Having a baby is the beginning of one of the most exciting journeys in your life. Babies bring with them the excitement of watching a new person grow and develop, the love that comes with caring, and the responsibility of knowing that someone depends on you for everything. Sometimes this also means a shortage of time and money, the feeling that everything is getting out of control, and a complete change in the way you live.
For most parents bringing home a new baby is not what you expected - you are not ready for the very strong feelings you will have or for the many changes that having a baby brings. It is important to remember that this is what happens for everyone - you are not alone. Babies learn more and grow faster than they will at any other time in life. Make the most of this time with your baby!
Getting to know your baby
In the first months of life your baby is a traveller in a very strange world that she understands nothing about. In these months she needs to learn from you that her world is safe and that there are people who will look after her. She knows this when you meet her needs for food, comfort, warmth and love. When you do this she is learning to love you and to trust you. She also is learning that she is lovable and able to do things.
Your baby needs to be fed, kept clean, comfortable and warm (but not too hot). She needs to sleep when she is tired, be fed when she is hungry and have someone to play with her and cuddle her when she is alert and awake.
She needs you to talk to her about what you are doing as you change, wash and feed her.
She needs you to hold and stroke her.
She needs to learn about the world through you telling her when something is going to change - that you are going to pick her up, change her nappy, feed her or put her to bed. This way she learns what to expect and you help her to feel safe.
She needs to be starting to learn that she can do things, very simple things at first, like making a noise when she hits a rattle.
If you think she is fun and enjoyable and you show it, she will learn to feel good about herself.
If you enjoy feeding time and spend time talking to her and playing with her she will be starting to learn to enjoy being with people.
Your baby gives little signs that show what she needs and it is important that you take the time to learn and understand what she needs and respond to this.
No comments:
Post a Comment