Essential Tips For Surviving The First Week With A Newborn

Congratulations! You’ve finally met your beautiful baby! But you’re probably wondering how the first few days of your life together will go? Well, #MommyVeronika is here to prepare you for exactly what to expect in the first week with your newborn at home, as well as lay a solid foundation for a daily routine for the next couple of months, that’s enjoyable for both – you and your baby.

Development
Of course, to you, your baby will always be beautiful (even the most beautiful!), but many mothers are surprised by how their baby looks immediately after birth, especially if they expected to see the clean, plump, pink newborns that we are seen on television.

However, the reality is a little different. Babies can look a little wrinkly (as we all would look if we were stuck in an enclosed watery space for nine months). They may be covered in a whitish yellow substance called vernix, especially if they were born prematurely, and may also have a fine covering of hair called lanugo, which will disappear after a few weeks.

It’s normal for a baby to lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first week of life – this is simply because they’ve lost the excess fluids they had at birth, so don’t be alarmed by the drop on the scale. Two-thirds of babies also get jaundice in their first days of life: their eyes and skin may look a little yellow.

At birth, the baby’s head may appear slightly misshapen from its journey through the birth canal, but should return to its normal round shape within a few days. A baby’s skull has two soft areas called fontanelles (you can find more info regarding fontanelles here). The rest of the umbilical cord is still attached and you will need to be extra careful in that area as well as keep it dry until it falls off completely. Their legs will remain in the same folded position as they were in the womb for a while, but will gradually straighten over the next few weeks.

Babies are born with certain reflexes that will disappear by the time they are six months old, when they gain real coordination over their movements. But for now, you will notice that if the newborn’s head or neck is not stable, it will spread its arms wide (also called the Moreau reflex). At first, babies have increased muscle tone, so they can squeeze your finger tightly if you place it in their palm, and they also have quite powerful sucking reflexes. When stroked on the cheeks, babies instinctively turn their heads and open their mouths to start feeding. With this method, you can easily check if your child is hungry during the first few weeks.

Feeding and diapers
In the first 5-6 months, a baby should be only fed breast milk or formula and thus – around the clock. For a one week old its at least every 2 to 3 hours, although sometimes it may seem like much more! Some breastfed babies feed really often to increase the flow of milk, but this is normal.

How much should a 1 week old formula fed baby eat?
– Follow the baby’s cues, but about 50 to 80ml of formula approximately every 3 to 4 hours should be sufficient. If you can, it is best to let the child breastfeed as much as it needs. Over time, a certain rhythm of eating and resting will be established.

How much breast milk should be given to a one-week-old baby?
– If you are pumping breast milk, you will be able to detect that the baby eats about 50-90ml per feeding – every 2 to 3 hours.

How long per meal should a one-week-old baby breastfeed?
– We know it’s hard, but don’t look at the clock while you’re breastfeeding! First, offer the baby one breast and make sure it latches well. If the baby still seems hungry after the breast has softened and the milk is finished, offer the other breast. The baby will stop eating when it is full. At the next feeding, start with the opposite breast. It is usual for feeding to take about 20 to 40 minutes, but it is individual for each child. Do not leave the baby on the breast for too long, it will turn it into a pacifier and hurt your breasts. Also do not let your child sleep on the breast – its not a pillow, its only for feeding.

How often does a one-week-old baby “go to the toilet”?
– A healthy baby wets at least 5 to 8 diapers a day.

What should be given to a one-week-old baby for constipation?
– Doctors advise to see a doctor if a baby under the age of one month has constipation – do not treat it yourself! So call the pediatrician right away.

Sleep
A one-week-old baby sleeps most of the day, wakes up every 2-3 hours to feed, and then most probably go back to sleep. It’s hard to say exactly how much sleep a baby who is a few days or a week old needs, but it’s usually around 16 to 20 hours a day, with usually no more than 2 to 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Waking up happens around the clock because the baby has not yet learned to distinguish day from night. Try to keep things bright and playful throughout the day and dark and calm at night, so that with a little bit of luck, your little one will start sensing the difference between the two.

Also remember to always put your baby to sleep on its back with its head to the side. Don’t forget to make sure the bed is free of soft and fluffy bedding or any other objects to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Activities and stressful situations
During this first exciting week, you and baby settle in at home and begin to establish your new routine. The baby can have its first walk outside, but only if you both feel ready for it and the weather conditions allow it. The first “walk outside” should actually last no more than 10 minutes and can be done in the yard or balcony, if you have one.

Many mothers say they can’t believe the hospital let them go home with such precious ”shipment” in the car. It might sound funny to some, but coming home can actually be a source of stress for the new mommy and that’s normal! It can be both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Also some mommies experience “the baby blues”, which in normal conditions and amount usually occurs 3-4 days after giving birth, is all due to the hormonal changes, and doesn’t stay for longer than 2 weeks.

Because of the whole positive and stressful emotional rollercoaster during these first 7 days, it’s good to make everything around you as easy as possible in order to feel a bit more comfortable. For example, you don’t have to clean the house for visitors. It is even better to avoid contact with many people at least for the first few weeks. Don’t feel obligated to hold your baby all the time – leave them in their bed while asleep. Try to rest when the baby sleeps, as you have a minimum of 8 to 12 weeks of sleepless nights. It is important to rest and calm down after giving birth. As already mentioned above, a newborn baby sleeps an average of 18 hours a day, but that does not necessarily mean through the night initially. Don’t rush the first bath either if you don’t feel confident in that first week.

Above all, take the time to relax and enjoy just holding your newborn!

Tips for parents and their newborn babies:

– Take the baby for its first checkup at the pediatrician’s office, about three to five days after birth.
– Make an appointment for the baby’s one-month check-up.
– Sleep when baby sleeps (as much as you can).
– Ask for/get help whenever you need it!
– And don’t forget to take pictures! They really do grow up too fast!