6 new changes after a baby arrives

After he arrives, your baby will be a surprise and a source of great enjoyment to you in many ways.

Parents often think that babies are unaware of what’s happening around them. But they experience the world through their senses. When awake, the baby is alert and listening.

1. Maternal feelings:

Mothers feel a kind of love that they never felt before. A love that makes them want to protect their baby, no matter what. However, some mothers are shocked when they find that they lack maternal feelings. This ‘indifference’ can last from one hour to a week, but rarely longer.

2. Physical contact:

The baby needs physical contact throughout childhood and especially in the first weeks of life. So it is important for parents to hold your baby closely to you when she’s awake. Bonding takes place in this way. Mothers love usually comes 72 hours after birth of the baby, along with the milk.

3. Sleep Patterns:

Most babies spend at least 60% of their time sleeping; but some surprise their parents by being active and alert for long periods during the day and night. Babies’ sleep patterns depend on their physiological makeup and so it is difficult to lay down rigid sleeping times initially. Although a wakeful baby makes for sleepless nights for parents—it also means your child is learning things.

4. Reflexes:

It may take a while for parents to get used to their baby’s behavior- her responses to various stimuli. You will be surprised at the strength with which your baby grips anything you put in her hand. She will turn her head towards the finger stroking her cheek. She will instinctively open her mouth to suck. The new born baby responds to her parents’ presence by contracting her whole body. Later, at six months, she may smile at you to show her recognition of you. Click here to read about surprising baby reflexes.

5. Have confidence:

New parents sometimes lack confidence- but experience is a great teacher. You’ll become adept at caring for your baby with time. Although parenting is hard work, if both parents share the burden, you’ll develop your own style of parenting that is right for your own family. You don’t need to compare yourself with others.

6. A break or time out:

This is needed. It will be good if you can get the help of a friend or relative to baby sit sometimes, so that you and your partner go out and spend time relaxing together. You will feel rested and you’ll be able to cope better. Your baby will benefit by getting used to your going out and she’ll learn that you are not abandoning her because you always come back. Your baby will also learn confidence and social skills by having to relate to others.

Be willing to accept help from others, especially if you’re a single parent. Taking time away will let you recharge.

Babies enjoy their parents’ company. When you talk with your baby, you bond with her and lay the foundation for conversational skills to develop.

There is no end to the surprises your baby has for you. Enjoy your child as she goes through the various milestones of her growth.

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