Baby has arrived!
Baby is here!
Congratulations to you on the birth of your new baby! love from the OHbaby! team x
The first few days of your baby's life are an exciting time - and sometimes a little frightening too!
To help in the early days at home, you are entitled to at least six home visits from your LMC after the birth of your baby, but you can request more home visits if you feel that you need them.
When your midwife visits, she will check both you and your baby to make sure that you are both healthy and recovering well.
Your baby will have had his/her first Check within 24 hours of birth. Now, when your baby is one week old, your LMC will repeat this check and record the details in your child's Well Child book. If you haven't been given a Well Child book yet, ask your LMC. Baby will also be weighed.
Your LMC will also check on you, and ask you about any concerns you may have. If you have chosen to breastfeed, it may be helpful to let your midwife observe a feed so she can check that baby is latching well.
SLEEP
Newborn babies need on average between 18-20 hours of sleep per day. It sometimes helps to wrap newborn babies snugly in a blanket or cuddle rug, as this emulates the security of the womb. Check out how to swaddle your precious little one in this OHbaby! TV Video here. Also check out our sleep section to help understand the importance of routine and how to start on a sleep routine when you're ready.
FEEDING
If you choose to breastfeed, you will notice that sometime around your baby's third day, the colostrum you have been producing will be replaced by breast milk.
If you choose to bottle feed, you should discuss the different types of formula available with your LMC to determine which is best for your baby.
Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed, your baby will need frequent small feeds throughout the day and night. As a guide, around 8-10 feeds per day of around 60mls each. It is difficult to measure how much breast milk your baby is taking, but if you are concerned that he/she is not getting enough, talk to your LMC.
RECOVERING AFTER BIRTH
With all the fuss over the new baby, it can be easy to forget about the huge changes that have taken place in your body in the past few days.
It is important to get plenty of rest - easier said than done with a new baby! Try to sleep when your baby is sleeping, even if it's the middle of the day.
Try not to stress too much about cooking and housework, this first week is a time of great upheaval for your whole household, and the most important thing is that you and baby are well and rested.
THE BABY BLUES
It's not uncommon for new mums to experience periods of mild depression, and random outbursts of tears around 3-5 days after giving birth. This is completely normal! It is caused by hormones changes - hardly surprising after pregnancy and birth! The baby blues should pass after a few days. If this lasts a bit longer than a few days, please do talk to your LMC about how you are feeling, don't be afraid to be honest...Post Natal Depression is common and you can talk to your LMC about signs and if it applies to you and where to get support. Remember :) your house doesn't have to be perfect when people visit you and baby, what's important is your rest, bonding with bubs and the rest will fall into place all in good time. Don't be afraid to accept and ask for help - You're so important and your health and wellbeing post baby is important! :) Hugs! x
