Archive for ‘Parenting’
Babies are born with the ability to perform certain instinctive or reflexive behaviors. Some of these reflexes disappear and never return; others remain for life; and a few fade and then return later when the time is right for new developmental milestones. The major infant reflexes are: Sucking, Swallowing And Rooting Babies need to suck, not just for food but for comfort. In the womb, babies swallow the amniotic fluid that surrounds them, and some even suck their thumbs. Newborns are also programmed to seek out food, at least within the tiny confines of their mother-baby universe, through the rooting reflex. When a newborn's cheek is stroked lightly, he or she turns to that side, lips pursed for sucking. As a baby learns to feed voluntarily, this reflex lessens. Grasping It's always surprising to feel the strong grip of a tiny infant's fingers. This powerful grasp tight enough to hold up a baby's own weight may be an evolutionary throwback to a time when the primate ancestors o...
New parents often hesitate to take time out for themselves during these intense first weeks, but they should try to do so. For mothers, the weeks after birth involve more than just physical recovery. Mood swings, crying jags, and feelings of sadness are also common; the changing hormone levels following pregnancy are, at least in part, responsible for these changes. However, if you feel deep or persistent depression in the weeks after birth, alert your doctor. During the first weeks and months, most parents long for some uninterrupted sleep. Try to nap when the baby does. Let all nonessential housekeeping chores go undone for now, or ask friends, family, or neighbors to pitch in. If the demands of a newborn are getting you down, arrange for short breaks, even if it's only a walk around the block or a hot bath. And if you are having serious trouble coping, especially if your baby has any medical problems, consider using the services of a visiting nurse or housekeeper. With each day...