Your baby's home! Here's the ride you're in for

You will be over excited to hold your ‘bundle of joy’ the moment she comes into the world. The early days of a baby’s life are quite challenging, with feedings, diaper changes, sleepless nights and soothing her cries. But all these can be made easier with little preparation. 

This ride will be bumpy, joyous, full of trials and errors, all at once. But we can guarantee that it would be totally worth it! You need to prepare yourself for this and the little one too, and the best way to go about it is by starting with the basics.

Get some help and clean and organise your house before you bring the baby from the hospital. This way you wouldn’t be stressed about cleaning and would know where all the important things are kept. 

Breastfeeding the little one 

You can seek help about lactation much before you give birth. Talking with friends who had a good nursing experience will help you have a higher rate of success in breastfeeding. You can also use hospital resources and avail the nursing classes or a lactation consultant at the hospital. Even the nurse on duty can advise and assist you in breastfeeding. 

Since breastfeeding can take a while, prepare yourself a glass of water, a book or magazine to read while nursing your baby. 

If your breasts are engorged or if you have blocked ducts, a heating pad or a warm wet washcloth would work best for you. You can also soothe your sore breasts after nursing with a cold pack. Ensure that you get a nursing pillow so that you and your little one are both comfortable during nursing times. 

Your newborn baby: A sleeping angel 

Though your newborn sleeps for more than 16 hours a day, it will only be in short bursts. You have to be either feeding her or changing her diapers or consoling her. You will be drained without proper sleep. 

Grandma’s Tip: The best way to give yourself some peace at present is by practising the old adage “Sleep when your baby sleeps.” Take naps together and go to bed early. 

You need to take shifts to rock your cranky baby during night time. On alternate days, you and your partner can take turns. This way, the mom gets some sleep to recoup her health after pregnancy. 

You can feed her, then put her back to sleep and you can fall back to sleep too. 

Soothing the newborn baby 

It is indeed very hard to decipher exactly what your baby wants in the first dismal weeks. However, you will start to learn through trial and error gradually. According to experts, the key to soothe your crying baby is to mimic the womb. This can be done through swaddling, swinging, shushing, and even allowing her to suck and hold her on her sides, which may trigger a calming reflex for your baby. 

Singing lullaby, playing tunes, are likely to calm her. But do not make it a habit. Sometimes a warm diaper can also soothe your baby. 

Involving daddy 

Another important way to relax with a newborn baby is to involve your partner in baby care. In the beginning, he may not be as good as you to handle the little new member, but with love, patience, and perseverance, he will master the art. 

Involving the father at an early age of the little one will encourage him to learn about child rearing and shoulder equal responsibilities as a parent. 

He can do laundry with your baby’s clothes and nappies and also iron them after drying and arranging them in place. Allocate the works he can do independently. He can support you with household chores and lessen the burden. 

You can also inspire him by encouraging him to put your baby on his chest while napping. He would just love the rhythm of your baby and his heart beating together. 

Staying calm and relaxed 

Although you are delighted to be a mom, the monotonous care your baby demands can drain you. You must discover ways to take care of yourself by reducing your burdens and stealing short breaks. 

Many times you will be exposed to unwanted or confusing advice. Listen to them and ignore what you feel does not work with you. As a parent, you decide what is the best for you and your baby. In the first couple of months forget about house chores. You must concentrate on getting to know your baby. 

Suppose anyone complains about the housekeeping or the unwashed dishes, just smile and hand them a duster or the dish wash. Accept help from family members who would love to take care of your baby, while you are having a shower, feeding, or napping. Take it slow and keep it steady!

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.