Giving your baby their first bath In the hospital seems like a no-brainer but waiting to bath your newborn has profound and lasting health benefits
Luckily it’s now standard protocol at many hospitals to wait 8-24 hours to give a baby his or her first bath, and up to 48 hours if the baby was delivered by cesarian section.
However, despite this, some will still try to bathe them right away so it’s important that you’re informed.
Make sure the staff knows about the benefits of delayed bathing before your little one is born so you don’t have to struggle with them in the aftermath.
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Giving Your Baby Their First Bath In The Hospital | Amazing Benefits of Delaying Baths for Newborns
Boost Mother-Infant Bonding
Bonding with your baby plays an important role in your newborn’s brain development. It’s believed that a baby’s social, cognitive, and emotional development depends on a loving bond early on.
A lack of connection can lead to long-term mental health problems and have a negative impact on their potential and happiness in life.
Waiting to bathe is a small thing. But it increases the amount of time you spend with your baby right away and gives her the comfort and time she needs to make a connection.
Those first few minutes and hours are so important so don’t let them take your babe right away.
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Breastfeeding Success
The standard at many hospitals has always been to bathe baby right after birth, but new studies have brought to light the benefits of waiting and how it affects breastfeeding.
Waiting also helps give you and your baby more of the necessary skin-to-skin contact but also keeps the baby’s body temperature warm, and ensures a familiar odor so that baby feels comfortable enough to latch.
Breastfeeding right away can be easier too because baby can remember how to suck and swallow from their time in the womb.
It’s something you should do immediately after birth so don’t let them rush you. A good Docter and facility will know this.
If a baby gets too cold, blood sugar can drop and other complications arise. This is a very real issue.
Your baby already has to use a lot of energy to stay warm and giving a bath too early can cause hypothermia at worst and great discomfort at best.
Inside the womb baby’s temperature is a snug and cozy 98.6 degrees.
But then suddenly your child is born into a 70-degree room and her body needs to work hard to transition to the environment. It’s a huge and shocking change.
So take time to allow your little one to adjust and cuddle with you. It will do you both good.
While in the womb babies develop a white cheese-like coating on their skin. This coating, the vernix, provides an important waterproof barrier of protection for the baby in and out of the womb.
Waiting to bathe allows the vernix coating to stay longer so that it can moisturize and protect the skin, help regulate warmth and body temperature, and ensures that baby benefits from the antioxidant properties.
The vernix is both antimicrobial and antibacterial in nature and protects baby’s skin from infection. It’s pretty amazing stuff even though it looks yucky.
This is the very best moisturizer for baby; the Vernix is far better than any lotion or cream.
Instead of being washed away, rub it into baby’s skin gently.
Doing this instead of washing it off makes for great bonding time and will leave baby’s skin feeling soft and supple.
Your baby comes covered in it for a reason so take advantage of what nature is providing.
Less Stress, Better Health
Research shows that both babe and Mom benefit from reduced stress levels after cuddling. It helps ease your baby’s natural fears and confusion right after birth.
So hold your child for a while and make your first attempts at breastfeeding before they whisk him away.
Skin-to-skin
Skin contact as soon as possible plays an important role in comforting baby and decreasing the stress and trauma of birth.
Delaying a bath means skin-to-skin contact can happen right away and baby gets the support she needs from mom while adapting.
The physiological benefits are important and skin-to-skin contact can stabilize heart rate and regulate respiratory breathing patterns. It’s all very fascinating how simple touch can have such a strong effect on you both.
In The End….
Less stress for mom and baby equals better health. Giving Your Baby Their First Bath In The Hospital 24-48 hours later is an amazing an way to promote good health and bonding.
Delaying a bath is such a simple thing really, but it ensures baby reaps all the benefits that come from waiting. Don’t be afraid to question hospital policy and communicate any wishes to your nurse and doc.
Creating a simple birthing plan can help them understand your expectations.
Good luck to you and your babe!
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If you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant it’s important that you know the signs of ectopic pregnancy.
It’s a rare complication but it’s still important you know the symptoms.
What Is Ectopic Pregnancy?
When a fertilized egg grows outside of a woman’s uterus it is called an extrauterine or ectopic pregnancy.
The word ‘ Ectopic ‘ itself means ‘out of place ‘ and the condition can be extremely painful. It is fairly rare but often life-threatening making it the most dangerous cause of first trimester bleeding.
In the very beginning, an ectopic pregnancy can feel like any other normal pregnancy. You might experience fatigue, nausea, and morning sickness, breast tenderness, and missed periods.
Others may not even be aware they are pregnant; this is because most of the time ectopic pregnancy happens very early on in the
first few weeks.
Only a doctor can diagnose ectopic pregnancy but there are some warning signs you should be aware of. Below is a quick list of things you should look out for just in case.
Light vaginal bleeding or spotting should always be checked out by a doctor
Pelvic pain or abdominal cramping could be an indicator that something is wrong and shouldn’t be
ignored
Upset stomach or vomiting unrelated to morning sickness warrants a call to your doctor
Dizziness, weakness, or fainting can be a sign that something serious is going on and should be
discussed with your doctor
Persistent pain in the rectum, shoulder, or neck is common with ectopic pregnancy
Lower belly pain that occurs primarily on one side should be checked out
An ectopic pregnancy can cause your fallopian tube to burst or rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding so the earlier an ectopic pregnancy is found and treated the better.
If you experience severe pain or bleeding, head to the emergency room right away.
If you have any other symptoms contact your doctor as soon as possible.
A pregnancy cannot survive if it’s ectopic. Because a fertilized egg cannot grow outside the uterus, your doctor will need to take it out to avoid serious complications. This is done with medication or surgery.
I encourage every woman to listen to her inner voice and her body. You know more than anyone if something is off, or doesn’t feel right.
So be intuitive and listen to what you’re body is telling you.
Speak up and ask questions and never hesitate to get medical attention if you feel like something is going on.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pan with paper liners.
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa, and salt. Whisk these together. Set aside.
Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy in a large bowl.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
Add in the vanilla.
Alternate by adding the flour mixture with the milk; beating after each addition.
Fill the lined cupcake tins 3/4 full.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
Allow cooling in cupcake pan for 10 minutes.
Move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting Directions:
Cream the butter and powder sugar until it is light and creamy. If it doesn’t cream add several drops of the heavy whipping cream until it creams.
Test to see if the frosting can form and hold a stiff peak by taking a spoonful of frosting and turning the spoon upside down. If the frosting stays on the spoon it is ready if not then.
Add more powder sugar 1/2 C at a time. Mix well.
If ready scoop the frosting into a pastry bag with a large tip.
Twist the open end of the pastry bag to push the frosting to the tip.
Start by frosting on the outside edge of the cupcake working to the center of the cupcake.
Icing Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed for 4 minutes. (except your food coloring) If icing is not stiff enough add 1/4 C powder sugar.
Spoon the icing into a bowl.
Take out 1/4 of the icing and put it in a separate bowl. Add several drops of red gel food coloring. Stir well to mix the color.
Add several drops of the green gel food coloring to the remaining icing. Stir well to mix the color.
Spoon the green icing into a piping bag with a star tip. Holding the piping bag with the star tip straight down begin to squeeze the open end of the bag to force the icing to the tip.
Circle the frosting on top of the cupcake making it in the shape of a wreath. Allow this to dry for about 1 minute.
Spoon the red icing into a piping bag with a small round tip.
Following the example from the picture of the cupcakes begin making small red dots on top of the green wreath.
Then make a bow also in the red icing.
Allow the icing to dry completely.
I’m actually amazed at how easy the design is to do for these cupcakes.
Back when I started baking, this surely wasn’t my strong point and now I’m getting better at it.
I love how festive holly can be, especially when added to a cupcake.
The holidays are always amazing and having a new baby during Christmas really brings back the magic.
It makes everything that much brighter and more exciting and it’s something you’ll want to remember.
You’ll want to make it very special, and there are some really fun ways to do that.
You can start a new tradition and take some amazing photos that will create unforgettable memories for instance.
Below is a fun list of ways to make your baby’s first Christmas very special.
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Baby’s First Christmas Ideas
Baby’s First Christmas Stocking
Getting your baby’s first Christmas stocking is a great way to start Christmas off right. There are so many cute and special choices to pick from.
You can get one that is customized, you can make one or you can pick something unique off Etsy.
Whatever you choose, it will be something you can keep forever and then pass down to your babes when they’re grown.
Baby’s First Christmas Photos
This is another Christmas Holiday must.
There are so many great options for baby’s first Christmas photos. You can take pictures beside the Christmas tree and with cute little Christmas hats on.
You may also want to get professional photos done too.
Or you can do it yourself with some awesome Christmas props.
If you’re wondering what on earth to buy for your baby’s first Christmas then look no further.
You can buy some special custom toys that they can keep forever and some keepsakes that will be very special.
Here’s a name puzzle that can be custom made from Etsy. I love Etsy for gifts of all kinds but especially for kids. You should definitely check it out if you’re looking for baby and toddler gifts.
You should also check out Crate And Barrel. They have all kinds of very special baby keepsake gifts that you’ll fall in love with!
Taking your baby’s first Christmas photos is so much fun. Putting them on Christmas cards and proudly sending them to everyone you know is even more fun and so festive.
You can keep a couple of the cards as a momento of your first Christmas holiday together.
Have A Photo Ornament Made
Speaking of photos, another fun keepsake to make for that first year is a photo ornament.
You could make one yourself or have one made for you.
I mentioned Etsy earlier and I’ll mention it again. It’s the absolute best place to have stuff like this made.
Check out this lovely page and I know you’ll find something beautiful that you’ll love for years to come.
AND Make Your Own Footprint Ornament
There’s another type of ornament you’ll want to hang on your tree this year.
Creating a footprint ornament with your new baby is super special.
You’ll get to immortalize their little feet forever so you can marvel for years to come at how small your babe once was because baby feet are so sweet.
If you just want to get one for your baby here’s one from Etsy that is super cool. It’s from-
CrochetbyAntoinette
Attend A Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree lighting ceremonies can be enjoyed by all ages including your tiny baby.
Her eyes will look on in amazement at the beautiful decorations, trees, and sparkling lights.
It’s so much fun to watch your little one have new, special experiences like this. That’s what really brings the magic back to the holidays.
So find a local event, bundle up and head out!
Decorate Your Baby’s Room
Decorating your babe’s nursery with some festive holiday decor is another way to make things special.
He’ll look on with delight in all the new and interesting things surrounding him.
Just make sure that he cannot reach any of the Christmas decorations if he is mobile in any way.
Baby’s First Christmas Movie
When I was a kid I couldn’t wait to watch the old classics each Christmas. You know, the old Rudolph? and Frosty the Snowman?
Now I share them with my 3 kids each year and they love them too.
These movies are good for all ages and they’re absolutely magical.
Even if your little one is super young these are the very best Christmas movies to start with.
You can buy the disk with 5 of these classics right here on Amazon for super cheap.
In the end…
Christmas will be special with your new baby no matter what but adding these Baby’s First Christmas Ideas and Christmas Baby Activities will make it all so much more memorable.
I wish you the best Holiday season you’ve ever had, and I hope it’s full of magic and joy!
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Hey, I’m Toni and I’m the mama of 3 Little Birds. I love Writing about all Things Mama. Learn more about me here. Grab a Tea or Coffee and come see what you find.