If you’re pregnant, have just given birth in the hospital, or are visiting a new child, you will know that feeling of being so excited but also nervous. You hope your baby will be perfect and wake up from sleep peacefully. But what happens when it doesn’t happen? Newborns are often monitored for sounds such as crying and whimpering with the latest technology to ensure they are safe and healthy.
Newborns in the hospital can be a little nerve-racking — especially if it’s your first time. You might ask yourself many questions about how to care for them, what to ask the doctors, how much to feed them, and more. Remaining calm and confident can help tremendously when caring for a newborn. Here are ways to ease your fears.
1. Get Enough Sleep
The first step in reducing anxiety about a newborn is getting enough sleep. You may not be able to get up and take care of them immediately after giving birth, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your need for rest. Ensure you sleep for at least a few hours each day to feel refreshed when you look after the new child.
You may also consider calling a friend or a family member to watch your newborn while you nap in your room. If you don’t have anyone to watch over your new child, set an alarm clock to ensure you get up every few hours to feed and change them in the nursery. Your partner may also be able to take these shifts for you.
2. Eat Well
Caring for a newborn takes a lot of energy. Your body will have to work harder to produce breast milk and recover from childbirth, so you need to eat well. Don’t let yourself get too hungry by eating small meals regularly. Eat protein at every meal and snack throughout the day to stay energized and alert. Also, consume fruits and vegetables as they are high in important nutrients.
If you’re finding that you feel drained of energy and can’t get yourself to eat, go for a walk and drink some water to hydrate your body.
3. Go to a Hospital With NICU Cameras
If you’re nervous about your child’s health, choosing a hospital that uses NICU cameras may help. A NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) camera is a small tool that allows you to view your baby from the nursery in real-time using an internet connection. Many hospitals use this device to ensure newborns have their vital signs monitored and can see if there are any issues or concerns.
A NICU camera system also helps the parent to be in control. You can look at the screen to monitor your newborn’s vitals, hear their heartbeat and see their face in close detail. This will help reduce any anxiety and help you communicate with doctors and nurses more easily.
4. Get a Routine
Having a schedule for your newborn can help to reduce anxiety about their well-being. This routine can help you feel more in control, and it could reassure you that everything is going well with your baby.
The most important routine is to feed and change your child every two to three hours — this way, they get enough nourishment. Doctors also recommend letting your child sleep for at least eight hours a day as they grow older and taking them out of bed during the day.
5. Spend Time With Your Partner or Friends
If you’re finding that your anxiety about caring for your newborn is getting the best of you, consider spending time with a friend or family member. Caring for a new baby is not an easy task and can be quite stressful. Your partner or friend will help you take a break for a few hours and allow you to relax after a long day of caring for your newborn. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, going out with friends and having some fun may help distract you from the day-to-day tasks ahead. Spending time with your friends can also be a good way to get to know your baby.
Conclusion
Numerous issues can arise for new parents, which can cause anxiety. By examining these tips, you should feel more relaxed about your newborn if they are in the hospital. If you would like to learn more about the postpartum care you need after the birth of a newborn, contact an experienced postpartum doula who can help guide you through the process step-by-step.
