Now that you have gone through nine months of your body changing and developing a newborn baby, you are now left with the task of caring for your beautiful child.
You have been released from the hospital and you and your baby will be going home to start a brand new life.
It is not uncommon for you to be feeling a bit overwhelmed at this time. This may be your first baby and you may be unsure of how to care for your newborn baby.
You are not alone in this feeling because there are numerous new mothers who have felt the same way you do. They developed the skills for taking care of their babies and you will too.
Do Not Be Afraid of Asking for Help
Before you leave the hospital the nursing staff will be able to provide you with all kinds of useful information to help you with the post natal care of your baby. They will be able to help you decide whether you want to breast feed or bottle feed.
Your nurses will be able to help you to make the best decision for your newborn baby. They can also assist you in the art of changing diapers, burping your new baby, plus information on their every day care.
The nursing staff in your hospital’s maternity ward is properly trained in all the care that a newborn baby needs.
Friends and Family Can Assist You
You do not have to feel like you are on a deserted island when you have friends and family who have raised their own children around to help.
Ask them to help you with things you do not quite understand about your baby’s care. Especially ask your mother for her advice. Who better to know what she is doing than the person that gave birth to you.
Things to Do to Keep Your Baby Safe
Holding your baby should be done in a specific way. Babies are not able to hold their heads up when they are newly born.
You will need to hold your baby’s head and neck cradled in your hand or the bend of your arm for support while your other arm is supporting their tiny body. You should also be careful and do not let your baby be shaken for any reason. [Shaken Baby Syndrome]
It can cause bleeding in their brain. Shaking a baby can lead to death. You should gently touch your baby to nudge them if you are trying to wake them up.
Another thing you can do for your child’s safety is to make sure they are securely fastened in a car seat when you travel, starting with the trip home from the hospital.
There are so many new things that you will be learning now that you are a new mother. Some things will come naturally to you. The best thing for you to do is to trust your motherly instincts. Nobody will know your baby the way you do.
