Helpful Hints For New Mothers

By: Marlene Affeld

• Ask for help. Being a new mom is tough. Don’t ask too much of yourself. It is so hard to try your best when you are tired all the time. You may wish to appear as a superwoman, but we can all use a little help now and then. When family and friends volunteer to give you a hand by cooking a meal, doing the laundry, running an errand, or watching the baby so you can rest for a bit, thank them for their kindness with gratitude and a smile. It doesn’t hurt to accept encouragement and a helping hand. Return the favor later when you are not so busy.

• Establish a schedule. Babies do best on a schedule, even when traveling. A routine is comforting where interruptions and change are disruptive. A baby, on a set schedule, is a happy and calm baby

.• Keep your baby’s bottom dry. Many babies will experience diaper rash. Continuously wet diapers, an introduction of new foods, or a side effect from medication may make baby’s bottom raw and chafed. Make sure your baby’s bottom is completely dry every time you change a diaper, leaving it exposed to fresh air for a few minutes several times daily. Change diapers frequently, and use an organic plant-based baby cream to calm and soothe baby’s tender skin. Do not use baby powder or talcum.

• Stop comparing yourself to other new moms. Your circumstances, parenting style, and relationship with your newborn are uniquely your own. Remind yourself all mothers and babies are different, and no one can say their way is better or best. No matter whether it’s your mother-in-law, your noisy neighbor, or your best friend, you are bound to get a lot of unsolicited advice. Try not to resent their intrusion; in most cases, it is motivated by love and concern. Politely say thank you, I will consider that, and move on. Do it your way.

• Talk to your pediatrician about peanut allergies. New studies suggest that introducing your baby to peanut butter and peanut products as an infant may help prevent the allergy. Research reports from allergy specialists demonstrate that eating peanut products as a baby reduces the risk of manifesting a peanut allergy by as much as 80 percent in high-risk children.

• Get some sleep. Talk to your partner before delivery to make a plan that allows you both to get adequate rest. If you have a schedule to alternate feedings and diaper duty, you will avoid discord in your relationship and establish a routine that works for both of you.

• Turn your bedroom into a restful oasis with blackout blinds and comfy bedding. If you are breastfeeding your baby, pump in advance, and have a bottle prepared.

• Don’t worry. Many new parents are concerned that their newborns sleep so much. Newborns usually sleep about 16 hours a day. However, it is perfectly natural for some babies to sleep up to 20 hours a day: you may have to wake up your baby at feeding time. Don’t worry; as long as your newborn is feeding and is wetting at least eight diapers a day, with regular bowel movements, all is well. Older babies that sleep through the night should soak at least four diapers a day. If your baby’s usual pattern changes, consult your pediatrician.

• Relax. If you are anxious, your baby is anxious. If you stay calm and relaxed, your baby will be too. A baby can sense your mood and responds in kind.

• Do your research. The Internet is an excellent tool for parents with questions. Use it. However, it is always best to follow your parental instincts. If you read an article that says you shouldn’t respond every time your baby cries, don’t worry, it is OK to pick up your infant and cuddle and comfort.

• Talk to other new moms. We all learn by trial and error. Ask other mothers how they are handling an issue that concerns you. You may not get a solution, but at least you will gain a new perspective.

References:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Caring for Infants Then and Now

https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/ourstories/mchb75th/mchbcaringinfants.pdf