Your newborn baby needs you, and it's easy to be overwhelmed at the idea of meeting those needs. The truth is, it's probably easier than you think. Give your baby food, clean clothes and a clean diaper, a comfortable sleep environment and your love. Repeat those steps many, many times a day, and within a very short amount of time you will be a mothering pro.
Feeding
For a few days after the birth, a healthy baby born at term loses 5 to 10 percent of his birth weight, which he should gain back over the course of two weeks. Follow your baby's signs of hunger that include rooting around, opening his mouth and sucking or licking. Crying is a late stage sign of hunger at which point feeding becomes more difficult, so when possible try to anticipate your baby's desire to eat.
Breastfeeding
The World Health Organization recommends that exclusively breastfeeding for at least six months is the healthiest way to feed your baby. If you breastfeed, the important thing is that your baby gains weight steadily, and urinates and defecates regularly -- indications your baby is getting enough milk. Breast milk is digested faster than formula, so generally a breastfed baby will feed more often than a formula-fed baby. It is more difficult to put a breastfed baby on a schedule, and for breastfeeding success it is recommended your baby feed on demand every few hours around the clock to stimulate milk production. Contact local breastfeeding support groups or La Leche League for more information.
Bottle Feeding
If you can't breast feed, bottle feeding is the way to go. Follow your pediatrician's recommendations regarding which formula is best, but rest assured the contents of all formulas are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration for their safety and nutritional value. Slowly increase the amount of formula you give your baby at each feeding and the amount of time between feedings. Always give formula to a newborn in a clean and sterilized bottle. The water used to make the bottle should be at room temperature or slightly warmer.
Sleeping
Sleeping is one of the most important things a baby does. Initially, a baby may have her nights and days mixed up, but before long and with a little help, you can get her sleeping between 10 and 18 hours per day. Help your baby sleep by darkening her room, rocking her, singing to her, making sure she isn't hungry and her diaper is dry, making sure she isn't too hot or cold, swaddling her, making white noise, using a pacifier or by sharing sleep. Always put a baby down on her back without any toys or blankets to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Recognize the early signs of sleepiness that include a far-away look, turning the head away from visual stimulation, general fussiness and yawning.
Clothing and Diapering
Change a baby's diaper when it is soiled. Change your baby's diaper either before or after a feeding and when your baby wakes up. Protect a baby's skin with powders or ointments, and use wipes or cotton to help clean the diapered area. Dress newborns warmer than you, especially ones with a low-birth weight because they have a harder time maintaining their body temperature. Dress them with one layer more than you feel comfortable wearing. If a baby's body temperature is low, help heat her up by cuddling with her under a warm blanket, bare skin to bare skin.
Bathing and Umbilical Cord Care
Newborns don't actually get very dirty, and because their umbilical cord stump is sensitive and prone to infection, give the baby a sponge or washcloth bath with warm water and baby soap until the cord heals. Help the cord heal by keeping it clean and dry. Make sure his diaper and clothing aren't rubbing against the stump. Ask your doctor if she recommends cleaning the stump with sterilized cotton only or with alcohol as well. After the cord falls off, begin bathing your baby in a shallow tub or basin. Use warm water that is cooler to the touch than you can stand and never leave your baby unattended.
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