They give you a baby, now what?

Instinct takes over and the baby tells you what they need by crying when hungry and tired, filling nappy etc

When you get your baby in your hands it should come to you I think but when they’re first born they just need feeding, changing, holding and sleep. The thought of taking a new baby home is very daunting though I get it but you should feel what to do

Agree with Nikita. When they’re born if you aren’t sure maybe set a timer and put to bed every hours, feed every two hours and change nappies every 3 hours. Cuddle whenever possible without going nuts.
If they arent interested in feeds or naps, try again 15 mins later.
And change nappies if you smell poo or lots of wee. Babies also go to sleep around 7-10pm so dim the lights around them to get them in the mood for sleep time.
Pat on their back and hold them upright on your shoulder for 20 mins to get burps out, unless breastfeeding. Breastfeeding doesn’t always require burping, it’s up to you.
Up to you about bath time, maybe twice a week should do it.
Wrap them up warm, depending on your climate. If they are clammy take off a layer. Better to be a bit too cold than too hot.
If you want to chat for any advice just ping me a message.
Hope this helps!

Put to sleep every 1.5 hours*

I asked my pediatrician so many questions at first and i would go to online baby classes….it comes naturally but I’m an anxious person and I always double check…I would get up every two hours to feed baby and change diaper before feed, I didn’t give her a bath until the umbilical cord fell ( sponge bath without touching belly button) and when She cried I would do the check 1. Burp 2. Diaper 3.feed more breast milk…I also picked a pediatrician that had online visits so if I had a concern they would help

Girlll I was exactly the same before my baby I’ve probably held like two babies my whole 25 years of life 😭🤣 the instincts do definitely kick in and you learn as you go as every baby is different

I was exactly like this with my son, I was 17 and once family left and I was at the hospital alone with my baby I just broke down to the nurses saying I didn’t know what to do. Was too scared to even pick him up. But then instincts kick in and you do everything to make sure your baby is okay.

in buying so many apparels, like the bouncy chair, the baby university/gym, how do i know i can put them there already? What about bath? Can i bath them when we get home, on the first days? 🫠 what about tummy time? Does it start from day 1? So many things i dont know… are baby courses worth it?

ive always been scared of very little babies and new born, what if i pick them up in a wrong way and hurt them? I hope the instincs will really kick in

did the online classes help? Would you recommend them? Im an anxious person as well, i just want to be prepared and do things right

If you google it’s there’s a chart for tummy time and how long to put them in the position for depending on the age, you shouldn’t bath them properly until the umbilical cord falls off just wash them off with a sponge bath, the things you’ve bought for baby should have 0-6m on it or longer but if it’s got the 0 then it’s good to go!

Babies are not as fragile as you think when you hold them just support the head, try not to worry you’ve got this

they do help most hospitals provide online or in person classes to prep new moms…In broward they have healthy start and they come to your home and inform you of all the babies progress and they also give parenting classes all free…I get free diapers and gifts for my baby…earn while you learn is also a good place to get parenting advice

♥️🤣 oh man so sorry this made me laugh. I just remember being up at 4 am starving from breast feeding, standing in the kitchen eating a muffin and thinking is this it?

Everyone’s saying your instinct kick in and that’s somewhat true. There is a lot to learn on the job. Don’t hesitate to ask your nurses while you’re in the hospital.

When you first get them just hold them, feed them and make sure their diapers are clean. Remember taking care of them starts now. Take your vitamins, eat as healthy as you can and move your body. ♥️

https://a.co/d/j3cXhaQ

such lovely advice Nicole, thank you. First time here and also not around a lot of babies - enough to like *know* but I don’t really know the ins and outs especially of those early days! Thank you for this 💛

thank you for the advice, ill give it a try with the book, it might help to calm my mind 🙏🏻♥️

🙏🏻♥️ thank you!

Everyone saying instincts kick in are correct but there's a lot that you can't possibly just instinctively know and because it gets perpetuated a lot to new mums that you will just "know" a LOT of new mums end up feeling isolated, out of their depth, like they're doing something wrong etc. So as a third time mum here are some topics I strongly suggest researching during your pregnancy:

Breastfeeding cues, different positions to try holding baby while feeding, signs of lip/tongue tie, 3 month feeding fuss, nipple creams & healing pads, latching methods besides what they tell you to do in the hospital.

Bottles & teat brands, formula brands (all formula are exactly the same nutritionally, don't get duped into spending £££), breast pumps and what is a normal amount to be able to pump, also that not pumping much doesn't equal low supply.

Attachment - very important - the first year of baby's life is crucial for developing attachment that will influence the rest of their life and relationships. (1/2)

@sarah for the first week don’t worry about bath time. When you are ready, make a bath at 37 degrees Celsius and keep his head above water. No soap is necessary! He might scream the first few times but if you drape a wet warm flannel over his belly he’ll stay warm and it might sooth him. Also, I would lie in the bath with baby on my chest and he loved my warmth and smell and heartbeat and the wet of the bath and that just clicked with him.

(2/2)
Signs of teething, eczema, allergy and other common infant ailments such as baby acne and how to treat them

Sleep expectations for different ages, newborns can be expected to wake for feeds every 2 hours but may wake more is cluster feeding or less if formula feeding. Oh, add cluster feeding, and other normal breastfeeding behaviours lol. It is very rare for women to have genuine supply issues, but lack of knowledge and support around common breastfeeding behaviour can cause early quitting.

Swaddling, different items on the market to make swaddling and transitioning out of swaddling easier. Items to avoid for sleep such as nests and pods, as well as safe sleep guidelines.
It is 100% possible to cosleep/bedshare safely, do not be afraid of it. It is natural and beneficial to both you and baby, especially in the first few months. If it's something that works for you do not be shamed by misinformation.

Babywearing, different kinds of carriers and how to use them.

@sarah entertainment is easy for the first 8 weeks. Do maybe 15 mins of tummy time three times a day on his mat. He will also lie on you which counts as tummy time. His eye sight is really poor for the first 4-6 weeks so don’t worry too much about entertainment beyond some high contrast cards (black & white) and soft noise toys. A bouncy hair is nice too, pop him in & away you go.

I keep him in the bassinet in the morning and he goes from room to room as I prep bottles, brush etc. Then he has a feed. Then I take my time doing a nappy change & massage. 15 mins max on the mat with tummy time. Then have a chat with him in his bouncy. If I’m bored, we go in the pram around the block. I do this A LOT! Maybe change his nappy again if it’s needed and then he’s back to sleep!
Throw in a bath for variety, maybe strap him to me so he gets around a bit (but he hates it usually) and that’s about it for the first 2-3 weeks. Also, apparently you should eat but it’s tricky to find time to do that 😂

I had never held a baby before I had my own. You will get it 😊 doctor and midwife/nurse are also around for these exact questions!

i was so nervous to have my daughter cause i hadn’t even touched a baby in so long 😅 and honestly once they’re in your arms so many things just come naturally. obviously there’s things you may have to learn from outside sources but the maternal instinct is so strong. i was even nervous i wouldn’t know how to hold her but it came so easily, like id done it a million times

I was a single and scared first time mom in 2019. I found a pregnancy clinic and took the classes. By the time I was due with baby I had so much knowledge and understanding that I felt completely confident. Plus they give you diapers, clothes ,ect for baby. Definitely recommend finding one asap and asking for help!

Hey Sarah, you remind me of me, although I’d originally told my partner I wasn’t planning to have kids.

Being a mom truly changed my life and perspective all for the better, in more ways that I could have ever imagined. Your ‘mom’ instincts will kick in when you meet your baby, so no worries!

I found the what to expect books incredibly helpful. I called it the baby bible 😂

I didn't do any classes or have any experience but, honestly, after a few days you'll have changed so many nappies and done so many feeds that you'll be an expert! Anything I didn't know, I just googled. Newborns to start with just need the same things on repeat, nappy change, milk, cuddles, sleep... Most newborns sleep a LOT (just not always at night) so, at first just enjoy being a mummy, soak up the cuddles and find something really good to watch on netflix. 🤣

Also, midwives will visit and help you pretty quickly after you give birth 😊

I thought I replied, sorry I must have missed it.
No need to bath straight away, give it 3-7 days before their first bath as they are squeaky clean. Unless they have a poo explosion!
Bouncy chairs are great to have chats with baby and make funny faces. You need to talk to your baby every day or make faces or get up close so they can copy you & learn to smile & babble. Gym for tummy time from the first week 15 mins a couple of times a day sounds good. I’d recommend tummy time on your belly is good as they are so squishy to start. They won’t see much so contrast cards or black & white things will interest them more.
I have a black & white tiled bathroom so baby hung out in there loads in the first month.
This is all recommended for full term babies btw. Xx

Look up symptoms of postpartum conditions like postpartum depression, anxiety, psychosis and rage and tape them on your fridge so you see it every day and you and anyone in your village can notice symptoms to talk to your dr about early.
Go to the mom groups. In person is best. Libraries have baby story time and leave time at the end for parents to talk. Advice from your mom or your dr is great, but no one gets you like someone in the trenches with you.
If your baby is clean, fed, burped, and still wont stop crying, take them outside or put them in water. Ive stood out in the rain with my baby and it stopped him in his tracks. Also, check to make sure that there is no hair twisted around their fingers or toes or genetials. It happens more than you would think.
TAKE THE HELP. Even if its a coworker and they offer to help, take it. Let them bring you groceries, let them wash bottles, let them bring you a caserole, babysit, One less thing is everything and gives you less stress and more time to enjoy your baby.

Also, whenever your toddler gives you the option, always jump in the puddle. Shoes can be washed and feet can be warmed back up, but when you jump in the puddle together with your kid holding hands, it will make up for all the hard

What’s crazy is I’m such a baby/toddler person idk what ima do when I have a grade school age child! 😭 like what do I do with them!!😂