Q: What precautions should I take when caring for my newborn?
A: 1. Recognize that you are often tired and may feel overwhelmed after the baby is born and both of you are home. Accept the offer from family to cook meals and help clean the home so that you can rest and take care of your infant. In the first two weeks at home, you should sleep when the baby sleeps – that will ensure that you will get enough rest.
2. Respond promptly to your baby whenever he/she cries during the first few months. You cannot spoil a young baby by giving them attention. Paying close attention to your baby’s different cries will enable you to determine when he/she needs to be picked up, consoled, changed or fed.
3. Identify a pediatrician before the baby is born so that you have someone to call and answer your questions if you have concerns once you get home. Keep the appointment with that Pediatrician for that 2 or 3 day visit after discharge from the hospital.
Q&A: Newborn Precautions was originally published on blackdoctor.org
