New Year, New Bundle of Joy: Advice for New Parents

2023 Is Here, and So Is Your New Baby!

Are you expecting a baby this year? Congratulations! Nothing compares to the joy and excitement of welcoming a new bundle of joy. As you prepare for your journey into parenthood, finding the proper care for you and your family is essential, which is why Antelope Valley Medical Center's Women & Infants Pavilion is here to help.

With advice for new parents, breastfeeding advice for new mothers, NICU information, and postnatal health tips — we provide the best care advice to ensure you have the most positive experience during this special time. Follow our complete postnatal guide for new parents to ensure that you and your baby will be in the best health.

1. Know What to Expect for Feeding Time

Though you probably already have a plan for feeding your child, knowing more about the different ways is also important to ensure your baby is getting all their nutritional needs met (for both mom and dad).

Breastfeeding For New Parents

Both mothers and children benefit from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding provides nutrition to babies as well as strengthens their immune systems. As a mom, breastfeeding also helps in postnatal healing and mental well-being. Here are some tips to help you get the hang of it — and don't be afraid to ask for help if needed from your lactation expert!

• Start early and often — the more you breastfeed, the easier it will be.
• Use skin-to-skin contact to establish a strong bond between you and your baby.
• If you have trouble latching, use different positions to see which works best for you and your baby.
• Try to set aside time for exclusive breastfeeding — no distractions, noises, or visitors that can disrupt the process.
• Start pumping early to prepare for times when your baby can't exclusively breastfeed. As well as establishing a healthy supply for your baby, pumping will allow them to become accustomed to feeding from a bottle.
• And dad — you can help too! Take the time to learn how to correctly latch your baby and take turns with mom in night feedings. Bonding with your baby while breastfeeding is a great way to start your journey into parenthood.

Formula Feeding For New Parents

If you choose formula feeding, it's essential to know the basics. The goal is to make sure your baby has a healthy and satisfied tummy. Ensure you get advice from your pediatrician on what type of formula is best for your baby and when they should start eating solid foods.

Follow the instructions on the package carefully — figuring out how much powder and water you need to add can be tricky, so make sure you don't over- or under-feed your baby.

You can also incorporate formula into your daily routine. For example, introduce formula before bedtime to help your baby get a good night's rest.

2. Know What to Expect in a NICU Experience

For some parents, the NICU experience is a reality. Understanding what to expect if your baby needs specialized care can make all the difference in providing the best care during this difficult time.

Most hospitals provide NICU services, but not all are created equal — so be sure to research which hospital offers the best care for you and your baby.

The NICU experience can be overwhelming, but seeking advice from the hospital staff and medical experts can help relieve some of the pressure. Most hospitals will provide a team of specialists available to discuss any questions or concerns you might have about your baby's care.

3. Get the Hang of Postnatal Health

Once you and your baby are back home, it's imperative to understand how to take care of yourselves.

Take time for yourself.

Caring for a newborn can be physically and mentally exhausting, but creating time for self-care is important. Make sure you have a support system that can help if you find yourself in a mental rut, and look into resources like postpartum support groups to help you through.

Get advice from medical professionals.

The internet can be a great source of advice for new parents; however, you should consult professionals if you have any questions or concerns about your baby's health. Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or want advice on postnatal health — reach out to our team of experts at Antelope Valley Medical Center.

Follow a healthy eating and sleeping routine.

There are also health tips to consider for both parents during this time. Both mom and dad need to get enough rest and nutrition, as it will help them to continue caring for their little one in the best way possible. Eating nutritious meals, including healthy snacks throughout the day, and getting enough sleep will help to keep your energy levels up so that you can provide the best care for your new baby.

Join a new parents group.

Finally, we suggest you join a new parents group. It is a great way to connect with like-minded people who are going through the same experience as you, and it's also an invaluable source of advice and support for both parents.

New parent groups can aid in learning more about what to expect and parenting advice and can even provide social activities for the whole family.

Caring for You & Your Baby at Antelope Valley Medical Center

Welcome your new bundle of joy in 2023 with confidence and advice from the Women & Infants Pavilion at Antelope Valley Medical Center. We'll ensure your experience is as pleasant as possible with our specialized care advice.

At our Women & Infants Pavilion, we understand the journey of parenthood can be daunting, but we're here to ensure it's a positive and memorable experience for you and your baby.

Our unit welcomes nearly 5,000 infants annually, so you can rest assured that you and your little one are getting the best advice for a safe and healthy start to parenthood. Come by today or call us at (661) 949-5000 to learn more about our services and advice for new parents. We look forward to meeting you and your bundle of joy!