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It's a time of excitement and discovery. If this is your first child, you're probably wondering what lies ahead. If you're already a parent, the duties may be more familiar, but the new baby is no less amazing or unique. As you and your baby adjust to life together, you're bound to feel some uncertainty. That's why it's important to trust yourself and allow time for you and baby to get to know each other.
A Time of Change
This tiny newborn will change the way you and your partner see yourselves and each other. If this is your first baby, you'll have to adjust to being a parent. If you have other children, expect this one to be different. Babies aren't all the same, and each one can surprise you. As if this weren't enough, your body is also going through changes. You'll probably feel tired and sore as well as happy. It's also normal to feel weepy or overwhelmed at times.
Getting to Know Your Baby
Like all people who've just met, you and your baby need time to get to know each other. Talk and sing to your baby. Gently massage your newborn's belly and tiny toes. Babies are born fully aware, with all five senses functioning. As your baby's personality emerges, you'll learn his or her first likes and dislikes. Before too long, your baby will know you, and he or she will respond to your touch and the sound of your voice.
A Newborn's Special Traits
After spending 9 months in a fluid-filled womb, most newborns enter this world a little wrinkled. Many are covered with a cheesy white coating (vernix), and some with downy, soft hair. Most newborns have heads that seem too big for their bodies, and sometimes a newborn's hands and feet appear slightly blue. These traits are all normal. So are the additional newborn traits listed below.
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Noisy breathing: Because newborns breathe only through the nose, they often snort and sneeze. Many also hiccup.
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The startle reflex: An immature nervous system causes newborns to extend their limbs and shake in response to loud noises or quick motions.
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The rooting reflex: Gently touching a newborn's mouth or cheek causes the baby's head to turn in that direction.
Partner's Note
Don't be surprised if you're a little afraid of the tiny new life you hold in your hands. Like many before you, you may be surprised by the strength of your own emotions. Find a quiet moment to acknowledge your feelings. Then take a deep breath and get ready to build your new future. The delivery's over, but the new mother needs your support now more than ever. When she's unsure, tell her she's doing okay. If you don't know the answer to a problem (this will happen a lot), discover one together. Share the chores and the highlights of parenting. Get involved in your baby's life right from the start. Bathe, diaper, and rock your baby. Tell your newborn about the special things you see each day. Soon your baby will know you, and you will know your baby. Best of all, you'll begin to see the world all over again-through the eyes of your child.