A Postpartum Survival Guide for First-Time Parents

It can be a daunting experience to be a new parent. Here’s a short guide to surviving postpartum for first-time parents.

1. The Initial Phase

When your baby is delivered, the pediatrician examines them and will inform you about any birthmarks. They will also explain all the procedures and ways you need to take care of the baby, like how the umbilical cord will dry out and disengage in a few weeks. After breastfeeding the baby, you should be careful and allow them to burp at short intervals. Keep the baby in an upright position to prevent spit-ups. The feces also look strange in the initial few weeks as it has a blackish-green color. The runny and pasty texture is also normal.

2. Baby’s Breath

The pediatrician examines the baby’s breath, and a little less than 60 breaths per minute is normal. If there is any rapid breathing, you can consult a pediatrician.

3. Bathing the Baby

You can give your baby a sponge bath until the umbilical cord doesn’t dry out. After that, you can use a big bowl or tub and wash the baby using mild soap or shampoo once or twice a week. Avoid feeding the baby right before bathing them.

4. Feeding and Sleeping Patterns

You need to feed a newborn baby quite often as their stomachs can’t hold much milk at one time. You can establish a routine and complete all your chores at the right time. When your baby is a little drowsy, you can put him in the crib to allow him to sleep comfortably. Wrapping the baby while he is sleeping will prevent him from getting startled.

5. Crying and Tantrums

Your newborn baby is unable to communicate, so he will cry as soon as there is a problem. It takes time to understand the situation, so you need to use trial and error methods. You can try feeding him, loosen his clothes, clean the diaper, help him burp, or call a pediatrician if nothing else works.

6. Take Care of Yourself

You need to take care of your health and sleeping patterns to look after the baby properly. Sleep deprivation is common among new mothers, and you can take turns with your partner to stay up with the baby at night. Take breaks and eat healthy to avoid any problems. You can contact us for vaccinations and well-check visits in pediatric clinic for babies Stone Oak, San Antonio. Our pediatricians can guide new mothers to use the right methods to keep their child healthy. Our telemedicine services are also available for online consultations, so you won’t have to leave your house. Find out more about ADHD testing clinic San Antonio here.