Hello friends!!
Today, we are going to discuss a little about nurturing and caring for the newborn baby who has just arrived!!
Feeding the newborn
A newborn baby should be given breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth.
The amount of breast milk is less in the first few days but the milk is thick and sufficient for the baby.
This thick initial milk (colostrum) is very rich in nutrients and also protects the baby from various diseases.
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Always try to feed the baby in a sitting position.
For the first 5-7 days feed the baby every 2-3 hours, later on, you can feed when baby demands.
Always burp the baby after feeding for 15-20 minutes.
Advantages of breastfeeding
For the mother
- Reduces the pain in stitches
- Reduces the chances of breast cancer
- Helps losing extra calories stored during pregnancy
For the baby
- Provides hygienic and sufficient milk supply
- Protects from infections
- Protects from allergies and asthma
- Provides all essential vitamins and minerals
Some common facts
Newborns pass black stools for the first few days, then, colour changes to yellow.
Around 5-10 days of age, babies may pass 8-15 loose watery stools; this is normal and will subside in next 7-14 days.
Breastfed baby passes 2-3 yellow coloured soft stools per day, but she may pass stool once in 3 -4 days also.
Be alert if there is blood in stools, repeated vomitings, decreased urine output or stools are very hard.
The newborn passes very less urine in first 2-3 days, and then the frequency of urine increases to 6-10 times per day.
The newborn loses around 10% of the birth weight in the first 5-7 days. Then the baby starts gaining weight.
The umbilical cord dries up and falls by around 7-10days on its own. Do not apply anything on it. Once it has fallen, clean it with the spirit or boiled water using cotton twice in a day.
Do not put oil in ear, nose, eye or cord.
Do not apply kajal in eyes of the baby.
Protect baby from both excessive heat and cold.
Clothe the baby with cotton clothes. Put warm clothes over the cotton clothes.
The newborn babies may have small red rashes since birth which fades in 7-10 days. If it increases or does not fade, consult the doctor.
Hygiene tips for baby
Clothe baby with washed clothes daily. Do not use antiseptics for washing clothes. Drying clothes in bright sunlight is the best disinfectant for clothes. On cloudy days, u can use a dry iron to dry and disinfect the clothes.
Either bathe or sponge the baby with warm water daily
Do not use any soap, cream, lotion, powder or oil for first 15-20 days.
Then you can use any glycerine based soap but use only once or twice in one week for the initial 2-3 months. Apply any mild lotion after bath.
Use coconut or olive oil for the massage of the baby. It is best if the massage is given by the mother or any other family member only.
More detailed articles coming up soon on feeding issues and cosmetics for baby
Vaccinate your baby timely and visit your pediatrician for healthy baby checkups as advised!!!!
Enjoy your motherhood!!!