Getting to Know Your Newborn
You're looking forward to the day when you will finally hold your baby in your arms. You've spend hours wondering just who your baby will look like. You imagine the beautiful little infant you will hold in your arms. Of course your baby will be wonderful, but some parents are startled by the appearance of their newborns. Here's what to expect.
From the Top
If your baby was born by cesarean section hiss head may be nice and round. But babies born vaginally or c-section babies who were engaged in the birth canal may have a slight cone shape to their heads. This is because babies malleable skulls mold to fit through the birth canal. Don't worry - your baby's head will begin to round almost instantly and by the second day will be becoming a sweet little dome.
Your baby may have something called caput succedaneum, which is a soft bump on your baby's scalp that is filled with fluids that have collected during the birth. Like the molding that your baby's head goes through, this will fade within a few days.
Cream and Fuzz
Your baby's body may have a light layer of very fine hair covering it. This is called lanugo and it covered your baby's body in the womb. It falls off of some babies before they are born, but others arrive fuzzy! You may notice the light fuzz on your baby's back more than anywhere else. This lanugo will gradually fall off of your baby.
Your baby is covered with another protective substance in the womb. This layer is creamy, like a thick lotion, and called vernix. It protected your little one while he was in the amniotic fluid.
The earlier your baby is born the more likely she is to have vernix on her body. This vernix does not hurt your baby and doesn't need to be scrubbed off. Vernix has potent antibacterial properties. It can be rubbed into your baby's skin, just like lotion. Even babies born at or after term may have patches of vernix in their creases.
Baby Bumps
It's not unusual for some tiny bumps to be present on your baby's body. Tiny milia, white bumps on your baby's face, often show up in the first few days. They are harmless and clear up quickly.
Your baby may also have some bruising from birth. This can occur after the trip down the birth canal or a baby could get bruises or small nicks after a cesarean section.
There are several different birth marks you may notice on your baby. Stork bites, Mongolian spots, café-au-lait spots, and strawberry marks are some common names for birthmarks. Many of them fade away in the first few years and throughout childhood, but some may make your baby unique throughout his or her life.
That Tiny Body
Your baby will prefer to curl up like he did in the womb. You will probably love to see your baby's tiny legs pulled up against his tummy like a tiny frog. Your baby will also keep his arms close to his body.
Her hands will stay balled in little fists most of the time. If you place a finger inside her tiny little hand you may be surprised by how strong her grip is! Your baby's gripping action is just one example of many reflexes your baby will be born with.
Your baby's healthcare provider (or your midwife) will check to be sure that all of your baby's reflexes are working properly. You can request to be there for the checkup (or better yet, request it be done in your room) and you'll be able to see how your baby's amazing little body works.
Your baby may not look exactly how you expected, but you will love all those unique features your newborn has. Your baby will change before your eyes, and before you know it. Treasure the early day with your beautiful newborn.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kristen Hart is the owner of
http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com, a website devoted to healthy pregnancy, natural birth, and the most natural baby care. Visit
http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com/natural-baby-care.html for more resources to help you raise a healthy, happy baby.
