1. Allow for quiet family nesting time so that you all get to know each other
2. Try to minimise visitors and disruptions where ever possible
3. Delegate as much as possible so that you can focus on your baby
4. Babies sense of smell is well developed, so avoid perfumes where possible
5. Skin to skin contact is important for bonding as well as a good immune system boost
6. New babies do not need to bathed regularly. Being exposed is often traumatic as they are immature and very sensitive. Babies skins are sensitive as well, so don’t be alarmed by rashes and redness
7. Remember the “fourth trimester” which means birth to 3 months. Using womb like experiences will help to calm a crying baby
8. Stock up beforehand on easy nutrious meals and snacks as well as baby essentials like spare clothes and nappies
9. Babies need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours initially. Breastfed babies can feed every hour or three hours straight or cluster feed
10. Babies have immature digestion, so burbs and gas will rule your life for 12 weeks
11. Babies need to sleep regularly and will hopefully go back to sleep after being awake for 60 to 90 minutes
12. Babies need to be weighed during their first week after discharge, so book a clinic appointment. It takes an average of two weeks to get back to birth weight
13. Babies need to be registered at the Department of Home Affairs in their first month, so make contact with the local branch. Some hospitals offer this registration service. Also check your baby has been registered with your medical insurer if you have one
14. The first 6 weeks have little pattern or routine, so be patient as some days are calm and others are chaotic
15. Growth spurts happen at 3 and 6 weeks, so expect the unexpected
16. Allow for breathing space. Cabin fever can be overwhelming at times
17. Tears and feeling overwhelmed during this time is normal. It is an adjustment and requires patience and time
18. Like everything in life, this too shall pass
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