Sunday, February 12, 2006

mum's guide on my development

Newborn



How your baby's growing: Your baby's task this week, the first of his life outside the womb, is to become accustomed to his new surroundings. After nine months inside, so much space, light, and noise are very new to him. So he likes being swaddled — wrapped tightly in a blanket — while he makes the adjustment. For a while, his arms and legs look rather short, but they'll straighten out once he gets used to having so much space to stretch his limbs.Your newborn's vision is pretty blurry. He can see well only up to a distance of only about 18 inches, so keep your face close to his whenever he's alert — like all babies, his favorite subject is a loved one's face. He'll be watching you and dad all the time now, memorizing your features and learning to recognize your voices.Your newborn's attention span isn't too long yet, and just getting used to the outside world is probably enough stimulation for the next few weeks. You might want to think about hanging a simple object with a high-contrast black-and-white pattern over his crib for him to look at.

How your life is changing: This week, reality sets in — you have a baby! He's all yours, he's home with you, and he's dependent on you and dad for love, care, and feeding. No doubt you've been reading up on what to do and how to do it. We've got plenty of articles and tools to refresh your memory and teach you new tips, but our best advice this week: Don't try to master the art of caring for a baby all at once. Take it easy, take it slow. Your newborn is more durable than you might think. He's getting used to you as much as you and dad are getting used to him. Like all good relationships, this one'll take some time.

1 Week



How your baby's growing: This week your newborn continues to adjust to her new world, which she finds perhaps a bit too noisy and well-lit for her taste. But she's coming along. You'll notice her limbs move in a jerky, uncoordinated way. Soon, probably by the end of the month, her movements will become more fluid as her muscle control matures. Sucking and chewing on her hands are her main activities for the moment.Is your newborn a noisy breather? Lots of air passing through very small airways clogged with lint from blankets, clothing, and dust is the culprit much of the time. For the most part, you don't need to worry; she isn't likely to have a cold at this young age. She's just trying her best to breathe.

How your life is changing: Moms, if you're breastfeeding and still trying to get the hang of it this week, be patient — it does get easier. New moms always wonder if their baby is getting enough milk, especially if she wants to nurse all the time or fusses after being fed. One tip: If your baby nurses at least every two to three hours, or at least eight times in 24 hours for the first two to three weeks, she's probably getting all the breast milk she needs.

2 Weeks



How your baby's growing: Reflexes — sucking, grasping, rooting (when he looks for your nipple), and blinking — continue to be the name of the game as your baby enters his third week. At times he may catch your gaze and look at you (make the most of these moments by looking back intently, smiling wide, nodding your head, and so on), but he'll be quick about it for now.If your baby's been crying or fussing for more than three hours a day for more than three days in one week, he may be colicky. Generally, about 20 percent of babies develop colic around two to four weeks of age. Not only do they seem to cry incessantly, they look very uncomfortable. If your baby is colicky, you're probably in for a few rough months, but you can do plenty to soothe your little one. Hang in there; it will pass.

How your life is changing: You and your baby should be getting more comfortable with nursing, although you may still have lots of questions. We have plenty of expert advice on topics such as underfeeding and weight gain and what to do if your baby is continually hungry. If you have more questions or need support, try our breastfeeding bulletin boards.

3 Weeks



How your baby's growing: Almost a month old already! How did that happen? By the end of this week, your baby may be able to lift her head briefly when she's lying on her tummy. She may also be able to turn her head from side to side. Her leg and arm movements are less jerky and, as she gains more control of her muscles, she'll soon be the picture of grace compared to those first few weeks.Although you may not yet be able to tell for sure, your baby is beginning to develop some eating and sleeping patterns. Still, expect a certain amount of change and unpredictability for another month or so.Your baby likes bold lines and shapes. Hang a mobile with high-contrast patterns or picture books with strong line drawings.

How your life is changing: Why mince words? There's only one to describe how you're feeling: exhausted. If it's any consolation, sleep deprivation has been the shared bane of every new parent. So what to do? Remind yourselves that this will eventually pass, and then read up on the mechanics of your baby's sleep and understanding your baby's sleep patterns. Knowing how and why babies sleep will help you figure out ways to get your baby settled into a routine that you can all live with.You may find this hard to believe in your bleary-eyed state, but as your baby grows, her sleep patterns will start to take on a more regular rhythm. Just keep in mind that some babies need more sleep, and some less.

4 weeks



How your baby's growing: Your baby is starting to lose his newborn quiver and jumpiness. He's holding your gaze steadily and can probably lift his head when lying on his stomach. If you move your hand side to side over his head, he can track it. But the real thrill for new parents is that he's beginning to "talk" — that is, coo, gurgle, grunt, and hum to express his feelings. Be sure to goo and gurgle right back at him and speak to him face-to-face as much as possible. Keep talking even when you walk away — he'll enjoy hearing your voice from across the room.

How your life is changing: In a world in which time is calculated by diaper changes and feeding sessions, it's no wonder new parents often feel tired, even glum. Don't worry — this cloud will pass. But if it feels like more than that — if, for instance, you're having trouble getting out of bed in the morning — talk to your doctor about it. You may have a more serious form of postpartum depression and should be treated

source: babycenter.com

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