull her to sleep
Rocking her in your arms
Using music/singing
Using a sling
If she has been crying continuous for two hours, see a doctor.
Look after Yourself
The vaccuming and dusting does not need to be done. Instead, lay down as often as you can. It is very important for you to rest as much as possible in the first six weeks, including day naps when your baby is sleeping. If you cant rest, grab a magazine and put your feet up instead.
You must also eat well. Enjoy all the frozen meals you prepared before baby arrived. Eat small snacks often – fruit, yoghurt, crackers and cheese, muesli bars etc.
It absolutely vital that you drink lots of water so have a sipper bottle or glass of water. Always have water nearby whenever you sit down to feed your baby.
Go with the Flow
Some days will be harder than others. It will get easier!!! Two little mantras to chant to yourself! Take each day as a new start and go with the flow. Babies pick up on stress and so they will be unsettled if you are feeling unsettled. Ask for help from family, friends, your midwife, Plunket or healthline.
Don’t worry if you haven’t had a shower and are in your PJs at 4pm (unless it’s the third day in a row!!). Don’t worry about the cobwebs or your second-cousins birthday that you missed. Relax and have a nap instead – you’ve just had a baby!!
Enjoy
No matter what, make these first few weeks special. You will hardly remember this blur in a few months so take lots of photos. Keep a journal. Smile and sing to your baby, relax and enjoy feeding and cuddling her.
Cuddle your partner– its easy to become baby-orientated but make sure you get couple-time too!!
