Tips for New Mothers: Caring for Your Newborn During His or Her First Week at Home

Last updated 1 year ago

Pregnancy, labor, and delivery are joyous and exciting occasions for the entire family. After your child has arrived and various good health screens and tests are performed, you will return home and begin your life together. If you are a new mother, read on to learn more about what you can do to care for your newborn during his or her first week at home from the hospital.

Feeding
For the first month after your child is born, he or she should be fed every two to three hours, with each feeding lasting up to 10 or 20 minutes. Breast milk provides excellent nutrition for your baby and also transfers important antibodies from mother to child that can help him or her to fight off infection. However, if you and your doctor decide that you should avoid breastfeeding for any reason, bottle-feeding can also be an excellent alternative.
Bathing
Your new baby only needs to be bathed two or three times per week during the first year of his or her life. During the first week, keep bath time restricted to sponge bathing only.
Sleeping
Your baby needs to sleep often to stay healthy. Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Make sure that your baby’s mattress is firm, covered with a sheet, and is free of blankets or pillows that could cover his or her mouth and obstruct his or her breathing.

Are you expecting a new baby? Count on the specialists and nurses at Menorah Medical Center to support you through the entire process. If you are interested in learning more about infant care, or if you are in need of an experienced obstetrician, please call Menorah’s Consult-A-Nurse referral line at (913) 498-6000. Our nurses are available to speak with you any time, day or night.