For Renee Suriani of Swedesboro, a series of unexpected twists and turns led to a complete “rewriting” of her plans. Fortunately, she had the support of her husband and a team of nurses and doctors with whom she formed deep bonds.
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You’ve read all the books on how to prepare for the big day, but it’s finally here: Your baby is coming home. Not sure what to do next? We have you covered. Step one: download “Life as a New Parent: What You Can Expect in the Postpartum Period," Inspira’s very own postpartum handbook.
“First-time parents have a lot to figure out in the months leading up to having their child,” said Dr. Neely Elisha, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Inspira’s new East Vineland office. “Our team created the manual to educate moms on how to care for themselves and their new baby in the days right after they give birth. The goal is to help alleviate some of the stress about what to do after your baby comes home.”
The first few days of caring for a newborn are always an adjustment period. From choosing your feeding method to understanding the complexities of your baby’s breathing and sleeping patterns, first-time parents have a lot to learn. But now, they can continue to rely on Inspira even after they leave the hospital with this new guide to the first days of childrearing.
“Babies change quickly in not only the first few months, but also the first few weeks. Right when parents start adjusting to their child’s breathing, crying, eating and sleeping habits, they change again,” said Dr. Pratyusha Katta, a board-certified pediatrician from Nemours and a pediatric hospitalist at Inspira Medical Center Vineland. “While there isn’t a panacea for caring for newborns, there are a few reliable methods to understanding how to manage your child’s reflexes, temperament and sleep—all of which are outlined in the manual.”
The guide highlights potential concerns many parents have for their newborns, such as rapid breathing, prolonged crying and correct positions for sleeping.
“It can take time to get to know your baby. Parents often forget babies breathe 40-60 times per minute, and by process of elimination, they can typically figure out why their child might be crying (read: hungry, tired or soiled),” said Dr. Katta. “But, it is critical for parents to monitor for any abnormalities, such as their child experiencing prolonged discomfort.”
You should never be afraid to call your child’s primary care doctor—they know just how tricky the first few days of new parenting can be. If your baby is experiencing a fever, vomiting, avoiding food or sleeping excessively, be sure to seek professional medical advice.
“While mothers are caring for their babies and watching them grow, it is important for them to remember that it’s not all about the baby after they come home—they need to be taking care of themselves, too,” said Dr. Elisha.
Giving birth has more than a physical impact on the female body, but also a mental impact. That is why women should be aware of the complications many women experience following their hospital stay.
“Cramping, bleeding and pain while urinating are just a few of the challenges a woman might face after giving birth. Women must try to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regimen and sleep routine—no matter how difficult—so that the body can heal properly,” said Dr. Elisha. “Additionally, women need to know the signs of postpartum depression. This is not something to be ashamed of, but rather, something that can be treated with the right medical attention.”
Life after birth can be challenging, but the right tools can help make your childrearing decisions just a little bit easier. For quick tips and general postpartum guidance, be sure to download Inspira’s maternity guide.
For more information about how to prepare for after your delivery date, be sure to download Inspira’s postpartum handbook, “Life as a New Parent: What You Can Expect in the Postpartum Period.” You can make an appointment with Dr. Elisha or another Inspira medical professional online or at (888) 312-4784.
