HOSPITAL HELPERS

Let Dad go home... Don't make your spouse sleep in one of the horrible hospital chairs. He needs some rest before you and the baby get home..if he has slept in a chair for 2days, he will be useless..You savor every moment of alone time with your baby.

Drop the Phone... Don't keep chatting with friends or family informing them of the baby's arrival while the Doctor/ Pediatrician/Lactation Expert visits you..Keep aside your phone, use the time in taking valuable suggestions from the experts while they are available. Also cultivate a habit of noting every question you have regarding your baby's health and getting answers for each from the Doctors. This habit will be useful even during the monthly visits to the Pediatrician henceforth.

Look for shut eyes.. Newborns are loud, they make all sorts of sounds even during sleep. Dont worry too much, you dont have to grab the baby when you notice such gurgling during their sleep. As long as their eyes are shut, you can take some rest, else you will both get exhausted.

Maintain a Smile....Even if the baby cries, which is normal to them, you dont frown..your face betrays you, the baby notices your expressions and repeats them. Smile, be comforting, and talk to your infant. Build a relationship right away.

- Prathyusha Talluri