Care of New Born

Indeed, being a mother is a blessing! And caring for a newborn is a big task itself. But with the help of right knowledge and few methods, you can completely enjoy each moment while caring for your little newborn. It is time to enjoy caring for your little sweetheart without getting trapped in stress!

While caring for your baby, you tend to become stronger physically, mentally and emotionally to nurture the little baby. Both parents should make the effort to connect with the baby. This makes the little one get connected with his father, which in turn, makes the baby feel emotionally safe and secure. In such environment, the baby matures to be emotionally stronger, more confident and easily get connected with others socially.

Following are the ways through which you can care for your newborn:

• Skin to skin contact
• Care of your baby in the first 24 hours
• Care at home
• Understanding your baby and her/his facial cues
• General care including diapering, massaging, bathing, holding and breastfeeding.
  
  
  

Sacred Hour- Being skin to skin with mother protects the newborn from the negative effects of separation, supports optimal brain development and enables attachment; which promotes the infant's self-regulation over time.

After birth, the mother's body and breasts take over the function of the uterus and placenta in providing warmth, protection, nutrition, and support. Being skin to skin with the mother is the newborn infant's "natural habitat"- the one place where all his needs are met. Skin to skin allows baby to bond with you (mommy). When your baby is against your naked skin, he gets the warmth and security of the womb. Make sure you stay in direct contact for at least the initial 1-2 hours after birth.

It further helps in-

• Increases Heart and Lung function
• Soothes breathing
• Helps in balancing of glucose levels
• Promotes mother-baby bonding
• Encourages breastfeeding
• Reduces crying
  
  
  

Focus on building emotional connection with your baby-

• Throughout the day, make sure you pick up your newborn while holding him close to you.
• Every once in a while, look into your baby's eyes and tell him/her, "Baby, I love you".
• Make sure to stay in touch: cuddling, sweet-talking, fondling, and rubbing.
• Motivate your husband to express his love feelings towards the baby physically.
  
  
  

Tests of the Newborn- After birth, your baby is evaluated by a quick assessment of breathing, reflexes and muscle tone (Apgar score). A score of 7 to 10 is considered normal whereas a score less than 3 shows that the baby needs instant resuscitation. Also, the baby's temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and physical dimensions like weight, length and head circumference is measured. Such measurements determine if the baby's weight and measurements are normal for the number of weeks of pregnancy.

Bathing & Stump Care- The baby's cord should be kept clean and dry. Once the temperature of the baby stabilizes, the first bath is given. You shall lightly pat the stump with a soft cloth. Also, make sure your baby is warm as well as the stump should be dry before putting on a nappy. Using a mild baby oil or vegetable oil to smooth his/her skin after bathing your baby.

Breastfeeding- The key to a healthy baby is within you only! Studies have revealed that the babies who breastfeed for a longer period of time grow a more steady and matured mind. Similarly, having your baby breastfeed the first milk helps him fight all the immoral infections and diseases. The best time considered to begin breastfeeding is the 1st hour or 2nd hour after birth for both mother and the baby. The early feeding benefits in stimulating breast milk production. Also, it results in contraction of the mother's uterus which can help stop the extreme bleeding. Breast milk enhances your baby's brain development and thus lead to a better IQ level.

At Home: Feeding your Baby

• On an average during the first few weeks, you need to breastfeed each 2-3 hours throughout the day and night.
  
  
• Feeding him/her with love whenever he shows he is hungry helps nurture his emotional development, ultimately encourages bonding and attachment.
  
  
• Routine and Sleep Patterns- Most babies do not sleep through properly until 1-2 years of age. Babies need to be fed and comforted every 2 -3 hours. Thus, you can gently reassure the baby by making "schhh" sounds and lovingly pat them to sleep. Also, it is a proven fact that when babies sleep in the same room as their mothers, it helps to regulate their breathing, sleep patterns, heart rate and body temperature.
  
  
• Diapering- You can either use disposable diapers or cloth diapers for your baby. While cloth diapers cause fewer rashes, it may take efforts to clean them. Hence disposable diapers are handier. A newborn may use 50-70 diapers in a week. Learning properly how to diaper a baby is important. If your baby's diaper area gets red, thus make sure you dispose of/change diapers as frequently as may be necessary. Also, apply lotion in the area to soothe it. If you are re-using it, ensure it is washed thoroughly.
  
  
• Baby Bath- Babies should be given an oil massage before bathing 'malish'. After massaging the baby with oil, gently bathe your baby in moderately warm water. Use a mild baby soap to softly clean your baby. After the bath, lift your baby and place him/her on a clean and soft towel and wrap it around your baby's body. Once dry, apply a mild lotion and baby talcum for freshness.
  
  
• Baby Massage- Baby massage helps shapes your baby's body and features and builds strength. Most importantly, babies enjoy massages.
  
  
  

At Home: Feeding your Baby

• Make sure the room is comfortably warm.
• Apply a few drops of coconut or vegetable oil on your palm and gently begin massaging your baby's legs.
• Massage your baby's arms, legs, chest, nipples, neck, gently progressing towards her face and head.
• Do not massage her tummy if it is full.
• Use gentle circular motions with open palms using your finger tips and thumb on the body.
• While massaging, look into your baby's eyes.