Your Baby

If you have got this far and chosen your sperm donor, co-parent or sperm recipient, got pregnant and given birth thinking that all the hard work is done then you may want to think again. This is just the beginning of a whole new wonderful world raising your child. This section has lots of tips and advice on raising a baby.

Take me to:

Life After Birth

As a new mum, the demands placed upon you both emotionally and physically will be even greater. It is just as important to concentrate on you and your energy levels as much as your baby’s. You will need to be healthy and strong to look after the demands of your baby especially during the breastfeeding stage.

We have come up with some tips that you could consider to get that initial healthy start:

Healthy Eating Tips - Tips for a Healthy New You!

Try the breastfeeding option, this can be good for both you and for baby post pregnancy
Eating a Healthy Balanced Diet which needs to include fruit and vegetables, protein, diary and starchy carbohydrates (dieting is not recommended at this stage especially if you are breastfeeding!)
Maintain a Five a Day healthy food philosophy
Eat foods low in fat or reduced fats
Eat foods rich in Iron every day
Drink plenty of water during the day to keep yourself hydrated
Try and get out exercising for 20 minutes a day – even for a brisk walk in the fresh air with baby
Keep yourself well nourished during the day – this will ensure that the baby gets all the nutrients and vitamins needed throughout the day when breastfeeding.

Your Baby’s Health

It has already been proven that breast feeding provides all the relevant nutrients and protection that a baby needs to have within the first 6 months post birth. This is to help protect the baby against infections and diseases and greatly reduces the chances of baby becoming ill later in life, as the baby’s immune system is not fully developed from birth.

Following on from the six months breast feeding, the baby will progress onto weaning. The biggest challenge for a new mother is to look after your baby’s daily needs and requirements.

We have listed some needs that obviously need attention and care when looking after your baby:

Nappy Changes - Check changes in contents of nappy when changing, keep baby’s skin clean when soiling takes place, any concerns contact your health care professional
Cord Care – Keep the umbilical cord clean and dry around the area until it dries out and falls off
Ear, Nose and Throat – Best to leave alone and consult with a healthcare professional should you have any concerns
Trimming Finger and Toe Nails – Do not do this with nail clippers as the baby’s skin could cut, would suggest using a file to file baby’s nails down
Bathing Baby – Your newborn doesn’t require daily bathing initially. Only use plain water for the first month to ensure the skin is not exposed to harsh substances etc
Sleeping – It is a good idea to have a moses basket for baby to sleep in as this is not too small or too large, the basket can be moved anywhere were you or your partner are. Keeping baby at the right temperature not too hot or too cold
Hand Hygiene - Keep your hands and anyone else who comes into contact with your baby clean as they are vulnerable to infections from others. Keep all products non perfumed where possible with baby

Your baby’s Safety

It is important to create a safe child friendly environment within your home. When your baby is tiny, it is important to baby proof your home and plan ahead on any potential problems that may occur.

Important things to consider when baby proofing your home:

Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted throughout your home
Fire guards are securely placed around your fires
Electrical sockets are covered with appropriate guards
Child gates are placed around your home – top / bottom of stairs and rooms where you do not want baby to go into
Keep all equipment / furniture clean and germ free
Do not allow baby in rooms such as kitchens etc
Do not leave wires or blankets etc loosely hanging – as these could be pulled
Place expensive items ad ornaments out of reach
Check all house plants are non poisonous
Keep children away from areas where hot water can be harmful i.e. bathing time / kettles / washing dishes etc
Be careful that pets within the home are child friendly