Becoming a parent is one of the most exciting and challenging journeys you'll ever embark on. At Ahimsa MD, we understand the mixture of joy, anxiety, and exhaustion that comes with welcoming a newborn. With a holistic and integrative approach to preventive care, we support you every step of the way. We would love to share some tips and tricks for new parents to help you navigate the early days with your little one.
Tips and Tricks for New Parents: The First Days at Home
The first few days at home with your newborn can feel overwhelming and affect moms, dads, and babies differently. Everyone experiences parenthood in a different way. New parents need to count on a solid support system to help them navigate the first phases of parenthood.
What to expect from the baby
Here are a few things to expect from your baby and how to handle them:
Sleep Patterns: Newborns sleep a lot, but only for short stretches. Expect your baby to wake up every 2-3 hours for feeding. Lack of sleep can be exhausting for new parents, but remember, it's temporary. Try to rest when your baby sleeps.
Feeding: Your baby's feeding schedule will be about every 2-3 hours, whether you choose to breastfeed or formula-feed. Pay attention to hunger cues like rooting, crying, sucking on hands, or fussiness.
Crying: All babies cry, and it's their way of communicating. Check for basic needs first: are they hungry, tired, or need a diaper change? Sometimes, they just need to be held and comforted.
How Dad can help and be involved
Dad plays a crucial role in the early days of parenthood. Here are some ways dads can provide support to moms and bond with their babies:
Night Shifts: Taking turns during night feedings or diaper changes can give mom much-needed rest. Even if dad is not breastfeeding, he can bring the baby to mom and help with burping and settling the baby back to sleep. If you are using formula, you can take turns bottle-feeding.
Bonding Time: Spending one-on-one time with the baby helps create a strong bond. Activities like skin-to-skin contact, talking, and gentle rocking are great ways for dads to connect with their newborns. Moms can use this baby-daddy time to shower, eat, or rest.
Household Duties: Taking care of household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and running errands can significantly reduce the overall stress and allow both parents to focus on the baby.
Emotional Support: Providing emotional support for mom is essential. Simply being there to listen, snuggle and cuddle, and offer reassurance will help manage the stress of new parenthood.
Self-Care for Mom
Taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your baby. Here are some self-care tips for new moms:
Rest and Sleep: Try to sleep when the baby sleeps. Short naps during the day can help you stay refreshed.
Nutrition: Eating balanced and nutritious meals and staying hydrated is vital, especially if you are breastfeeding. Healthy snacks and plenty of water will increase your energy levels and promote breast milk production.
Physical Activity: Gentle exercises like walking or postpartum yoga can help you recover and boost your mood. Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
Mental Health: It's normal to feel overwhelmed. Don't hesitate to talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling, whether it's a friend, family member, doctor, or mental health professional.
Ask for Help: Be bold and ask for help with the baby or household chores. Sharing these responsibilities can make a significant difference.
How Friends and Family Can Help
Friends and family are usually eager to support you. Here are some ways they can assist:
Meals: Having someone bring over a meal or help with cooking can be a lifesaver. They can even create a meal schedule and take turns. This ensures you're nourished and have one less thing to worry about. You can also use a meal prep service.
Household Chores: Helping with simple tasks like laundry, washing dishes, or tidying up can be beneficial.
Emotional Support: Sometimes, you need someone to talk to or give you a break -by taking care of the baby- for a few minutes. Having a supportive ear can make a big difference.
Visits: Few visitors during the first days at home after the delivery can be stressful for you and your baby. You can determine a comfortable schedule for when people can visit you and the baby. You can also say no to visits if that is what you'd like and wait until you feel comfortable.
Ahimsa MD: A Resource for New Parents
At Ahimsa MD, we provide comprehensive care for your whole family. Here's how we can help you as new parents:
Personalized Care: Don't worry about long waits and appointments far from now. We can visit you in the comfort of your home to ensure the mother and the baby are doing well before and after the birth. We personalize the care plans to you and your baby's needs, ensuring you receive the best possible care.
Holistic Approach: Our integrative approach considers all aspects of your health—physical, emotional, and mental. We can guide you on everything from nutrition and breastfeeding techniques to stress management so you can enjoy this new chapter of your life.
24/7 Access: Our concierge medicine service gives you access to medical advice and support whenever you need it, day or night -by text, phone call, or email-. Whether it's a question about your baby's health or your own well-being, we're here for you to give you peace of mind.
Preventive Care: We focus on preventive care to keep your family healthy. Our comprehensive care approach includes regular check-ups for you and your baby, vaccination guidance, nutrition recommendations, health screenings, and helping you as much as possible so that everyone is recovering and adapting well.
Parenthood is a beautiful journey filled with ups and downs. Remember, asking for help and caring for yourself is okay. Ahimsa MD is here to support you and your family every step of the way. Together, we can make this journey smoother and more enjoyable. If you have any questions or need support, please contact us.
Welcome to the beautiful world of parenting!
Dr. Simoni Baid
Integrative Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Ahimsa MD
Ready to learn more about how Ahimsa MD can support your family's new chapter? Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our concierge medicine services.
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