For most parents, the first sight of their new-born is a joyous moment.
It is a moment to cherish - it is that second when you want that the clock stands still - forever.
As a Parent, you want to hold that moment - in your eyes, and in your heart, and in your mind, forever and ever.
It was likewise for us as we became first time Parents.
And then as our boy turned from bright white to a nice red in a couple of hours, under the warmer, a sweet confusion ensued - which look was better - the red or the white! The first few nights in the hospital forced us to learn some important lessons.
I want to share these with other soon to be Parents so that they are better-prepared for their parenthood.
Listed here, in no particular order of importance (or to put it nicely, each is equally important)! 1.
Wrap: While in the nursing home, make sure that you ask the Nurse to help you learn the tricks of how to wrap the baby in that white cotton cloth; and how to tie / untie the nappy.
The baby may look simple, but most would be volatile with their legs and hands going in all directions; and as a Parent you may find it (emotionally) difficult to hold up their limbs and wrap up them tightly in that cloth.
2.
Burps: Once the baby has been fed, it is important to pat his back or rub the back with your palm in some motion till the time he burps.
The baby swallows some amount of air while feeding, which is still stuck in the throat.
The burp ensures that air is out allowing the baby to sleep peacefully.
It may take 2 to 10 minutes or even longer, but if s/he goes to sleep without the burp there is a higher chance of s/he vomiting soon afterwards.
3.
Sleeping Position: While putting the baby to sleep, it is better to make sure that s/he is put to sleep in a sideways position instead of flat on his back.
The baby will not go sideways by himself / herself, so support by putting a folded bed-sheet or some other cloth underneath.
The sideways position helps the baby digest better and ensures that s/he does not vomit soon after being fed.
4.
Hiccups: Parents need not get scared when they see the baby struggling with hiccups - with eyes wide and face becoming to get red.
For most babies under age of one, this is quite natural to occur.
Breastfeeding and/or patting on the back in an upright position for 5/10 minutes should help the baby come to ease again.
5.
Feeding: During first six months, mother's milk is best and there is simply no substitute for that.
Where needed, seek help while still in hospital.
This is without going into the obvious of stocking up on diapers and baby clothes, following vaccination calendar as scheduled by the doctor or being ready with a few lullabies to make sure that you can put the baby to sleep at night.
Beyond this, as a father, be ready to shoulder higher share of responsibilities at night while in the hospital, as the mother needs more time to recover from her sweet ordeal.
Would love to hear your memories or tips on Parenting, please feel free to share.
Do leave a comment and allow the community to better their Parenting experience.
PS - The author claims no expert medical or authenticated knowledge and doesn't even claim to be an expert Parent that can advise.
At best, a good observer and an aspiring blogger seeking to help the folks around.
It is a moment to cherish - it is that second when you want that the clock stands still - forever.
As a Parent, you want to hold that moment - in your eyes, and in your heart, and in your mind, forever and ever.
It was likewise for us as we became first time Parents.
And then as our boy turned from bright white to a nice red in a couple of hours, under the warmer, a sweet confusion ensued - which look was better - the red or the white! The first few nights in the hospital forced us to learn some important lessons.
I want to share these with other soon to be Parents so that they are better-prepared for their parenthood.
Listed here, in no particular order of importance (or to put it nicely, each is equally important)! 1.
Wrap: While in the nursing home, make sure that you ask the Nurse to help you learn the tricks of how to wrap the baby in that white cotton cloth; and how to tie / untie the nappy.
The baby may look simple, but most would be volatile with their legs and hands going in all directions; and as a Parent you may find it (emotionally) difficult to hold up their limbs and wrap up them tightly in that cloth.
2.
Burps: Once the baby has been fed, it is important to pat his back or rub the back with your palm in some motion till the time he burps.
The baby swallows some amount of air while feeding, which is still stuck in the throat.
The burp ensures that air is out allowing the baby to sleep peacefully.
It may take 2 to 10 minutes or even longer, but if s/he goes to sleep without the burp there is a higher chance of s/he vomiting soon afterwards.
3.
Sleeping Position: While putting the baby to sleep, it is better to make sure that s/he is put to sleep in a sideways position instead of flat on his back.
The baby will not go sideways by himself / herself, so support by putting a folded bed-sheet or some other cloth underneath.
The sideways position helps the baby digest better and ensures that s/he does not vomit soon after being fed.
4.
Hiccups: Parents need not get scared when they see the baby struggling with hiccups - with eyes wide and face becoming to get red.
For most babies under age of one, this is quite natural to occur.
Breastfeeding and/or patting on the back in an upright position for 5/10 minutes should help the baby come to ease again.
5.
Feeding: During first six months, mother's milk is best and there is simply no substitute for that.
Where needed, seek help while still in hospital.
This is without going into the obvious of stocking up on diapers and baby clothes, following vaccination calendar as scheduled by the doctor or being ready with a few lullabies to make sure that you can put the baby to sleep at night.
Beyond this, as a father, be ready to shoulder higher share of responsibilities at night while in the hospital, as the mother needs more time to recover from her sweet ordeal.
Would love to hear your memories or tips on Parenting, please feel free to share.
Do leave a comment and allow the community to better their Parenting experience.
PS - The author claims no expert medical or authenticated knowledge and doesn't even claim to be an expert Parent that can advise.
At best, a good observer and an aspiring blogger seeking to help the folks around.
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