The cord is then cut between the clamps. It is sometimes clamped and cut during delivery if it was looped tightly around the baby’s neck. This is quite common. Some doctors and midwives believe that the baby benefits from the … Read More
When does the milk come in?
Remember, your breasts don’t actually produce milk for the first three days. Instead they produce colostrum, a thin yellow fluid which protects your baby against infection for the first 72 hours. It’s made up of water, protein, sugar, vitamins, minerals … Read More
What checks are made after the birth?
The midwife will check your baby’s general condition and remove any remaining fluid in her mouth, nose or air passages by sucking it out with disposable plastic tubing. If she doesn’t start to breathe immediately, then the midwife will take … Read More
My friend has offered to babysit. Should I take up the offer?
Spending time alone is important for you, giving you the space to recharge you batteries. It’s easy to lose sight of this need once you’re caught up in the never-ending round of feeding and nappy changing. Leave your baby with … Read More
Looking after my baby is so hard – am I doing something wrong?
With any new baby, one job or activity succeeds another throughout the day, and night. It’s difficult to find any respite. Make sure you do the following: Get plenty of rest. You will need time to get over the labour … Read More
Is feeding linked to bonding?
So mother love might literally ‘come with the milk’ 72 hours after birth. Or it might take longer and develop more gradually. What is important is that you don’t worry about it.
I’m feeling guilty about not keeping on top of things…
You can only do your best and it’s important that you put your own health and well-being high on your list of priorities. After the delivery you will have very little stamina and will become easily exhausted. It may take … Read More
I don’t have time for myself or my partner. What can I do?
You may feel frustrated at just how much work there is to do, and at how difficult it is to “have a life” outside of babycare. Fortunately, there are plenty of coping strategies, and it DOES get easier! Make sure … Read More
How should dad bond with his new baby?
Soon after a baby is born his father should hold him against his skin by taking his shirt off so he gets accustomed to his specific smell and learns to equate it with comfort and reassurance. He should also speak … Read More
How do I bond with my baby?
This is part of the process we call ‘bonding’ which starts going on in the first 72 hours of your baby’s life, and goes on for years. Don’t see bonding as pressure to fall instantaneously and ecstatically in love with … Read More