Browsing Category Newborn Assistance

Teaching a child the joy of reading is one of the most important practices a parent can give a child.  Many believe this practice should be implemented before the birth of baby.  With technology taking off so quickly, you want to ensure that your child has a foundation of reading and learning in the traditional sense too!  There are several popular books that are on the top of the list when building the perfect first library for your baby.  Please take a look, and let us know if there are any that you wish to add.

1.- Corduroy- by Melanie Rosen-

2.- The Very Hungry Caterpillar- By Eric Carle

3.- My Very First Mother Goose by Iona Opie

4.- Close Your Eyes by Kate Banks

5.- Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino

These are very classic reads that every baby/toddler should have on their shelf.  This encourages a love for reading and helps expand the imagination of your child.  It’s nice to see that classic books are still a top pick, with the ereader making a huge impact in our mainstream lives, you want to ensure that your child has been introduced properly to traditional books/titles early on.

Category : Newborn Assistance

A local hospital has a wonderful article out titled Bringing Home Baby: Practical Advise for Parents.  The information in the article is definitely worth taking note of, as every new parent encounters similar situations when making the transition from hospital to home. 

Below is a list of the important pointers, following this advise can help ease some of the stress typically experienced in the first few weeks.  Also, I know it sounds kind of cliche, but calling on a Mommy Reliever to help care for baby while you recuperate after delivery by getting a good nights sleep here and there, and to assist with keeping the norm regarding older siblings during the day, isn’t such a bad idea either.

1.  Simplify Household Chores-   By saving steps for yourself by keeping a basket or bin on every level of your home filled with all basic supplies needed to care for baby, i.e. diapers, wipes, burping cloth, receiving blanket on hand will help with the unnecessary up and down stairs. 

When you have a neighbor, family member or friend over holding the baby, take a few minutes to go pop in a load of laundry, or fold and put away laundry. 

Pre plan meals/dinners and prep and cook when you have downtime.  While baby is asleep and you are up is a perfect time to catch up on those daily household chores that tend to get pushed back.  Cooking ahead is also a good idea, freeze meals for the future, and let hubby or friends take out and warm up while you are resting.

2.  Know your physical limitations- Immediate recovery is unlikely, particularly when mom has had a c-section.  If you push yourself too quickly in the beginning, you can jeopardize the healing process.  So know your limitations, and prepare to not have to lift anything for several weeks after the baby arrives.  Lining up help for lifting heavy items, carrying laundry baskets up and down stairs, and for lifting older/toddler siblings is very important.

3. Go easy on yourself.  Accepting that your norm is not the norm anymore, will allow you to take the changes in stride, and enjoy the thrill of having your precious bundle home.  Accept that your daily routines have to change, and keep in mind that there is always take out and home delivery for dinners/meals!  Utilize those services that are there to help you when most needed.

4.  Accept help graciously.  We want to be the end all be all. That really isn’t the attitude to take right after childbirth.  This is a special time where you should be pampered and relaxed.  Accept the help from mother, mother in law, family and friends graciously as they are offering with your best interest in mind, to help with your recovery.  If your family and friends can’t stay in town as long as you need, or can’t come at all, it’s perfectly alright to seek outside help.  For decades women have relied and entrusted one another with the care of their children, so pick up the phone and call a trusted agency when help is needed.

5.- Finally, Take a walk.   Getting fresh air is good for you and baby.  Don’t be afraid to go outside even when it’s cold.  Bundle both yourself and baby up, and take a short stroll.  A walk in the stroller may just be the trick needed to lull your little one to sleep, allowing mom to steal a few moments of “me” time for yourself!

This information is taken not only from life experiences, but also from the Winter 2012 Edition of the Virginia Hospital Center’s Health Reach magazine.  There are also Breastfeeding Support Groups and Postpartum Support Groups available at the Hospital and in your communities, for specific support and services.

Category : Newborn Assistance