After nine months of waiting, the time that you and your family have been waiting for has finally arrived: the birth of your newest little bundle of joy (or joys – in case it’s a multiple birth case!) After a few days of staying at the hospital, it’s finally time to come home! Whether you are a first-time mom or simply a newly birthed mom adding a new member of your very own soccer team, you must be swirling in a rollercoaster ride of emotions! AHHH! Sometimes, it feels like it’s so hard to contain it all inside, right? 

But for sure, especially if you are new to Motherhood 101, you must be having a lot of questions and you’re probably overwhelmed with emotions as you try to think about how your routine will drastically change now that you have a newborn to look after. 

Nothing to worry about though, dear! To help you and your baby ease into this new routine, here are some things you can expect to do frequently.

Diaper Changes Every Now and Then

Newborns are basically like peeing and pooping machines, which is a very normal thing for them to do! Babies eat a lot, especially at this stage where their feeding time is between 2 to 3 hours intervals.  At least you know their bowel movement is working just fine as well! Make sure to have enough stock of diapers at this stage since, believe it or not, newborns need to change diapers between 10 – 15 times a day! Yes, you read that right, in just one day, you can have a bag full of soiled diapers in your trash bin. 

Keep an eye on your baby’s diaper once in a while, especially after their meals, since chances are, they’ll be soaked or soiled after some hours. It’s important that they are changed right away to prevent bowel irritation and bladder infections. You don’t necessarily have to wait for your little one to be awake (if they are asleep) or for them to signal a cry so you can change their nappy. Sooner or later, as you ease into your routine, you’ll be a diaper changer expert in no time!

The Burps, Hiccups, and Spit-Ups

As we have mentioned earlier, babies eat a lot; we’re pretty sure you know that too. Next to sleeping, it’s one of the biggest chunks of a newborn’s routine – eat, sleep, change nappy, and repeat.

It is natural to get in some gas whenever we are swallowing something; this is very common for babies whenever they are eating. As adults, this is something we can release with ease through burping. As for babies, most of them are going to need some assistance from us to release those excessive gases, otherwise, they’re gonna be gassy which leads them to spit-ups and feeling cranky. If your baby is having a hard time releasing this gas, a little, gentle tap on their back can help. Chances are while doing so, your baby might have the spit-ups, so it’s best to have a towel or bib on your shoulder to catch on any drips from their lips.

Another thing to take note of is your newborn’s hiccups! One of its most common causes is overeating or intaking a lot of air. It can be quite a discomfort for your little one, especially that these sensations are new to them. To prevent this, make sure that your baby is positioned properly during feeding time, in a way that they are not swallowing too much air. Likewise, it’s recommended that you put them in an upright position right after feeding, in preparation for burping.

A Wonky Body Clock

Ah! Less sleeping hours are bound to happen with a newborn in tow. Welcome to motherhood! This is not meant to scare you in any way, by the way. We’d like to think it’s all a part of the beauty of parenting a baby! As mentioned earlier, your newborn will need to be fed, burped, and changed at least every 2-3 hours. At night time, your baby will most likely be signaling it through crying, as it is their most effective way of communicating their needs. Expect to be awake every once in a while to make sure that your baby is comfortable and satisfied with their needs. You don’t have to do it all by yourself, by the way. You can ask for help from your partner and anyone who is in your household and come up with a routine and schedule. There may be fewer sleeping hours, but resting is still possible in-between. Remember, as a popular saying goes: “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. So you have to get enough refills to keep giving the best care for your newborn.

Lots of Cuddle Time and Snuggles

This is one of the many priceless moments you can have with your newborn. Newborn babies latch onto their mothers at all times, not just for feeding but as well as for warmth and affection. In order to ensure that they grow well, your baby will need lots of it! Your newborn is still very young to regulate their own body temperature, so they will rely greatly on you for that, making it a perfect time for cuddles and snuggles. This will increase your bond and closeness as well, one that is priceless and incomparable.

Doulas Of The Valley: The Experts in Providing Exceptional Care For Families with Newborns

Caring for a newborn certainly brings a lot of joy but at the same time, can be quite a handful. Sometimes, when you’re overwhelmed and there are just so many things on your plate, it’s like you want to call on a whole village for help. 

Okay…maybe that’s a little exaggerated, but that is one thing that we at Doulas of The Valley want to remind you of. You never have to go through these life-changing moments on your own. We’d be happy to lend you additional hands in giving your baby the best care they can ever have!

If you are reading this right, then take it as a sign! Connect with us now and we’d be happy to sit down and discuss how we can be of service to you and your family. 

When it comes to exceptional family care in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, you can count on us at Doulas of the Valley!