Still On Your Mark

 It can be frustrating when your sweet baby cries for no apparent reason.  You’ve changed her, held, rocked, and cuddled her.  You’ve changed her position several times and she is still fussing.  Be careful not to get in the habit of feeding her whenever she fusses or cries.  If it hasn’t been at least two hours since you last fed her, try all the above before offering a feeding.  It could be the beginning of her using food to meet every need. Something she doesn’t need. 

Infants can be especially sensitive to temperatures that are too high or too low.  Try removing a blanket or a layer of clothing on warmish days and likewise adding a layer or a blanket when the temperature is low.  Keep in mind that some wee ones cry simply because they don’t know what else to do.  Enjoy watching as she gets used to the world outside your womb.  She will also likely respond, over time, to your calm, relaxed attitude.

To help your baby’s eye muscles adjust and mature so that they can adequately focus on objects, be sure to hold or place them approximately 8-10 inches from her face.  Remember that newborns see the contrast of black and white better than other colors, so provide these even if you have to color your own.

If your parenting friends are boasting that their newborn sleeps “through the night,” don’t make this a goal.  If your infant has been two or more hours without nursing or having a bottle, and wakes crying in the middle of the night, make the sacrifice and offer a feeding.  Remind yourself that you are blessed to have this newborn and take the time to get to know her better.

There will be many family members and friends who give unsolicited advice.  Smile and thank them, but don’t feel obligated to follow it all.  If you have a real concern, check with your baby’s pediatrician or other health care provider.  Do the best you can with the information you have gleaned from watching others, listening to respected professionals, and reading current information.  Now, relax and enjoy this fleeting time with your infant.

By the end of one month, most infants will make eye contact.  Notice when you talk and smile at her how she focuses on your eyes intently.  She may clutch at you, and grow quiet and still when studying your face.  You will likely notice some response when she hears a familiar voice.

Are you especially stressed and sleepy?  Is your little darling demanding round-the-clock feedings?  Do you just need to touch base with information that stills your concerns when friends, family members, or your baby’s health care provider are unavailable?  If so, check out parents.com/first-week for a survival guide.

For a little extra energy, try some or all of these suggestions: *Roll with the flow.  You can’t control everything, so save yourself some mental energy by not trying to do so.  *Eat for energy.  Think protein and fiber-rich carbs like apples with peanut butter.  *Schedule “me time.” You will be doing you, your infant, and everyone around you a huge favor. *Walk. Take a 20-30 minute stroll or walk three days/week. *Accept offers of help. You can’t do it all, so don’t try.

© 2013 Brenda Holland-Robinson