A First-Time Mom's Guide To Newborn Care
Those first few weeks with your baby can feel like a beautiful blur. Between the sleepless nights and nonstop cuddles, you’re learning a whole new rhythm. We understand how overwhelming the newborn phase can be, especially if you're a first-time mom.
We’re here to help guide you through the newborn care basics with confidence, calm, and care when you are preparing for delivery at our Morris County location or our brand-new Guttenberg site - NYC birthing center alternative just across the Hudson.
Mastering The First Golden Hours After Birth
The early moments after your baby’s arrival are deeply important, not just emotionally but biologically. We encourage skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth at Our Birthing Center because it helps regulate your baby’s temperature, breathing, and heart rate, while boosting your bond and supporting breastfeeding.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that newborns should have skin-to-skin contact with their mothers immediately after birth, ideally for at least an hour. At Our Birthing Center, your baby stays with you at all times, and all initial checks are done right in your birthing suite to allow for continuous closeness.
Feeding Your Newborn With Confidence
Whether you plan to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or a combination of both, the first few days are all about learning.
For moms choosing to breastfeed, we offer one-on-one support through a home visit with a postpartum Registered Nurse. This personalized care can help troubleshoot latching issues and provide reassurance in the comfort of your own home.
If you’re bottle-feeding, make sure to follow safe preparation and sterilization practices, and always hold your baby during feeds for that important bonding time.
Understanding Diaper Duty and Hygiene
Expect to go through around 8 to 12 diapers a day in those early weeks; it’s a good sign your baby is well-fed and hydrated!
Watch for at least one wet diaper per day of life for the first week (i.e., one on day one, two on day two, etc.), and then 6–8 wet diapers daily after that. Diaper changes are also a chance to check for signs of diaper rash and keep your baby clean and comfortable.
Always wipe front to back and let baby’s skin air dry when possible.
Creating A Soothing Sleep Routine
Newborns sleep a lot, typically 14 to 17 hours a day, but in short 45-minute bursts or multiples thereof. Help your baby develop healthy sleep habits by creating a calming bedtime routine: dim the lights, swaddle if they enjoy it, and use white noise to mimic the womb.
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm surface with no loose blankets or toys, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
When To Call Your Pediatrician
It’s natural to worry about every little sound and stretch your baby makes, as there is so much happening from one hour to the next. Added to which you are tired, and your body is going through huge post-birth hormonal changes.
Trust your gut, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if your newborn shows signs of fever (100.4°F or higher), trouble feeding, jaundice, difficulty breathing, or fewer than six wet diapers after the first week. Your pediatrician or baby’s healthcare provider will guide you through what’s normal and when to take action.
Explore holistic, confidence‑boosting care at a top NJ birthing center in Morris County or Guttenberg —a NYC birthing center choice just across the Hudson.
