This is your first week home with Baby, Congratulations!
Depending on the type of birth you had, your recovery time will vary. Please view my postpartum section for what to expect your body to be going through after childbirth. Now, let’s take a look at what your routine should look like:
For Mommy:
Make sure that you are feeding your Baby on demand, whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding. This will be every 2-3 hours because your little one’s tummy is very small and is still growing, so expect their intake to only last a span of 2-3 hours before they’re hungry again.
- Try to set a timer for yourself so that you can be awake before your baby wakes.
- First get some water so that you can hydrate and because you will have postpartum cramps, you can place some postpartum tincture drops into your water that should help with the cramping pain, naturally. You can also speak to your Provider if you prefer over the counter pain medication.
- Next, change your Baby’s diaper first – always. Some Mothers will feed a Baby first, then their Baby falls asleep, so when the diaper has to be changed, the Baby is woken up and it can cause sleep to be disrupted.
- If possible, feed your Baby skin to skin, this helps promote bonding and attachment. Make sure to keep eye contact with your Baby, despite how tired you are, it is very important and secures your bond. Feed your Baby until the Baby stops and gently detach your Baby (if breastfeeding). If breastfeeding, I don’t recommend introducing a pacifier until your Baby is at least one month old.
- Make sure to burp your Baby, by having firm pats on it’s back.
- Once the Baby has burped, place the Baby back into it’s basinet to sleep.
- Remember to set your timer again.
This will be your routine, until the belly button falls off on it’s own. Until then, you can give your Baby a sponge bath. Once the belly button falls off you can plan your first bath.
For Baby:
During the day, incorporate tummy time 30 minutes after a feeding, allowing for the food to be absorbed and avoiding spit ups. Place your Baby on it’s tummy, while lying on your chest. Your Baby might not like this position because their neck muscles have not strengthened yet. Tummy time should only be a few minutes during the first month. If your Baby cries or fusses, talk to them, touch their hands and feet, comfort them. Once a few minutes have passed, focus on getting Baby back to sleep and make sure to always place them on their back. A swaddle for sleep is highly recommended because it gives them a sense of security, the same they had in the womb.
