Barring any unforeseen complications, a typical hospital stay for a newborn baby after a vaginal delivery is less than 48 hours. WBP newborns should be seen about 1-2 days after delivery by 4 days of age.

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for any newborn baby. At Well-Being Pediatrics, Dr. Anna Strumba, is not only a Pediatrician, she is also International Breastfeeding Certified Lactation Consultant and is available to answer any and all questions. If you choose to breast-feed, the first feeding is extremely important. If possible, we recommend trying to get your baby to latch on to your breast within 30 minutes after birth. The reason being that during the first hour after birth, the baby is usually alert and able to latch on to the breast and feed well. The potential ease of this first feeding creates a feeling of happiness and comfort for both mother and baby..

After the first hour of life many newborns may not be interested in latching on for at least the next 12 to 24 hours. If you need help or feel overwhelmed, almost all nurses in the Maternity Unit are more than happy to help new moms get their babies to breast-feed; if you need help, just ask.

It is also important to keep in mind that a mother’s milk may not come in for days after delivery. For this reason, it may be necessary to supplement with formula so that your newborn gets enough nutrition. This does not mean that you will never be able to breast feed and supplementing with formula if necessary should not be viewed as a failure.

We also recognize the fact that not all mothers are able to, or desire to breast-feed. We are more than willing to discus the different types of formula available and the benefits of each brand for your baby.

Newborns sleep a lot, although usually not at times most convenient for you. Many newborns are very sleepy on the first day and sometimes are not eager to nurse. This is entirely normal. On the second day a newborn usually starts waking up for feedings every 2 to 3 hours and sleeps in between. Periods of wakefulness during this young age may last only 45 minutes. This pattern continues for several months. It is normal for newborn babies to eat frequently and sleep a lot.

Also important to note is that most newborns have their nights and days reversed until the 3rd to 6th week of life. During this period of time, fussy periods may occur more in the middle of the night than during the day. After week 6 most babies start sleeping better through out the night and fussy periods diminish. We advise parents, if possible, to sleep when your baby is sleeping.It is incredibly important to understand hat you should never sleep in bed with your newborn. Accidents can and do happen. Your newborn should sleep in a crib, cradle, pack and play, etc. and not in bed with other children or adults

Taking care of a newborn requires time, effort and a ton of patience. Scheduling big events like a move, a party or a trip within a month after delivery. Is not advisable During the first two weeks you will be tired, sleep deprived, recovering from giving birth, and learning new skills. You will need help, and we advise asking for help when needed. Your baby will be able to sense if you are anxious or upset. Taking time for yourself is essential to being able to care and provide for your baby in the best way possible. We advise that you take friends and family up on offers to help; whether in the form of grocery shopping, helping with cleaning, preparing meals, or watching the baby for a little so you can get some much needed rest.

A newborn baby is usually met with many excited relatives and friends, who along with the expectant parents and siblings, have been waiting for the new arrival. You have to remember the rule of thumb – the mother of the baby decides who and when she wants to see. If you are too tired, not comfortable to nurse in their presence or just not in a mood for visitors – you tell them that you will invite them when you are ready. Now is the time for you to recover from delivery and settle into a routine with your new baby. It is very important for you to be honest with people as to how you feel. Do not worry, people will understand.

You may want to limit the amount of very young children that come into contact with your newborn baby. Young children that go to nursery school or daycare or even elementary school come into contact with sick kids and germs on a daily basis. If your newborn gets sick and spikes a fever within the first couple months of life, they will have to go to the hospital and have a spinal tap. It is best to minimize their exposure to people that may be sick. It is also essential that anyone, adult or child, wash one’s hands before holding the baby.

Just as you are most likely excited and nervous about the birth of your new baby, so too are most expectant siblings. It is entirely normal for children to feel some degree of insecurity about a new baby coming into their home. Make sure that you spend some special time every day with your older child/children. Involving them in the new babies life is important but ensuring that they still have some special one on one time is critical to making them feel comfortable and secure. When your new baby is sleeping, try to play a board game, read a book, or make a craft with your older child. Never leave your newborn alone in the room with another young child. Again, accidents can and do happen and adult supervision is essential to protecting all of your children.

As much of a pet lover as you may be and as much as you feel that your pet is part of the family it is imperative that you remember, they are still animals and should not be left unsupervised with a newborn. A helpful pointer in acclimating your pets to a new baby coming home is, prior to your baby coming home from the hospital, have someone bring one of the hospital blankets your baby was wrapped in home and let your pet smell it. Getting use to your babies scent before the baby comes home will make your pet feel more comfortable. Another pointer is upon arriving home, have mom go directly to the pet and give the pet some attention. Your pet, just as any existing children, as well needs some attention so they do not feel forgotten.