Healthy Family

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Welcome home and welcome to parenthood!

After a few days at the hospital, you may be looking forward to going home and beginning your life as a family.

On the other hand, many new parents feel quite worried about looking after their baby on their own. A newborn seems so small and fragile. You may wonder how you will manage.

This unit will cover the first six weeks of your baby's life. We will talk about the care required by you for your new baby and also about getting used to your life as a family.

A. THE NEWBORN

Newborns may appear to be helpless but they can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. Immediately after birth, babies are able to live, grow, and learn about the world.

 

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a. What Babies See

Newborns can see light and dark, shapes, and patterns. They can focus and clearly see things that are 18 to 45 cm (7 to 18 inches) away. When you hold your baby in your arms, this is about the distance between his/her face and yours.

During the first few months, you may notice that your baby's eyes wander or cross once in a while. Many babies experience this until they are better able to control their eye muscles.

If you are worried about your baby's eyes, talk to your health care provider or a public health nurse.

b. What Babies Hear

Newborns have excellent hearing. In fact, while they are in the womb, they can hear their own heartbeats as well as noises from the outside.

Babies like to listen to voices, music, and sounds like a washing machine or a dishwasher.

Sudden loud noises can make babies cry or wake them up. Even so, there is no reason to keep the house quiet for the baby. Babies get used to everyday noises.

c. Sounds Babies Make

Newborns can cry. After a few weeks, they can gurgle and make small sounds. Gradually, they begin to coo, babble, and laugh.

The best way to help babies learn to speak is to talk to them. Speak and sing to your baby as much as possible. Talk while feeding, bathing, and dressing your baby. Talk about what you see while taking a walk. What you say is not important, what matters most is that your baby hears your voice.

d. Movements Babies Make

Newborns have a certain amount of control over their muscles. They can move their arms and legs, hold your finger, and turn their head toward the breast.

Babies' heads are wobbly and need to be supported when picked up. Babies cannot balance their heads well until they are a few months old.

e. Baby's Development

Your baby's body, mind, and feelings all develop at the same time. Even in the first few weeks, you can teach your baby a lot.

This is how you can contribute to your baby's development.

B. BABY CARE

Caring for an infant requires skill and practice. No one is born knowing how to bathe, dress, feed, and diaper a baby. Most parents learn these skills as their baby grows.

Don't worry if you feel awkward and uncertain at first. In no time, looking after your baby will feel natural.

 

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a. Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. You will find all the information you need to successfully breastfeed your baby in Module 4 entitled "Choosing to Breastfeed".

Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby, but that does not mean that you will automatically know how to do it. Most mothers need advice and support especially during the first six weeks when everything is new.

Here are a few tips to help you breastfeed.

b. Make an informed decision about feeding your baby

Deciding how you are going to feed your baby is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent.  Making an informed decision means you have all of the information you need to help you decide what is best for your family. 

To make an informed decision about how to feed your baby you should know:

  • The benefits of breastfeeding for the baby, mother, family and the community
     
    • Good for Baby:
      • Provides the best food that is always fresh and ready
      • Helps to prevent constipation
      • May increase protection against illnesses such as childhood diabetes
      • Increases protection against ear, chest and stomach infections
      • Increases protection against allergies if there is a family history of allergies
      • May increase protection against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also called crib death
      • Helps to promote proper jaw and teeth development
    • Good for Mom:
      • Promotes closeness and touching with baby
      • Helps the uterus to return to its normal size after birth
      • Helps to control bleeding after birth
      • Helps to protect against cancer of the breast and ovary
      • Helps to keep bones strong
      • Helps to use up the extra fat gained during pregnancy
      • Saves money; formula is expensive
      • Saves time; there is no need to prepare formula and bottles
      • Does not produce any garbage; there are no formula and bottle packages to throw out
         
  • The health risks and costs of formula feeding
     
  • Birth control compatible with breastfeeding
     
  • Women have the right to be accommodated in the workplace during pregnancy and breastfeeding
     
  • Once breastfeeding is stopped it is difficult to reverse the decision

Please for more information on breastfeeding

Risks of Formula Feeding

Babies are at increased risk of:

  1. Ear, chest and urinary tract infections
  2. Diarrhea
  3. Inflammation of the stomach and intestines
  4. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome(SIDS)
  5. Obesity
  6. Tooth decay
  7. Some childhood cancers

Mothers are at increased risk of:

  1. Postpartum bleeding
  2. Cancer of breast, ovaries and uterus
  3. Brittle bones

Others:

  1. Formula does not change to meet baby's growing needs
  2. Less convenient as extra time needed for sterilizing equipment and preparing formula
  3. Potential for mistakes to be made during formula preparation
  4. Potential for contamination during manufacturing and processing

If you have made an informed decision to feed your baby breast milk substitutes please contact your health care provider or  your local Public Health office (www.gnb.ca/publichealth then click on Public Health Clinics).

Ask for information on sterilization, preparation and storage or breast milk substitutes.

 

c. Vitamin D

Breast milk provides all the nutrients your baby needs. In certain cases, supplements may be recommended.

Vitamin D is needed to develop healthy bones and teeth. Health Canada recommends giving a Vitamin D supplement to babies who are breastfed from birth. You should continue giving the supplement until such time that he or she gets enough Vitamin D in other foods or until the baby reaches one year old.

For more information about Vitamin D supplements, consult a health care professional - doctor, pharmacist, dietician, or nutritionist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

d. Sleep

To help lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), a healthy baby should be placed on his/her back to sleep for every sleep. The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib, cradle, or bassinet that meets current Canadian regulations. Also, infants who share a room with a parent or caregiver for the first 6 months have a lower risk of SIDS.

Newborns snooze and sleep whenever they are tired. They have no real sense of being "awake" or "asleep". Each new baby establishes a pattern of sleeping and waking. As you get to learn your baby's patterns, you will know when he or she is sleeping, awake, and when in a quiet alert state.

You can help your baby learn the difference between sleeping and waking by putting the baby in their crib when he or she is very sleepy and interacting and communicating with your baby when he or she is awake. Babies will learn to associate their crib with sleep.

Here are a few tips to make the nights easier.

Babies who lie in one position for long periods can develop flat spots on their heads. This happens because the bones of the baby's skull are very soft in the first year of life. In addition, babies have weak neck muscles and have difficulty turning their heads on their own.

This is what you can do to prevent your baby from getting flat spots on his/her head.

e. Crying

All babies cry and many babies cry a lot. They cry because it is the only way they have to let you know that they need something.

When your baby cries, try to find out why. With time, you will recognize your baby's different cries and know what to do.

Babies cry because they need food, love, attention, or cuddling. When you respond to crying, you are helping your baby learn that help and love come when needed. A baby whose needs are met will feel safe, secure, and loved, not spoiled.

The following table will help you identify the reasons why your baby cries and what to do.

Sometimes, no matter what you do, your baby will continue to cry. This can be very frustrating.

Babies are very easily hurt if they are handled rougly or shaken. Shaking your baby can cause death or permanent brain damage. Make sure that everyone who handles your baby knows about ''Shaken Baby Syndrome''.

 

 

It is easy to say ''stay calm'', but this can be very difficult to do. If you feel your temper rising and are afraid that you might hurt your baby, you should:

  • Put your baby safely in his/her crib and leave the room.
  • Do something to let off stream. Run, jumb, scream or hit a pillow.
  • Call for help. Call a friend, a family member or help line. Sometimes just talking to another adult can help you feel better. 

 

f. Colic

Colic is not an illness. A colicky baby cries a lot more than other babies. Nothing seems to comfort or stop them from crying. A colicky baby can be frustrating for parents. If you have a colicky baby, do not blame yourself because you are not responsible.

A baby with colic

  • cries as if in pain after a feeding.
  • pulls his knees up to his chest.
  • may pass gas or vomit.
  • cries for long periods no matter what you do.
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Test Your Knowledge

 
 

The following exercise will help you learn a little more about colic and provide you with some coping techniques.

Click on the option button which corresponds to the correct answer and verify your answer by clicking on the "Check" button.

1

We do not know the cause of colic.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Nobody knows what causes colic and why only certain babies have colic.Wrong answer! Nobody knows what causes colic and why only certain babies have colic.

Check your answer

2

Colic always occurs during the night.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Colic occurs mostly in the evening.Wrong answer! Colic occurs mostly in the evening.

Check your answer

3

Colic begins at birth and disappears when the baby is two months old.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Colic usually begins during the first weeks after birth. In most cases, colic stops when the baby reaches three or four months old.Wrong answer! Colic usually begins during the first weeks after birth. In most cases, colic stops when the baby reaches three or four months old.

Check your answer

4

Colic is often mistaken for crying related to other causes.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Talk with your health care provider or public health nurse to be sure that there are no other reasons causing your baby to cry.Wrong answer! Talk with your health care provider or public health nurse to be sure that there are no other reasons causing your baby to cry.

Check your answer

5

If your baby has colic, you may need help.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! If your baby has colic, get as much rest and help as you can. Let others take care of the baby, make meals, and take care of the other children. Remember that this situation will not last forever.Wrong answer! If your baby has colic, get as much rest and help as you can. Let others take care of the baby, make meals, and take care of the other children. Remember that this situation will not last forever.

Check your answer

6

A calm atmosphere can help a baby with colic.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Try to stay calm and keep the baby calm. Play soft, soothing music. Hum or sing. Walk or rock your baby. Rub the baby's back for comfort and to help pass gas.Wrong answer! Try to stay calm and keep the baby calm. Play soft, soothing music. Hum or sing. Walk or rock your baby. Rub the baby's back for comfort and to help pass gas.

Check your answer

7

Babies with colic should never be placed on their tummy.

a) True
b) False
Right answer!Try different positions to comfort the baby. Lay your baby on their tummy and rub their back or lay the baby on their back and rub their tummy. Place a warm cloth on the tummy or bath the baby in the tub.Wrong answer! Try different positions to comfort the baby. Lay your baby on their and rub his/her back or lay the baby on their back and rub his/her tummy. Place a warm cloth on the tummy or bath the baby in the tub.

Check your answer

8

Noise and movement can sometimes help colicky babies.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Use an infant carrier with the baby facing you. You can carry and comfort your baby when you have to do other things. Take the baby for a ride in the car or carriage. Noise and movement can sometimes help. Wrong answer! Use an infant carrier with the baby facing you. You can carry and comfort your baby when you have to do other things. Take the baby for a ride in the car or carriage. Noise and movement can sometimes help.

Check your answer

9

If you smoke, the nicotine is passed to the baby in the breast milk and can make the baby irritable.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! You should consider quitting smoking, diminishing the number of cigarettes you smoke, or smoking only after feeding the baby. If you smoke cigarettes, breastfeeding can provide your baby with protective factors from the breastmilk (i.e. less respiratory illness).Wrong answer! You should consider quitting smoking, diminishing the number of cigarettes you smoke, or smoking only after feeding the baby. If you smoke cigarettes, breastfeeding can provide your baby with protective factors from the breastmilk (i.e. less respiratory illness).

Check your answer

g. Bathing

Babies usually like to be warm, dry, and well wrapped. In the beginning, your baby may cry when given a bath. If this is the case, reassure your baby by talking softly. Handle your baby gently.

Most babies begin to enjoy their baths after a few months. Bath time becomes a fun time for the baby and the entire family.

Babies don't need a bath every day, but you will need to keep their faces, hands, bottoms, and the creases in their necks, groin, and legs clean. It is not safe to clean inside the baby's ears or nose or to retract a baby boy's foreskin .

Here are a few bath time tips

Before you begin your baby's bath, be sure you have everything you need close at hand.

  • a basin or tub - some parents use the kitchen sink
  • mild unscented soap
  • towels
  • washcloths
  • a soft baby hairbrush
  • clean baby clothes and diaper

This is how to bathe your baby

h. Cradle Cap

During the first few months a yellowish, greasy crust may appear on the baby's scalp. This is called cradle cap.

This is how to prevent cradle cap.

This is what to do if your baby gets cradle cap.

i. Umbilical Cord Care

In the first two weeks, your baby's umbilical cord will dry up and fall off.

Keep the umbilical cord clean and dry.You will receive information on how to care for your baby's umbilical cord while you are in the hospital.

See a doctor if:

  • the area around the cord becomes red or inflamed
  • the cord smells bad
  • ​it is leaking pus or liquid
 
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Test Your Knowledge

The following exercise will help you learn a little more about the care of your baby's umbilical cord.

Click on the option button which corresponds to the correct answer and verify your answer by clicking on the "Check" button.

1

You can bathe your baby even though the umbilical cord has not fallen off.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! It is not dangerous to bathe your baby before the umbilical cord falls off. You must, however, dry the area around the cord. This will not prevent the cord from falling off.Wrong answer! It is not dangerous to bathe your baby before the umbilical cord falls off. You must, however, dry the area around the cord. This will not prevent the cord from falling off.

Check your answer

2

You must use alcohol to clean your baby's umbilical cord.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Before, parents were told to use alcohol to clean the baby's umbilical cord two or three times per day. This is not necessary. Wrong answer! Before, parents were told to use alcohol to clean the baby's umbilical cord two or three times per day. This is not necessary.

Check your answer

3

It is important to keep the skin around the cord as clean and dry as possible.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Do not cover the baby’s belly button with a diaper until the cord falls off. This will allow air to circulate around the umbilical cord and keep it dry. Fold the top of the diaper down.Wrong answer! Do not cover the baby’s belly button with a diaper until the cord falls off. This will allow air to circulate around the umbilical cord and keep it dry. Fold the top of the diaper down.

Check your answer

4

The area around the umbilical cord is sensitive for the baby.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! You will not hurt your baby if you move the cord or clean the area around it. Wrong answer! You will not hurt your baby if you move the cord or clean the area around it.

Check your answer

j. Bowel Movements

A baby's bowel movements change colour and texture over time. Bowel movements are different for breastfed and formula fed babies.

It is normal for babies to grunt and get red in the face when having a bowel movement.

In the first few weeks it is important to monitor the number of bowel movements your baby has to ensure they are getting enough milk. After the first few weeks, your baby may not have a bowel movement every day. This does not mean your baby is constipated. Babies are constipated when their bowel movements are hard and dry. If this happens, call your health care provider, public health nurse, or any health professional. A breastfed baby is rarely constipated because breastmilk contains enough water to keep the bowel movements soft.

When a baby's milk or food is changed, their bowel movements will generally change as well.

In the first few weeks, a well fed baby:

  • at 1 day old has at least 1 wet diaper and at least 1 to 2 sticky dark green/black stools
  • at 2 days old has at least 2 wet diapers and at least 1 to 2 sticky dark green/black stools.
  • ** This is easier to notice urine in cloth diapers. A facial tissue can be placed inside disposable diapers, if you are not sure.
  • at 3 days old has at least 3 heavy wet diapers and at least 3 brown/green/yellow stools. Occasional “red brick coloured” staining is normal until day 3.
  • at four days old at least 4 heavy wet diapers and at least 3 brown/green/yellow stools.
  • at 5 days and older, as the milk supply increases, baby has at least 6 heavy wet diapers and at least 3 large soft yellow seedy stools per day.

Call your doctor if the baby's bowel movements are warety or have a strong smell. Your baby may have diarrhea. Diarrhea can make your baby very sick very quickly.

 

k. Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is very common. It can range from a few red spots that are not serious to blisters and sores in more serious cases.

Diaper rash can be caused by a number of things.

To avoid diaper rash, change the baby's diaper often. Use a clean cloth to wash and dry the baby's bottom.

if you use cloth diapers.

This is what to do if your baby gets a diaper rash.

l. Number of Wet Diapers

Baby's wet themselves between six to ten times a day (see bowel movement section). Changing your baby's diaper as soon as it is wet will help prevent diaper rash.

If your baby has fewer than six heavy wet diapers a day or if the urine is dark yellow and has a strong smell, it may mean that your baby needs more fluid. You should contact your health care provider if you baby does not have 6 heavy wet diapers a day.

m. Check Ups and Immunization

Babies should be seen within the first 2 days if you leave the hospital within 48 hours after birth. If you stay more than 48hrs in the hospital after birth, your baby should be seen in the first week. Your health care provider will let you know how often your baby needs to be seen. During checkups, babies are weighed and measured. Their development is also checked.

Immunizations are also part of regular health care. To view the schedule of your baby's immunizations please visit the following website:

http://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/h-s/pdf/en/CDC/Immunizati...

In addition to the immunizations they receive as babies, children need booster shots between the age of four and six, before starting school. Talk with your health care provider or public health nurse for more information about checkups and immunizations.

 

 

 

 

C. BABY SAFETY

Making your baby's world as safe as possible is part of being a parent.

Watch your baby so that he or she does not get hurt. Never leave an infant alone - not even for one second - except in a safe crib.

All the items your baby uses must be safe and well made. These items are: strollers, high chairs, clothing, toys and pacifiers.


 

Consult Health CanadaTransport CanadaSt-John AmbulanceCanadian Pediatric Society  or for more information about child safety.

 

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a. Childproofing

A way to keep your baby safe is to childproof your home. Newborns are not going to be crawling around the floor putting things in their mouth for a while, but it is wise to prepare for when this happens.

Check the floors, shelves, and cupboards. Remove anything small enough to be swallowed or poked into ears or nose. Put away anything that has edges sharp or rough enough to cut or scrape your baby.

The following exercise will help you childproof your home.

b. Car Seats

Although you can purchase hundreds of items for your baby, it is important to know that only a few are mandatory. The car seat is one of these items.

The law requires that babies always ride in a car seat even on the first trip home from the hospital. As your child grows, he or she will need a new seat, followed by a booster seat. Booster seats are required by law, for children under the age of eight, weighing between 18kg and 36kg and are less than 145cm tall. Once a child exceeds any one of the above criteria they may be ready to use a seat belt alone. Check to make sure that when your child is sitting in the seat that the shoulder strap sits across the chest and shoulder bone and the lap belt sits across the hip bones and not across the stomach.

Even if you don't own a car, you will need a car seat for your baby when you take a taxi or travel with a friend. A car seat can also be used as a seat in the home.

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1. A Safe Car Seat

Babies must travel in a baby car seat until they weigh 9 or 10 kg (20 to 22 lbs) - that is approximately around one year of age. The baby's car seat must face backwards and be anchored with the seat belt or the universal anchorage system (UAS). The safest place for the baby's seat is in the centre of the back seat. If there is an armrest in the middle of the back seat, place the car seat to the left or to the right of the armrest.

All car seats sold in Canada must comply with the Transport Canada norms. Do not buy a car seat without an instruction booklet, or without a national brand symbol certifying that the seat meets the standards.

Here is the national safety brand symbol.

Visits this site for more information about car sear in New-Brunswick 

http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/public_safety/drivers_vehi...

2. Securing a Car Seat

To be safe, car seats must be installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer. Read the instructions carefully before using the car seat.

Before buying a new or used car seat, try it in your car. Be sure that you can install the car seat safely and that you can adjust the seat belt. Check to see if it is easy to use. Read the instructions and practice using the car seat.

Never use a car seat that is past the expiry date because materials deteriorate with time. Never buy or use a car seat that was involved in a collision.

Using a rear-facing car seat (for infants under 10 kg or 22lbs)

  • Always follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Rear facing car seats should face the back of the vehicle and rest on a 45-degree angle and move no more than 2.5cm (1in.) from side-to side.
  • The shoulder harness straps must be threaded through the seat back at, or slightly below, the child’s shoulders.
  • You should not be able to fit more than one finger underneath the harness straps at the child’s collarbone.
  • The chest clip should be flat against the chest at armpit level.
  • Keep your child in a rear facing car seat until he/she outgrows the maximum height or weight of his/her infant seat and then use an infant/child seat rear facing until he/she is at least 10kg (22lbs) and is able to walk.

For more information about car seats visit:

Never install a baby car seat equipped with an air bag.

 

c. Furniture

In the beginning, you will need a little furniture. Your baby will need an approved cradle, crib or bassinette to sleep in. You will need an area for the baby's clothes such as a bureau or even a box. Rocking chairs are not necessary, but many parents and babies enjoy them.

Each piece of furniture you purchase for your baby must be clean, safe, and well made. Old furniture is not always safe.

 

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1. Cribs

Cribs manufactured before September 1986 do not meet today's safety standards. It is illegal to sell cribs manufactured before September 1986. These cribs are not safe for the baby and could result in serious injuries and even death.

If you buy a new crib, you can be sure it conforms to the rules. The manufactured date should be visible on the crib.

If you buy a used crib, check it carefully. Used items do not always meet the Canadian Standardization Association (CSA) Standards.

This exercise will help you check if the crib is safe.

 

Because of the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), soft mattresse, pillows, comforters, stuffed toys, blankets and bumpter pads should not be used in cribs.

 

2. Playpens

All playpens, new or old, must meet certain norms.

Here is a list of these norms.

D. HEALTHY MOTHER

The first weeks after childbirth are a time of change and adjustment. You must adapt to several new things.

These are the best things you can do for yourself.

  • Rest as much as you can.
  • Eat healthy.
  • Accept help from others.
  • Share your feelings with your partner and others you care about.

 

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a. Adjusting to Motherhood

By taking care of yourself, it will be easier to take care of your baby.

Childbirth has an impact on all the aspects of your life. Here are some examples.

These changes seem to happen all at once and are all mixed up. You may not know why you feel so overwhelmed. You just know that you feel that way. You may even be surprised to feel this way.

All these conflicting feelings come at a time when you are extremely tired. Everything seems more difficult when you are tired.

Sharing your feelings with your partner is especially important now. If you feel tired, or lonely, or resentful, say so. You may find that your partner feels the same way.

Talking with other new mothers can also help to reassure you. When they share how they feel, you will see that you are NOT alone.

b. Your Body after Pregnancy

During the first six weeks following your baby's birth, your body goes through many changes. Here are a few.

Remember that you were pregnant for nine months. It takes a while for your body to recover and feel "normal" again.

Most women have a postpartum checkup about six weeks after giving birth. This checkup gives you a chance to talk to your health care provider about your questions and your concerns. This is a good time to talk about birth control.

c. Starting Your Period again

After childbirth, you will continue to have vaginal discharge for several weeks. This is called lochia

If you breastfeed, you may not have a regular period for months or until you stop breastfeeding. If you are formula feeding, your period will probably return between 4 and 9 weeks after you have your baby. Your first period after delivery may be heavier and last longer than your period normally does.

Once your period returns, it may be irregular for a while. This is normal. You should know that you can get pregnant before your period returns. If you do not want to get pregnant, you should use some type of birth control.

d. Fatigue

It is hard to believe that looking after a tiny baby can take so much time and energy. Many new mothers spend the first few weeks feeling very tired.

Here are a few tips to help you.

e. Postpartum Blues and Depression

The arrival of a new baby is usually a happy time for most women. However, this is not always true. New mothers may feel different emotions ranging from happiness to sadness.

Two or three days after giving birth, about 80% of women may feel:

  • feel disappointed
  • be sad and teary eyed
  • be irritable
  • feel overwhelmed and anxious
  • feel fatigued and have difficulty sleeping
  • experience mood swings
  • be unable to concentrate

This is called postpartum or baby blues. These feelings usually go away within one to two weeks. However, about 10 percent of women go on to have postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression may begin within a few weeks after birth or at any time during your baby's first year.

Consult the following table to learn a few signs of postpartum depression.

If you have one or many of these symptoms, remember, you are not alone, and this is a treatable illness.

for more information.

See your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room at the hospital if:

  • You have scary fantasies;
  • you have thoughts of hurting your baby or yourself.

If other feelings depression persist longer than two or three weeks, contact:

  • your local family doctor or obstetrician.
  • a Public Health nurse or Nurse Practitioner.
  • your local Public Health Clinic (www.gnb.ca/publichealth then click on Public Health Clinics).
  • your local Mental Health Centre (www.gnb.ca/0055/contacts-e.asp).
  • Tele-Care 811.
  • a private counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist.

This video, created by the Best Start Resource Centre, introduces the topic of postpartum mood disorders.Life with a New Baby: Dealing with Postpartum Mood Disorders.

f. Getting Back Into Shape

It is only natural to want to return to your pre-pregnancy shape as soon as possible. Give yourself some time. Remember that you were pregnant for nine months. Your body won't return to normal overnight.

Sensible eating and regular exercise will help you to feel fit. For additional information, see Module 5 entitled" Healthy Diet" and Module 6 entitled "Healthy Activity".

Good health matters as much now as it did during your pregnancy. Eat well, rest, stay active, and avoid drugs and smoking. Taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of your baby.

g. Going Back to Work

Many new mothers have anywhere from 6 to 12 months of maternity leave. Others return to work or to school much sooner.There is a lot to think about before returning to work or school.

When making your plans for returning to work or school, you should consider the following.

There is no "best" time to return to work or to school. Every situation is different for each family. You must find a balance between work or studies and your new role as a parent.

h. Single Parenting

Whether you are a single parent by choice or by chance, you are not alone.

Adjusting to parenthood, finding a balance between work and home, managing money, and finding time for yourself are issues all mothers face. They can be even more difficult when you are on your own.

All the advice for new mothers applies to you, but even more so. Single mothers must take care of themselves, establish a good support network, and be realistic about what they can do.

Inquire about the resources and community services available to you. Talk to a public health nurse, or visit your nearest Community Health Centre or Community Resource Centre.

E. SEX AND BIRTH CONTROL

Your sexual relationship is another area of your life that will be changing as you adjust to parenthood. Learning to share and care about each other in a new way can add warmth and depth to your relationship and allow you to discover each other all over again.

A new baby turns a woman into a mother, a man into a father, and a couple into a family. Your relationship as a couple still exists but you can expect some changes.

Some couples have trouble working out a new relationship that is satisfying to both. The key is to talk about how you feel. Be open with one another. A sense of humour can help too.

 

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a. Sexuality

Resuming intercourse after childbirth is sometimes stressful for one of the two partners.

Adapting to the new role of a parent, fatigue, and the new mother's perception of her body after childbirth can play an important role in the resumption of intercourse.

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Test Your Knowledge

 
 

The following exercise will help you learn more about intercourse after childbirth.

Click on the option button which corresponds to the correct answer and verify your answer by clicking on the "Check" button.

1

Most new mothers are ready to resume intercourse

a) immediately after childbirth.
b) six weeks after childbirth.
c) when their stitches have healed and the vaginal discharge (lochia) has stopped.
d) when the baby sleeps all night.
Right answer! Most new mothers are ready to resume intercourse when their stitches have healed and the vaginal discharge ( lochia ) has stopped. Wrong answer! Most new mothers are ready to resume intercourse when their stitches have healed and the vaginal discharge ( lochia ) has stopped.

Check your answer

2

What can a couple do to facilitate resuming intercourse?

a) Wait until both partners feel like having intercourse.
b) Try new positions to cope with these discomforts.
c) Wait 6 weeks before resuming intercourse.
d) Have someone babysit outside the home in order to have more privacy.
Right answer ! Trying new positions may help certain couples when resuming intercourse.Wrong answer ! Trying new positions may help certain couples when resuming intercourse.

 

Check your answer

3

Among the following reasons which one can reduce the new mother's interest in sex?

a) Fatigue
b) Stress
c) Physical changes
d) The baby's presence
Right answer! Many new mothers are so tired that they lose interest in sex. Many new fathers have the same reaction.Wrong answer! Many new mothers are so tired that they lose interest in sex. Many new fathers have the same reaction.

Check your answer

4

If the mother is going through postpartum blues,

a) her interest in sex is not affected.
b) her interest in sex increases.
c) her interest in sex decreases.
d) none of the above.
Right answer! Mothers who are going through postpartum blues or postpartum depression may lose interest in sex. Wrong answer! Mothers who are going through postpartum blues or postpartum depression may lose interest in sex.

Check your answer

5

New mothers find that taking care of their new baby fulfills which need?

a) The need to be loved.
b) The need to be listened to.
c) The need to be touched.
d) The need to talk.
Right answer! Many new mothers find caring for the new baby meets their need to be touched and held. They may not feel the need to be touched by their partner. This can be upsetting to a partner who is used to a close and affectionate relationship.Wrong answer! Many new mothers find caring for the new baby meets their need to be touched and held. They may not feel the need to be touched by their partner. This can be upsetting to a partner who is used to a close and affectionate relationship.

Check your answer

6

What can a couple do to maintain their relationship during this difficult time after childbirth?

a) Go out on your own.
b) Spend time together.
c) Get a babysitter more often.
d) Wait until things return to normal.
Right answer! Try to keep your romance alive by spending time alone together. Going for a walk, or drive, or out for a coffee together can give both of you a chance to remember that you are friends and lovers as well as parents. Wrong answer! Try to keep your romance alive by spending time alone together. Going for a walk, or drive, or out for a coffee together can give both of you a chance to remember that you are friends and lovers as well as parents.

Check your answer

www.sexualityandu.ca

b. Birth Control

Immediately after birth, birth control may be just about the farthest thing from your mind. Sooner or later you will want to resume intercourse. So it is a good idea to be prepared.

After childbirth, you can ovulate and become pregnant even though you have not had a period. This is also true when you are breastfeeding.

Condoms are the safest method of birth control for the first few weeks after childbirth. After your postpartum checkup, you may want to use a different method. Using condoms is the only method that can prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Here are a few points to consider when choosing birth control.

If you are alone or with a partner, there are many factors to consider when choosing birth control. Some forms of birth control may interfere with breastmilk production. It is important to discuss birth control options with your partner and health care professional.

To learn more about birth control and select the best one for you, visit the following web site: www.sexualityandu.ca .

Remember that if you try one method and you are not happy with it, you can always try another.

F. FAMILY AND FRIENDS

The arrival of a new baby changes many people's lives. All of you will be learning to look at yourselves and one another in new ways. It takes time, patience, and love for a new family to settle comfortably into a new life together.

 

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a. Fathers

New fathers often feel neglected. During the pregnancy, everyone asked about the mother. Now everyone is interested in the baby. Where does the father fit in?

The new fathers are also tired; you have new responsibilities and worries. You are expected to do things you don't remember your own father doing like changing diapers, doing laundry, and getting up at night. In addition, you are still supposed to go to work and earn a living.

You are not alone. Most new fathers go through a time of confusion and adjustment. It is not easy, but it is normal. The following advice could help.

b. Brothers and Sisters

The arrival of a new baby is very exciting for most children, but it can also bring some mixed feelings.

If you want suggestions to help your children get used to the new baby click on the following link.

Prepare Your Children for the Arrival of a New Baby.

Make Changes and Plans Ahead of Time.

Give Children Time to Get Used to the New Baby.

c. Grandparents

Just as you are learning to become parents, your parents are learning to become grandparents. Your parents are working out a style of grandparenting that feels right for them.

Some new parents are delighted to receive help and advice from grandparents. Others find being around grandparents stressful. Remember that this is your baby. You have to parent in your own way. This may be different from the way your parents raised you, and it may be difficult for your parents to accept this.

Talking about your feelings is the best way to get along with each other.

CONCLUSION

This module has given you an overview of life with a newborn.

Parenthood will last longer than six weeks. You will be parents for life. You can look forward to many milestones together: baby's first smile, first tooth, first step, and first word.

You will want information about your baby's health, growth, and development as you move into the toddler and preschool years. Inquire about what is available in your community.

As a parent you will grow and change along with your children. You have a lot to teach your children and they have a lot to teach you. Enjoy one another, love one another, and grow together in good health.

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