So often couples attending birth preparation classes are so focused on their pregnancy and the birth that they forget that it is only the beginning of parenthood and a stage that will soon pass.
The real challenge is when you have to nurture and look after your new baby. How much did you learn about that?
Should you want to follow any of the suggestions below, be sure to discuss them with your doctor before hand.
Lets start with your baby's first breast-feed.
When?
Ideally within half an hour to three hours after birth.
After an uncomplicated normal delivery, once your baby's vital signs have been checked and your baby dried, he or she could be placed on your abdomen.
Once you have had a wash, been made comfortable and perhaps finished a cup of tea and are possible sitting in a semi-upright position, the staff could help you coax your baby onto the breast.
An alternative is for dad to hold the baby until you are able to offer the first feed.
How?
The correct latch is vitally important for the success of your breast-feeding experience.
In a good latch, you will notice that once your baby is comfortably positioned, the sister assisting you will support your baby's head in her one hand while touching your nipple with your baby's lips.
Soon your baby will open his mouth, a natural reflex action. Once his mouth is open wide enough the sister will latch or push your baby on to the breast.
A good latch means that your baby's mouth is covering the whole of your areola, the brown area around the nipple.
When sucking his mouth will remain wide open and the bottom lip turned outwards.
Your baby will probably drink for approximately five minutes or more with the nursing staff in attendance.
The sister will then show you the correct way to take your baby off the breast.
That is to break the suction first by inserting your finger into your baby's mouth between the gums and keeping your finger there while taking him off the breast.
Your baby will probably need winding. Once shown, dads are natural experts at winding babies!
You will be shown how to latch your baby to the other breast. He could drink for five minutes or longer, before being taken off.
With the next feed you would start on what was now the second breast and continue to alternate sides in this way.
Once winded and cuddled your baby is likely to be taken to the nursery for routine checks and a little later his first bath.
Once again this is dad's chance. He can go along to the nursery to keep a close eye on proceedings and report back to mom.
What if you have had a caesarean birth?
After a caesarean birth under epidural anaesthesia one would aim at the option of the first breast-feed within three hours after your baby's birth.
If not for the first breast-feed, then for the next few you may be more comfortable lying on your side and feeding.
Once again you will need assistance from the nursing staff.
Should you have a caesarean birth under general anaesthetic the timing of the first breast-feed could also depend on the reason you had the general anaesthetic, but could generally still take place within three hours.
Once again I suggest that dad holds your baby at every possible opportunity.
What happens next?
While your baby is being observed and bathed in the nursery make use of the opportunity to take a nap or at least have a rest.
Your baby is likely to be ready for the next breast-feed in about two hours' time.
Should you be separated from your baby for much longer, ask for your baby to be brought to you. Spending time cuddling your baby is good for both of you.
You are likely to need help with latching for at least the next two to three feeds. It is best to try on your own as soon as you feel able.
In the first 2 to 3 days your baby is likely to demand a feed every 2 to 3 hours.
For the first three days or longer your breasts will be producing colostrum. Colostrum meets all the very special nutritional needs of the new-born.
Days three to five
Soon you will notice the syrup-like colostrum changing to more creamy, and then whiter, milk.
The volume of milk your baby is drinking will be more than the colostrum in the first few days.
You can expect your breasts to fill more and feel heavy.
This heaviness is relieved while feeding but the breasts soon starts to fill again.
It is also at this time that you could get the so-called blues, due to the tremendous hormonal changes taking place in your body.
One might feel great one minute and really low and tearful the next - often for no apparent reason.
Be easy on yourself, it will get better.
Spend as much time caring and cuddling your baby as you possible can.
Before you go home make sure you know whose advice you want to follow and how you could contact that person.
Do not argue with others who offer advice, it is best to agree with whatever they say and decide in your own time what you want to do or consult your advisor.
Above all, learn to trust your instincts, do what feels right, don't try to please all the well-meaning family and friends around you and enjoy your baby. - Purity