Newborn Care - A midwife's guide to caring for your new baby

Bringing your new baby home for the first time is a beautiful and emotional experience. It is filled with so much excitement and perhaps sometimes even a little apprehension. As a midwife, I’m here to guide and give you tips on how to navigate through those first early weeks. 

Feeding Schedules: Navigating Those First Few Weeks

One of the most common situations parents are most afraid of is the feeding schedules. Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, newborn baby's need to feed around every 2-3 hours, which can come to a total of 8-12 feeding sessions per day. Every baby is different so you will need to adjust your routines to cater around your new bubs hunger cues. 

Some key feeding tips that I suggest are: 

• Watching out for hunger signs: These can be seen as sucking on hands, becoming fussy or rooting. 

• Let your newborn baby lead: Allowing your newborn to determine how long they want to feed for is important. Every baby is different, so some may take longer than others. 
• Track feeds: In the first few weeks, it is super helpful to keep a record of how much and when your baby feeds. Having this can be reassuring when tracking their weight gain.

Remember, feeding is about bonding too! Enjoy the quiet moments as your baby feeds; it’s a wonderful time for connection.

Sleep Routines: Finding the Right Rhythm 

Sleep is one of the biggest mysteries for new parents. Newborns typically sleep between 16-17 hours a day, but unfortunately, it’s rarely in long stretches. Most will sleep for 2-4 hours at a time and some for even 30-45 mins, which can be incredibly stressful for new parents.

When establishing a sleep routine, here are some top tips:

• Safe sleep practices: Always place your baby on their back in their own sleep space with a firm mattress. Ensure there are no loose blankets, pillows, or toys in the crib.
• Create a calming environment: Dimming the lights, playing soft white noise, or gently swaddling your baby can help them feel safe and comfortable.
• Watch for tired cues: Babies communicate their need for sleep through signs like yawning, rubbing their eyes, or fussiness. Catching these early signals can prevent overtiredness, making it easier for them to settle.

A sleep routine will evolve over time, but in the beginning, flexibility is key. Focus on creating a peaceful, predictable environment that helps your new baby feel safe and secure.

Soothing Techniques: Comforting Your Newborn

It is normal for newborns to cry—it’s their primary way of communicating! But it’s also one of the most challenging parts of parenthood. Learning how to soothe your baby takes practice, but you’ll quickly discover what works best for your little one! 

The most effective soothing techniques are:

• Swaddling: Wrapping your baby snugly in a blanket can mimic the coziness of the womb and calm them down.
• Movement: Gently rocking, walking, or bouncing (and you can even use your pregnancy exercise ball here..) can help soothe your baby’s fussiness.
• Sound: White noise, soft music, or shushing sounds can be incredibly calming. Experiment with different sounds until you find the right one for your baby.

Remember, every baby is different. What works for one child may not have the same effect on another. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to try different methods until you find your rhythm.

Postpartum Care: Don’t Forget About You!

While caring for your newborn is undoubtedly your priority, it’s so important to take care of yourself too. The thought of leakage while feeding, soothing your baby and being up and down in the night, can be stressful, and that’s why our Partum Panties are a game changer. 

Why our Partum Panties are a must have: Our Partum Panties are designed to provide extra protection during those early weeks after birth. They’re absorbent, comfortable, and allow you to focus on bonding with your baby rather than worrying about leaks. Whether you’re feeding, rocking, or catching some much-needed sleep, these will give you peace of mind, letting you be fully present with your newborn.

Newborn care can feel overwhelming at times, but remember, it’s a learning curve. Give yourself grace as you adjust to life with your little one. You’re doing an amazing job by simply being there for your baby. And as for you, mama, don’t forget to take care of yourself too. With our Partum Panties, you can manage your recovery without worrying about leakage and discomfort.