How is it possible the staff has let me leave the hospital with such a helpless little creature? These were the thoughts I had the day baby and I came home from the hospital. Here I was, totally responsible for the health and well-being of this newborn who was so very different than the cherubic babies I had babysat long ago! It had finally hit me; I was the parent, the one who magically has all the answers. Apparently there was no secret “confidence booster switch” which was flipped into the ON position after giving birth. I couldn’t imagine how my mother did it? It did not seem possible I could be as capable as she? A small panic attack was in order.
If you are like me, the first problem is placing that tiny body into a car seat. We had bought the best baby travel system we could find. It had a car seat that detached from its base to become an infant carrier; it also attached onto a stroller base, giving a three-in-one bonus. So perfect when purchased, the infant seat seemed huge that first day! I yearned to believe she was as safe in my arms as she was alone in the car seat! Logic and my husband managed to convince me to let go. Since they have limited muscle control, newborns end up scrunched down into one corner of their car seat. Until baby is more able to sit unassisted, she will be sliding to one corrner of your car seat. You can purchase additional padded support for your baby for use with the first weeks of “amoeba life”.
I knew I needed rest but I was torn between the rest I needed and being with my new baby. Plus, she seemed constantly hungry. It was quite challenging to find a place in our home for nursing while we were both learning the process. Every new mom simply needs to try different positions. Some people use ring slings, fabric carriers that allow you to carry the baby around with you. This can be a great way to position baby for nursing if you can find the right adjustment for you. I used my ring sling mainly as a great hands-free carrier. Eventually the rocking chair ended up being the best option for nursing my baby.
Babies need to have their diapers changed just about every time they eat, and even sometimes in between meals. The output capacity of a newborn rivals even the most efficient factory. I had chosen to use Fuzzi Bunz cloth diapers. Thank goodness they were snug fitting. It is surprising to observe the diapering issues which can result from a diet of only liquids.” The first few days proved to have most of the largest diapering challenges. Frequently, quick changes of clothes are what you need! Cloth diapers were good but at first they only worked as well as my attempts to get them fastened. And if you do not fasten them in time…they will not work at all!
Although that first day home is daunting, it is the start of an amazing new chapter. You become accustomed to dealing with constant shifts and changes. Parents are challenged with every stage their chilfren reach. Frequently pretending to be as in control and capable of child care as my mother, I found myself calling on all my resources. I knew I truly was a parent the day I realized my mother had been through this same process.
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