After your baby is born, the two of you will probably leave the hospital
within two days. You'll get care instructions for yourself and the baby.
Your doctor will visit before you leave to check on you and answer any
questions.
Before going home, be sure you have an infant car seat that meets
federal safety standards. Put it in the back seat and follow the
instructions for holding it securely in place. Always use an infant car seat
to transport your baby. Read other ways to keep your baby
safe.
Here is more information for your first few weeks at home with a new
baby:
Caring for a newborn
A newborn's needs are basic: to be clean, comfortable and fed.
- Newborns need feeding every 2-3 hours, even during the night. Read more
about feeding your
newborn.
- Most newborns sleep only 2-3 hours at a time, although some sleep
through the night right away.
Crying usually means your baby is hungry, needing a diaper change or
otherwise uncomfortable. If feeding and changing don't work, you can try
other ways to calm your baby:
- Gently rock the baby, sing, or play quiet music.
- Walk, holding the baby close.
- Give a warm bath.
- Take the baby outside for fresh air and new sights and sounds.
- Call the doctor if crying lasts a long time and you think the baby
might be sick.
Take care of yourself
Having a new baby in the house is physically and emotionally demanding.
Getting enough rest can be difficult, but it's the most important part of
your recuperation.
- Don't try to do too much. Pace yourself so you don't get too
tired.
- Sleep or rest when the baby sleeps, so you'll have energy when baby is
awake.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help with household chores or baby
care.
- Don't let visitors keep you from getting your rest.
Your body goes through changes as you recover from birth. Your doctor
will talk to you about what to expect.
- You may be tired and sore for several days. Some women find sitting
painful.
- Your breasts may be swollen and sore. Breast milk usually comes in
three to six days after birth.
- Your doctor may put limits on activities like walking or climbing
stairs.
- Your doctor will suggest when you can resume sexual activity and advise
you on birth control. Breast-feeding does not protect against
pregnancy.
- Continue to eat healthy, nutritious food.
- Check with your doctor before beginning any weight-loss or exercise
program. If you are breast-feeding it's best to wait a few months before
starting any type of diet.
Postpartum depression
Many new mothers feel anxious or sad following birth. Feeling a little
blue is normal, but do be alert to symptoms like:
- Lack of appetite or eating too much
- Fearing you might hurt your baby
- Sleeplessness or sleeping too much
- Anxiousness, irritability
- Extreme sadness, feelings of hopelessness
- Not wanting to see family or friends
- Loss of interest in hobbies or favorite pastimes
If you have any of these symptoms longer than two weeks, you could have
postpartum depression. See your doctor to find out about treatment.
Healthwise
- Postpartum Depression
Learn more about the signs and treatment for postpartum depression.
Tips for fathers
Many men have little or no experience with babies until they become
fathers. So it's normal to feel uneasy about handling and caring for a baby.
However, your baby and your partner will benefit a lot when you take your
part as a care giver. You will, too, once you get
past the uncertainties.
- Don't be afraid to hold the baby. Handle gently, and don't worry if
it's not the same way your partner does it.
- Help with the basics: baths and diaper changes; feedings when you
can.
- Play with the baby. Physical stimulation helps develop muscles and
motor skills.
- Know that crying is how babies communicate. It may signal hunger, need
for a diaper change, illness or other discomfort. It may mean nothing.
Your baby's mother is recovering physically and emotionally from giving
birth and dealing with a new baby. She needs your support and care, too.
- Recognize that she's having a lot of emotional ups and downs. If
she seems depressed for a long time, encourage her to get help.
- Understand the physical challenges she's facing. Offer to cook or bring
meals home. Take care of household chores.
- Taking care of a baby is stressful. Give her time for herself and help
her get the rest she needs by holding and caring for the baby.
Helping siblings adjust
No matter how well you prepare your older children, they'll probably
have doubts about what a new baby in the house means for them. They may:
- Show jealousy through anger, stubbornness, hostility, aggression,
regressive behavior, or withdrawal
- Be possessive of their space or belongings
- Worry that their parents won't have time for them anymore
Some jealousy toward the new baby is normal. It's important to recognize
that your children's feelings are real, and show that you understand. With
some patience and creativity, you can deal with jealousy.
- When they first meet the baby, give older children a small gift as a
reminder that they're special too.
- Mom: Ask Dad or someone else to carry the new baby into the house so
you can hug the older children when they greet you.
- Plan regular time alone with each child.
- Allow children to help make decisions on things that affect them, like
the arrangement of their room if they're sharing with the baby.
- Wait to start new developmental tasks like toilet training until
everyone's adjusted to the new routine.
