First Time Parents and Caring for Your Newborn
You can plan as much as you want before the baby comes but nothing prepares you for when they are finally here. If you are a first-time parent, our Granger pediatricians Dr. Charisse Johnson understand that the first couple of months can feel exhausting and maybe even a bit overwhelming. Remember, we are here to answer your questions and address concerns at Premier Pediatrics in Granger, IN. You aren’t doing this alone. Here are some tips to make caring for your newborn a little easier.
Breastfeeding
The sooner you start breastfeeding after delivery the quicker mothers usually get into the swing of things when it comes to latching and proper breastfeeding technique. You should nurse as much as your baby needs (don’t worry, your body will continue to produce enough milk). If you’re having trouble getting your baby to latch or if you are experiencing nipple pain or other issues give our Granger pediatricians a call. We offer lactation support and newborn care to help make breastfeeding for new moms easier.
Sleep Schedule
Despite what you might think, newborns need to sleep a lot. The problem is that they don’t sleep consecutively but rather for a couple of hours at a time (as they will need to feed about every 2-3 hours for the first few months). You should try and sleep as much as you can while your baby is sleeping. Stay consistent with your bedtime and set up a ritual for you and your baby. This may include rocking, singing lullabies, or reading. Take 20-30 minutes a night to wind down with your baby to get them ready for bed.
Handling Crying
When babies cry, they are often hungry or needing to be changed; however, if these have all been checked then you may be looking for simple techniques to help calm your baby down. Swaddle them in a blanket, which can help them feel more secure (like they did in the womb). Make soft soothing sounds in their ear as you gently rock them. White noise such as running a vacuum can also help your baby relax and stop crying. There are other tips available, so try asking your Newborn Care Granger provider for more help.
Fever
At some point, it will happen: your baby will deal with their first illness. While a fever can be serious for a baby under 2 months old, most fevers in babies over 2 months old can be monitored closely by a pediatrician. Of course, if your baby isn’t eating and isn’t acting normally then you should call us right away. A fever over 102 F for babies over 2 months also requires immediate attention.