Becoming a parent
The first six to eight weeks after your baby’s birth is known as the post-partum period, a time of physical and emotional readjustment. Your reproductive organs need to return to their pre-pregnant state, and the family has to adjust to a new baby and the demands that this brings.
Each family is unique. Some settle down quickly into a comfortable pattern and others take months to adjust to the changes. By understanding the common problems associated with this time, you can plan ahead to ensure you have support when you need it.
Parenthood is a time of emotional highs and lows. You may experience feelings of great joy, happiness and love as well as feelings of doubt, fear and anxiety.
Related articles
Rashes
A young baby’s skin passes through many phases, from clear to spotty (rash), to peach-like. This may be due to the transition from a protected environment in the womb to the outside world.
5 mins to read
Vomiting
Possetting
5 mins to read
Breastfeeding Videos
A Breastfeeding experience which is enjoyable and beneficial to both mom and b
5 mins to read
The Apgar score
Apgar:
A system of evaluating a newborn’s physical condition by assigning a score (0,1, 2) to each of the following criteria:
5 mins to read
Teething
First teeth! Consult your dentist about fluoride for your child’s teeth. Until a child learns to brush his teeth, the mother must clean them for him.
5 mins to read
Sleeping
Babies all have individual temperaments, which will affect their sleep patterns. Some are sleepy and others more alert and wakeful.
5 mins to read
Medical Care
Clinics and primary health services are freely available in most countries in Southern Africa. Locate your closest clinic and the telephone number from your local authority or hospital.
5 mins to read
Bathing
Use your hospital stay to learn how to bath your baby. Babies usually have their first bath about an hour after birth.
5 mins to read
Immunisation
The aim of immunisation is to prevent disease. It protects the community as well as individuals.
5 mins to read
Crying
A new baby cries a great deal of the time. It is her only way of communicating. It is difficult at first to know why she cries, but your ability to interpret her cries will improve with time.
5 mins to read
Schedule and routines
Routines are difficult to establish with a new baby. You may feel as if your life revolves around the insatiable needs of your baby.
5 mins to read
Clinics and postnatal support
Clinics and primary health services are freely available in most countries in Southern Africa. Locate your closest clinic and the telephone number from your local authority or hospital.
5 mins to read
Emotional adjustments
Your feelings about the birth
5 mins to read
Possible problems
If you are ever concerned about your baby’s health, behaviour or development, consult your docto
5 mins to read
Returning to Work From Maternity Leave
Taking care of a newborn baby is a full time job which requires dedication from you and your family.
4 mins to read
Don’t forget your support system
An action plan for your family and friends.
5 mins to read
Weight gain
Birth weight depends on several factors, including the mother’s nutritional status and genetic disposition. The average weight for a newborn is around 3,3 kg.
5 mins to read
Breastfeeding – Foundation of life
Nestlé Start Strong Stay Strong aims to provide support to encourage your breastfeeding journey.
5 mins to read
My newborn
Parent-infant interaction
Interaction with your baby begins before she is born. You usually feel life at about 20 weeks into pregnancy as light, fluttering sensations.
5 mins to read
