Today’s guest post about how to care for your newborn is by Dr. Elishia Featherston DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS. Dr. Featherston created True Connections Pediatrics when she saw a need for a more parent and child friendly practice. If you reside in the Dallas/Fort Worth area Dr. Featherston is one of my top pediatric choices!
During the first few weeks home with your new baby you may be wondering how to care for your newborn.
Newborns are a full time and consuming, amazing job. Remember to have some grace for yourself and others during this time.
Your body just went through a trauma, a beautiful one yes, but still a trauma. You barely remember to eat, drink and take a shower at times. A support network is crucial in the first few weeks after delivery. Planning ahead with family, friends, and community support is something frequently overlooked.
Stressed out parents lead to tragic events.
Most people do not plan to injure, shake, or kill a baby, yet, it happens. Reach out to someone, family, friends, your medical community, people will hear you.
Your medical professional should screen for postpartum depression. There are local counselors here accessible to us in the Mid Cities area that specialize in postpartum counseling. Medications are not the only answer.
Related – Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
You care for your newborn by feeding him
Breastfeeding is one of the biggest commitments you will make in your life. Feeding every hour to 2 hours around the clock.
If you chose to use formula remember, formula nor breastmilk should be placed in the microwave to be heated. Do NOT put rice cereal in a bottle ever and definitely not to make them sleep through the night.
400 units of Vitamin D should be given each day to the exclusively breastfed infant. Mom can also take 6.400 units a day to have it pass through the breast milk. If formula fed this is supplemented in the formula.
Newborns should gain ½ an ounce to one ounce a day over the first few weeks. It is common for them to lose some weight in the first 5 days.
You care for your newborn by resting at home
Try to avoid taking the baby out in public due to risk of sick contacts. Avoid allowing others to come in contact with baby even with mild illnesses.
Utilize your face time and other technology to share your bundle of joy without exposing them to others. Your baby will be here for 18 years and people can come see him when they are older and their immune system is more developed.
Ask them to commit to baby sitting when they child is 2!
You care for your newborn by watching out for sickness
Fever in the first 2-3 months is not normal. Complications from pregnancy should be taken seriously. ANY fever above 100.4 rectally should be assessed by a pediatric provider or pediatric ER.
Fever after 2-3 months is not concerning and can be corrected at times with skin to skin contact or a warm bath.
What about the umbilical cord?
Are you afraid to touch the cord? You do not have to apply alcohol to the cord area.
Parents should keep area clean and dry. At times there will be a wet yellow to green appearance for a few days once the cord falls off. Do not submerse the baby in water until the cord has healed and is dry.
You care for your newborn with safe sleep habits
The recommendation is for you to place a baby to sleep without risk of sheets, blankets, etc becoming wrapped around baby.
Placing the baby on the back to sleep, which is not their favorite is still recommended. They can be in a space of their own right next to your bed. At least until you also start to sleep and not stare at them all night.
Caring for your newborn is a tiring and rewarding job
So you are sleep deprived, fearful, and just trying to keep this little human alive. Remember to utilize your health care providers and other resources.
Related – 20 Tips for Choosing A Pediatrician
Are you in need of a wonderful pediatric office? Go see Dr. Featherston for a truly individualized experience.
