Those newborn days are a blur to me after I had my three girls. A mixture of sleep deprivation and trying to recover as best I could while managing a busy newborn routine makes the time hazy to remember. I remember with my first baby I was adamant on attending my fortnightly visits with the health care nurse to measure my baby’s developments – how long had she grown, how much weight had she put on and the size of her head. By the time I had my third baby, I didn’t regularly attend this free service because I was a more confident mother and often it was hard work strapping the older kids into the car to see the nurse.
In that first week after being in hospital, I was told there are 6 ways to tell your baby is thriving. I thought I’d share them with you so if any expectant mums are anxious during their first week, they can read this for some assurance.
- Baby is relaxed during feeding. A newborn takes their time as they suck and swallow their milk. They like to pause in between swallows and linger on the boob or bottle. This is normal and means they are enjoying their feed.
- Baby is content between feeds and sleeps well between them.
- Poos are regular and change from sticky black to golden yellow. They are quite runny if your baby is breastfed and a little thicker when bottle fed.
- Baby has plenty of wet, heavy nappies.
- Baby is alert and happy when awake.
- Baby is filling out and not only feels heavier but the buttons on the grow suit feel tighter.
Mother’s instinct is an argued saying. I believe, if you are concerned about anything to do with your baby, don’t hesitate in asking your local healthcare nurse, or calling a midwife hotline. Any grave medical concerns should be seen by a doctor, rather than researching online or via a book.
Discuss your baby with other mums about your concerns too. They have been in the same position recently and may have an answer to your question. I remember freaking out when my baby came out in a red, pimply rash when she was 4 weeks old and one of my mum friends told me it was normal milk rash. And it was. Of course, get the medical advice that you think is sound. Trust that intuition if you really think there is something wrong or you have any concerns. It’s better to have asked than to have worried.
Can you remember the first week after having your baby? Were you a more confident mum when you had more children?
