Alyson Schäfer, author and parenting expert knows Moms and Dads and what they go through preparing for the arrival of their new bundles of joy. Their quest to amass as much parenting information as possible is endless! In fact, a recent Huggies survey of new and expectant moms found that 69% of Canadian moms spend 2 or more hours a day researching online. Knowing this and based on some of the most common concerns among expectant mothers, Alyson has teamed up with Huggies to share her tips and advice for new moms.
I am so overwhelmed with all the information out there. Where do I get the best info?
Being a new mom might leave you feeling alone with so many new experiences and inevitable questions. But you’re not alone – More than half of pregnant women had no idea where to find helpful info. My suggestion: Do some online research to answer some of the questions you have. The Mommy Answers Forum on the Huggies® Canada Facebook page is a great place to start because it’s a one-stop destination for all the top pregnancy and baby information collected from leading parenting sites and resources. Simply type in any question to find the info you want – from body after baby to top baby names – all in one place.
When will I know it’s time to go to the hospital?
More than half of first-time pregnant women went to the hospital once or more because they mistakenly thought they were going into labour. So if you’re turned away at the hospital, don’t worry – it’s more common than you think! Call your doctor or the hospital to get assessed over the phone. They will ask how far apart and how long your contractions are so keep a log book. “411” is a good rule: Contractions (4) minutes apart; lasting (1) minute; for at least (1) hour.
What should I take to the hospital?
Aim to streamline your hospital bag – don’t pack everything and the kitchen sink. It’s a good idea to bring an inexpensive travel pillow as most hospitals only offer one per bed. And don’t be afraid to just leave it there. You won’t miss it – because you’ll leave with twice as much as you came with, including gifts, flowers, supplies and of course the new baby!
How do I play with my newborn?
Babies love an engaging face that’s expressive and warm. Speak in high, sweet tones and watch them imitate you. If you stick out your tongue, they’ll stick out theirs too! But be patient and don’t be discouraged if it’s not immediate – newborns can take up to 40 seconds to mimic your actions.
My baby is fussing a lot – are they rejecting me?
Babies are prone to overstimulation. Thinking their baby is bored, many parents respond with more stimulation. If your baby is looking away from you, putting their hands in front of their face, arching their back or pushing toys away – they don’t need entertainment, they just need space. Give them something to suck on so they learn to self-soothe. When they make eye contact again, you can go back to playing!
I know there will be sleepless nights, but what can I do to ensure my child is a good sleeper?
Babies are not developmentally prepared to sleep through the night until at least the age of four months. To instill positive sleep habits in your baby even before four months, ensure they’re not falling asleep while breastfeeding. Rub their head with a cool washcloth if they have a tendency to doze off and make sure your baby is still awake when you put them down
to sleep.
