When your baby is a newborn he probably doesn’t do much besides sleep. He awakens periodically to eat or get his diaper changed, but for the most part is awake very little and doesn’t interact much. This period can last generally from 2 weeks to one month of age.

Eventually the babymoon period will come to an end. Parents will still be in love with their babies, and the babies will bring a lot of love and laughter to the home, however, the baby may also bring tears. A quick way to bring an end to the babymoon period is with the appearance of colic in a baby. Even some babies who do not have colic may be gassy or just fussy, making it increasingly harder to get things done, and causing some frustration in parents because they can’t figure out what is wrong with their baby.

The babymoon is also referred too as a last little vacation for mom and dad before the baby comes or a time when new parents can break away from the baby for a short time, either for dinner, or a night at a hotel, just for themselves. It is important that new parents have this time together in order to focus on each other. It is too easy for new parents to lose focus of their relationship and not give time to improve on it.

Whenever your babymoon period starts and ends enjoy it. It won’t last forever, and in many cases it won’t last long enough. Soon the reality of a new baby will hit both mom and dad, along with the sleepless nights, and long tiring days.

The first week of your baby’s life brings big adjustments for both of you. You are adjusting to being a mother and caring for your baby and your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb. It is a time of great joy — and possibly immense fear! Although you’ve been preparing for the birth of your baby for months, now he is here and depending on you for everything which can seem overwhelming. Don’t expect too much of yourself during these first days! If anyone offers you help — take it!

During your baby’s first few weeks of life, he will be concentrating on getting to know you and his surroundings. Your baby needs to be handled so that life outside the womb seems as little different as possible to life inside the womb. Your baby’s needs, while they may seem overwhelming to you, are really simple: food, warmth and comfort from cuddling. Wrap him snugly and warmly, hold him closely, handle him slowly, and feed him when he’s hungry. Your baby will have the routing and sucking reflexes as well as tongue thrust. These are needed to get nourishment from the breast or bottle. You can also use this time to bond with your baby with lots of skin to skin contact.

Whether you decide to breast or bottle feed, feeding in the first few weeks is not an effortless process. Try to have early feeding sessions in a quiet setting with as few distractions as possible. Make sure you are in a comfortable position as it takes new babies a while to eat and you don’t want to end up stiff and sore. Cuddle and caress your baby as feeding time is a wonderful opportunity to show your baby how much he is loved.

If you are breastfeeding, be patient while you and your baby are getting the hang of it! The benefits of breastfeeding are many and in order for it to be successful, it is important to start out right. Keep in mind though it may take several weeks until you both feel comfortable and get a feeding schedule down.

Most new moms feel and experience:

About The Author
Anne Cavicchi is a Canadian wife and mother of one boy and two step-daughters. She also owns Annie’s Maternity Corner where you’ll find everything you need for pregnancy and baby! Great products, articles, information and more to see you through pregnancy and baby’s first years at Annie’s. www.maternitycorner.com.