What to expect from your newborn baby.

The first week of life for your newborn is a learning and adjustment period for both mom and baby.

During their first week of life, newborns are adjusting to their new surroundings.

In contrast to the womb, where it is dark, the temperature is steady and the sound is muffled, the world outside is extremely different.

Your little has been nestled in this warm and secure space for nine months now and has suddenly been thrust out into the big, cold, noisy world. No wonder he or she cries so much! Can you imagine what it would feel like if someone took away your comfort zone?

By providing your baby with warmth, love, security, and attention—as well as lots of cuddles and smiles—you can aid in their acclimatisation to the outside world.

Expect to see a change in your newborn’s appearance in the first week.

Your baby's head should round out to a more normal-looking form if it was a bit cone-shaped after travelling through the birth canal or as a result of a vacuum-assisted delivery.

Within a few days, any swelling around the face and eyes of your newborn will go down.

If your baby's face or head has bruises, such as after a forceps delivery, the marks will also begin to subside. Babies that have bruises run the chance of developing neonatal jaundice.

If you suspect your infant may have jaundice and the skin on their face appears yellow, let your doctor know right away.

The umbilical cord of your newborn will progressively lose moisture, turn black, and eventually fall off, usually within the first 10 days. Be sure to keep the umbilical cord as dry and clean as possible, following the instructions given by your doctor or nurse.

Inform them if the area around the umbilical cord seems red or is sticky.

Feeding & Sleeping in the first week:

Most of the time, your newborn will be asleep, only waking up every few hours to eat.

Babies are unable to "sleep through the night" and wake up frequently to eat since they have tiny tummies.

Most babies eat every two to four hours, for a total of eight to twelve feedings per day.

Feeds can occasionally last up to an hour, especially if your baby is breastfeeding directly from the breast.

It is important to note that most newborns automatically wake up for feedings. However, some infants, such as those who have lost a lot of weight, are extremely little, or are jaundiced, might need to be awakened for feeding.

Since your baby is just a newborn, it may take some time before you notice a feeding or sleeping pattern or routine.

Development during the first week:

Your baby is constantly learning as you spend time together. Everyday everything they see, hear, smell and touch is growing and expanding their brain.

One thing you will notice is that your newborn will involuntarily grasp their fingers and startle at loud noises. They are also likely to have uncontrolled jerky movements while they are asleep.

Bonding in the first week of life:

Babies are precious little beings and it is hard not to look into their sweet eyes and cuddle with them. Did you know that during pregnancy, mothers are biologically programmed to nuture their young ones? Their brain actually undergoes changes that makes them more perceptive of their baby’s needs.

Gentle touch, cuddling and soft gazes help the newborn feel safe and connected to their caregiver. While it is still early, you may be able to identify certain cues or subtle body language that your newborn is using to communicate with you.