Congratulations on Your New Baby

You survived the dreaded morning sickness, swollen ankles and mood swings that most women experience during pregnancy. You survived the waiting game of labor, the pain of contractions and the overwhelming feeling of welcoming your baby into the world. Now, get ready to experience sleepless nights, heaps of laundry and endless diaper changes. In other words, congratulations on the birth of your baby!

While most women find their babies to be perfect in every way, your baby more than likely won’t look like the babies we often see in magazines and ads. After a closer look, don’t be alarmed if your baby has hair in unexpected places, an oddly shaped head and swollen genitals. More than likely, you will find that your baby is scrunched up, with legs and arms curled close to the body, has long fingernails, a furry appearance and wrinkly skin. Rashes, blotchy skin and other markings are common on newborns. Some babies are born with a yellow tint to their skin, generally caused by a condition known as jaundice.

Introducing a new baby to siblings and pets can be stressful for everyone involved. Older children might be excited to meet the new baby or they might be scared and experience feelings of jealousy and betrayal. Pets might be scared of the cries and sounds of a new baby. It is important to help socialize the new baby with siblings and pets to comfort any negative feelings. And for safety reasons, you should never leave the baby unattended with pets or young siblings. In addition, take time out of each day to focus on your pet and/or your other children so that the feelings of jealousy, isolation and competition are decreased or diminished. Older siblings often enjoy “helping� with baby care.

More than likely, friends and family will be eager to meet your new addition. You might have had guests in the hospital before and after delivery, visiting with you and your new baby. If friends and family ask how they can help, tell them! Visitors can offer help to a new mother by allowing her to take a shower, bringing a meal, helping with housework or allowing her to take a much needed nap.

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