Guide for first-time moms

MANILA, Philippines – As a first-time mom, you understandably feel nervous about the enormous responsibility of raising your child. The formative years have a huge impact on what kind of person your child will turn out to be, and that’s why Makati Medical Center has put together an easy, practical baby care guide just for you. 

The first thing you’ll need to learn is how to hold your baby properly. This is often a skill that is taken for granted, but is trickier than it looks. Babies’ bodies are very fragile, particularly their heads. The correct way to hold your baby is to make sure that the head and neck are well-supported. If you are trying to wake him/her up, shaking is a definite no-no, try tickling your newborn’s feet instead.

Another important skill to master is, of course, diapering, which is an experience in itself. Your baby will probably dirty his/her diapers around 10 times a day, whether you use cloth or disposable ones. Make sure you constantly check your baby’s diapers and thoroughly clean the genital area after each bowel movement, and that you have everything on hand for cleaning — a clean diaper, warm water, and diaper wipes or a washcloth.

If diaper rash forms, don’t panic, this is a normal occurrence for many infants. The simple solution to this is a rash ointment such as petroleum jelly, which you should apply right after cleaning the area. To allow the skin to dry out, allot a part of the day when your baby can move around without a diaper on. If the rash is still present after three days, consult your doctor as you may need a prescription for this.

Feeding is an integral part of baby care. The general rule is that babies should be fed whenever they seem hungry, whether it’s by breastfeeding or by bottle. Major symptoms of hunger to watch out for include crying, making sucking noises, or seeing your infant putting fingers in his/her mouth. Typically, you should breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby for 10 to 15 minutes at each breast, or two to three ounces of formula, every two to three hours.

Babies tend to swallow air while they are feeding, which will make them uncomfortable. To soothe this, you should burp your baby as many times as necessary. One of the ways to burp your newborn is to hold him/her upright, allowing the head to lie on your shoulder. While supporting your baby’s head, gently pat the back with your other hand. Another way is to let him or her rest on your lap in a sitting position. Cradle the chin using the palm of one of your hands, the heel of which should to be resting on your infant’s chest. With your other hand, pat your baby’s back gently.

Finally, one of the most important things to do as a first-time mom is to bond with your baby. These are the most memorable moments you will want to look back to years from now. You can do this by simply cradling your baby and stroking him/her. Babies are also very receptive to vocal sounds, including singing, cooing, or just talking softly. Another bonding technique which is usually done with newborn babies is swaddling, where a receiving blanket is wrapped completely around the infant’s body, allowing him/her to feel a soothing type of pressure that heightens the baby’s feeling of security and comfort.

If you’re still unsure of what to do, or have unanswered questions, you can visit your chosen obstetrician, who will be happy to help you through your journey. Makati Med’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is one such specialist group that can do this for you.

“We recommend that you take your baby for regular checkups and consult with your pediatrician on questions you may have,” says Dr. Ludivina Garces-Holst, chair of the MakatiMed Department of Pediatrics. “Remember that you and your doctors are partners in caring for your baby.”

As much as caring for your baby is your top priority, you must also remember to take care of yourself and your health. Women’s bodies go through a lot of changes because of childbirth so you have to ensure that you see your doctor for your own needs as well.

“Taking good care of yourself and your health is also a part of good parenting,” says Dr. Genara M. Limson, chair of the MakatiMed Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Post-natal care is as important as the attention you give yourself while you are pregnant.”

For more details, visit the Makati Med website at www.makatimed.net.ph or call 8888-999.