After giving birth it is important to focus on recovery and spend some quality time with your little one. Post delivery involves a lot of learning during the first few days of parenthood.
Ask for Advice
The doctors and nurses in the labor and delivery ward are experts and can give you great advice about how to care for yourself and your newborn. Do not be afraid to ask plenty of questions because they will be happy to help you. They will provide feeding and nursing tips, changing and bathing tips for your new baby and helpful tips for you to recover after giving birth. Learn as much as you can while you are still in the hospital. The hospital’s goal is to help you get off to a good start with your baby and to educate you about newborn care.
Try Not to Stress
Many parents are surprised when their newborn does not look like a pudgy Gerber baby that they have seen in movies and the media. Newborns often have red tinted skin and thin limbs. Many new moms encounter issues with breastfeeding but do not worry because lactation consultants and healthcare providers are there to help you. The nurses and doctors will take great care of you and your baby so there is no need to stress. They will help you achieve your goals but sometimes this will take time. Trust your instincts and seek support whenever you need it.
Sleep
Sleep is so important especially as you recover after giving birth. While you are in the hospital take advantage of the fact that the nurses will take care of your newborn so you can get some rest. Remember to “sleep when baby sleeps” whenever possible because your baby will need to eat every 2 to 3 hours around the clock. Getting enough sleep is essential for your postpartum recovery and emotional wellbeing. You will want to be well-rested to be able to best care for your new baby. If your friends and family ask how they can help suggest that they give you freezable home-cooked meals and help with errands instead of gifts or flowers. This will give you more time to rest and focus on spending quality time with your baby.
Practice Swaddling
Babies love being swaddled especially right after birth because it resembles a womb-like atmosphere. Learn how to swaddle from the nurses in the hospital and practice while you are there so you will be an expert by the time you get home. Swaddling helps to soothe and get your baby to sleep. Your baby may resist and cry at the process of being swaddled but once they are swaddled they will be much more likely to go to sleep.
Keep Baby Awake During Feeds
Most newborns are very tired and often fall asleep when they are feeding especially while breastfeeding. In order for them to get the nutrients and calories they need it’s important to ensure that they are staying awake for feedings. They should be eating at least every two to three hours around the clock for the first few days. You will probably need to wake your newborn for some of these feedings. The longer he goes without enough calories, the more sleepy he will become. Your baby may pause for 5 to 10 seconds during a feed. But if he doesn’t latch again, use waking techniques to stimulate him.
- unwrap him from blankets
- nudge his cheek with your finger
- rub his arms and legs
- blow lightly on the top of his head
- place a cool washcloth against his skin
Post delivery is an exciting time but it can also be stressful. Try not to worry and rely on the expertise of the nurses and doctors at the hospital. Ask all the questions and learn everything you can so that you’re ready for a successful time at home with your new baby.
For more helpful post delivery tips check out Newborn 101.
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