MONTH
1
Congratulations
on the arrival of your beautiful baby! For each month
of your baby's first year we will provide you with
information, facts, tips, support and links to other
reso
urces
related to baby development.
Please
keep in mind that all babies are unique. Whether your
baby reaches milestones early or late, she has her
own developmental path to follow. The dividing lines
between these months are very fuzzy. We advise you
that if you have any concerns or questions about your
baby's development, then please visit your child's
pediatrician or your local health care provider.
The
first month is a celebration of finally meeting your
new baby face to face. No doubt you are also tired,
sore, and emotional. But in between changing diapers,
feedings, and cuddles, you will notice some wonderful
discoveries made by your baby -- from the very start.
What Newborns Look Like
. . .
Nothing
compares to the strong feelings of love and attachment
parents feel when they first gaze upon their newborns.
After nine long months, you marvel at baby's little
hands and toes, and scrutinize for signs of mom's
nose or dad's eyes. But life in the cramped quarters
of the womb and an arduous journey into the outside
world sometimes leave their mark on a newborn. Don't
worry -- these "marks" are what protect and support
baby along the way. So you may see baby with an asymmetrical
head, puffy eyes, pushed in nose, swollen genitalia,
cheesy covering on skin, and red patches on forehead
and eyelids.
In
no time, baby will have flawless, soft skin and irresistible
pudgy arms and legs.
I Can Hear You . . .
Studies
have shown that newborns, who have heard mommy's voice
for several months in utero turn toward mommy when
she speaks. They respond to soft, higher pitched voices
and soothing, gentle rhythms. And they recognize daddy's
voice too. Soft music from the radio, a CD or -- best
of all -- sung by mom and dad is very comforting as
baby settles into the outside world. Keep talking
and singing to her; she is absorbing every sound you
make.
A Feast for the Eyes . .
.
Also
during the first few days, except for fleeting moments,
baby's eyes are mostly closed. Soon though, her eyes
will open for longer periods. She is visually attracted
to high-contrast patterns and shapes that are round.
This month she can see up to about eight to ten inches
away, the perfect distance to see your face and to
take aim when puckering up to your breast.
A Conversation . . .
It
makes sense why parents make exaggerated facial gestures
and speak slowly with loving, higher pitched voices
to their new babies. This is baby communication. Baby
may not make eye contact for a few weeks after birth,
but she responds with cuddles in your arms.
I
Wanna Hold Your Hand . . .
Baby is born with reflexes that have evolved for survival.
You have probably already seen baby turn her head,
searching or rooting for breast or bottle. Or has
baby been startled and quickly extended arms out to
grab hold of you? Another reflex is baby's strong
grip. Put your finger in her palm and feel her tight
grip. She is not going to let you go. These reflexes
are inborn mechanisms for baby to find and hold onto
you securely.
Life With Diapers . . .
One
of my friends shared a story of the first night with
her son. She, her husband, and her parents, all with
post graduate degrees, scrambled to change, wipe and
rediaper their baby boy. It took four adults to change
a diaper on that first night home.
Actually,
after the first night, most parents become quite adept
at changing diapers. Practice makes perfect. Maybe
parents would prefer to do just about anything else,
but diaper changing time is a very important way to
support baby. It is a time when baby watches you closely,
listens to you talk or sing, and feels your gentle
touch. From baby's perspective, it is intimate way
for mommy or daddy to meet an important need and make
her feel warm and comfy again.
And then there's diaper rash. It doesn't take much
for a rash to develop because urine and feces are
acidic. When held against baby's soft, sensitive skin,
they create an irritation. The best way to support
a baby with a diaper rash is to take the diaper off
and let baby enjoy the fresh air. Some parents have
recommended fanning baby's bottom after cleaning.
Then there are those who swear by the blow dryer.
Check with your newborn's health provider on any rash
or sensitivity caused by diapers.
Back
to Sleep . . .
Putting
babies on their backs to sleep has dramatically reduced
the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
This may be contrary to what our parents remember
being told about positioning when putting us down
to sleep when we were newborns.
The Sound of Baby . . .
No
matter how much you prepare, no new parent is ready
for the intense feelings when you hear your newborn
cry... and cry... and cry. While there is variability
from one infant to the next, and from one day to the
next, most infants spend up to seven percent of their
day crying. It is an involuntary response to something
causing discomfort for baby. Pretty soon, you'll have
a mental checklist:
When
did baby last eat? Is it time to check the diaper?
Does baby need to burp? Does baby need to sleep? Is
there too much stimulation in the environment?
Some
parents can even learn to identify types of crying,
including:
1.The
rhythmic hungry cry that becomes louder and stronger
as baby's tummy continues to grumble.
2.The mad cry that is also rhythmic but much
more intense.
3.The cry of pain or a shriek, followed by
a small period of silence and then a vigorous wave
of wails.
You
will learn how to comfort your baby -- how she likes
to be held, whether she likes a pacifier, if she prefers
rocking and singing softly, or maybe something else.
Responding promptly to baby's cry is a way of communicating
your love and support. Studies have shown that parents
who responded to infants' cries quickly had babies
who actually cried less. So, follow your intuition
and pick up baby when she is calling out. Remember,
it's her primary form of communication!
The
Learning Curve is Steep . . .
This
month you become the expert on your baby. You are
developing strategies to support your baby and meet
her needs. Parents have shared with me techniques
to help baby when she is upset that include swaddling
baby in a soft blanket, holding baby upright against
a shoulder, breastfeeding, rocking and more.
All parents feel frustrated at times -- life with
a newborn is an emotional roller coaster. You are
overjoyed to meet baby face to face, recovering from
the exhaustion of labor, and on top of it all -- getting
less sleep than ever before.
"Who
takes the child by the hand takes the mother by the
heart." - German Proverb
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