Congratulations on the birth of your baby!
Having a baby is a special moment in our lives. Is there anything more precious or move more vulnerable than a newborn? This is also a time of worry, a time of parental insecurities. What if something goes wrong? But relax, love, and enjoy your baby. Before long you will know the difference between the cry of hunger and the cry for comfort and the best expert on your child. You will also find that common sense is often the best approach to solving many problems. Always remember that your child is a unique individual period the purpose of this book is to help you understand some of the more common problems unique to newborns and does not intend to prevent you from calling anyone if you have any questions.
General Instructions
All normal babies share many characteristics but have different habits and personalities. They all sneeze, yawn, and have hiccups, pass gas, cough and cry. Many grunt and strain with stools. At times, their eyes look crossed.
Hiccups
Hiccups are harmless contractions-spasms of the diaphragm muscle. They are very common, especially after feedings; they do not bother the baby and they do not need any treatment. They often be stopped by giving a few swallows of warm water.
Crying
Crying is one way to express their needs and send signals of distress saying: I’m hungry, I’m wet, I’m thirsty, and I want to turn over, I’m cold, I’m bored … with time, you will learn to know what the baby means.
There are three typical cries that can be distinguished by volume, pitch and rhythm.
- A cry of pain begins with an inward gas followed by a long, rising shriek. There is a pause until the next painful scream. Soothe the baby by rocking or with music.
- A basic cry rises and falls rhythmically broken up with a breath or a pause. The basic cry means demand for food or attention.
- A grumble cry is the first attempt at communications. It has a low pitch and volume and sounds whimper. Move the child to a different environment and provide new stimulation.
Sleeping
The majority of babies do sleep most of the time between feedings 12 to 20 hours a day some infants are awake for several hours usually they have one to two fussy periods a day. Use this time to play with baby and entertain him. By three months your baby should be sleeping through the night. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that infants be allowed to sleep on their sides or on their back. While awake and playing, the baby will be happier if placed on the back. However, lying on the stomach provides exercise and a chance to work on head control period the mattress should be firm and flat. No need for a pillow. The bumpers may be used to keep arms and legs from getting caught between the crib bars.
Bonding
The close physical and emotional tie between you and baby is essential for child development. Simple activities like cuddling, rocking, touching, singing and talking to a baby stimulate bonding between you and the baby. Remember your baby will give you the most important information, how he or she likes to be treated, talk to, held and confronted. From the other side, your parental instincts will guide you to find the right response
Feedings
Babies, especially during the first few months of life, grow rapidly. Therefore, good nutrition is very important period feeding is one of your baby’s most pleasant experiences. At feeding time the baby receives nourishment from food and a feeling of security. The choice of whether to breast or bottle-feed is up to you. While not identical to breast milk most formulas have approximately as nutritious and digestible as human milk. Whole cow’s milk is not recommended for babies under one year old.
Both you and the baby should be comfortable at the feeding time period both the mother and father should try to participate in this activity. A feeding schedule usually is most satisfactory if it is flexible, allowing the baby to eat when hungry.
Breast Feeding
If your health allows, breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby. The breast milk improves the ability of your baby to fight infections, helps with bonding and development. We strongly encourage breastfeeding Ann will work with you and support you in this endeavor.
Successful breastfeeding is the combined result of practice, patience and proper positioning. Before feeding your baby, rinse the breast with plain water and then Pat them dry. Find a comfortable place to sit with a good back support so you can relax. You may need to help a newborn baby start nursing. While holding your baby gently stroked the cheek near nearest to the breast. The baby will respond by turning his or her head and seeking for the nipple. Pressure of the baby’s mouth on the areola the nipple and dark area around it releases the milk from the breast. You may need to place a finger or two on your breast to keep it away from the baby’s nose. Use both breasts for about 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to begin each feeding with the breast you finished with the previous time. Replace your baby on his tummy after feeding. This will help bring gas bubbles and help him to relax.
Nursing Schedule
An adequate milk supply may take a few days to get established. The frequency of nursing at two to three hour feeding schedule while the baby is awake as best until your milk comes in, and after 96 hours feed on demand. It is not unusual for a breast-fed baby to nurse every two to three hours during the daytime and usually two times during the night the first month period the majority of babies adjust by the first month and then sleep throughout the night. The best way to test if a baby is getting enough milk is adequate weight gain. Also, there are some signs to look for after the first three days from delivery: 6-8 wet diapers within 24 hours, 2-5 bowel movements, 8- 12 feedings within 24 hours, audible sucking and swallowing. Water is not necessary in general when you breastfed a baby. However during the summer months if the temperature is high, the baby may need some extra water and you can offer it between feedings. We recommend Vi-Daylin/F ADC 0.25 milligrams, a vitamin supplement for the breastfed babies after four weeks of age.
Care of the nipples is essential. Air drying after each feeding, the use of Lanolin and a well-fitting nursing bra are all beneficial. Your daily diet should be well balanced and you should also take plenty of liquid. A good reference for breastfeeding is the book, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, published by the La Leche League International. We will be glad to help or refer you to a breastfeeding specialist if necessary.
Supplement with A Bottle
A nursing mother way want to be out without her infant at times period supplements, usually medically indicated, should be avoided for three to four weeks until your milk supply is well established and your baby is latching on to the breast without difficulty. You may wish to supplement the formula Similac with iron ore you may want to try and hand or with a breast pump express your milk into a bottle. Refrigerated fresh milk is should be used within 48 hours. If the milk is to be frozen it should be done immediately in a standard home freezer milk frozen at 18 degrees Fahrenheit may be kept for six months.
Bottle-Feeding
There are several formulas on the market to choose from. They are all very similar and quite adequate. Most are based on either cow’s milk protein such as Similac with iron ore soy protein such as Isomil. Vitamins have been added to the formula, so baby on formula does not need a vitamin supplement. We always recommend using an iron containing formula not iron low. Formulas come in many convenient forms: ready to use, liquid concentrate or powder. If your water does not contain fluoride ask us about a recommended supplement.
Properly prepared formula can be stored in the refrigerator for 48 hours. Sterilization of bottles and water is not necessary. Washing with soap and water and hot water rents or washing the bottles in a dishwasher is adequate. The nipple holes should be the right size, warm infant formula should not drip smoothly without forming a streak period to ensure holes that are too small use a white-hot needle.
It is important that your baby be held while feeding never prop a bottle or leave your baby alone to feed. Hold the bottle so that the neck of the bottle and nipple are always filled with formula. This helps your baby receive formula instead of air. The first few days your baby will probably drink only 1/2 to 1 ounce per feeding, gradually increasing until a month of age when three to five oz per feeding is likely. Remember, not all babies are the same and some need more and some need fewer amounts. Place your baby on his/her tummy after feeding. This will help bring up gas bubbles and help him or her to relax.
Burping
It is important to burp your baby to get rid of any air he or she may have swallowed during the feeding period to burp your baby, hold him in her up right over your shoulder, sitting upright on your lap leaning slightly forward or lying prone face down across your lap and gently Pat or rub the back. Burp your baby several times during as well as after each feeding. Sometimes, a baby will not burp. Do not try to force the baby to burp. If 10 minutes after the feeding the baby does not burp, you can put him or her in the crib.
Bowel Movements
Bowel movements will vary according to whether the baby is breast or formula fed. Keep in mind that occasional variations in color and consistency of the stool are normal period even though your baby may strain, unless the stool is hard and infrequent it is not Constipation. Loose and frequent up to 8 bowel movements are common on breastfed babies. It is normal for some babies to go 5 days or more without a bowel movement. However if you are not certain that the bowel movements of your baby are normal, do not hesitate to call us to discuss the problem.
Introduction of Solid Foods
During the last 60 years recommendations as to when to introduce solid food vary from one month to 15 months. Currently it is recommended to introduce solid foods at ages four to six months. Remember to go slowly when introducing new foods. Allow two to three weeks before you introduce a new category of food like cereal, vegetables, fruits, juice strain, meat or solid table food.
Colic
Abdominal pain in infants is fairly common. It seems that nobody knows the cause of this discomfort, it usually happens the same time every day. Make sure the baby is clean, dry, well fed, and well burped. Walking a baby, rocking and giving him a pacifier may lessen the discomfort. At times we may even suggest a formula change. The use of prescription medications and anti-gas medicine may be justified in difficult cases if all else fails. The baby will outgrow this problem in a month or so, but until he or she does, it may be difficult for both parents and child. Do not give honey to a baby for colic for any reason.