Baby care for the Homecoming: Providing a Safe Environment for your Newborn Baby
Congratulations on becoming a New Parent! I know you don't have much time - so I'll get straight to the point.......
Be prepared - as much as is possible - this will include accepting help from your partner - the Dad's participation at this stage is crucial. This is a time for team work - the new Mum has just started a 24hr day job, 7 days a week, 365 days a year - FULLTIME. This is the time for Mum and Dad to share household chores - like vacuuming, preparing meals, doing the washing and ironing - Dad, if this does not appeal to you, and your budget allows for it - get paid help, but be aware that the new Mum is not going to have much "spare time" for doing the things she used to do. Please be aware, this is a time when Mum needs extra help. There are lots of things you can do to help with caring for your newborn baby - changing nappies/diapers, "winding or burping" your baby, "settling your baby", bathing your baby, infant massage etc. (I’ll explain as we go).
Obviously you will want your home to be clean - newborn babies are still developing their immune system so they have little resistance to infection. The environment must be hygienically clean - provide somewhere for people to wash their hands with soap and water, and to dry their hands on a clean towel, before handling your newborn baby. If you have "pushy" relatives, prepare them in advance, and say that you will require everyone to wash their hands before handling your new baby. If someone has a contagious disease, eg cold, or flu, don’t let them hold your baby - and if possible, keep them out of the same room. For your baby's sake - it is better that they see the baby when they are no longer contagious. If someone has a cold sore, (herpes simples) including you or your partner, make sure they do not kiss your newborn baby, or let the baby come in any contact with the "cold sore" - this can be very dangerous to a new born baby.
Little children love to kiss and touch new babies - make sure they wash their hands before doing so, and be aware that young children (creche and child-care ages) do carry lots of germs. Always include brothers or sisters, and make your own choice as to whether you want other children touching your new baby.
Remember to wash your hands after going to the bathroom/using the toilet, blowing your nose, and before preparing food or equipment for yourselves or your baby. Your baby will very quickly become accustomed to your natural micro-organisms (germs that live on your body).
TOP Getting home from the hospital - safely
Most Western Countries have laws regarding how babies should be safely "restrained" for travelling in a car. In Australia - a baby capsule (infant safety seat) can be hired from the local council. This needs to be fitted to certain specifications - check with your local council, or some RACV garages can fit them for you. In the USA the organisation that can best help you is AAA. They can also advise you as to which brands are compatible with which cars.
The air circulation in the average baby capsule (infant safety seat) is not ideal, and newborn babies can easily overheat - especially if they are in the capsule for a long period on a warm day - make sure they are only lightly dressed in such a situation.
In some cities, a taxi driver may refuse to take you and your baby, unless you have a baby capsule/infant safety seat - check with the taxi company when you make your booking.
TOP So now, what do you do once you have your baby home?
Yes, you can grab a quick tea or coffee, and put your feet up - if you’re lucky, but lesson number one is that babies and hot drinks don’t go together. If you make yourself a hot drink, make sure it cannot accidentally be spilt on your baby - your baby may make sudden movements without any warning - you’ll become more aware of this danger as they get bigger - so start early, by remembering to put hot drinks off the ground in a "safe" spot, and replace the cup when you have had a sip - encourage your partner to get into the habit too. This will be a learning process for both of you. There is no such thing as a perfect mum or dad, only the willingness to do our best.
TOP The Diaper bag/Nappy bag - being prepared
Hopefully, you will have all the things you need for caring for your newborn baby - all one hundred and one of them, and if you only remembered one hundred, you can be sure that that one item you left out will be the one you need! Have a bag always ready with things you may need for your newborn baby, and if you use an item, make sure you replace it as soon as you can. The list of things you need is endless, and will differ with each Mum’s likes and dislikes: The main things to remember, are a couple of nappies/diapers; a change of clothing, and that means everything including a singlet, a cardigan (in case the weather changes), some way to clean your baby's bottom - disposable baby wipes are ideal, if your budget will allow for them; a plastic bag or something similar into which you can place soiled diapers, until they can be appropriately dealt with. A source of food for your baby, preferable nice fresh warm milk, direct from the breast, but if this is not possible - carry some boiled water and formula, in some type of thermos bag. Include something you can use to pacify your newborn baby, maybe a brightly coloured toy to interest your baby. You may also need some type of barrier cream to protect your baby's skin - this will very often depend on what type of diapers you are using. If you are using cotton diapers, there is a great array of fasteners, and you would also need some type of waterproofing so that everything doesn’t get wet. A spare baby blanket is also a good idea. As your baby grows, the items you need will change, eg. something for sore gums later when teething starts (more like 6 months).
TOP Rule No 1 : You can’t care for your baby, if you don’t care for yourself as well
If your baby always comes first, and your own basic needs (eg. for food and rest) come last, you will finally reach a point (which may take weeks or months to manifest) where you will fall in a heap - and then who will care for your baby??? This is the one rule first time Mum’s never want to hear - but it is crucial. You are the MOST important person in your baby’s life, and you must stay in good health so that you are able to care for your baby. Western women seem to find it very difficult to sleep or rest during the day when their baby is asleep - they feel as though they should make the most of the opportunity, and do a million and one jobs before their baby wakes up again. Yes, there are a million and one things to do, but at least once during the day, make some time to either rest or sleep when your baby is asleep. That is your body’s way of recharging so that you can keep going. Eastern cultures are far more understanding of the importance of this, and every attempt is made in the early weeks to help the Mother regain her strength and health. Your body is going through the MOST ENORMOUS changes, getting back to your pre-pregnant state - that’s another whole topic which I will discuss later.
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