What Every New Mother Should Know

Education is Important During This Blissful and Scary Time

Becoming a mom is both a blissful and scary time. There’s so much unknown. That’s why education is incredibly important—to help new moms-to-be prepare to the best of their abilities.

Why Bonding Is So Important

One concept that has gained attention in the last few decades is the importance of skin-to-skin contact once the baby is born. This sets the stage for strong bonding. Talking to the baby in a soothing, reassuring tone, maintaining eye contact as much as possible, and swaddling.

Physical contact can help your bond grow with your baby. We also know that breastfeeding can help increase the bond you have with your baby. If you're unable to breastfeed, you can allow baby to sit at the breast as another form of bonding. If you're having trouble bonding with your baby, you might want to talk to your OB/GYN.

Crying: A Baby’s Language

A crying baby can be a frustrating experience. Yet, crying is how babies communicate. It’s their language and serves many purposes. For instance, crying may indicate a baby needs help or is uncomfortable. Or, they are hungry.

Crying also can help babies release tension and extra energy. Most newborns will cry for food when they wake up. As they grow, the cries become more varied and you will learn your baby’s needs. Crying is one way babies communicate until they develop language.

Excessive crying shouldn't be of concern unless the cry is a piercing, shrieking cry. In that instance, the baby may be hurting in some way and it’s smart to connect with your pediatrician to investigate further.

Non-Concerning Growing Pains

Babies are subject to different “growing pains,” but very few are truly concerning. For example, cradle cap is a common condition. This presents as crusty white or yellow scales that is similar to dandruff. While it may be unsightly, it’s not harmful and typically goes away on its own over time.

If a mom had an instrument-assisted delivery (e.g. forceps delivery, vacuum delivery), they might notice the baby has red marks or some bruising. That will go away. It can take a month or two. But it's just a minor tissue disruption and it'll usually go away on its own.

Jaundice is another newborn occurrence that may appear troubling. In most cases, jaundice is harmless. Jaunice is the buildup of bilirubin in the blood. If you are concerned, take your baby into the pediatrician to be evaluated. But once your pediatrician has cleared the baby, most cases of jaundice will go away in time.

When Moms Should Be Concerned

As much as new moms would love to deal with non-concerning “hiccups,” there are times when they should be on alert. The following represents symptoms that need medical attention:

• Vomiting and diarrhea that persists or is intense
• Dehydration, evidenced by fewer wet diapers, dark urine, or sunken eyes
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Problems breathing
• Seizure, lethargy, or limp constitution
• Fever of 100.4 or higher
• Rash
• Loss of appetite/refusing to eat

Mom Needs Care, Too

Newborns aren’t the only ones who need careful watching. New moms often experience postpartum depression, lack of sleep, loss of appetite, and feelings of inadequacy. While it’s completely normal to feel “blue” in the weeks following the baby’s arrival, moms should consult with a medical professional if symptoms last longer than six weeks.

Talk to your OBGYN, because we have resources that can help you in that stage. In most instances, this will pass. But don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Moms: You Are Not Alone

Welcoming a new baby into the world can seem overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be. There are many resources moms and their partners can turn to—prior to and after delivery. Trusted sources such as Healthy Children, a website created by the American Academy of Pediatrics is a great resource.

It has information on prenatal care and tips for caring for babies, toddlers, and children at each stage of their life. Support groups and talking to other mothers is very helpful.

Consider joining a Baby and Me Support Group, talking to a perinatal mental health counselor, or visiting with a lactation consultant. Finding a tribe of supportive women to parent alongside can make the world of difference.

Call the Saint Alphonsus Family Center at (208) 367-3454 or visit our website to learn more.