Bringing a new baby into the world is an exciting and emotional experience. The first 24 hours with your new born can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a first born-time parent. But don’t worry, with a little bit of preparation and knowledge, you can navigate this new journey with ease.
Baby’s First Day
When your baby is born, they will be covered in vernix, a white, waxy substance that protected them in the womb. Your newborn will also be covered in fine hair called lanugo. Don’t worry; this will disappear within a few days. Your baby’s head may be elongated or misshapen, but this is normal and will also go away within a few days.
Newborns at Birth
In the baby first few hours after birth, your baby will have their first physical exam to check their breathing, heart rate, and reflexes. They will also be weighed and measured. The average weight for a newborn is 7.5 pounds, and the average length is 20 inches. However, babies come in all shapes and sizes, so don’t be alarmed if your baby is smaller or larger than the average.
How Long Should You Breastfeed: Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for your newborn. It’s recommended that you breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months of their life. In the first few days after birth, your breasts will produce colostrum, a yellowish fluid that’s packed with nutrients and antibodies to help protect your baby from infections. How long should you breastfeed? It’s recommended that you breastfeed your newborn every 2-3 hours, or whenever they show signs of hunger.
How Much Should a Newborn Eat?
How much do newborns eat? Newborns have tiny stomachs, and they can only eat small amounts at a time. How much do new born baby eat? In the first few days, your baby will consume about 1 to 3 ounces of breast milk or formula per feeding. As they grow, they will gradually eat more at each feeding.
How Often Should a Newborn Eat?
Newborns eat frequently, and they should be fed whenever they show signs of hunger, which can be as often as every 1 to 3 hours. It’s important to feed your baby on demand, even if that means waking them up for a feeding. During the first few days, your baby may have only a few wet diapers and one or two bowel movements per day. However, as they start to eat more, they will produce more diapers.
Do Babies Poop in the Womb?
Many new parents wonder if babies poop in the womb. The answer is yes, they do. However, it’s not the same as bowel movements after birth. Your baby’s first bowel movement, called meconium, is a sticky, black, tar-like substance that’s made up of amniotic fluid, mucus, and other substances. It’s important to note that some babies don’t pass meconium until a few days after birth, which is normal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first 24 hours with your newborn can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions and new experiences. Remember to take it one moment at a time and ask for help when you need it. And most importantly, cherish this precious time with your new little one.
