What to Expect in the First Few Weeks with Your Newborn
The culmination of pregnancy sneaks up on new parents. The first few weeks are filled with eating, sleeping and many diaper changes! Schedules may be difficult to establish until your baby is a few months old. However, routines can be created in the first few weeks. Routine can help mommy and baby adjust to their new life and create healthy sleep patterns. Here are a few things to expect during those first few weeks of life.
Feeding
Feeding represents, perhaps, the most important time for newborns. It’s normal for newborns to spend to two to five hours per day eating. Newborns typically eat six to eight times per day. Breast-feeding allows for the important development of mother and baby bonding. Bottle-feeding can also provide ample bonding time for the other parent.
Sleeping
Sleeping will inevitably be a challenge with a newborn. The good news? The worst part only lasts for three months, on average. By month four, most babies can sleep at least 5-6 hours at a time. For the first three months, consider scheduling sleep with your partner; determine times where one parent is on duty and the other can sleep. Additionally, aim to match your sleep habits with the baby. Sleep/nap when the baby sleeps. Don’t feel like you need to be the host, if family comes over, take that time to catch up on some rest, while they watch your new baby.
Bathing
Bathing newborns can also pose a trial. For the first week or two, until the umbilical cord stump falls off, sponge baths are recommended. Newborns only need to be bathed three times per week, as many will struggle with sensitive and dry-skin issues. Expect baths to become more frequent, as the baby gets older. Try to set bath time in the schedule around the same time each day to eventually lead to more consistency with sleep patterns. A bath at nighttime will help the child relax and anticipate bed time.
Play
Remember to make time for playing too. Playing is an important time that helps your newborn developmentally. Activities can include taking walks, reading stories, talking, or singing a song to your new baby.
Make time to cherish these first few weeks. And if you’re ever feeling depressed, sad or lonely, reach out for help. The doctors at Chouchani, Sayegh and Robinson are also here to help you through the adjustment of becoming a new mommy.