Congratulations on your new arrival! And welcome to the wonderful journey of parenthood. Don't worry if you're feeling like you're on an emotional rollercoaster - it's all perfectly normal. Your priority is getting to know your baby - and we're here to offer you as much expert help as we can. And don't worry - you're doing great.
This week we'll be giving you hints and tips to help with breastfeeding. Though it's the most natural thing in the world, don't worry if breastfeeding feels tricky to get the hang of at first. That's totally normal. Just remember to relax – after all, this is a beautiful way for you and your baby to bond.
You might have heard about the wonders of bath time – but when's a good time to start splashing around? Well, a daily bath isn't essential until babies start to crawl and get messy. But a short dip in the tub three times a week is a nice way of soothing baby and getting them ready for bed. Floating no doubt reminds them of life in the womb.
Welcome to week 4 of motherhood. Your little one is starting to grow and express themselves now and you'll already be getting a sense of their big personality!
Your little one is already over 1 month old! It's a big milestone and so to celebrate, we'll be giving you some sweet 'firsts' to look out for. We'll also be giving you some handy tips on eating healthily whilst breastfeeding.
Welcome to week 6 of your new baby's life. This week, we have some ideas to get you out and about with your new arrival and some useful tips about feeding.
Your baby is 7 weeks old already, how time flies when you are changing nappies! In this week's email, we have everything you need to know about protein, plus some tips for soothing your baby.
Here's your week 8 email from the SMA® Baby Club. This week, we have tips for getting your little one off to the land of nod and how to deal with those all important vaccinations.
Week 9 is here and we hope you're loving this amazing journey. Here we take a look inside your baby's nappy to see what's really going on and give you some advice about the most common baby allergies.
Welcome to week 10. This week, we look at how baby massage can help you and your little one and we consider whether you can drink caffeine whilst breastfeeding – and suggest something slightly unexpected…
Your little one is growing at quite a rate now and the changes seem to be happening hourly! Don't forget that our dedicated Careline team are here to offer support whenever you need it, at whatever stage you're at.
Here's your week 12 newsletter from the SMA® Baby Club. This week, we're asking when's a good time to have sex again, as well as pondering the mystery of the empty nappy...
The weeks are flying by and you're doing great. But as you know by now, your baby doesn't come with a manual! That's why this week we're bringing you our best sleep tips, featuring great gems of wisdom that have been passed on, mum to mum.
The Expert View
Breast or bottle? Breast is best, and exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life. Your milk provides an ideal balanced diet, as well as protection against illness. The very first breast milk is called 'colostrum' and is a thick, golden liquid that is full of protein and antibodies. It gives your baby all of the nutrients they need in those important first days.
The secret to a happy nappy change for both of you is to get everything you need ready first. It'll make the whole process feel far less overwhelming - and remember, you should never leave your baby unattended on the changing mat. Read our step by step guide and watch our video for more help with nappy changes.
Breast or bottle? Breast is best, and exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life. Your milk provides an ideal balanced diet, as well as protection against illness. The very first breast milk is called 'colostrum' and is a thick, golden liquid that is full of protein and antibodies. It gives your baby all of the nutrients they need in those important first days.
The secret to a happy nappy change for both of you is to get everything you need ready first. It'll make the whole process feel far less overwhelming - and remember, you should never leave your baby unattended on the changing mat. Read our step by step guide and watch our video for more help with nappy changes.
Contractions and bleeding are still normal at this stage, because your womb can continue to shrink for up to 2 weeks after birth. Your blood should be a brownish colour – but if it turns bright red again, tell your midwife or GP.
Need to know
Why is baby crying? Your little one might be hungry or tired, in which case you can help by feeding baby or settling them to sleep. Sometimes, your baby might cry for another reason and the best thing for you to do is soothe them as best you can. If you're worried that something more serious is going on, always speak to your GP.
Contractions and bleeding are still normal at this stage, because your womb can continue to shrink for up to 2 weeks after birth. Your blood should be a brownish colour – but if it turns bright red again, tell your midwife or GP.
Need to know
Why is baby crying? Your little one might be hungry or tired, in which case you can help by feeding baby or settling them to sleep. Sometimes, your baby might cry for another reason and the best thing for you to do is soothe them as best you can. If you're worried that something more serious is going on, always speak to your GP.
It's important to look after yourself too, so take every chance you can to get some rest. This can be harder than it sounds, because some new babies need feeding as often as every couple of hours. So when your baby has been fed, put your partner on care duty and get some well-deserved shut eye!
Need to know
Make sure that your little one has finished one breast before offering another. That's because there are two types of milk – the first ('foremilk') is to quench thirst and the second ('hindmilk') is full of healthy fats. If you swap breasts halfway through feeding, your baby might not get the fatty milk they need to grow.
Tummy troubles can be very common for little ones – not to mention stressful for both of you. Rest assured, it's common, so if your baby has an upset tummy, you're not alone. If your baby is crying excessively, then it could be colic. Try burping regularly or gentle baby massage.
'Expressing' breast milk into a sterile bottle is a good way of storing excess milk, or letting daddy have a go at feeding. You can express by hand or with a pump, but it's best to wait until around 6 weeks, when your breastfeeding routine is set and a constant milk flow has been established.
Tummy troubles can be very common for little ones – not to mention stressful for both of you. Rest assured, it's common, so if your baby has an upset tummy, you're not alone. If your baby is crying excessively, then it could be colic. Try burping regularly or gentle baby massage.
'Expressing' breast milk into a sterile bottle is a good way of storing excess milk, or letting daddy have a go at feeding. You can express by hand or with a pump, but it's best to wait until around 6 weeks, when your breastfeeding routine is set and a constant milk flow has been established.
With so much going on with your little one, you also need to remember to look after yourself! Follow as healthy a diet as you can, keep hydrated and, if you're breastfeeding, add about 450 extra calories a day. A good way to get these calories is from vitamin and mineral-rich foods – like an extra bowl of veg soup with two slices of bread.
If you are expressing milk to complement breastfeeding, sterilising bottles is really important. Newborn babies are more susceptible to colds and infections than older children. So keep sniffling adults or siblings away and make sure you sterilise anything that goes in your little one's mouth.
Some babies experience reflux or regurgitation around that age. 'Reflux' and 'posseting' are fancy words to describe babies bringing up milk after feeding. It's perfectly natural and about half of babies do it. Winding your baby can really help reduce the amount of milk your little one brings up. If you have any concerns (especially if your baby isn't putting on any weight), speak to your GP or health visitor.
Protein is vital for the growth of every precious little part of your baby. Amazingly, the amount of protein in your breastmilk adjusts naturally to the amount your baby needs as they grow. From your baby's brain to their growth, protein is one of the most important nutrients needed for development. Find out everything you need to know about protein here.
Some babies experience reflux or regurgitation around that age. 'Reflux' and 'posseting' are fancy words to describe babies bringing up milk after feeding. It's perfectly natural and about half of babies do it. Winding your baby can really help reduce the amount of milk your little one brings up. If you have any concerns (especially if your baby isn't putting on any weight), speak to your GP or health visitor.
Protein is vital for the growth of every precious little part of your baby. Amazingly, the amount of protein in your breastmilk adjusts naturally to the amount your baby needs as they grow. From your baby's brain to their growth, protein is one of the most important nutrients needed for development. Find out everything you need to know about protein here.
Protein is amazing stuff. It's vital for the healthy growth of your baby, so it's good to know as much as possible about it. We've put together a simple guide to help. Did you know, for example, that the amount of protein in breast milk changes with your baby's age?
The muscles of your 'pelvic floor' do a lot of work during birth, so they may feel numb or weak afterwards. You can start pelvic floor strengthening exercises as soon as you feel able. These keep the muscles working and help you keep bladder control.
Protein is amazing stuff. It's vital for the healthy growth of your baby, so it's good to know as much as possible about it. We've put together a simple guide to help. Did you know, for example, that the amount of protein in breast milk changes with your baby's age?
The muscles of your 'pelvic floor' do a lot of work during birth, so they may feel numb or weak afterwards. You can start pelvic floor strengthening exercises as soon as you feel able. These keep the muscles working and help you keep bladder control.
Baby's first vaccinations are due this week, including defences against tetanus and polio. Don't worry, it's often more stressful for mum than for baby! Contact your GP or health visitor to organise.
Need to know
Although they need a lot of sleep, babies can be hard to settle. Introducing a routine at the same time every day really helps them get into the habit of falling asleep. Give them a warm bath, read a story or sing a lullaby – and go through those same steps every night. It can take a little while to establish, but soon you and baby will feel the benefits.
If you have chosen to 'combination feed' – this means feeding baby using both breastfeeding and bottle feeding (expressed or formula milk) – it needs to be introduced carefully so as to not disrupt the feeding routine, so make sure you read our guide.
If you have chosen to 'combination feed' – this means feeding baby using both breastfeeding and bottle feeding (expressed or formula milk) – it needs to be introduced carefully so as to not disrupt the feeding routine, so make sure you read our guide.
If your baby has recurrent and prolonged bouts of crying, fussing or irritability, and there is no obvious cause, they might have colic. It can be distressing for mum and baby when your little one won't stop crying, but this stage won't last forever. In fact, most babies grow out of it by six months. In the meantime, try holding your little one upright during feeding, as this will limit the amount of air they swallow.
Have you ever thought of massaging your baby? It's a lovely way of bonding with your little one and has the added benefit of helping with conditions like colic, constipation and 'not-going-to-sleep'. Plus, it's easier than you might think. You'll find more about baby massage here.
Have you ever thought of massaging your baby? It's a lovely way of bonding with your little one and has the added benefit of helping with conditions like colic, constipation and 'not-going-to-sleep'. Plus, it's easier than you might think. You'll find more about baby massage here.
Are you worried about breastfeeding when you're out and about? You don't need to be, but if you feel self-conscious, wide scarves or shawls are a good way of providing instant cover if you want it.
If baby passes unformed watery poo more than 3 times in a day, it may be diarrhoea. Unlike with an adult, you shouldn't give baby any medicine. Instead, make sure they drink enough water and cancel any playdates – your baby should stay at home until at least 48 hours after their last episode. If you are concerned at all or think your baby is losing weight, seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
Should you worry about empty nappies? All babies are unique and most changes are nothing to worry about. Some babies poo after every feed, but some can go longer without pooing. Speak to your GP or health visitor if you are worried, or if there are any sudden changes in your baby's nappies.
It's a sensitive subject for a lot of couples after the birth of their baby - when should you start having sex again? The answer's simple: it's up to you! Some people do after a few weeks, whilst some people wait for months. However you feel, don't worry - it's a choice for you and your partner to make together. Just remember contraception when you do eventually decide. You may be fertile even before your periods start again.
Tips for you
Tip:
Inside the first few nappies
Baby poo can vary between babies depending on how they are fed, so try not to worry. The very first offering (called 'meconium') is often a dark greenish-black. Later, you can expect it to change to a mustard colour. Our full guide to your baby's poo.
Your baby's tummy button needs a little TLC. Make sure it's clean, dry and is never covered by the nappy. It also helps to dress your baby in loose clothing, so that the area gets lots of air.
Tip:
Inside the first few nappies
Baby poo can vary between babies depending on how they are fed, so try not to worry. The very first offering (called 'meconium') is often a dark greenish-black. Later, you can expect it to change to a mustard colour. Our full guide to your baby's poo.
Your baby's tummy button needs a little TLC. Make sure it's clean, dry and is never covered by the nappy. It also helps to dress your baby in loose clothing, so that the area gets lots of air.
Tip: Managing visitors
Everyone wants to meet a new baby. Just remember, it's fine to keep visits short and limited to close friends and family in those early weeks. It's equally as fine to say 'no' if you're feeling overwhelmed. People will understand.
Tip: Sitting comfortably?
Your little one is probably very hungry a lot of the time, so find a comfortable position before you start feeding. Using a cushion on your leg to support your baby's head, for example, saves a lot of backache for you and lets baby snuggle right in!
Get into the habit of keeping a glass of water nearby when breastfeeding. You might find that you become thirstier whilst breastfeeding – it's important to stay hydrated and it's not easy to get up once baby is latched.
Tip: Mastitis
Some breastfeeding mums suffer from mastitis, an inflammation of the breast which can be very painful. We have some tips to avoid and treat it. If you're at all concerned, speak to your midwife or GP, who may also prescribe antibiotics.
Iron is an important part of a good breastfeeding diet. It plays an essential role in helping red blood cells carry oxygen around your body, which can help you feel less tired and also supports your baby's brain development. Good sources include lean red meat and green leafy vegetables.
A trip out can be a nice break, but it can also be quite overwhelming. It's totally normal to feel this way, so to ease you both in, why not try a class for mum and baby! You can rest assured that you'll have all the facilities there that you need.
Tip: Iron mum
Iron is an important part of a good breastfeeding diet. It plays an essential role in helping red blood cells carry oxygen around your body, which can help you feel less tired and also supports your baby's brain development. Good sources include lean red meat and green leafy vegetables.
A trip out can be a nice break, but it can also be quite overwhelming. It's totally normal to feel this way, so to ease you both in, why not try a class for mum and baby! You can rest assured that you'll have all the facilities there that you need.
Tip: First smiles!
One of the most incredible milestones might be about to happen to you and your baby… The first smile is always a treasured moment for parents and a timely reminder of why those sleepless nights are worth it.
Tip: And first tears!
Your baby might be crying real tears around now. Don't worry, your little one isn' more upset – it's just the ducts opening up for the first time.
Tip:
Thinking about exercising?
Your body has been through a lot, but if you feel ready to start exercising again that's absolutely fine. Just remember to start gently, and speak to your health visitor or GP (at your post-natal check) if you have any concerns.
Your baby is due a six week check up by your health visitor. This is to review baby's development and let you ask questions. Just don't forget your Red Book to record those precious changes!
Tip: Keeping fit
Exercising has lots of benefits for new mums, including increased energy and stress relief. Start with gentle exercises, like swimming at a post-natal group, to get your body back into the swing of things. If you had a Caesarean or a difficult birth, talk to your GP first.
If you're having trouble getting your little one to sleep, try soothing them with white noise, like washing machines or vacuum cleaners. It sounds strange, but can be a real lifesaver for mums!
Exercising has lots of benefits for new mums, including increased energy and stress relief. Start with gentle exercises, like swimming at a post-natal group, to get your body back into the swing of things. If you had a Caesarean or a difficult birth, talk to your GP first.
If you're having trouble getting your little one to sleep, try soothing them with white noise, like washing machines or vacuum cleaners. It sounds strange, but can be a real lifesaver for mums!
To know if your baby is getting enough milk, try counting nappies – a well-fed baby may get through about 6 a day. Also, keep an eye on how your baby's poo looks and smells. If you're worried about anything at all, talk to your health visitor.
Tip: Trust your gut
If your instinct tells you something is amiss, ask your GP or health visitor about it. Your mummy instincts are a vital healthcare tool!
Tip: Check your baby for allergies
Our A-Z of baby allergies covers all the major reactions that your baby may be susceptible to.
Breast milk is a wonderful thing! Did you know that it naturally adapts its level of protein to your little one's needs at every stage to not only keep your baby healthy, but also to reduce the risk of baby becoming overweight later? Find out more about how protein can help maintain a healthy baby weight.
Breast milk is a wonderful thing! Did you know that it naturally adapts its level of protein to your little one's needs at every stage to not only keep your baby healthy, but also to reduce the risk of baby becoming overweight later? Find out more about how protein can help maintain a healthy baby weight.
If you're breastfeeding, it's recommended that you take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D. During spring and summer, being out in the sun for 10 or 15 minutes a day also helps replenish those valuable vitamin D levels. Just remember to apply sun cream!
Tip: Babysitting checklist
Leaving your baby with someone else can be daunting – no matter who they are! To give you peace of mind, you can give your babysitter notes that includes all the information you'd like them to know – including routine times, favourite toys and best burping techniques.
Tip: Ice, ice baby
Breast milk can be kept frozen for up to 6 months – as long as the freezer is -18° or lower. Freeze as soon as possible after expressing and remember to write the date on each container. Thawed breast milk will then keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours – just don't refreeze it again after!
Baby chuckling isn't just cute, it's a developmental milestone! If your little one needs help finding the funny side, try blowing a big raspberry in the middle of their tummy.
Tip:
Massage groups
You can show your baby massage skills - or learn some - at a local massage group. Ask your Health Visitor if there's one near. It's a great way to meet other mums too.
You can show your baby massage skills - or learn some - at a local massage group. Ask your Health Visitor if there's one near. It's a great way to meet other mums too.
Around the 12th week, your baby might have another big growth spurt. Expect a bit of sleeplessness around now and more frequent demands for your magic milk.
Get some expert help
The first weeks can be overwhelming, but we're here to help. Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about breastfeeding or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about breastfeeding or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about mastitis or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about expressing milk or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about expressing milk or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about starting exercise or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about pelvic floor exercises or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about vaccinations or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about allergies or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about baby massage or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about breastfeeding in public or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about starting sex again or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The best way to feed a baby is to breastfeed, as breast milk provides the ideal balanced diet and protection against illness for your baby and also many non-nutritional benefits for both baby and mother. We recommend that you speak to your healthcare professional when deciding on your choice of feeding your baby. Professional guidance should also be sought on the preparation for and maintenance of breastfeeding. If you do choose to breastfeed, it's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Infant formula is intended to replace breast milk when mothers choose not to breastfeed or if for some reason they are unable to do so. A decision not to breastfeed, or to introduce partial bottle-feeding, will reduce the supply of breast milk. If for any reason you choose not to breastfeed, do remember that such a decision can be difficult to reverse. Using infant formula also has social and financial implications which must be considered. Infant formula should always be prepared, used and stored as instructed on the label, in order to avoid risks to a baby's health.
