Baby Talk - First Weeks with a Newborn

What I was told to expect and actually happened!

• Around-the-clock feedings – Newborns need to eat at least 8-12 times during a 24-hour period. In my experience, my baby was up and eating every 2 hours. You can survive this if you have some help. I pumped breast milk, so someone else (dad, grandmother) was able to take one of the overnight feedings. Every little bit of sleep is wonderful!

• Tracking feedings and diapers – Newborns generally lose some weight between birth and leaving the hospital. Weight gain over the next week is a top priority and will be checked at baby’s early pediatrician appointments. Number of feedings (times and lengths), amount of formula/expressed breast milk eaten, and number of daily wet diapers and poopy diapers need to be recorded. I found it convenient to keep track of this information in my phone, but do whatever works for you.

• Umbilical cord – Pretty straight forward here – Keep it clean and dry by folding the top of the diaper down, so it does not come in contact with the cord. Until the cord falls off, you will need to sponge bathe your newborn. Using a warm damp washcloth, start with the face and work your way to baby’s toes. Only expose the skin that is being cleaned and have a dry towel on hand to wrap baby. My newborn was not happy with her bath, but loved the warm water on her head, as we washed her hair!

• Skin-to-skin contact – Although skin-to-skin contact is highly emphasized in the hospital, it is just as important at home. Mom and dad can continue developing this special bond with baby over the next few weeks.

• Ask for help – You are not wonder woman and don’t need to be! Keeping a list of chores (run errands, do a load of wash, fill the dishwasher, etc.) allows those who want to help to easily do so.

How was your first week home with your newborn ? Please, share.