Giving birth is a difficult process. Once your baby is out and in the world, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief. But you do need to remember that the journey isn’t over yet. Parenting is going to become a huge part of your lifestyle and your identity for the rest of your life. While raising your little one, you’re going to face challenges and hurdles along the way and you’re going to have to continually adapt to meet their needs. The good news is that it’s a process that countless other people have been through, so there’s a wealth of advice out there. Here are some top tips to get the journey started out on the right foot.
Listen to Medical Advice
After giving birth, you’ll receive personalized and tailored advice from your doctor or midwife. It’s important that you follow this advice, whether it’s for you or your baby. You may have special recovery or care instructions for yourself or your little one, especially if there were specific or serious issues during the birthing process, such as brain damage during birth. Take or give medicine as prescribed. This will really help with recovery.
Breastfeeding Versus Bottle Feeding
Choose the feeding method that best suits you and your personal needs. No option is inherently better than the other and, every single year, countless people are born and raising on one, the other, or a combination of both. As long as you are feeding your baby the right amount and meeting their nutritional needs and requirements, everything will be fine. If you are using bottles, make sure to sterilize them between use. If you are breastfeeding, make sure to follow guidance regarding which foods to avoid during this time and also take good care of the skin on and around your nipples. This will make things easier and more comfortable.
Swaddling
You may want to try out a process called swaddling. This an age old practice that entails wrapping a baby up gently in a light, breathable blanket to help them feel calm and sleepy. This reduces fidgeting and movement and can help your baby to feel cuddled and supported, even when you lay them down in their moses basket or crib.
Nappy Rash
Many babies experience nappy rash at some point down the line. In fact, around 1 in 4 babies and toddlers in nappies will have nappy rash at any one time. It can be caused by your baby’s skin being in contact with wee or poo for a long time, so make sure to check and change their nappy regularly. It can also be caused by the nappy rubbing against your baby’s skin. If this is the case, you may want to try creams such as sudocrem, which reduces rubbing, or you may want to let their bottom breathe and give your baby a break from their nappy at different intervals throughout the day. Sometimes, reusable nappies made from softer and more sensitive-skin-friendly materials can prove a good option.
These are just a few starter steps, but each can really make all the difference. Give them a try during the early months of your baby’s life.
