(Lets face it kids are full of honesty, they say it as they see it. This is a new column written from the ‘HONEST’ observations from our children. It touches on all aspects of the process of growing up and how we as parents can improve ourselves from a child’s point of view).

 

 

HOMEWARD BOUND

 

 

 

Our stay at the hospital was quite pleasant I must say. At least I thought so, Mum did look a bit sleep deprived at the end of it and kept nodding off in mid conversation. I of course, had my two hourly interval naps, highlighted by belly fulls of delicious breast milk causing me to a gain more weight at the end of the stay. Fantastic.

 

Though after another through examination, Miss Latex Gloves, my pediatrician did mention I was slightly jaundiced, but not to worry that it would clear itself up on its own, but just to keep an eye on it. So all was good to go and I was ready to check out with my new parents.

 

Going home was a bit of a pillawer, Dad, it was obvious that he was new at his sudden parental role, ran around in circles carrying various bags. Mum sat in the wheel-chair calmly waiting for him to sort himself out.

 

After several dismal and unsuccessfully tries at fixing in the car seat, a sweaty perplexed Dad, exclaimed there’s surely some parts missing. Mum, through clenched teeth said I’ll hold the baby and thus we were on our way home.

 

 

 

 

 

Got a through shock when I went home, a gang of people had broken into our house and were having a merry time. Oh wait mum seemed glad to see them, they turned out to be my relatives. Thank goodness I was just going to check if the T.V was still there.

 

Anyways there was lots of oohs, ahhs and anai darlings the moment they saw me. I guess I was popular. I was passed around for all to inspect. Didn’t mind it so much, except people, be careful of the head please, I’m still getting used to my body as well, can’t really seemed to lift the heavy thing, so suddenly loosing control of it doesn’t give me a good feeling. Always support the head.

 

After this intense ‘meet and greet’ I felt rather peckish and thus bellowed my call to food which Mum always knows. She’s great my mum. After a lovely bellyful of milk, some jolly aunt shouted ‘Oooh I’ll burp the darling’.

 

Is this wise Mum I thought as she readily handed me over. Burping can be equated to a religious awakening, if not done properly and relevant food and air has not been released effectively I could be up for hours screaming with discomfort. My mum was threading on dangerous grounds.

 

 

 

 

I KNEW IT the jolly aunt failed miserably, she rocked she cooed, she swung me around like I was on a Disney ride. ALL FAILS. Felt so uncomfortable, thought I was going to throw up. Bellowed a cry of help to my mum, who came running and expertly, put me up on her shoulder…ahhh, BURP…excess gas released, milk down. That’s better.

 

Fortunately the merry gang of people weren’t going to stay forever, after loads of congratulations and  good lucks shouted at my parents, they all went on to their own homes. Thus leaving Dad, Mum and me, the new family, all to ourselves.

 

As I settled into my new cot in my new nursery, pastel colored at the moment, and bit too minimalistic for my liking, note to self will have to speak to mum about that, more Toys are definitely a must, anyways as I settled in, Mum and Dad looked down at me with such love in their eyes…awww, they’re keepers I thought as I drifted off to sleep. I am so lucky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expert Advice – Sleep schedules

 

Newborns are generally up every two hours to feed. Sleep is scare for a new mother in the first few months. It is best to nap when the baby’s napping to get some rest.

 

 

Expert Advice – Weight Gain

 

Normal newborns loose up to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days. After regular breastfeeding sessions, the average bresatfed baby gains 6oz per week.

 

 

Expert Advice – Jaundice

 

More than half of all newborns develop jaundice, a medical term describing a yellowish skin coloration. The yellow color is caused by an excess of bilirubin, a chemical produced during

the normal breakdown and replacement of red blood cells.

 

A baby's immature liver sometimes isn't able to process all of it, and its buildup causes jaundice. Jaundice is usually harmless and clears up after a few days, but your doctor will use regular blood tests to keep close tabs on it because extreme cases can cause brain damage.

 

If your child's condition does not improve, your doctor may recommend phototherapy. 

 

 

Expert Advice – Holding a baby

 

Always support her head by placing your hand or arm behind her neck. Use a position that your baby enjoys. Some need a little space, while others feel secure only when held close.

 

Never handle your infant with jerky movements, which could jostle her still-growing and delicate brain.

 

 

Expert Advice – Burping a baby

 

Get a burp cloth or receiving blanket and place it over your shoulder. Pick baby up, hold them close to you, against your shoulder. One of your arms is going to be under baby's rump. They other will be free to rub and pat baby's back.

 

This burping position can be used when you are both sitting, and standing. A little bounce can be added to help wriggle those burps out. 

 

 

 

 

 

By Mayuri Jayasinghe