Your Baby and You: Week Fifteen
YOUR BABY
Physical Development: Increasing neck strength
You might notice around this time that your baby's strength on his tummy increases such that he is able to lift his head to a 90o angle from the floor. You can encourage this area of development by giving your baby lots of opportunities to play on his tummy.
Behavioural Development: Giggles
Has your baby giggled or laughed out loud yet? This simple form of communication is a significant emotional milestones for parents, it is extremely rewarding to see them express themselves in this way after the months of hard work you have put in to date!
Development Tip
Be mindful of other parents when talking about your child's development. Babies can develop at such different rates and every parent can go from feeling elated one month that there baby has achieved something, to concerned the next month that they're behind in another area. You don't have to keep your lips sealed when your baby learns to do something, but try not to step over the line and become boastful. And always avoid comparing your baby to other babies.
Feeding: Night Feeds
If you are friendly with other mums who have a baby that is already sleeping through the night then it can feel as though your baby is giving you an unnecessarily hard time by waking for a feed in the early hours. The age at which a baby is able to sleep through the night without a feed varies enormously from one child to another - many parents with more than one child will attest to that. At this young age, whilst some babies do sleep through the night, it really isn't unusual for them to be waking up hungry. Make sure you are keeping night time feeds quiet, dark and with as little stimulation as possible. Try whenever you can - both for day time naps and at bed time - to put your baby down sleepy but awake to avoid developing a dependence on their part to 'feed to sleep'.
Care Advice: Sleep
Remember to maintain safe sleeping habits when putting your baby down to sleep, whether day or night. It is really important that you don't let your baby overheat. Put your fingers down the back of their top to feel their neck and back area, this is often a better indication of whether they are too hot than feeling their head.
At this age your baby needs around 15 hours sleep in every 24 hour period. Of course all babies are different but typically this might break down as: 10 hours at night (probably interrupted by at least one feed) and 2-3 naps during the day to make up the additional 5 hours.
Common illnesses and ailments: Fever
A fever is usually considered to be over 37.5o, it is important to know how to manage a fever and when to seek medical advice. If your baby has a temperature of 37.5 or over:
- Keep your baby cool by stripping them down to their nappy, and only covering them with a sheet if necessary when they sleep
- Allow them to get as much rest as they need, but check on them often
- Encourage them to take as many feeds as possible, to stay hydrated
- Babies at this age are usually allowed to be given infant paracetamol or ibuprofen, always read the label and seek further medical advice if you are not sure
Keep a close eye on your baby for the following symptoms, and seek urgent medical help if any of them appear:
- Breathlessness
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Fits or seizures
- Abnormal or high-pitched cry
- You find it hard to wake them
- Pale, blotchy, clammy or mottled skin
- They will not take fluids
If there are any other signs that are causing you concern, even if you can't put your finger on what it is, then it is always safest to seek medical advice sooner rather than later.
ALL ABOUT YOU THIS WEEK
Your Body: Losing hair
You may notice between 3-6 months after having your baby that your hair starts to fall out - sometimes in what seems like handfuls. This really is normal, and not something that you should worry about. During pregnancy we lose hair at a much slower rate than normal, which is why our hair often feels so much thicker during that period. Once we have had our baby, and our hormone levels have settled down again, these 'extra' hairs are shed quite quickly. Eventually you should find that you are left with the same head of hair that you had pre-pregnancy.
Your Emotions
Being a new mum is bound to bring with it some ups and downs emotionally, not least through the cumulative effect of broken sleep over the last few months. However, it's important not to ignore the possible signs of post natal depression (PND) because the sooner you get help with it the sooner your enjoyment of day-to-day life will improve.
Here are some of the common symptoms:
- Persistently feeling low or sad
- A loss of interest in your day to day life, including things which used to bring you pleasure
- Low energy levels or persistent tiredness
See here for more information on PND and what you can do to manage it.
Time for yourself: A pamper session
Thinking of going for some pampering? Most treatments are fine to have after having a baby, but if you are breastfeeding there might be some that aren't appropriate. Let your beautician know in advance that you are breastfeeding so that they can advise you on what treatment is most suitable.
YOUR WEEKLY CHECKLIST
(Helping to keep you organised!)
Baby Health: Immunisations
Don't forget your baby should be having their 16 week immunisation soon. If you haven't got an appointment already, contact your surgery as soon as you can.
Childcare: Start your research
If you are planning on returning to work at some point over the next year then it is wise to start looking into childcare options in your area. Start your research early so that you have time to build up a clear picture in your mind of what it is that you hope to get from your childcare. Speak to friends who use local nurseries and childminders and arrange to go and visit those that you are interested in. Popular nurseries and childminders often have a waiting list so it is worth getting organised early.
