10 things new moms need to know

We understand that becoming a new parent can be both exciting and daunting. Dr Palesa Kennedy, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Mediclinic Hermanus, provides some insights into things a new parent should know.

1. Make your antenatal visits a priority  

This is crucial in alleviating anxiety around your pregnancy. Your antenatal visits provide an opportunity for you to build a relationship with your gynaecologist, understand what is happening to your body at each stage of the pregnancy and identify danger signs in pregnancy. “Ensure your husband or birthing partner attends your regular check-ups with you, they might catch something you can miss during your visit that you will need later on,” she emphasises.

2. Plan for your baby’s delivery 

During antenatal care, your doctor will recommend a few screening tests. All these tests assist in planning for your baby’s safe delivery. They help us advise on the method of delivery (CS vs NVD), timing of delivery (preterm vs term) and medical team required.

Speak to your doctor about these tests and use resources at your disposal to educate yourself about what to expect in pregnancy and why these tests are performed, so that you feel prepared

3. Take care of your mental health and wellbeing before and after giving birth 

Women go through emotional, physical and psychological changes like gaining weight and losing self-confidence during and after pregnancy. Uncertainty and mixed feelings are normal. The weeks and days leading up to the birth and the first few weeks after giving birth can be overwhelming. There is no shame in asking for help.  

• Speak to a family member or friend about what you’re going through. 
• You could also join a mommy group or an association of women with children to connect with other mothers. 
• Have regular open and honest discussions with your doctor so that he/she is aware of what you are going through and can spot red flags that signify the need for medical intervention.

4. Breastfeeding acts as a baby’s first vaccine and will give your baby the best start to life

Breastmilk provides critical protection from disease and thus is a great tool in preventing under-5 childhood mortality. Breastfeeding is the perfect feed containing everything your baby requires in the first 6 months of life. Optimise your breast milk by making sure you are vaccinated against communicable diseases before falling pregnant, and getting booster shots while you are pregnant.

5. Make sure you and your child get the right amount of micronutrients 

Micronutrients play an important role in healthy growth and development. You can get micronutrients from following a balanced diet or through supplements. Iron, for example, helps develop a baby’s brain cells and provides a positive boost to brain development. It also helps you reduce fatigue, weakness, and anaemia. Continue your micronutrient supplementation for several months while you are breastfeeding.

6. Remember, Your environment is strange to your newborn

Crying and restlessness are quite common and does not mean you are doing something wrong. Gently soothe your baby regularly by constantly maintaining skin-to-skin contact in the first few days while stroking and holding his/her hand. Smile and talk to your baby while you do this, too. This, too, will help keep your baby warm, as they tend to lose a lot of heat.

7. Practice safe family planning 

Birth spacing helps the mother recover from her previous delivery and assists in preventing many complications such as low birth weight babies and excessive bleeding at birth. Make sure there are at least 2 years between your pregnancies. Spacing pregnancy can support a child’s optimum health, growth and development. This allows you to give proper attention to each child, leading to a positive and healthy environment for growth and development.

Use appropriate contraceptive methods to avoid unplanned pregnancies. Discuss this with your doctor at the end of your pregnancy and at post-delivery follow-up. Remember, you can still fall pregnant while breastfeeding and without your periods returning post-delivery.

8. Fatigue will be the most significant thing you fight post-delivery. Rest, Rest, REST

When baby sleeps, you sleep. The housework can wait. The laundry can wait. Take a nap every chance you get.. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed initially. Take all the help you can get, and make to-do lists for those times when someone offers to help. 

9. Be practical and plan ahead

Before the delivery stock up on necessities, and plan ahead. You won’t always be able to run to the store in the weeks following the baby’s birth—sometimes even post-vaginal birth. Get all the supplies you will need while you are still mobile.

Also, make some easy-to-freeze meals divided into single servings so you can grab something and warm it in the microwave with little fuss. 

10. Take in every moment

Slow down and embrace it all. Take in every moment. It goes by too quickly!