Baby and Infant Care
Welcoming a newborn baby into your life is a momentous occasion. The first few weeks of your newborn's life are crucial for both the baby and the new mummy. As you embark on this beautiful journey, understanding what to expect can help ease some of the anxieties and make this period more enjoyable. In this blog post, we will delve into your baby's development, their innate reflexes, and the essential aspects of the new mummy's recovery, and the invaluable support a confinement nanny can provide during this time.
Newborn Baby's Development in the First Weeks
Physical Development
In the initial weeks, your newborn baby will undergo significant physical changes. They will start to lose the fine hair (lanugo) that covered their body in the womb, and their skin might peel a bit, which is entirely normal.
Your baby's umbilical cord stump will dry out and fall off, usually within the first two weeks. Ensure you keep the area clean and dry to prevent any infection.
Reflexes
Newborns come into the world equipped with several reflexes that are essential for their survival. Here are a few reflexes you might notice:
Rooting Reflex: This helps the baby find the breast or bottle to begin feeding. When you stroke your baby's cheek, they will turn their head and open their mouth, ready to latch on.
Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex): When your baby is startled by a loud noise or sudden movement, they will throw their arms out, arch their back, and then bring their arms back in. This is a normal reflex and usually disappears by around 4 months of age.
Grasp Reflex: If you place your finger in your baby's palm, they will grasp it tightly. This reflex can be seen from birth and will start to fade by around 5 to 6 months.
Baby's Sleep Patterns
Newborns sleep a lot, typically around 16 to 18 hours a day. However, this sleep is fragmented into short periods because they need to feed every 2 to 3 hours. Establishing a sleep routine can be challenging, but it's important to be patient and flexible as your baby adapts to the new world.
New Mummy's Recovery
The postpartum period is a time of physical and emotional recovery for new mothers. Here's what to expect:
Physical Recovery
Uterine Contraction: After birth, your uterus will continue to contract to return to its pre-pregnancy size. These contractions can be quite uncomfortable.
Lochia: You'll experience vaginal bleeding and discharge, known as lochia, for several weeks after delivery. This is your body's way of expelling the extra blood and tissue from the uterus.
Perineal Discomfort: If you had a vaginal delivery, you might have perineal discomfort or stitches.
Emotional Recovery
The hormonal changes after childbirth can lead to a rollercoaster of emotions. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or weepy, often referred to as the "baby blues." However, if these feelings persist or intensify, it might be a sign of postpartum depression, and seeking professional help is important.
The Role of a Confinement Nanny
A confinement nanny, also known as a postpartum doula, can be a lifesaver during the first few weeks of your newborn's life. Here's how they can help:
Expert Newborn Care: A confinement nanny is skilled in newborn care, including feeding, bathing, and soothing the baby, allowing new parents to rest and recover.
Support for New Mummies: They provide invaluable support to new mothers, assisting with breastfeeding, offering guidance on recovery, and helping manage household tasks.
Establishing Routines: With their experience, confinement nannies can help establish feeding and sleeping routines, making the transition smoother for both the baby and the parents.
Emotional Support: They offer emotional support and reassurance, helping new parents gain confidence in their parenting skills.
Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and a confinement nanny can provide the expert care and support you need to navigate this precious but challenging time. Embrace each moment, and know that with each passing day, you and your baby are growing and learning together.
Everything you need to know about joining Aunty SG as a babysitter or confinement nanny.
