From January to December 2020, about 24.1 million births are expected in India. Many of these will be by first-time mothers, who often face some challenges. A supportive environment, along with adequate knowledge, can help new mothers cope better. Smile and laugh with the child, gently soothe and stroke and offer ways for them to see, hear and feel you, says an article by The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Besides these, here are some tips you can follow to care for your newborn as first-time parents.
5 Baby Care Tips
1. Care after Assisted Birth
Maternal exhaustion or fetal distress during normal delivery might require medical intervention. A vacuum extractor, for example, might be used to pull out the child in the second stage of labor. It is comparatively safer than using forceps. But it might lead to slight scalp wounds, since the area is quite delicate. So, while bathing your baby, make sure to use a soft cloth to clean the baby’s head. Don’t hesitate to consult the pediatrician in case of any questions.
2. Be Mindful of the Umbilical Cord
After birth, the umbilical cord is clamped off. However, a stub is left behind, close to the navel, to avoid bleeding. This usually falls off within 1-3 weeks of birth. Make sure to prevent infections in the area, which can lead to omphalitis and sepsis. Clean your hands well before touching it, avoid keeping it covered with the diaper and gently wipe away water around the stump to keep it dry. This can reduce future complications and keep the baby safe.
3. Massage for Growth
Massaging can lessen the severity of perineal tears during normal delivery. However, it can also prove beneficial for the child. Studies have shown that massaging with olive or coconut oil can help with growth, while inducing great physical bonding with the parent. In fact, it promotes healthy neurological development, reduces crying and minimizes infant stress. Maternal exhaustion or fetal distress during normal delivery might require medical intervention. A vacuum extractor, for example, might be used to pull out the child in the second stage of labor. It is comparatively safer than using forceps. But it might lead to slight scalp wounds, since the area is quite delicate. So, while bathing your baby, make sure to use a soft cloth to clean the baby’s head. Don’t hesitate to consult the pediatrician in case of any questions.
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4. Smile at Your Baby
Apart from breastfeeding, rattling and diapering the child carefully, don’t forget to smile often. This is one of the lesser talked about childcare methods but has significant benefits. It helps the child feel safe and secure. There is a sense of attachment, along with release of baby hormones. They can improve brain functions and stimulate overall development.
5. Handling the Child
Right after vaginal birth, a mother should hold the child. While nurses are present to assist you, make sure to be extremely careful. The organs are still delicate and might be damaged with mishandling. Keep your hands disinfected and never forget to support both the neck and head at all times. The baby should lie on their tummy to strengthen the back muscles.
Following these tips can make the process of caring for a newborn less exhausting and more fulfilling. Get in touch with your pediatrician right away if you have any doubts or questions about childcare.
