Congratulations
on your new arrival. I hope your baby brings additional joy
and love to your home.
Going
home with a new baby is exciting, but it can also be exhausting.
You will have many questions and much new information will
be given to you. It will be helpful if you arrange for transportation,
clothing (for you and your baby) and a car seat before your
discharge. I recommend that you call to make an appointment
for your baby as soon as possible, preferably from the hospital.
The first routine appointment should be two to three days
after hospital discharge. Sometimes new parents are unsure
of themselves. But, as long as your baby is loved, fed and
comfortable, you need not worry if you are inexperienced.
Your baby is an individual. As parents, the people most closely
involved, you will know your baby best. Trust yourself. Don't
take too seriously all of the advice of well meaning friends
and relatives. All babies sneeze, yawn, belch, hiccup, pass
gas, cough, cry, and get fussy. These are normal behaviors.
You will gradually come to know what your baby means when
he or she cries.
There
should be few visitors during the first few days that you
and your baby are at home. Both the new baby and the new parents
must adapt to a new situation. For this reason don't expect
the first 24-48 hours to be and easy adjustment.
Home
Care for You, the New Mom
Feeding
Getting
to Know Your Baby
Caring
For Your Baby
Signs
of Possible Illness
A
Safety Checklist
Parent
Education
