Dr. Pete shares what new moms and dads should know about their newborn in a new installment of "The Doctor's Note" (Episode 228) on TikTok
What New Moms and Dads Need to Know
In response to our recent viral TikTok, we had some requests for this educational information to be written out. This is one of the reasons why we created the HiDoctorDisney.com website, so please enjoy the preventive health information below!
Congratulations, Mom/Dad! Because this is your first baby, I’m going to be going over a couple of things I think are important for you to know.
Did you pick a name for your baby? It’s ok! Some cultures don’t pick a name for their baby this early! I would just like to know.
The first thing I want to talk about is stool. For the first few days, your newborn’s stool will look black. That is called meconium. It’s the first stool the baby passes. As the days progress, it will get lighter and start to look more yellow and seedy. That is normal. Also, if the baby’s urine in the diaper ever looks like it’s red-tinged or pink-tinged, or orangish, that is caused by urate crystals. Again, this is something normal. It will pass in a matter of days.
It is also normal that the baby will lose weight over the first week of life. They are losing their water weight. They will gain the weight back through feeding. Now, do you plan to feed your baby breast milk, formula, or both? Great. The choice is yours. I want you to know that breast milk and formula both provide your baby with nutrition. However, breast milk provides the baby with extra support in that it builds the child’s immunity helping them fight infections and allergies. And for you, some studies show that breastfeeding can help you lose weight, aid in preventing breast cancer, and can also help avoid post-partum depression. Also, you get closer to your baby because you are holding your baby physically close to your skin.
The next thing I want to talk about is when your baby goes to sleep. We want them to have their own little area—nothing else inside the crib or bassinet with them: no extra toys, blankets, towels, or anything inside the crib; just them on their own, on their back. There is something called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) which is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. SIDS is sometimes known as crib death because infants often die in their cribs. We are going to prevent that from happening. While the causes are yet unknown and I don’t want to scare you, I want you to be aware of some measures every parent should take to prevent blocking baby’s airways. As I said above, have your baby sleep on their back—not on their stomach or side--with no extra articles inside their sleeping area. Their mattress should be firm. They should not sleep on a soft surface such as a fluffy comforter, soft mattress, waterbed, or in your bed with you, their siblings, or pets. And if you feel like they’re getting cold, I know you might want to put a blanket on them, but actually what’s more helpful is if you just put them in a few extra layers. You can add an extra onesie or a sleep sack on them—things that won’t potentially cover their mouths while they’re sleeping. And do not cover their heads. You want your baby to be warm, but be aware that overheating is another risk factor for SIDS. These are the main preventive measures you should take. Certain physical factors may also make an infant vulnerable to SIDS. Click the hyperlink to learn more about the syndrome.
In terms of breastfeeding in the first couple of days, you actually won’t be producing that much milk, and that’s normal; that’s expected. Please don’t feel bad. The milk supply typically comes in around day 3 or 4. Now, I know most moms might think, “OK, let me start on day 3 or 4,” but actually, those first couple of days are really important because they help your baby practice sucking, swallowing, and breathing all at the same time. That coordination is really difficult. And then for you, it also helps stimulate and see how well the baby is latching at the breast to also let those hormones increase the milk supply and let it come in.
Also, do you have a thermometer for the baby at home? If the baby feels warm, please check their temperature. If it’s above 100.4 F (38 Celsius), you must bring your baby to the Emergency Room.
Most importantly, love your baby. Teach your baby to love others, love themselves, and remember to vaccinate to prevent serious infections.
That’s all for now. Do you have any other questions for me? The baby should see your pediatrician in 2-4 days. You might want to check out further resources to read below. I thank you for being a good parent!
Source
“Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 May 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352800.
Further Resources