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It’s normal for new mothers to worry about their baby’s health and wellbeing. Most new parents are already suffering from information overload before their child is even born, and yet they will still have many questions and concerns that need to be answered once the baby has arrived. It’s important for all new parents to develop a good relationship with a pediatrician and when in doubt, don’t be afraid to call the doctor. Here are five of the top concerns that worry new mums.
Is my baby normal?
Once you get your baby home you may begin to notice things like crooked legs and crossed eyes. Crossed eyes are not unusual in newborns as their eye muscles may be weak, but the situation usually disappears naturally by four months of age. It’s also natural for babies to have bowed legs, as they’ve been in a confined space in the womb. Crooked legs generally straighten by the time the child is two. Mothers also often worry when their babies aren’t reaching developmental milestones; weight gain, sitting up, crawling, walking or talking, as early as someone else’s infant. Babies develop on their own timetable and as long as they are within the normal range, which is quite broad, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
Is my baby getting enough to eat?
This is a particular concern for mothers who are breastfeeding. As there is no way to measure how much milk the baby is getting, some mothers worry they are not doing it right. They may panic when their newborn loses weight, but it is normal for babies to lose weight after birth, although they should regain their birth weight by the time they are two weeks old. If you are concerned about whether the baby is getting enough to eat, monitor their urine output by counting the wet diapers they produce daily (at least six a day is normal by the time they are a week old). Babies who are breastfed can sometimes go as much as a week without a bowel movement. It shouldn’t be a concern unless the baby is producing hard stools, a warning sign of constipation.
Is my baby going to stop breathing?
With all of the media attention surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) many mothers are afraid their babies will simply stop breathing. The greatest risk of SIDS is in babies between the ages of one to four months. Follow the SIDS prevention guidelines and ensure that your baby sleeps on its back for the first year on a firm surface. It’s also a good idea for every parent to take a CPR class and learn how to administer infant CPR.
Is my baby crying too much?
Crying is a baby’s only form of communication. It’s their way of telling you they are hungry, tired, uncomfortable or lonely. If your baby is crying inconsolably for hours at a time, the infant may be suffering from colic, a condition which will resolve itself in two to three months. However, your pediatrician will need to rule out other possible medical causes like an allergy to milk protein.
Is there something wrong with me?
Many new mums worry that they are not up to the challenge of caring for their newborn. Holding the life of a tiny, fragile looking infant in your hands can be daunting, particularly if you haven’t had much experience with babies. Add to that, the fact that you have hormones raging through your body and are likely sleep-deprived. It is not surprising that you might feel overwhelmed. Adjusting to having a new baby in the home is major transition in your life as you need to also ensure you have everything you need to look after it, such as nursery furniture, pushchairs, cot bed mattresses etc.. With time and experience you’ll become more confident and in retrospect, even wonder why you were so worried.
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