The First Week with Your Baby

The first week of your baby's life brings big adjustments for both of you. You are adjusting to being a mother and caring for your baby and your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb. It is a time of great joy -- and possibly immense fear! Although you've been preparing for the birth of your baby for months, now he is here and depending on you for everything which can seem overwhelming. Don't expect too much of yourself during these first days! If anyone offers you help -- take it!

During your baby's first few weeks of life, he will be concentrating on getting to know you and his surroundings. Your baby needs to be handled so that life outside the womb seems as little different as possible to life inside the womb. Your baby's needs, while they may seem overwhelming to you, are really simple: food, warmth and comfort from cuddling. Wrap him snugly and warmly, hold him closely, handle him slowly, and feed him when he's hungry. Your baby will have the routing and sucking reflexes as well as tongue thrust. These are needed to get nourishment from the breast or bottle. You can also use this time to bond with your baby with lots of skin to skin contact.

Whether you decide to breast or bottle feed, feeding in the first few weeks is not an effortless process. Try to have early feeding sessions in a quiet setting with as few distractions as possible. Make sure you are in a comfortable position as it takes new babies a while to eat and you don't want to end up stiff and sore. Cuddle and caress your baby as feeding time is a wonderful opportunity to show your baby how much he is loved.

If you are breastfeeding, be patient while you and your baby are getting the hang of it! The benefits of breastfeeding are many and in order for it to be successful, it is important to start out right. Keep in mind though it may take several weeks until you both feel comfortable and get a feeding schedule down.

Most new moms feel and experience:

• Exhaustion!

• Bloody vaginal discharge for the first week or so

• Discomfort or pain in the perineal area if you had a vaginal delivery

• Incision pain or numbness if you had a cesarean delivery

• Abdominal cramping (afterpains) as the uterus contracts

• Elation or depression or swings between both

• Breast discomfort or engorgement

• Fears about your adequacy as a mother

• Profuse sweating after the first couple of days

Although it may be tempting to try to be a 'supermom', now is not the time. The best advice that I received as an new mom was to accept the help of others, eat regular meals and sleep when the baby sleeps. Now it's my turn to pass that advice on to you.

About The Author

Anne Cavicchi is a Canadian wife and mother of one boy and two step-daughters. She also owns Annie's Maternity Corner where you'll find everything you need for pregnancy and baby! Great products, articles, information and more to see you through pregnancy and baby's first years at Annie's. http://www.maternitycorner.com

---

The Personality Traits Of A Taurus Baby

Your Taurus Baby..April 20 - May 20Taurus babies are usually... Read More

The Baby Crib: Your Child?s First Bed

It is up to you as parents whether you want... Read More

On the Road Again

Just like Willy Nelson, I could not wait to get... Read More

Baby Yoga and Me

Having carried a sizable bump around for a very long,... Read More

A Must Have, Do-It-Yourself Resource For ALL Preschooler Parents

There is something so amazing and joyous about watching a... Read More

Are You Spending Too Much Money on Baby Gear?

Did you waste $57 today? I hope not. Unfortunately, so... Read More

The Personality Traits of a Leo Baby

Your Leo Baby..July 23 - August 22Leo children are sunny,... Read More

What to Do if the Baby Shower Guests Dont Know Each Other

A baby shower is a simple celebration of family and... Read More

Using Music To Calm Your Baby

Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and... Read More

Baby Shower Games to Make Your Baby Shower Exciting

The perfect way to spoil the baby shower games is... Read More

Baby Shower Checklist for Planning a Baby Shower

Most shower checklists will suggest you start planning approximately four... Read More

Read Together With Your Baby

Imagine sitting your baby in your lap and reading a... Read More

Fun & Unique Baby Shower Favors

A baby shower is often the highlight of an expectant... Read More

10 Ways to Make Toilet Training Fun & Exciting

Blue & Yellow Make Green - Put a few drops... Read More

How Can I Teach My Toddler to Share?

Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula... Read More

When Should Your Baby Wear Shoes?

There is actually a bit of controversy about this question.... Read More

Baby Name Trends: From Classic to Hip

Goodbye Bertha, Hello Kaitlyn! The top baby names of today... Read More

Fussy Eaters

The experts often tell us that in order to ensure... Read More

Baby Shower Planning and Hosting

Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful baby... Read More

Baby Showers To Remember

Every mother wants an enchanting baby shower for her new... Read More

Your Baby Nursery - Decorating a Fabulous and Functional Room

Decorating a baby nursery can be one of the most... Read More

The Best Way To Give Medicine To A Baby

So you carefully fill a spoon with medicine for baby,... Read More

Baby Dangers New Parents Need to Know About

This Spring many new parents will welcome new additions into... Read More

Baby Boy Clip Art to liven up your Baby Shower Cards

Loads of baby boy clip art images are available, once... Read More

Baby Shower Centerpieces That Double as a Gift!

Here you will learn how to make and where to... Read More

Important Features to Consider When Buying a Baby Crib

With all the different features of baby cribs, it can... Read More

How to Save Money on Wedding and Baby Shower Favors

Planning on having a wedding or baby shower soon? Getting... Read More

Intersting Baby Facts - Strange But True!

* A baby is born every seven seconds.* Babies are... Read More

Etiquette for Baby Shower

Etiquette for baby shower used to be quite rigid, but... Read More

Potty Training Techniques That Dont Work

Your attitude and actions have a huge impact on your... Read More

The Personality Traits of a Sagittarius Baby

Your Sagittarius Baby..November 22 - December 21 Young Sagittarians are... Read More

Potty Training Resistance - Is Your Child Resisting Your Potty Training Efforts?

Potty Training ResistanceFrom your perspective, your child is resisting all... Read More

Baby Shower Games: The Good, the Bad and the Ugh!

Games can make or break a shower. The best can... Read More