Written by Babyexpert website
You've carried your baby inside you for nine
months, but most new parents are full of nerves about handling their tiny
newborn. Here's how to get over those new-mum and dad nerves.
Supporting the head
Your baby's head is big and heavy compared with her body, and she
doesn't yet have the strength to hold it up herself.
If you pick her up without supporting her
head and it flops back, she'll
feel she's going to fall and fling out her arms and legs, probably shocking you
both.
A good way to pick her up and put her down is with your whole arm so it
supports her spine, neck and head and helps her feel secure.
The fontanelles
Most new mums feel nervous of the ‘soft spots' or fontanelles on their
baby's head and worry they'll cause damage by touching them.
But it's fine to gently touch, stroke and wash your baby's head without
avoiding these areas.
The soft spots are there because a newborn's skull is made up of four
plates that have not yet fused together. They'll gradually close up as she
grows.
Get naked
Enjoying some skin-to-skin contact with your naked newborn baby is more
than just a nice thing to do – it's also really healthy for her.
According to Dr Mary Price, a lecturer in midwifery at the University of
Salford who's earned a PhD for her research into skin-to-skin care, it helps
both of you bond and gets breastfeeding off to a good start.
Dr Price suggests you begin skin-to-skin contact in the first hour after
birth, known as the 'golden hour'. 'If you can hold your baby against your skin
at this time, you'll probably find she takes around 10 minutes to settle down,
10 minutes to find her way towards your breast and will probably feed for 20
minutes before she falls asleep.
Your baby is pre-programmed to search for food and has a good sense of
smell that leads her towards milk. And the earlier your baby breastfeeds, the
more likely it is she'll still be breastfeeding weeks and months down the
line.'
Don't panic if you miss out on this bonding hour, though – obviously any
urgent medical needs for you or your baby must come first.
But if you've had a difficult birth or complications and still feel able
to manage skin-to-skin contact, it's a great way to calm your baby and reduce
her adrenaline levels.
If possible, discuss skin-to-skin contact with your midwife before the
birth and make your wishes clear.
Getting dressed
The prospect of getting those tiny, floppy limbs into the sleeves and
legs of a bodysuit for the first time can feel daunting.
Take it slowly and remember being dressed is a new experience for your
baby, too, so she may cry as she gets used to you taking clothes on and off
her.
You'll find it easiest if you place your baby on a flat surface such as
a changing mat as you dress her. When you're trying to put her arms into
sleeves, use your hand to gather the sleeve up before you gently guide her fist
through.
When popping a vest over her head, roll the vest up first and widen out
the neck with your thumbs to make it easier.
Bathtime
Knowing how to hold your baby for her first bath will help boost your
confidence – especially if you're feeling nervous that she might slide out of
your grasp.
Start by lying her on her back and put one hand under her shoulders,
supporting her head at the same time.
Lift her by putting your other hand under her bottom and lower her into
the bath. Keep one hand under her shoulders so her head is out of the water and
use your free hand to wash her.
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