The First Six Weeks: What nobody tells you about the newborn stage.
Every family, child & baby is unique. The first few weeks of the fourth trimester are about getting to know your baby, learning how to adapt and becoming a new little family, while also recovering from birth.
It’s okay to not know what to do or where to begin, I am here to help you with some advice and support. Your newborn’s needs have changed since they have been born and responding to these needs will help them feel happy, calm and safe.
Your baby’s skin is so delicate, so will need frequent nappy changes to ensure they don’t get sore. The first few nappy changes are something to be warned about as it can sometimes cause worry because of the colour and texture. The first poo is called Meconium, it looks tar like, it is sticky in texture with a greenish – black colour. After a few days the poo will change to a mustard /green colour.
The umbilical cord normally takes between five and ten days to fall off naturally. Because the cord is clamped at birth it can sit awkwardly for nappy changes, so when changing your baby’s nappy put the nappy tabs under the cord so it doesn’t touch it. Keep it clean by using cotton wool pads and cooled boiled water, gently wiping away any dried blood from the area.
Cradle cap is very common and a harmless skin condition. Your baby maybe born with it or it can appear anytime during the first two years of your baby’s life. Don’t be tempted to pick at it or pull it off as this can cause infections and make it sore, instead moisturise your baby’s head with coconut oil to help soften the flakes.
After feeling safe and secure in the womb, swaddling will help to recreate this feeling for your new baby. There are swaddle bags that you can use or use a large swaddle muslin. Swaddling will also help your baby sleep more soundly due to them not being woken by their Startle Reflex (Moro Reflex), which is when their arms and legs jerk. The movement in the swaddle is so small they will settle back to sleep or not even wake.
You may find your baby doesn’t want to be put down or be far away from you, this is completely normal; you are all they have ever known. I always recommend both parents doing lots of skin to skin, it has so many benefits for both baby and parents. From bonding, to helping to regulate baby’s heart rate and body temperature. It is incredible what a cuddle can do from your baby as it can increase the Mother’s milk supply (if breastfeeding/expressing). Skin to skin can also help prevent anxiety and postnatal depression.
If you are finding they don’t want to be put down but you need to get on with things you can always pop them in a baby carrier and wear them, this will help them feel reassured as they will be able to hear your heart beat and feel the warmth of your skin.
Talking to your baby with a soft voice or singing to them is very reassuring as they know your voice. This will also help promote their language development as they grow, I always recommend talking through what you are doing with them as it can help them understand what is going on with their new surroundings as they get older.
If you are breastfeeding, combi or bottle feeding your baby, the best thing you can do is to be organised. Minimise your chances of going into any feed feeling stressed. Have the bottles sterilised, muslins at the ready, & have the cushions laid out so that you are comfortable.
Winding your baby is important, if you don’t they will be very uncomfortable and could potentially bring up the milk you have just given them. I suggest winding twice a feed, once at the mid-point of a feed and then again at the end of a feed. The mid-point wind will help your baby to take a moment from feeding, bring up the air and then be ready to take on the rest of the feed. Keeping your baby relaxed when winding is my top tip, as a relaxed baby is much more likely to bring up wind than a baby who is crying or tense.
Babies don’t necessarily need to be bathed every day, you can ‘Top & Tail’ instead, by washing their face, neck, hands and bottom just using a bowl of warm water & a flannel or cotton wool pads rather than bathing them fully, just make sure to keep them warm while Topping and Tailing. If and when you start a routine, I always like to start at bath & bedtime, keeping that time pretty consistent.
Sleeping with a Newborn is every parent’s concern and everyone will say sleep when the baby sleeps, but we know that no sooner have you laid down the postman will probably knock at the door!
Make sure to follow safe sleeping guides:
Keep the baby in the same room as you to sleep.
Place your baby on their back, with their feet at the foot of the cot.
Make sure to have a new firm, flat and waterproof mattress.
Ensure the cot is clear, with no loose blankets or bedding.
Check that your baby doesn’t get too hot or cold. Have a room thermometer and keep the room between 16-20°C degrees.
There is no rush to have a routine and you might fall into one without planning it, again this is fine. Equally having a routine will help to regulate your baby’s body clock, also known as their circadian rhythm.
Establishing a good routine should give you confidence to go out, be it to the shops, doing a feed / nap whilst you’re out, or simply just going for a walk to get a coffee and some much-needed fresh air.
About The Author:
Prue is the founder of A Mother’s Touch which offers a variety of services to help parents all the way through parenthood. She offers bespoke packages and courses to help you navigate through each stage of your child’s life, from pregnancy all the way through to the teenage years.
You can find further information at https://prudencebeeby.co.uk/ or @prudence.beeby