Getting home with your newborn.....some advice and tips.

I remember when I came home with my newborn for the first time, I was so excited, nervous and a little apprehensive. Here was my little bundle of joy lying in my arms …..and she was depending on me for all of her wants and needs.

What if I forget or overlook something important? What if I fall asleep and not hear her crying? The what ifs….. can be endless! Remember to surround yourself with support people that you trust and depend on to give trustworthy and valuable advice and information, it will help to put your mind at ease!

Who might your options be for those trustworthy people? Well, for me, my mother and older sister who had kids, and also my grandmother. I do advise you however to keep a select few in mind for advice. If you have too many people who you are asking for advice, you may get conflicting accounts on what would be best for you to do. One of the most important things to do is to always trust your motherly instincts. They will never lead you astray!

Remember that your newborn will be waking you up every 2-3hours if you are breastfeeding and every 3-4 hours if you are bottle feeding. Breastfeeding moms will experience “cluster feedings” with their newborns. This occurs when your baby is going through growth spurts and will eat more. This is why it is important NOT to put your breastfeeding baby on a feeding schedule. It will not be in the best interest of your baby and their growth and development. Schedule diaper changes at feedings times. When you lay your baby down for a nap, you should try to get one as well.

Remember to take care of yourself. Schedule time with a family member or friend to watch the baby so that you can take a little “me time”. If you take proper care of yourself, you can take better care of your baby!