Your Newborn Baby?s First Few Days at Home ? What You Should Expect

The first few days home from the hospital are important for both baby and parents. As parents you will have gone through intense birth process that is unlike anything else you have ever experienced. As a new mother you will be drained - both emotionally and physically. The father can often have feelings of being overwhelmed by the huge responsibility he now faces. There probably is not much anyone can say or do to help you to fully prepare for what you are about to experience.

During your first days at home it may be wise to limit the amount of visitors that you welcome into your home because you'll need a lot of time to recover from the birth process. Other than your immediate family and good friends you might want to ask other friends to wait a week or two before they descend on you with gifts and wanting to hold the new baby.

New mothers will want to pay attention to the way that they feel so that those "baby blues" don't creep up and surprise you unexpectedly. It is normal to feel a bit out of sorts and sad for the first couple of weeks after giving birth. Your body is going through some major physical changes after the birth of your baby. Your hormones will be changing and you likely will be feeling a lack of sleep. It is important to remember that this is natural and to allow yourself a good amount of time to recover from this. If you find yourself feeling more and more depressed it is advised that you should discuss it with your doctor to see if you are suffering from "postpartum depression". Symptoms of postpartum depression include:

· Overwhelming feelings of sadness and depression accompanied by crying.

· Having little or no energy.

· Feelings of guilt and worthlessness.

· Having no interest in your baby or being overly concerned and worried about your baby.

· Weight gain accompanied with overeating or Weight loss accompanied by not eating.

· Insomnia or oversleeping.

If you do have postpartum depression then there are a few ways that you can try to beat it: · Try and get as much rest and relaxation as possible. When the baby is asleep use this quiet time to get some rest yourself.

· Be more understanding with yourself and do not put yourself under too much pressure to "get back to normal". Ensure that your family is aware that you need help with housework and so on.

· Try to limit the time that you spend just alone ? keep your mind and body relatively active (for example by taking short pleasant walks).

· Get professional help if the depression seems to be ongoing.

· Discuss with other mothers their experiences after birth. You may find that your friends and family members also went through the same issues as you.

During the first few days at home your family will be adjusting to the additional member of your family. If you have other children at home you may be dealing with feelings of jealousy as the new baby takes centre stage. Make sure that you include your other children in the day-to-day activities that are part of the new baby's routine. Remember that you are trying to adjust to some huge changes in your life so allow yourself the understanding and care that you would give to family and friends in your situation.

Keziah Engineer is the author of the best selling ebook "THE BABY CARE BOOK" ? a resource that teaches new parents absolutely everything they need to know about their newborn babies: http://www.global-ebooks.com/babybook.htm

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Why You Need to Teach Your Baby How To Swim

Many parents are discovering the art of teaching their baby... Read More

How to Choose a Car Seat That Meets The Needs of Your Baby

There are many types of car seats available on the... Read More

The Personality Traits of a Capricorn Baby

Your Capricorn Baby..December 23 - January 19Capricorn babies thrive on... Read More

Stem Cells Taken From A Babys Cord

Stem Cells..An increasing number of parents are storing stem cells... Read More

Baby Poems for Saying Whats On Your Heart

Baby poems and baby shower poems can express any sentiment.... Read More

Infant Car Seats

Finding the best car seats for your child: To escape... Read More

Baby Shower Games to Make Your Baby Shower Exciting

The perfect way to spoil the baby shower games is... Read More

Baby Bedding Wants Vs. Bedding Baby Needs

If you walk into any baby store or online baby... Read More

Baby Furniture Essentials for Your New Baby

Baby furniture can be made up of many different pieces... Read More

Choosing Baby Names for Twins

Choosing a baby name for your new born can be... Read More

Baby Gift Registry

A furniture gift registry helps us streamline to the best... Read More

Infant Circumcision

If circumcision were a choice I had to have made,... Read More

The Personality Traits of a Sagittarius Baby

Your Sagittarius Baby..November 22 - December 21 Young Sagittarians are... Read More

First Birthday Party: Game and Activities for Little Guests

Do you want your baby to be thrilled by his... Read More

A Baby Is Born With Certain Reflexes

A Baby's Reflexes..A baby is born with certain reflexes to... Read More

Preparing A Layette For Your New Baby

First of all, in case you do not know, what... Read More

Baby Crib Safety - Frequently Asked Questions

The crib is where your baby will spend a lot... Read More

Tale of the Missing Nub

The extent of the memory loss that accompanies new parenthood... Read More

How To Choose a Baby Formula

Breast milk is the most natural food for your baby,... Read More

7 Stages of Potty Training

There are seven stages of potty training. They begin with... Read More

10 Items of the Well-Stocked Diaper Bag

Does your diaper bag have everything you need in it?... Read More

Baby Products ? Essential Baby Products, Which Ones Do I Really Need?

There are many essential baby products a new parent must... Read More

Choosing Baby Names

Take Your Time The worst thing you could do when... Read More

Top 100 Baby Names and Helpful Tips To Consider When Naming Your Baby

Are you an expectant parent anxiously waiting for that little... Read More

Unique Baby Bedding - Because Every Baby is Special

All parents want something absolutely unique for their baby. Be... Read More

Hints And Tips On Scrapbooking Baby?s ?Firsts?

It is true to say that a lot of people... Read More

My RAD Child

When I say RAD you may think of a child... Read More

Baby Car Seat Glossary Guide

To the uninitiated parent, buying a car seat for your... Read More

The Personality Traits of A Baby Born During The Sign Of Cancer

Your Cancer Baby..June 21 - July 22A Cancer child can... Read More

Potty Training Your Child: The Five Potty Training Methods

There are many different ways to potty train your toddler.... Read More

The Character Traits of a Scorpio Baby

Your Scorpio Baby..October 23 - November 21 Young Scorpios have... Read More

Baby Shower Invitation Cards

Baby Shower Invitation Cards are a time saver for the... Read More

Baby Showers To Remember

Every mother wants an enchanting baby shower for her new... Read More