Читать книгу Sister Lilian’s Babycare Companion: Complimentary and traditional care - Lilian Paramor - Страница 11

Congratulations! Baby is a whole week old! He might well be making his presence felt in the home from now on. Babies are extremely self-absorbed and self-centred because that is all they know. They expect their parents to take the lead and guide them in the dos and don’ts of family life – quite a tall order when you, too, feel you need a guiding hand! It is time now to begin observing your baby for recurring patterns of behaviour and ways of self-expression – these will give you the clues on how best to handle each unique little individual.

About Baby

If your baby is fussy, constantly niggly, fretful and difficult to settle for any length of time, a number of time-tested tips may help:

•Ask your partner or close friend to take care of Baby for two hours after a feed. He will not be very hungry in so short a time, and a walk in the garden or around the neighbourhood while you rest might just break the vicious cycle.

•Bath with your baby. Play music in the background and nurse her until she calms, holding her cradled closely to you. and draping her with a facecloth that will absorb the warm bath water. Take care not to dunk her lower ear under the water, but do not worry about her sliding out of your arms – your instincts will prevent this.

•If she pushes away from the breast or turns her head rapidly from side to side, gently cradle her head in your hand and keep it in position at the breast.

•Break the tension in her arm if she pushes her body away by allowing her to grip onto your finger.

•Walk while latching Baby and keep moving until you notice the tension in her body ease and then you can sit and continue nursing.

•Give the homeopathic remedy Sister Lilian Chamomilla Tablets. Crush to a powder, add to a little milk or give directly with a clean finger 3 times daily to calm Baby naturally.

Tips for Mom

•Keep up your fluid intake, the best being water, rooibos tea or weak chamomile tea. Make a flask at a time and keep it handy when you nurse, as you will be thirstier then.

•Be aware of any pelvic pain, especially accompanied by a malodorous vaginal discharge and fever. This might signal retained placenta in the womb or an infection. Contact your midwife or doctor if these symptoms are present.

•Conserve your energy by using pre-frozen meals or gratefully accepting all help in this regard – this is one area where friends and family can be of great help to you.

•Spruce yourself up with a home pedicure while someone looks after Baby – you will feel all the better for it and it’s great being able to reach your toes again!