Image Source: Pregnancyandbaby

So, your little bundle of joy has finally arrived wrapped in the cute little blanket; after a long wait and you are excited, nervous, depressed, happy, amused and anxious; all at the same time. Visitors are hovering and advice is flowing freely. Everyone is enthusiastic on giving you a new baby 101 and you still don’t know what to do. Everything seems right and wrong at the same time and you don’t want to say no to anyone in case it hurts their feelings. At the same time you want to take a deep breath and think for your own as to what is good for the baby and what is not. Well!! Relax. Help is here. Sit back, take a breath and read on.

1. Take a moment to yourself:

It is easy to get lost in a barrage of advice that flows right after the baby has arrived; but it’s alright. Realize that people mean well; thank them and don’t get irritated. You will have to learn to identify your infant’s needs yourself. And for that you need to first relax and take a moment to yourself to take charge of your thoughts.

2. Rely on your gut feeling:

You are the mother; you have been with the child for the nine months that it has been in your womb and you are the one with whom it will have the strongest communication. Rely on your gut feeling; that is how a mother naturally understands her baby’s needs. It’s not a child’s play but it’s not rocket science either.

3. Use your touch:

The more soothing touches your baby receives from you; the more trust it builds and helps the child to communicate with you. Remember the baby is new to the world and is getting to know things. Your touch assures the baby that it is safe and it is secure. Massage your baby yourself; that forms and nurtures a bond with your baby. Organic essential oils are a good way to provide nourishment to baby’s developing bones and skin.

4. Nursing:

Don’t panic if the child finds it difficult to nurse. It is still learning and so are you. Take proper instructions from your doctor on feeding the baby. You can also take the help of various nursing aids available.

5. Bath and Skin Care:

Select your baby’s Shampoo and Conditioner carefully. The baby’s skin is very delicate and natural or organic products are the best when it comes to the cleanliness and hygiene of the baby. Also make sure you use baby skin friendly Soaps or Body Wash which are specially made to suit your baby. Use of a good Moisturizer will keep your baby’s skin well nourished and soft over time.

6. Diapers and Wipes:

Use good absorbent diapers, and even if you are using cloth diapers; remember to wash them in antiseptic. There is a variety of types of Diapers available; choose wisely according to what would suit your child. Use wipes to clean your baby; be it their face or their bum. Wipes are better than cloth because they have moisturizing solution in it and don’t leave a rash on the skin. Make sure you use a herbal or chemical free Diaper Rash Cream for the baby.

Above all; take it easy. It’s ok to feel tired and irritated and it is okay to ask for help when you need it. Remember that you are an adult but are still learning to be a mom; and that you have your baby’s best interests at heart.