What do you need to know about post-natal care as a new mom?
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Pregnancy can be a hectic journey. Once the baby is born, most people assume the hardest part is done. The opposite of this is true. As a first-time mother, there are things you will struggle to figure out. Knowing what to expect will go a long way to ensure you and your baby live happily after birth. New moms need to know several things about post-natal care.
There will be a lot of blood
One of the things no one tells new moms is how much blood they will shed after birth. It does not matter if you had a vaginal birth or a C-section – your uterus needs to shed that lining. All you need to do is ensure you have enough pads or period pants with you. Pee as often as possible and get a peri bottle to help clean up. Doctors also recommend checking the blood so that the clots are not more than a quarter because that indicates hemorrhaging. However, you should not worry because bleeding will reduce in a couple of days and it will be over in a week or two.
Bathing the baby takes practice
While Lamaze might have made giving your baby a birth look easy, the reality is different. Newborns often look so small, and you might struggle with figuring out how to bathe them. While it might be scary, it does help if you give them regular baths to sleep well. Ensure you get the right products for cradle cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis) and the right baby soap. Since the skin is sensitive, you must ensure you are using baby-friendly products. That way, your baby’s skin will not chap or get rashes.
Get help
You might often think that looking after the baby is easy, but it tends to get overwhelming. It will help if you get a nanny or a nurse to help you and the baby. If you cannot hire someone, talk to your relatives, especially if they have children, since they can help out with your little one. Things can get confusing and frustrating, and having someone to help out ensures you do not get stressed or depressed.
Bonding takes time
One of the things you might have heard as an expectant mom is how most moms feel and instant connection to their baby after birth. As such, it can be confusing if it takes time for you to bond with your newborn. While bonding might seem natural, it does take some time with most people. Knowing and understanding this, you can stop being too hard on yourself and take time to get used to the baby. Spend time with your baby, and before you know it, you have a strong connection with them.
Handle your baby with care
Even though babies are resilient, they are fragile and can easily get hurt. Ensure you wash your hands before holding the child, so you do not transfer germs to them. Newborns cannot control their heads, and throwing their heads back each time can hurt their necks. Always support the head and neck whenever you hold them. The last thing you need to remember is never to shake your baby. It does not matter if you are happy or sad, shaking a baby could cause permanent brain damage. If you feel frustrated with the child, leaving them down for a few minutes as you compose yourself will go a long way to ensure their safety.
Remember to change the diapers
The most surprising thing most moms notice after birth is the number of diapers their child uses. On average, a healthy and well-fed baby should have five full diapers, one of which should be poop. Always ensure your child’s diaper is changed when full. Most diapers come with a wetness indicator, so you get to know if it is full. It is also advisable to change the diaper after a bath and immediately after a poop. That way, your baby does not get a diaper rash, which is hard to clear.
Caring for a newborn can seem like a hard task for first-time moms. No matter what happens, always remind yourself that you are doing your best. Go easy on yourself and the baby as you figure out this new journey. It will all pay off in the end.