Becoming a mother for the first time is the most magical and life-changing experience in any woman’s life. However, there is no doubt that it is also a time filled with worry and confusion. It’s totally natural and just shows how much you care about your little angel.
Still, that doesn’t change the fact that you may like you don’t know everything you should. You will also be bombarded with information from multiple directions that can cause even greater levels of self-doubt. As such, you may refrain from asking questions out of fear of looking foolish. But you’re not, and here are the answers to some of the most common queries.
How Long Should I Breastfeed For?
Breastfeeding is perhaps one of the biggest topics for new mums, not least because many people still treat it as a taboo. There are many benefits to be gained from breastfeeding, both for your child’s development and the attachment to you. However, there is nothing to say you have to breastfeed, especially as formula milk is at its highest ever quality.
In fact, there are many cases where it isn’t possible or will cause more distress to the tot. Conversely, though, if you breastfeed, there is no minimum or maximum threshold. Six months may be seen as the optimal time as this is when weaning onto food starts. Still, many opt for extended breastfeeding up to the age of two while others may stop after a few weeks.
Ultimately, the right choice is one that works for you and your baby. It is that simple.
How Should My Baby Sleep?
Alongside feeding, sleeping is another key topic of conversation. Moreover, it is one in which you will see a lot of conflicting info. In truth, there are several options to consider and the right one for your baby is one that provides comfort and safety. Crucially, once you find a winning routine, you should maintain a consistent approach, it will support your child’s development.
The choice between a bassinet and a mini cot is largely a personal choice. If taking the former option, it is more important to ask “What size is a bassinet mattress?” to promote safety. The firmness levels are as significant as the dimensions, not least because suffocation can be a threat to babies if they roll over. Sleeping on the back is the best position.
When it comes to background noise or the use of a dummy, find what works for them.
What Should My Baby’s Poop Look Like?
One thing that nobody prepares you for as a parent is the baby’s first poop. Their first stool is made up from materials ingested from when they were inside the uterus. As such, it will probably be black or very, very dark green. Meanwhile, it will be sticky. It’s not like a poo you will have seen before but is 100% normal. More green poops can be expected over the first weeks.
The shades of green will move from dark to light until the meconium leaves the body. If breastfeeding, your baby’s poops will usually be yellow or green. For bottle-fed babies, yellow is more common than brown. Either way, you are sure to get used to the colour and consistency. However, you arguably won’t ever get used to the smell.
Poop will become more solid and brown as you introduce food at 6-12 months.
When Should I Introduce My Baby To People?
Once your new baby arrives, it’s likely that friends and relatives will want to meet them. While there is no limit on how quickly you can begin to do this, both parents and baby need rest too. Moreover, too many visitors may cause overstimulation. Therefore, it may be best to spread out visits while giving yourself at least two days per week to focus on your household.
Perhaps more importantly, you must remember that your child has a weak immune system. Not least because they have yet to have their vaccinations. So, while loved ones will want to cuddle your baby, be sure to prohibit kissing on the lips. Otherwise, you may be left with an unwanted trip to the doctor or hospital.
Going out in public with a newborn is fine, but you probably want to avoid crowded places.
Am I A Good Enough Parent?
Finally, this is probably the most commonly asked question by new parents. And it’s also the easiest to answer. Once again, self-doubt shows that you care, and also means you will naturally research anything that concerns you. Ultimately, though, you’re doing great. Stop criticising yourself and enjoy every moment.
