Hello!
I’m Patricia Kanya, I’m a
freelance maternity nurse and super nanny, specialising in new born babies. I work closely with expectant and new mothers
to help them through what is possibly the most wonderful, yet overwhelming time
of a woman’s life, through one to consultations, group workshops and maternity
nurse care at clients homes.
Most first-time mothers are very
anxious prior to the birth of their baby and when the baby arrives, mostly because
they do not know what to expect. I would like new mothers to
know that they should properly rest, diet and mild exercise are the
requirements that are needed before birth of the baby. All babies need love -
that is the next step after baby is born. A baby is regarded as newborn from
0 - 28 days old. Babies thrive on touch, therefore close contact with parents is
needed. Physical contact and lots of cuddles with your baby and lots of love
create a special bond.
Within the first 72 hours after
baby's birth, your breasts will produce a thin yellow fluid called COLOSTRUM.
This fluid contains water, protein, sugar, vitamins, minerals and antibodies
for protection against infectious diseases, colostrums is seriously amazing
stuff, and even if you don’t plan to breast feed your baby, I would recommend at
least trying to give baby this miracle milk to help boost its immune system.
Milk production starts after 72 hours. Please note that breast milk is
best and is the perfect food for your baby. It contains all the nutrients your
baby needs and in just the right amounts. Breastfed babies do not get
constipated since breast milk is more easily digestible than powdered milk
(cows milk should NOT be given to babies until they are at least a year old).
It builds the immune system and protects the intestines. Your baby will suffer
less wind and posset (that is, regurgitate food less) and will usually sleep
longer. Breastfeeding is also beneficial for you, the mother as it promotes the
loss of weight gained during pregnancy.
Baby's first stool consists of
MECONIUM, which is mainly digested mucus and looks blackish green. Meconium is
passed within the first 24 hours (this is important).
Newborns usually have irregular
and shallow breathing. Sometimes they snore faintly - make a variety of strange
noises, whether asleep or awake - this is quite normal. Most of these are due
to the immaturity of the respiratory system and will soon disappear.
Your newborn baby will cry for various reasons:-
tiredness, hunger, loneliness and discomfort, too hot/too cold, uncomfortable
position or needs changing. Sometimes baby cries for no discernible reason. New
mothers will wonder why baby is sneezing or has hiccups. Sneezing is quite
common in newborn babies which can be beneficial as it helps clear out your
baby's nasal passages. Hiccups are due to imperfect control of the diaphragm
and will disappear as your baby's nervous system control of the diaphragm
matures.
Taking
Care of Mummy.
Let me say a few words about Mummy.
Taking care of a newborn can become overwhelming, therefore it is a good idea
to get assistance for the first 3 to 4 weeks of your baby's birth. Household
work and taking care of baby can be a little too much for you. There are
physical and hormonal changes at the time of birth which will probably alter
the mother's mood to some degree. A Maternity Nurse can help immensely in the
first weeks of your babies life.
A slight depression after baby's
birth is referred to as B.B. or Baby Blues. You may or may not experience this.
You can take some time out by going for a walk, listening to soft music or
being given lots of care and affection by the rest of the family. Rest is
extremely important and so is your diet. Avoid caffeine, chocolate, spicy and
fried foods. Your baby will reflect your disposition. - so do not excite
yourself. As your uterus contracts you will start to feel better about
yourself.
There are a few things to note,
such as:
R.S.V. - Respiratory
Syntical Virus - Handling baby with dirty hands. Cleanliness is
important. Always keep hands clean.
S.I.D.S - Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome - this is caused by placing baby on tummy or keeping baby too
warm.
S.B.S. - Shaking Baby Syndrome - Avoid shaking baby
vigorously.
Check list
for Baby
Here is a
handy check list to help prepare you for your baby's arrival. They can be found
at the nearest Mothercare or
any convenient baby outlet.
1. Breast pads/Cream
2. Half Moon Nursing Pillow
3. Breast pump
4. Burp Cloths
5. Bottles/Bottle warmer
6. Nappies and nappy bag
7. Nappy Rash Ointment like
Sudacream
8. Disposable Nappy bags
9. Baby changing mat
10. Baby wipes
11. Baby monitor
12. Bathtub
13. Side snap shirts
14. Body suits/sleepers
15. Socks/Cap & Booty sets
16. Blankets
17. Infant Carrier
18. Crib/Hamper
19. Car Seat
20. Stroller
These are some of the items that
you can start with. Do enjoy your newborn baby and all the joys that you would
experience. I WISH ALL NEW MOTHERS THE VERY BEST.
Please feel free to leave me a comment or if you would like to enquire about any of my personal services please email me at info@freelancematernitynurse.co.uk
Patricia x
Please feel free to leave me a comment or if you would like to enquire about any of my personal services please email me at info@freelancematernitynurse.co.uk
Patricia x