The arrival of a newborn baby into your life is a pleasant experience. The first days after the baby’s birth can be challenging for you as new parents. Both baby and mother must create a calming environment to cope with the new baby’s stress. This article will define the best ways to cope with the new baby’s stress and calming postpartum experience for the mother.
Make a schedule
Newborn babies always flourish on a basic schedule. Making a schedule can be beneficial to feel your baby secure and overcome stress. Here are some routines which can be scheduled to tackle the anxiety and insecurity of the newborn baby.
a. Feeding time: You should observe your baby’s feeding cues. For example, sucking the hands or fingers, rooting and pointing their mouth towards the mother’s breast or bottle are the common signs of hunger. Make a feeding routine according to the baby’s natural hunger pattern. Usually, newborns need to be fed every 2 hours. Create a comfortable zone in your house for feeding your baby.
b. Sleep pattern: Proper sleep is essential for the physical and brain development of newborn babies. Make sure that the environment is comfortable for the baby’s peaceful sleep. Use a hard mattress, a moderate temperature in a room and dim lights for calm sleep.
c. Playtime: A newborn baby also seeks your attention. So make some hours for baby in which sing, cuddle, talk and make firm eye contact with the baby. Fix tummy time and exercises for motor skill development.
Create a calming sleep zone
Sleep is essential for the physical and brain health of a newborn baby. Creating a calming sleep zone can lessen the stress of the baby.
a. Safety first: Put your baby lying on their back when sleeping; it can shorten the risk of sudden infant syndrome.
b. Moderate temperature: Keep the room temperature moderate, and dress up your baby in light clothes to prevent the risk of overheating.
c. Dim lights: Keep the baby’s room dimly lit as high lights irritate their sight. Baby will stay calm during nighttime if the light is low.
Baby essentials and physical contact with mother
Baby’s physical contact with the mother can soothe them. To create a bond between mother and baby, do these practices:
a. Baby essentials: Buy a safe and comfortable baby swaddle to keep your baby close to you. This will make your baby feel secure and warm even when you are doing some task.
b. Physical contact with mother: Physical contact can reduce the baby’s stress. It creates a strong bond between mother and baby—the early days of postpartum need to regulate the baby’s body temperature, heartbeat and breathing.
Seek assistance
You should know you cannot do anything alone during the postpartum period. It would be best if you asked for assistance. It can make your days easy. You can ask for two types of help
a. Family support: You can ask for help with household tasks like making meals, washing clothes, and baby care for your family or the person closer to you. It can make your recovery faster, and you can focus on baby care.
b. Professional assistance: You should have an appointment with your healthcare provider, like a lactation consultant, paediatrician or physiotherapist. This will help you to reduce stress.
Prefer yourself
As a new parent, you should care for yourself and the baby well.
a. Take rest for full recovery: Proper rest is essential for physical and emotional health. Have a sleep when your baby is sleeping. Share your nighttime routine with your partner so you can have enough rest.
b. Healthy and balanced diet: Keep your diet healthy and balanced for the restoration of the energy consumed during labour. If you are a breastfeeding mother, keep yourself nourished all the time.
c. Exercise routine: To boost your energy level, maintain a light exercise routine.
Breastfeeding support
If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should consult support and guidance. It can make the process smooth both for you and your baby.
a. lactation consultant: For proper latching, you should consult lactation support. They can help you with appropriate latching, correct feeding posture, and troubleshoot breastfeeding difficulties.
b. Join a support group: Join social media groups related to breastfeeding support. Discuss your problems with mothers who also have the same experiences.
c. breast pumping: Use a breast pump for milk freeze when you cannot feed your baby. This can give you help with feeding.
Keep the surrounding environment calm
Newborn babies are susceptible to their surroundings. To reduce the stress, the surrounding environment should be calm and peaceful.
a. Control harmful noises: Control all unnecessary noises like high sounds, movements and high-resolution bulbs.
b. Create a soothing atmosphere: Dim lights, soft music or white noises can make the atmosphere peaceful.
Communication with the baby
Connection with the baby through communication can reduce the stress level in babies. Do activities which promote your bonding with your baby.
a. Talking to the baby: Talk to your baby and make intense eye contact during communication. It will make your baby comfortable.
b. Observe your baby’s behaviour: Your baby also has nonverbal language; you should observe your baby’s behaviour. They have signs of hunger, pain and discomfort; if you judge them, you can make them calm and stress-free.
Have patience
Every baby has a unique nature. If your baby feels stress or discomfort, you should express patience. Because, along with the baby, you are also in the learning process.
Consult with paediatrician
If your baby cries excessively, feels discomfort, has difficulty feeding, or has development issues, consult a paediatrician immediately. They will recognize the problems and guide you to reduce the baby’s stress.
Conclusion
Postpartum can be pleasant and challenging at a time. Using these tips, you can make a peaceful and calming environment to reduce stress for you and your newborn baby. Every baby is different and unique, so these are only recommendations only. With care, patience and love, you can make your early days of postpartum easy.
Read More: How to Practice Mindfulness with a Newborn?