Refugee woman breastfeeding in a CAR camp, 2008.
Pregnancy, labor and delivery are now behind your back. Congratulations!
Truth be told, there are times you will probably feel like you have no idea what to do or how to do it. I know the feeling, it’s just like that new job when you have to go through orientation, trial and error until you are accustomed to your new role. Give it time, you will soon develop your own system around parenting. Here are a few tips to help you cope.
Tip 1: Get help:
Help is the one thing you need and must get.
Get dad to participate in caring for the baby. Parenting should be a team effort. You will gain a lot by being a tag team; it also draws you close and helps you create the family bond.
Experts like midwives, lactation specialists offer you support as you settle down, counsel and information that helps you learn faster.
Nannies are perhaps one of the most important people at this time. You may not agree but don’t dismiss their help and advice especially if they are experienced. Get one or two as per your needs, assign them duties and allow them to help you as you please.
Friends and family who come to visit you can be very helpful. Give them little chores around the house. Get them to baby sit while you take a nap or a walk out of the house.
Tip 2: Taking care of your baby:
New-born babies can be intimidating at first especially if you are a first time mum. Remember, they too are learning to be who they are…be patient with them and yourself.
Wash your hands before handling your baby. Make this a habit; it helps reduce the risk of passing an infection to your baby as their immunity is not fully built. Get your visitors and all others washing their hands too. A tip I learnt from my dad that, if asking relatives and friends to wash their hands is difficult , offer them a hand sanitizer, it will serve the purpose.
There is no harm in washing your baby if you feel confident about it. If you have not built the confidence, give them a sponge bath. Always ensure they are not exposed to a draught, cover them. The water should be at the right temperature, you can use your elbow to test that.
Handle your baby gently at the beginning as they are delicate. They may not break bones, but they are not strong enough to handle roughness. The head and neck are the most delicate so remember to put one of your hands at the back while lifting, carrying or putting your baby down.
When using a carrier or stroller, ensure your baby is strapped in and well padded.
Tip 3: Bonding with your baby
As mothers, we are privileged to start bonding with our babies during the pregnancy. At birth, the first physical contact begins to create an emotional connection between the baby and the parents. Bonding goes on as we handle and care for the child and this contributes to their emotional growth and general development.
Stroking, cuddling and skin to skin contact are ways we can use to start a bonding process with the baby. The dad can use these ways to initiate and develop a bond with the baby. Gentle massages especially after a bath enhances bonding. This is especially helpful if your baby was born prematurely.
Four more tips coming up this Friday.
image: flickr.com (hdptcar)
Lucy Muchiri
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.