Getting Prepared to Breast Feed

 

 

 

Just thought I’d tell you about this new book by @lucyruddle. Its brilliant if you’re thinking of breast feeding and wanted to get a deeper understanding before your breast feeding journey begins.

It can be tough knowing where to find the best sources of information with so much available on the Internet nowadays

This book is fab! It contains up-to-date, evidenced based information and is easy to read with practical tips throughout.

At Better Start Baby Club we believe you and your babies deserve the very best care.

Safe Sleep

Advice from https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/

 

Every parents should be aware of how to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and the Lullaby Trust has all the most up-to-date, evidenced-based information should you have any more questions.

Sheets and blankets should be firmly tucked in (not above shoulder height), and your baby should sleep with their feet at the bottom of their cot to prevent them from wriggling underneath the bedding.

Baby sleep bags should be well-fitted around your baby’s neck so they can’t wriggle down inside. Most sleep bag manufactures will recommend a sleep bag is used when baby is a certain weight, rather than age. This is usually around 4kg/8.8lbs, but it’s best to check with the manufacture’s guidance.

Whatever bedding you choose, avoid bulky items such as quilts, pillows and duvets, and keep your baby’s cot clear of any bumpers, toys and sleep pods.

Baby sleep bag or sheets and a blanket – which do you use for your baby?

Understanding Reflux

REFLUX happens because muscles at the base of your baby’s food pipe have not fully developed, so milk can come back up easily.⠀
Your baby’s muscles will develop as they get older and they should grow out of it.⠀
Reflux usually starts before a baby is 8 weeks old and gets better by the time they’re 1.⠀
Symptoms of reflux in babies include: ⠀
🌸bringing up milk or being sick during or shortly after feeding ⠀
🌸coughing or hiccupping when feeding⠀
being unsettled during feeding⠀
🌸swallowing or gulping after burping or feeding⠀
crying and not settling⠀
🌸not gaining weight as they’re not keeping enough food down⠀
Sometimes babies may have signs of reflux, but will not bring up milk or be sick. This is known as silent reflux and I will do another info.post on this for you soon ⠀
In most babies, reflux is nothing to worry about (as long as they are healthy and gaining weight as expected). However, in some cases (though very few) reflux can cause a lot of pain when strong acid travels up into the food pipe. When reflux becomes painful and it happens frequently, this is known as ‘gastro-oesophageal reflux disease’ (GORD).
A top tip for helping any digestive issues in babies such as colic and reflux is to KEEP BABY CLOSE TO YOU. This means plenty of skin to skin, holding, cradling and wearing (in a sling). It helps them to feel calm and safe and just where they should be – with you.
Our emotions are intrinsically linked with our digestive systems, think about the feelings you have in your tummy if you are scared, nervous, anxious or feel unsafe. Its the same for a baby, if they aren’t with you they can feel all of the emotions above.
They love being with you so enjoy every minute, it wont last forever🥰

The 4th Trimester

 

 

The 4th trimester is the 12 week period after your baby arrives into the world where they are adjusting to their new environment.
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Everything that newborns love is a reflection of what things were like in the womb. They have been tightly cocooned inside in the dark, moving when you move (which is a lot of the time!) cushioned by amniotic fluid and hearing your voice. This means you may notice your baby wants to be held, will only sleep on your chest, likes being rocked, is soothed by you/your voice and likes being swaddled. It might be difficult to put them down to sleep by themselves. This is very normal!
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It’s a crazy time, so up & down. One moment you’re loving the cuddles & don’t want it to end, the next you’re wondering why you can’t put baby down to brush your teeth and go to the toilet! have The newborn bubble is so lovely but sometimes you need a spare moment. A few things that can help:

🌸Babywearing! Such a great way to settle them. They are snuggly and move as you move. Gives some hands-free time if you need (see my previous post about sling safety)

🌸Bouncer – A foot jigging the bouncer gives some gentle movement if they are unsettled and might give you some time to eat lunch!

🌸Swaddling – Wrapping them up safely mimics the position they were in in the womb. It reduces their pronounced startle reflex. Nb. Ensure you know how to swaddle safely – the @lullabytrust has great guidance on this and all things sleep related.

🌸Bedside cot – Allows baby to be close. Depending on the weather you can consider – using a water bottle to warm the mattress (then removing) so they aren’t going from being held to a cold sheet, swaddling & lowering them very slowly to avoid activating the Moro reflex (where they throw their arms out & can wake themselves up) and sleeping with their mattress sheet in your bed first as they love the smell of you.
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Are you in the 4th trimester at the moment? How are you finding it??