Having a baby is exciting, and a time of adjustment and learning. You want to make sure you do everything right by your baby to give them a healthy start to life. However, you also want to take good care of yourself. After all, a healthy mom is important for a healthy baby.
Here are 7 steps you can take soon after your baby is born.
1. Breastfeed
Breastfeed your baby, if possible, to provide as many benefits to your baby. Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs, and breastfeeding is a great way to bond with your baby. You can have hospital staff help you breastfeed before you discharge to ensure you learn how to do it properly.
2. Have Your Baby Sleep On Their Back
Always make sure to place your baby on their back during sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). You can let your baby sleep on your chest, however, you should be awake and fully aware of the baby.
3. Keep Your Baby Close To You
Don’t leave your newborn unattended. Keep your baby close to you at all times, so you can respond to their needs. This will allow you to learn your baby’s schedule and adapt to it accordingly. Don’t forget to keep giving your baby lots of love and attention, which are critical for development.
4. Keep Cleaning Simple
You do not have to give your baby a bath daily. You can keep your baby clean with the use of baby wipes. Change your baby’s diaper often –every two to three hours or sooner. Be gentle with their umbilical cord stump until it falls off on its own (usually within 1-2 weeks).
5. Accept Help From Others
New mothers need a lot of help and support from their families and relatives. Cooking meals, cleaning the house, doing laundry, and running errands are some of the things you should not hesitate to admit you need help with.
6. Rest
Try to sleep whenever your baby sleeps – the good thing is,newborn babies sleep a lot! Giving birth to and caring for a newborn can be exhausting, which is why you should try to get some rest whenever you can.
7. Schedule an Appointment With A Pediatrician
The baby’s first visit with the pediatrician is a checkup to make sure the baby is healthy, doing well, and to receive important vaccinations. Your baby is ready to see their doctor two to three days after being born.
Schedule Your First Pediatrician Visit Today
The pediatricians at Northwoods Pediatric Center look forward to being your baby’s primary care provider. We will give your baby a thorough examination and provide personalized recommendations on how to maintain your baby’s health. Northwoods Pediatric Center has locations in Spring and The Woodlands.
To schedule your baby’s pediatrician visit, call our office today at (281) 296-7770 or use our online request form. For faster processing, you can fill out our new patient form before your scheduled visit. Our friendly staff looks forward to serving you!
