Going with your instincts means trusting your baby to develop his or her own unique timetable. It seems common these days to seek endorsement of routines, timed feeds, scheduled feeds, dropped feeds and substituted feeds. The alternative is to (within reason) let your baby indicate the frequency and duration of feeding.
There is no fixed date for starting solids. Your baby will let you know when it's time for something more than breast milk or formula. There are lots of different types of food available when he or she is ready. Similarly, infant-lead weaning will be different for each individual child. Sadly, many ways of mothering and nurturing which have stood the test of time have fallen from favour with our amorous embrace of science and technology.
Focus on your love for your child. The reason instinctive responses are such an integral part of mothering or parenting is that they are triggered by our deep need to protect our offspring. This sets the situation apart from most other modern experiences, and the intensity of your feeling for your baby is the most effective way to initiate instinctive responses.
Maintaining your health and vitality in the months following the arrival of your child can be challenging. Valuable health care advice, rest, exercise and the right foods are fundamental. Staying well hydrated can be overlooked too, so ensure you have a regular intake of fluid.
Your baby is just like you, they love to be touched and massaged. Mothers and fathers are sometimes afraid of hurting their babies, but the very old art of baby massage is now recognised as a gentle bonding supportive remedy. Avoid massage oils with petrochemical bases; instead use the gentle and pure options available. You deserve a massage too, and you both need to be cherished and fussed over after your star birthing performance.
Sometimes, little blemishes on your baby's skin can cause concern. Bathing and skin care products need to be gently moisturising - not cleansing.
The important acid mantle on your baby's skin needs to be nourished and supported. Show your pharmacist any area of concern and seek guidance as to whether medical attention is required. Nappy areas and hot areas under the chin and in skin folds need special care and attention.
Additionally, your baby's scalp needs gentle inspection to make sure there is no build up of scaly areas. Using an appropriate shampoo is advisable and if any patch develops which concerns you, seek some advice.
Babies are wonderfully resilient. Their immune function builds rapidly. Vaccinations are an important aspect of their lifetime protection from certain diseases. Follow the schedule, and be reassured that some temporary discomfort for your baby and stressful times for you as the Mum, are just that - very temporary.
Seek advice from your pharmacist about aspects of your baby's health which are important to you. Use that important resource, as well as your support mothers group. Sharing a concern often lightens the load and reinforces your own thoughts and feelings.
Chelsi writes about pregnancy, babies, motherhood, parenting and family life.
