The firstborn is always a challenge. It does take time to figure everything out. But don’t worry, the best paediatricians in Dubaiare here to help you get prepared and help you with all there is to know about breastfeeding, sleeping, crying during the first few weeks of a new baby. Here are some important tips to take Care of a newborn baby!
Getting Started in the Hospital
Start breastfeeding ASAP!
Breastfeeding should be started as soon as possible. Even if your baby doesn’t actually latch on, you should squeeze the yellowish colostrum—the precursor to real breast milk—directly into his mouth.
Let the visitors wait…
If obvious that friends and family would be dying to visit as soon as possible, but it would be better if you and your partner are alone with the baby at the start and spend time with it. This is because a newborn is usually very alert and receptive immediately after birth. Thus, this period is perfect for the highest level of bonding with your child. So look him in the eye and talk to him as if you’d talk to any other person. Make him interact. Your body for him is the most familiar territory, and then he will feel comfortable with you.
Keep the baby covered properly
Did you know, as per pediatric doctors in Dubai, the newborn cannot regulate its body temperature until it’s about six months old? So it’s important to dress the baby cautiously. Ideally, he should wear the same amount of clothes as you – whether indoors or outdoors. But make sure you don’t overburden him. Any amount of sweating can make him become chilled. Layers are always a great way to go.
Breastfeeding Basics
Avoid delays
According to the best hospital in Dubai, breastfeeding goes much more smooth when the mother starts nursing within an hour of delivery. And you shouldn’t feel afraid or shy to ask for help. Most hospitals do have lactation consultants on staff.
Feed on Demand
The six weeks are crucial. It’s essential to let the baby feed whenever he wants. It’s not advisable to try to enforce a feeding so early as it can backfire and interfere with your milk supply. And don’t worry about the availability of milk—the more your baby eats, the more you’ll produce.
Learn to Latch
The baby needs to be taught to latch well if he’s not able to on his own so that he gets enough milk. This will also prevent damage and soreness of your nipples. Position the baby on his side in such a way that his belly is right up against yours. Then bring the nipple closer to his mouth and touch it so that the bay gets the indication and opens wide.
Keep yourself well-fed
Drinking at least eight glasses of liquids a day is a must. Your daily calorie intake should be around 2,200 to 2,400, depending on your age, metabolism and activity levels. Breastfeeding mothers lose around 1 to 4 pounds, even with the added calories.
Always Call the Pediatrician if Your Baby…
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Starts showing any changes in his eating happens. For example, if he refuses to nurse
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Excretes very watery or mucusy stools
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Is sleepy, lethargic or unresponsive to an extensive level
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Gets a fever of 100.4° F or higher if he is 2 months old or younger, or 102° F or higher if he’s older than 2 months
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Cries or is irritable for a long period of time (longer than usual)
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Gets a red or swollen rash anywhere on his body
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Has redness or swelling at the base of his umbilical cord
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Shows a certain level of discomfort when he tried to relieve himself
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Vomits or has, what is called, a distended abdomen, as opposed to spitting up