A newborn brings excitement, happiness, and radiance to the parents’ life. However, many new parents do not think about what their next step will be post-labor and delivery.
We understand the stress, fatigue, and uncertainty associated with becoming a parent, and we want to help you through this journey. Taking care of your baby’s health is your top priority, and a lot of parents are thrown off balance when they realize that it’s not as easy as it seems.
So, here are a few tips that you need to keep in mind to keep your baby healthy.
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1. Getting Professional Help
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 5 percent of pregnant women use one or more addictive substances. The use of these illegal and non-prescription drugs proves fatal for the baby and can cause Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), stillbirth, and stunted growth.
Other symptoms that develop in a baby exposed to these substances are blotchy skin, fever, irritability, seizures, slow weight gain, vomiting, small head circumference, and abnormal sucking reflex.
For pregnant women struggling with substance use and abuse, it is advised that professional help is taken immediately.
Seeking rehabilitation is often the best bet and helps stabilize the situation. Rehabilitation facilities like the Serenity At Summit Rehab are going to help get rid of these substances and cleanse the body.
It is very important that the mother is healthy enough to carry the baby properly throughout the pregnancy and that the mother’s body is a safe and healthy space for the baby’s growth.
There is nothing wrong with seeking help if you struggle with substance use and abuse; what’s wrong is not stopping yourself when you know that indulging in it can harm the baby adversely.
2. Ask Friends and Family For Guidance
The immediate days after birth are often quite overwhelming, and the changes in your body after birth often take a toll on you. Talk to your doctor about anything that is bothering you and ask the nurse to show you how to properly hold, change diapers, and care for the baby. Nurses are a great resource for new mothers.
Asking your friends and family who have had children for help after birth isn’t wrong. It is encouraged. For a few days after the birth, ask for their assistance and help; you could also hire a nurse, a babysitter, or a postpartum doula.
It is essential and recommended to get as much help as you can as your body has just gone through a huge transformation and need time to fully revive itself and start functioning at the optimal level.
3. Handling Your Newborn
If you are a new parent, then there is a chance that the responsibilities of a newborn might catch you off-guard, but it is a natural process, and soon you will get comfortable with all the things associated with your child.
You might not want to hold the baby for fear of dropping them, not holding them properly, or not healthily handling them. It is completely normal, and many new parents struggle with this fear.
When you are handling your newborn, be sure to do the following things:
Wash Your Hands When Going to Holding the Baby
Newborn babies often have a weak immune system and hence are more prone to bacterial and viral infections than you are. So, make sure that you wash your hands when you go to hold the baby. Also, it is better to sanitize the place where the baby sleeps at least twice a day to eliminate any bacteria and viruses.
Do Not Shake Your Baby
Newborn babies are very fragile. Shaking them, whether while playing or in frustration, can cause injury. Handle your newborn very gently and be extra careful when you are multi-tasking.
If you want to wake the baby, blow gently on the cheek or tickle their feet. They’ll respond immediately.
Seek Medical Advice If the Baby Is Sick
If the baby is sick, you must seek medical advice immediately. Talk to a pediatrician and ensure your obstetrician talks to them too. It will help the pediatrician understand the case in a better way. Make sure that whatever the doctor advises regarding medication and dosage, you follow it religiously and do not improvise.
4. Vaccination
Vaccination is extremely important for the newborn’s safety and health. Usually, babies receive many vaccinations from birth to up to 4 years. The first vaccination the baby receives is the Hepatitis B Vaccination, and the rest follow at regular intervals.
It is pertinent not to delay any vaccination, which is important for the baby as it might cause serious damage to the baby’s health. Remember to consult with your doctor to ensure that the baby gets the right vaccination at the right time.
Bottom Line
Welcoming a baby into the family can be a challenging yet happy experience. You might feel like you had to completely alter your lifestyle for the little one, but you’ll see that your baby is worth everything.
Hope you enjoyed the article and learned the tips for keeping your newborn healthy.