Becoming a parent for the first time is a thrilling and transformative journey, filled with excitement and challenges. As you step into this new chapter, it's crucial to arm yourself with knowledge to navigate the early days with confidence. From understanding your newborn’s needs to managing your own well-being, there are key insights every new parent should have. Discover the 13 essential things that will help you not only survive but thrive in the initial stages of parenthood, ensuring a smoother transition for both you and your baby.
1.Weight
Newborns can lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days, which is typically normal. It's important to track their weight and consult with your local child and family health nurse or doctor. Keep them informed if you notice any of the following concerns: your baby has lost more weight than expected, has not regained their birth weight by 14 days after birth, or has not shown noticeable weight gain after a few weeks.
2.Feeding patterns
Feeding patterns can often be confusing for parents, caregivers, and babies, whether you're breastfeeding, using infant formula, or a combination of both. It’s important to understand a couple of key concepts:
Feeding on demand means offering your baby milk whenever they show signs of hunger, rather than adhering to a strict schedule.
Cluster feeding refers to periods when your baby wants to feed more frequently within a short time, usually in the evening or during growth spurts.
To manage these feeding patterns, respond to your baby's hunger cues, follow the guidance of your doctor, nurse, or an internationally board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), and ensure your baby has 5-6 wet nappies and regular bowel movements each day.
3.Cow's Milk Protein (Dairy) Allergy
Cow’s Milk Protein (Dairy) Allergy is an allergic reaction to the proteins in dairy products, such as cow's milk, and can lead to symptoms like vomiting, stomach upset, gas, blood in the stool, mucus in the stool, runny or hard stools, and growth issues. If you notice persistent stomach problems, breathing issues, or unusual crying in your child, inform your child and family health nurse or doctor. Managing this allergy often involves dietary adjustments for breastfeeding parents and switching to a hypoallergenic infant formula, with guidance from your healthcare provider.
4.Breastfeeding lssues
When facing breastfeeding challenges such as tongue tie and improper latching, it can lead to difficulties in feeding.
- Latching refers to how a baby attaches their mouth to the breast.
- Tongue tie occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight.
- Lip tie involves issues with the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum, affecting mouth movement.
If not addressed promptly, these issues can cause varying degrees of nipple pain and damage. For assistance, you can consult your child and family health nurse, doctor, or an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for support with:
- Positioning and equipment to help your baby latch properly
- Assessment for lip and tongue tie
- Exercises to improve latching
- Treatment options for severe issues
5.Crying
Crying is a typical way for newborns to express their needs, such as hunger, discomfort, or a desire for attention. It's common for babies to cry more frequently between two weeks and three months of age, especially in the evening, and they might be harder to soothe during this period.
If you notice that your baby is crying excessively or unusually, does not seem to respond to comforting efforts, or if the crying is accompanied by fever or feeding problems, it's important to consult your child and family health nurse or doctor. Additionally, if you are finding it challenging to handle the crying or are struggling with sleep deprivation, seeking professional advice is recommended.
6.Vomiting and Reflux
Possetting is a normal occurrence where small amounts of breastmilk or formula are brought up from the stomach. Vomiting, on the other hand, involves the forceful expulsion of milk from the stomach. Reflux is a condition where weak muscles cause stomach fluids to flow back up into the throat.
- To manage these issues, you can try:
- Burping your baby frequently during and after feeds
- Using different positions or techniques for burping
- Keeping your baby upright for a few minutes after feeding
- Using a slow-flow teat if bottle-feeding
If you notice:
- Excessive or projectile vomiting
- Vomit that contains blood
- Vomiting accompanied by fever or weight loss
You should inform your child and family health nurse or doctor. Additionally, green or yellow vomit can indicate a serious bowel problem. In such cases, call emergency services immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.
7.Poo
It's normal for a baby's stool to vary in texture, color, amount, and frequency. The appearance of their poo changes with age and diet:
- Meconium: Dark, sticky stool present in the first few days.
- Breastfed baby poo: Yellow, seedy, loose, and watery.
- Formula-fed baby poo: Paste-like, brown or yellow.
If you notice:
- Large amounts of mucus in the stool
- Blood in the stool
- Straining during bowel movements
- No bowel movement within the first 24-48 hours after birth
You should inform your child and family health nurse or doctor.
8.Noises and breathing
Newborn babies can indeed be quite noisy while awake and sleeping, making sounds such as:
- Cooing
- Crying
- Snorting
- Hiccuping
- Gurgling
- Burping
They typically breathe through their noses until about three months of age and may become congested easily. A nasal aspirator can be used safely at home to help clear their nasal passages with gentle suction.
- However, if your baby experiences:
- Difficulty breathing
- Grunting noises while breathing
- Blue-colored lips or skin
You should call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
9.Skin concerns
Common skin concerns for newborns include:
- Milia: Tiny white bumps on the face from blocked sweat glands.
- Neonatal acne: Small red bumps or white heads due to pregnancy hormones.
- Erythema toxicum: Red spots with yellowish pimples, harmless and common.
- Nappy rash: Irritation from moisture and friction around the bottom and genitals.
- Cradle cap (seborrhoeic dermatitis): Flaky, yellowish patches on the scalp.
- Eczema: Dry, red, and irritated skin.
- Heat rash: Red rash caused by overheating, can be itchy.
To manage these, keep your baby's skin clean, use recommended products, and watch for any reactions. Notify your child and family health nurse or doctor if:
- The rash worsens or spreads
- Nappy rash is ongoing or severe
- Skin issues don’t improve with home treatment.
10.Blocked Tear Ducts
Blocked tear ducts in newborns can lead to yellow discharge and crust around the eyes. To manage this, use sterile wipes and saline solution, which are available at your local pharmacy.
Contact your child and family health nurse or doctor if you observe:
- Pain around the eyes
- Redness or warmth
- Ongoing or worsening discharge
These symptoms could indicate an infection or other issue that may need medical attention.
11.Changes in breast tissue and genitals
Hormones from the placenta can cause temporary changes in newborns, such as:
- Swelling of breast tissue, scrotum, and vulva
- Small amounts of milk from nipples
- Blood streaks in the nappy
These symptoms are generally harmless and should improve within a few days. However, you should contact your child and family health nurse or doctor if you notice:
- Persistent swelling
- Redness and warmth around the breast tissue, vulva, or scrotum
- Pus around the nipples
- Ongoing vaginal bleeding
- Signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
- Fever
These signs could indicate a more serious condition that may require medical attention.
12.Head shape
Pressure from the birth canal or the use of tools like forceps or a vacuum during delivery can temporarily alter a baby's head shape. This is usually normal and should resolve within a few weeks.
Positional plagiocephaly, where the head becomes flattened on one side, can develop from spending too much time lying on their back or from tight neck muscles. To help prevent this, ensure your baby has plenty of supervised tummy time while they are awake.
If you have concerns about your baby's head shape or if you notice any unusual signs, consult your nurse or doctor for advice and guidance.
13.Postnatal Depression and Anxiety for parents and carers
Adjusting to a new baby can lead to various emotional and hormonal changes for both parents. It's normal to experience mood fluctuations, but if symptoms are intense or persistent, it might indicate a more serious issue.
Baby blues are temporary and may include mood swings, sadness, and irritability. Postnatal anxiety involves ongoing worry, panic, or fear, while postnatal depression includes prolonged sadness, hopelessness, and exhaustion. Postpartum psychosis is rare but severe, involving hallucinations, delusions, and extreme mood changes.
It's crucial to discuss your feelings and seek support from friends, family, or health professionals. Contact your child and family health nurse or doctor if you or your partner are struggling with daily coping, or if feelings of anxiety or depression persist longer than usual.