Carrying and rocking in your or someone else’s arms will help soothe and soothe your baby. Try to respond to their needs as much as possible – this stage is short and will pass quickly as your baby grows and learns to stay alone longer. What’s more, skin-to-skin contact releases an important hormone in your body called oxytocin.
It also shows up when you are close to the baby, look at him, hear him cry or even think about him. It also supports the flow of milk during feeding or pumping, so the more time you spend near your baby, the more efficiently the initiation and development of lactation will be. you will meet such suggestions from kind relatives, try to ignore them.
Also, do not try to implement any feeding schedules – the baby is too small for this and most babies do not get used to the given rhythm. Instead, feed on demand when you notice signs of hunger, such as gasping for air with your mouth, searching, and sucking. Thanks to this, you will effectively initiate and develop lactation.
You can also use apps like MyMedela to keep track of the number of feeding sessions and used nappies, and watch for symptoms of proper nutrition. The most important of these is defecation: on the first day, the newborn should give up meconium, i.e. a black and sticky stool, and wet the nappy once, on the second day you should expect at least two dark green or brown stools with a less sticky consistency, as well as two wet nappies. .
If not, contact your doctor. What care will I need during the first days after giving birth? Your body needs rest and time to recover, even if the delivery is smooth. Leave changing, cooking and caring for older children as much as possible to your partner or relative, or if you can afford it, hire someone to help. Save energy for the next busy weeks and focus on bonding with your baby and developing lactation. Everything else can wait.
“Shop online, let others bring you drinks and eat right to stay strong,” advises Gillian, mum of one, UK. “In my case, the first week was blissful and I didn’t expect the intense period that followed. That’s why you need to have a good rest. ”Also, don’t feel obligated to host guests – only invite those who will support you. “If possible, save this time for you, your partner and your baby,” advises Kerry-Lynne, mum of two, UK.