Newborn Content | Baby Billy

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What if your baby falls?

Oops did your baby just fall off a chair? Let's go check them out if there is any serious injury!What should you do when your baby just falls off?👶The baby looks okay to youThe moment your baby falls off gives you an adrenaline rush.🏃‍♀️ You run as fast as you can to your baby to make sure that your child doesn't have any serious wounds.If the baby looks okay, probably the fall doesn't cause serious injury or break some bones.🦴 You still need to continue observing your baby for the next 24 hours to see if any symptoms develop. 👶The baby feels uncomfortableIf your baby is crying out loud, probably they must have gotten hurt or they are irritable because of the fall.😭 The best decision is to take them to the doctor to get checked out thoroughly. It's not necessary to keep the child awake although it's better to monitor their health when they are still active.🤾‍♀️ What is dangerous is that they probably fall on their head, feel dizzy and want to sleep but can't easily wake up. If they sleep, you should wake them after two hours to see if the child is still alert.💤Stay calm to identify serious signs👶Simple signsYou can't help feeling anxious when you see your child crying nonstop.😭 If the baby just has a light bump, their tears come from pain or fright and will not last longer than 10 minutes. 👶Serious signsConstant headache or dizziness can be the result of a serious hit.🤕 Your baby might be extremely irritable and cry incessantly. More severely, you may see them excessively sleepy and have a difficult time waking up. The baby might vomit after a strong hit on their head.🤮Treatment for your baby👶Treatment at homeIf you have successfully ruled out serious injury, you can treat your baby's mild bump at home. Wrap an ice pack🧊 in a thin towel or diaper and hold it onto the bump for fifteen or twenty minutes. You can nurse them or say something sweet to your little one to soothe them and distract them from the pain.😀If your baby is constantly in pain, you can give them the appropriate amount of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.💊 Avoid aspirin because it can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.👶Call the ER!If your child experiences loss of consciousness, unresponsiveness, non stop bleeding, you have to call for an emergency.🚑 Any signs of a fractured bone, a concussion, inability to walk steadily or talk, prolonged screaming indicate your baby can be in danger. You have to talk to their doctor immediately and take the baby to the emergency room.👩‍⚕️

Why does my baby stiffen their legs and arms?

When you pick up your baby from the crib🛏️, you might have noticed their hands and legs got stiffened! This is normal! It usually happens when your little one gets too excited or frustrated👶, and her muscle gets tightened up. However, rarely there are some other cases that can indicate a problem!What is hypertonia?It is considered hypertonia when a baby's muscles get stiff and hard to move because of damage to the brain or spinal cord that controls muscle movements🧍. Babies with hypertonia move in different ways because their range of motion is limited. Walking, balancing, grabbing, and letting go of objects could be difficult for them.There are two types of hypertonia, which are Spastic and Dystonic. Spastic hypertonia is when muscle spasms when a baby moves. On the other hand, when a baby is with Dystonic hypertonia, their muscle tone stays the same whether the baby is moving or still. In order to figure out which hypertonia the baby has, doctors will move a baby's muscles in different directions at various speeds🚶.Why does it happen? Any symptoms I should be aware of?To move muscles, we send signals from the nervous system travel to the nerves. However, if the brain🧠 or spinal cord is injured, those signals can't reach the nerves, which causes hypertonia! This could happen when a baby had a lack of oxygen during birth. If his/her brain is injured or has a tumor, could cause hypertonia as well.A baby with hypertonia generally shows trouble moving her joints in the arms, legs or neck. Their range of motion👋 gets limited, and they fall often because they lose their balance. If a baby has severe hypertonia, he can't move the affected body part much because his joint freeze in place, which is called a contracture. Other reasons why your baby may stiffen their bodyThere are a few other possible medical reasons🏥 for a baby to stiffen their body. Other medical conditions related to brain damage, such as infantile spasms, cerebral palsy, seizures, and epilepsy can cause this symptom as well. Occasional muscle stiffening isn't something to worry about. But if you feel suspicious too often, you should contact a doctor for a check-up and start a diagnosis and treatment👩‍⚕️.

Tips for Positive Parenting

The definition of positive parenting varies but the core idea can be summed up to warm, positive family interactions and guidelines!Tips for positive parenting👪Get inside your child's headAlthough on the outside your child's behaviors look unjustified and irrational, they are motivated by legitimate needs.🧸 If you can get inside their heads, you can address their needs. Always keep in mind that they are still developing and give them the benefit of the doubt.😎👪Empathetic, supportive and constructiveYou don't have to agree with your child's demands all the time. Instead, the goal is to be the kind of arbitrator and mentor you would want for yourself and your baby.😀Your kid would love a parent who is prepared to listen to their side of the story and reassure them that they are being heard.💖 They know that they will get a fair-minded and sympathetic hearing. You are the one who will reason with them, use encouragement and humor to steer them away from negative emotions while introducing solutions.🥰👪The art of distractionIf you notice that your baby has gotten hold of a forbidden object, you just camly remove it and show your child something else. Look at these colorful toys!🪅 Your child might be attracted to them immediately when you find them more interesting. Distraction is useful for old kids too. When your child is overwhelmed by feelings of outrage and confinement, they don't know how to stop but they can divert their focus into something else.👀👪Humor and playfulnessJokes and silliness are considered excellent distractions.😚 Your kid might feel more excited and motivated if you make requests with humor and transform work into play.👪Make sure that most of your interactions are positiveKids are mirrors, reflecting images of what happens around them.🪞 Positive social interactions create more trusting family relationships and motivate kids to be cooperative.More tips for positive parenting👪Validate your kid's reasonsIt's important that you don't expect your kids to read your mind.😊 Two-way conversations are much more beneficial when you don't just recite the rules but rather to explain the rationale of the rules and undertake your baby's questions and concerns.👪Try to say yes as much as possible'No' can be viewed as a negative word that fuels resentment and resistance since your kid is not yet able to understand how to learn from negative feedback. Parental criticism can also trigger feelings of hopelessness.😞 Hence, you should either suggest alternatives and help the kid accept different options. 👪Catch children at being goodIt's crucial that you give praise at the right moment.😘 Children may respond to rewards and compliments more readily than punishments. After your kid finishes homework, let's offer simple praise 'well done!' for the kid's good behavior.👪Be a good mentorTalking with your child about their feelings and discussing helpful strategies for handling difficult emotions indicate your respect for your kid and your willingness to offer sympathetic hearing.👂 You also provide your little one with concrete support and assurance that no matter what, mommy is right here!

Parenting stress

That nervous feeling when you're about to meet your baby for the first time is engraved in your heart.💓 You just look at them in awe every time and gain strength to become the best parents for them. But you can't avoid stress along the way…Parenting stress👪What is parenting stress?Parenting stress is the distress when you feel you can't cope as a parent.😞 After pregnancy, expectations and demands placed on you are so high that you seem to run out of resources and strength to meet them. 👪What causes parenting stress?The causation varies depending on each family. Stress can originate from poor economic status, inadequate support system, and exposure to hostility.⚔️ Anything that makes you worry about your ability to protect your child and thrive can contribute to parenting stress.🙁Ways to cope with parenting stress👪Reach out for supportParenting is a lot easier if you have your supporters on your side.👪 Contact your friends, family members and especially your partner to share your feelings. You can always count on their support for emotional support, financial aid💰 and childcare help.If you don't live near friends or relatives, you can look for local parenting cooperatives, online communities and trained therapis‍ts.😀 Enrolling in parenting classes can be helpful too as you can seek new friends, reduce your feelings of guilt and stress while gaining more knowledge.👪Avoid unnecessary exposure to signals that drag you downAfter a very brief exposure to negative emotional content, it's natural that you pay attention more to upsetting images, replay bad memories and worry about the future. Such thoughts keep circulating in your head, causing more anxiety and gloom.😥Overdosing on bad news spikes up your stress levels, undermines yourself and hurts you gradually. Instead, try to put yourself together, think constructively, think brightly.🤔 Everything will be just fine and you can do it! 👪Focus on the goodYou can induce good moods by downloading happy memories into your head. Do you remember when your little one just took the first step or called your name for the first time? When you return home from work, remember how you feel when you see your child's smiles and hugs.🤗Reflect on good memories and read jokes, uplifting stories to make you feel better. Focusing on acts of kindness and positive messages will help you decrease stress responses.😀👪Re-appraise the situationWe often think that we are good at predicting things if we have a plan. Actually, we are pretty bad at anticipating future discomforts. Sometimes, stressful things just occur along the way.😞When bad things happen, you may find a coping strategy when you reconsider the situation from a new angle. Stop dwelling too much on your personal emotional reactions, try to view the problem with more objectivity.💪

Why homemade baby's formula isn't safe

Mmm, mmm, good😋! We love homemade food! They are delicious, healthy, and nutritious!Wait, then would homemade baby formula be better than the ones in the shops🤔? The answer is NO! If you wonder, here's why:What is in baby formula?Have you ever wondered what is that white powder made of? Basically, baby formula is made to replicate human breast milk as much as possible🥛. The biggest difference between formula and breastmilk is that the latter is a living composition while the formula is inert.Purified cow's milk is the most commonly used ingredient for baby formula. Formula made with soy milk or oat milk is often seen as well. A blend of vegetable oils is used as a fat source🫛, and lactose as a carbohydrate source. Ingredients for vitamin and mineral mix depend on the manufacturer.Making my own baby formula at home! Is it possible?According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), making baby formula at home is not safe🙅. Why is that? It's because infants need very specific nutrition in order to grow and it's very hard to meet all the needs at home. Commercially manufactured formulas, however, are designed to contain protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals well balanced.Also, you'll be using commercial goods as ingredients to make baby formula at home🏠 - for example, raw milk. Commercials refine those ingredients to be suitable for infants, but we can't do that at home! What should I do if I can't find baby formula around?Middle of the night🌃, no formula, no shops open, and your baby is crying from hunger! Many of us have already dealt with, or can face this situation!If there's no way to get the baby formula, try calling your pediatrician or nearby clinic for help. They might have an emergency formula supply to help you👨‍⚕️. If they don't have it stocked, they can recommend you other ways to fill your little one's hunger. If your baby is approaching age 1, you might consider feeding whole cow's milk or soy milk as the very last option. It would be a better option than giving her homemade or diluted formula! To ensure safety, ask your pediatrician for guidance in advance if your baby is good to drink these as an alternative!

👉 Newborn content list

Tips to help your baby sleep

Sleeplessness is a common companion of newborn parenthood😪. But fear not! We hold the key to that first glorious night of uninterrupted sleep. How much sleep do newborns need?In the early weeks, your baby may sleep a lot😴, but usually not for more than two to four hours at a time, day or night. Newborns typically initially sleep around 14 to 18 hours a day and around 12 to 16 hours per one-month-old. However, because their stomachs are small, they wake up every two to three hours to eat🧑‍🍼. It's common for babies to have their days and nights reversed, sleeping longer during the day and being more alert at night. This phase will eventually pass! My baby sleeps too much. Is it okay? Ah, the delightful world of newborn sleep😣! Brace yourself for the eat-sleep-repeat cycle. In those early weeks, your little one will master snoozing, briefly waking up to refuel before dozing off again. But don't worry! As they hit one month, get ready for wide-eyed moments as they explore the fascinating world.Newborns handle about an hour to an hour and a half of wakefulness before demanding some quality nap time. Beauty sleep is crucial🛌, after all! And those extra-long snooze sessions? No worries! It's usually harmless. They might be catching up after a mini-cold, experiencing growth spurts, or recovering from superhero shots. But if marathon sleep comes with a fever or respiratory distress, reach out to your pediatrician! Tips to help your baby sleep 🌙Create a nighttime routineCreating a nighttime routine for your baby can be a wonderful way to help them relax and prepare for sleep. It establishes a sense of consistency and signals that it's time to wind down. Here are some tips to help you start a soothing nighttime routine:🌙Begin by setting a consistent bedtime for your baby. Choose a specific time to put them to bed each night. This regularity helps establish a sleep pattern and supports their internal clock.🌙Create a calm and peaceful environment in the bedroom.Dim the lights, close the curtains, and minimize noise to create a soothing atmosphere. These adjustments help your baby understand that it's time to sleep. Establish a sequence of relaxing activities that you can do before bedtime. This can include giving your baby a warm bath, reading a story, singing a lullaby, or gently rocking them. The goal is to choose activities that promote relaxation and comfort.

Newborn weight gain - what's healthy and what's not

Every child grows at their own pace💗, but growth charts can give us a general idea. Remember, "average" doesn't define normal, as babies come in all shapes and sizes.What's the average weight for a newborn?According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a full-term baby boy usually weighs around 7 pounds and 6 ounces, which is about 3.3 kilograms. And for our lovely baby girls, the average weight is around 7 pounds and 2 ounces, or 3.2 kilograms. How cute is that🐥?Now, babies born between 37 and 40 weeks👶, their weights can vary a bit more. On average, they weigh anywhere from 5 pounds and 8 ounces to 8 pounds and 13 ounces, which is about 2.5 to 4 kilograms. Isn't it amazing how these little ones come in different sizes right from the start?Why does newborn weight gain matter?When it comes to your little one's weight and height, consistent growth is a positive sign of their well-being. But sometimes, babies may not be gaining weight as they should, and that's when the term "failure to gain weight" or "failure to thrive" comes into play🥲. There can be various reasons behind this, such as difficulties with feeding, problems with absorbing or using nutrients, or even certain medical conditions. It's essential to work closely with healthcare providers to identify the root cause and address it properly💕.How can I tell if my newborn is gaining enough weight?Believe it or not, counting those oh-so-important diapers can give you a good indication that your little one is doing just fine😀! During the first few days, it's completely normal for your newborn to have only a few wet diapers a day. After that, you can expect to see about 6 to 8 wet diapers in a 24-hour period. It's a great sign that your baby is getting enough fluids.Let's get down to business with poopy diapers. It's typical for babies to poop at least twice a day but when you're breastfeeding🤱, your baby might have even more poopy diapers, like five or more, while formula-fed babies may have a few less.

Things that you didn't know about newborn sleep

How much sleep do newborns need?Newborns sleep about 14 to 18 hours a day in the early weeks😪! Usually, they sleep for 2 to 4 hours every 2 hours day and night because they wake up when they get hungry. If your baby has a small stomach or is a glutton, she or he will wake up more compared to other babies. Also, babies are born with their days and nights reserved, so they become night owls and sleep more during the daytime. (This is why parents of newborns become '🧟zombie-like' in their baby's early weeks!) Fortunately, your baby will start sleeping less during the day and more at night by 8 weeks.Why does your newborn sleep so much?It looks like all your baby does is sleep every day, but don't worry Mom😉! They are doing their jobs in their dreams. A newborn's brain develops as they sleep. All the new information about the world they consumed while they were awake is processed and consolidated during their sleep, so the babies get ready to explore the new environments when they are up again🧠. Physical development also takes place while babies are asleep. Their body processes nutrition and uses them for weight gain and strengthening the organs and joints!Tips for baby sleep🦉Turning night owls into a normal trackYou can start teaching your baby to distinguish day from night, normally from week 2. During the day☀️, interact with your baby while they are awake as much as you can. Keep your home bright, including the baby's room. You don't need to mute all the daytime noises such as phone rings, doorbells, and kitchen noises! It will help your baby to understand the daytime. At night🌙, do the opposite of what you did during the day. Dim the light and keep the noise level low. Don't play with your baby even if they wake up in order to keep the energy level low. When your baby gets used to the cycle, it will be much easier for you to deal with their sleep!🦉I still feel like my baby is sleeping too much!Some babies are heavy sleepers😴. They don't wake up to eat as often as they need to. Baby's sleep habits are all different depending on each of their personalities. You don't need to force the baby to wake up if they sleep well peacefully✨. However, if they sleep more than 6 hours straight, you might want to gently wake them up to avoid hypoglycemia and dehydration. If you are unsure, it will be helpful if you record your baby's sleep routine and intakes to see if they are sleeping and eating enough.

The breastfeeding diet

'You are what you eat!' You've probably heard this phrase a lot. Then let's put this theory to breastfeeding - My breast milk should be what I eat😮! Is it really true? Here is a guide for how to get the right nutrition to produce a healthy meal for your little one! (But don't worry, it will be much easier than a pregnancy diet😉)What can I eat?Actually, the foods and drinks you intake don't directly affect the basic fat-protein-carb combo of breast milk. In fact, your body will take nutrients that are already stored to produce milk🍼. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't care about your diet! Your goal during nursing is to avoid depleting the body's store of nutrients.A nutritious diet for breast milk is not much different from the healthy diets we used to try before pregnancy. Protein, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and high-fat foods are recommended to consume on a daily basis, along with calcium, iron, vitamin C and Omega-3s💊. Also, your breast milk changes the taste and smell depending on what you eat, and your little one will get introduced to a variety of different flavors!What should I be aware of?You should still be aware of too much caffeine, high-mercury fish, and some herbal teas or supplements that are not proven safe😿. Alcohol is a slightly different story. I understand how you've been waiting to have a sip of cold wine and beer after birth, and yes, you can drink alcohol while breastfeeding (yay😺!), but, there are a few things you should keep in mind before starting to drink. If possible, try to drink after nursing, or wait at least 2 hours before nursing to avoid alcohol affecting your milk. Also, heavy drinking may affect your baby, so moderate drinking is advised.How much water should I take?Drinking more water is always good. Especially in the weeks after birth and during the nursing period, water helps your body to recover and stimulate better. Technically you need to drink about 128 ounces of fluids a day🌊, but you get most of it covered by your meals during the day. (so you don't need to drink 16 glasses of water every day! phew) To make sure you are getting enough water, drinking a cup of water at every nursing session is the easiest way to track. Not drinking enough water won't affect your milk supply. However, your urine will get darker and scanter, and can set you up for health issues such as constipation and fatigue! So let's keep in mind to drink a fresh cup of water more often😉!

Polio vaccination (IPV) 1st dose

Why should I take the vaccine?💡The vaccine prevents your baby from polio, which could be a serious disease that causes paralysis by infecting a person's spinal cord (😱!). Poliovirus is very contagious, and it spreads through a sneeze, the stoop, or the cough of an infected person. Fortunately, Polio vaccines are very effective and can prevent your little one from an infection. How to get the vaccine?💉Four doses of the polio shot are recommended by doctors in order to protect against the Polio virus. Your doctor will schedule the vaccine when your baby is 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years old. The shot is very safe, but they might have mild side effects depending on your child's condition. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: What is Poliovirus and what are the symptoms of the infection?Polio is a dangerous disease caused by the poliovirus. It can lead to paralysis or weakness in the arms and legs, which might last a lifetime or be fatal. Most infected people show no symptoms, while some may experience flu-like symptoms for a few days. Stay vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid this severe illness.How does polio spread?Poliovirus spreads through contact with infected stool or droplets from sneezes or coughs. Touching your mouth after handling contaminated objects, like toys, can lead to infection. An infected person can spread the virus up to 2 weeks after symptoms appear, even to those without symptoms. It's essential to practice good hygiene to prevent the virus from spreading through contaminated food and water. Stay vigilant and take preventive measures to protect yourself and others.

Cluster feeding

Did your little one start to nurse longer or more often than usual? Maybe it's a sign of cluster feeding! I know this is a very draining and exhausting journey. But if you have a breastfeeding goal, let's hang in there a little bit more😬!What is cluster feeding?Cluster feeding, which is also called bunch feeding, is when your baby suddenly starts to eat more often than she usually did. Your baby will keep wanting milk at shorter intervals than she normally did. It usually happens around 3 to 6 weeks, because it is the period when babies' growth spurts🌱! When cluster feeding happens, new moms worry if they are not producing enough milk, but it is just the baby's instinct to make your body produce more😉. This helps your breasts supply more milk to satisfy the baby's demand. So if your baby starts cluster feeding, experts suggest nursing her as much as they want. Even though your breast is empty, cluster feeding will stimulate your breasts and try to produce more.How to deal with cluster feedingCluster feeding usually lasts no later than two days, but these long feeding sessions will make you exhausted both emotionally and physically😫! Your baby will cry for feeding every hour, so it will be almost impossible to get enough sleep or take some rest. It sounds nonsense, but trying to relax and go with the flow🏄 will help you a little. Don't start to think and discourage yourself that your milk supply isn't adequate. It is! I know it's hard to feed yourself, but try to be well-nourished, hydrated, and rested. Keep some nutritious snacks and water everywhere you go, and put on some relaxing music. Having a partner to be with you is always great if it is possible. How to stop cluster feedingSince cluster feeding happens because your baby needs more milk, producing more milk can help fulfill her appetite! Pumping between nursing helps your breasts to overdrive😎. Power pumping, which mimics cluster feeding by repeating the pump for 10 minutes and taking a rest for 10 minutes, is also a good way to boost the milk supply. If cluster feeding is draining you too much, try talking to a lactation consultant. She will be able to help you by offering some tips on nursing and how to stick to your breastfeeding goals💁🏻!

How to safely support your baby's head and neck

Bringing home your precious little one can be filled with worry and anxiety, but trust me, every parent goes through it🏠. You might fear that you'll accidentally break your baby, but let me assure you, you can't! Those tiny beings are resilient and flexible. So, don't worry about delicate fingers and toes or yanking arms out of sockets. You're doing great😉!Tips for supporting your baby safely✔️Support their head and neckSupporting your baby's head, neck, and spine is essential whenever you lift, hold, or carry them👩‍🍼. To do this, use one hand to gently scoop them up, while the other hand supports their adorable little bottom. This way, you're ensuring their delicate head is cradled and protected, while also maintaining proper alignment for their growing spine.✔️Soft spots on the headThose soft spots on their head, known as fontanelles, may seem delicate, but they are actually safeguarded by a sturdy membrane. So, go ahead and touch those soft spots with confidence. No need to handle them like fragile porcelain😵‍💫; they're safe to touch and a normal part of your baby's development.✔️Wobbly headIf you notice your precious newborn's head flopping a bit as you navigate this learning curve, don't panic. Rest assured, it won't cause any harm to your baby👶. However, it's important to remember to avoid shaking your baby. Shaking can be harmful and we want to keep them safe and sound. Tips for protecting a baby's head and neck when holding a baby!➰Dressing them upWhen it comes to dressing your baby👚, it's best to prioritize simplicity and convenience. Choosing clothing items like side-snap shirts and wide-necked onesies can make the process much easier, especially when your baby still has an umbilical stump. These smart clothing choices not only simplify dressing but also ensure your baby's comfort😌.Here's a helpful tip to make your life as a parent easier: avoid complicated outfits such as back-buttoned tops or turtlenecks without snaps. Trust me, this will save you from unnecessary struggles in the future. Our goal is to make dressing moments enjoyable for both you and your baby while minimizing any potential wardrobe mishaps.➰Embrace diaper mishapsIt's important to be prepared for diaper blow-outs and spit-ups, as these are common occurrences. You'll likely have plenty of opportunities to change your baby's clothes throughout the day. Embracing this learning process is key and with practice, you'll become an expert in no time😎.Remember to keep a stash of spare clothes handy, both at time and when you're on the go. Having extra outfits readily available will save you from any unexpected surprises. It's all part of the adventure of parenting a newborn, so try to approach it with a positive mindset and a sense of humor🕺.

Exclusive pumping guide

Breastmilk? Formula? Or both?🤔 It is a question that moms can't decide easily, especially if you are a new mom. Some moms decide to give pumped breastmilk with bottles exclusively, which is called Exclusive pumping ('EPing' in short). If you have decided, or thought of being one of them, here is a little guide to help you! 🦮EPing is really, really hard! Why should I do it?According to moms who've done it already, apparently, it is the toughest choice you can make among all the baby-feeding ways🫢! There are various reasons why moms choose EPing even though they know the fact. The biggest reason why moms chose to EPing is that they are in a situation where they can't nurse directly from breasts, but still don't want to give up the benefits of breastmilk. Their babies may be twins or multiples or are separated from their mom for many reasons - hospitalized, working mom, or preterm. Some moms just feel discomfort nursing the baby directly at the breast.Also, if you want to monitor a baby's milk intake and schedule feedings🍼, EPing can be a good option.Frequently Asked Questions: How much milk should you express?It differs for each baby, but they will take in 25 to 32 ounces of milk on average per day👶. This takes about five times to pump a day on average. However, it could be very difficult for moms to pump a full supply because every woman produces a different amount of breast milk a day. When would be the best time to start Exclusive Pumping?You can start exclusive pumping as soon as your baby is born! To be prepared, renting a hospital-grade pump in advance before birth can help. Starting from the first hour after your baby's born, start hand pumping as soon as possible💃. Start using an electric pump from the second day. You'll need to pump at least 8 to 12 times a day on average to keep up with your baby's demand!How to schedule pumping?You can schedule your pumping any time of the day that works for you! However, there are some things to keep in mind before you put it down to your scheduler. Once your milk supply starts to increase, pumping can take about 10 to 20 minutes⏱️. So try to think about times when you'll be from your baby's distraction! Any tips to make my Express Pumping easier? To make your Express Pumping journey less stressful, try to rent a hospital-grade breast pump. There are consumer-grade pumps, but they are not suitable for moms pumping 8-12 times a day. Your hospital, pharmacy, or local breastfeeding support center can help you👩‍⚕️!Once you are ready with the pump, set up an in-house pumping station so you can handle everything in one spot! This will make your pumping life so much easier. And again, caring for yourself is as important as pumping. So stay healthy🥗 and try to not get too much stress on pumping. There are apps that track the number of times you pump and get alerts, (which is very handy!) so try getting some help from it!

Newborn and sleep basics

You know, whoever came up with the phrase "sleep like a baby" clearly didn't spend much time around newborns, right? 😣 These little bundles of joy have a knack for keeping us on our toes, especially when it comes to sleep! They're known to be restless sleepers, waking up every few hours like clockwork and rarely making it through the night without a little wake-up call😪. But hey, if you find yourself wondering (or maybe even worrying) about your baby's sleep habits, take a deep breath and remind yourself of a few important facts.How much sleep do babies need?🐤Newborns (0-3 months)Tiny ones need a lot of shut-eye! On average, newborns sleep about 14-17 hours a day🕑. However, their sleep is usually divided into short periods, with a mix of daytime naps and nighttime awakenings for feeding.🐤Infants (4-11 months)As your baby grows, their sleep patterns start to change. During this stage, babies typically sleep around 12-15 hours a day. They may have longer stretches of nighttime sleep🦉 and take a few naps during the day.How to get your newborn to sleep! 💤Newborns have their own sleep scheduleIt's important to understand that newborns have their own unique sleep patterns. They haven't quite figured out the difference between day and night yet🌛, so be prepared for sleep to happen whenever they need it. It may feel unpredictable at times, but rest assured, it's completely normal.💤Expect frequent night awakeningsBrace yourself for those frequent night awakenings. Newborns have tiny tummies and need to eat every few hours🍼. So, be ready for those nighttime feedings and try to make peace with the fact that uninterrupted sleep might be a luxury for a little while.💤Embrace the power of napsNaps are your best friend! Encourage your little one to take regular daytime naps. While it may seem counterintuitive, adequate daytime sleep can actually contribute to better nighttime sleep👍. So, create a soothing nap time routine and provide a calm environment for your baby to rest during the day.💤Create a sleep-friendly environmentHelp your baby differentiate between day and night by creating a sleep-friendly environment. During nighttime awakenings, keep the lights low and avoid stimulating activities🌃. On the flip side, during the day, expose your baby to natural light and engage in playful interactions. These cues can help establish their internal sleep-wake rhythm.💤Seek support and rest when possibleRemember, you're not alone on this sleep journey. Reach out to your partner, family, or friends for support. Share the responsibilities of nighttime awakenings and take turns getting some much-needed rest. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby💕.So, hang in there! While it may feel challenging at times, know that this phase won't last forever. Your little one will gradually develop more predictable sleep patterns as they grow!

Lip-tie in newborns

Lip-tie? Never heard of it🤔? Here's everything you need to know about lip-tie! What is a lip-tie? A lip-tie is when your baby's upper lip is connected to their gum by a tight or short piece of tissue🙀. In the past, doctors were concerned that lip ties could cause difficulties with breastfeeding. However, recent research suggests that lip-ties are unlikely to be a major issue😮‍💨. In fact, many lip-ties naturally improve as your child grows older.How can I tell if my baby has a lip-tie?Lip ties can be challenging to identify since every baby has an upper lip frenulum. However, if you suspect your baby's lip-tie is causing breastfeeding difficulties, it's best to consult a lactation consultant🧑‍⚕️. These experts can assess your baby's latch and offer helpful solutions, such as adjusting positioning or techniques🤱.What is the treatment for lip-tie?Treating lip-tie can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle as various opinions exist among professionals. It may seem like navigating through a maze, but rest assured, there are a few options to consider! 〰️Lactation SupportWorking closely with a lactation consultant👩‍⚕️ can be beneficial. They can offer guidance on proper latch techniques, positioning, and other strategies to help improve breastfeeding despite the lip-tie.〰️Frenotomy🏥A frenotomy, also called a frenectomy, is a simple and quick procedure performed by a healthcare professional to release the tight or thickened tissue (frenulum) causing the lip tie. Using sterile scissors or a laser, the procedure is typically done in an outpatient setting. It can help improve breastfeeding by allowing the baby's lip to move more freely.