Welcome to Parenting (Infants)
Congratulations on the birth of your baby!
This section, ‘Welcoming to Parenting,’ guides your transition through pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood. The information provided on this section can assist you in your journey by providing you with the knowledge, skills and confidence you need as a new parent.
The first few weeks after birth are filled with ongoing emotional and physical changes. Knowing what to expect and how to care for yourself and baby can ease your transition into parenthood.
The feelings at birth are different for every parent. Some feel an immediate attachment to their baby, while it may take longer for others, possibly due to the intense role change of becoming a mother or father and the responsibilities that go with it. Many new parents question if they are doing the right thing. Don’t worry. Your confidence as a parent will grow each day. Take time to enjoy your baby by talking, cuddling, singing, and gazing into their eyes.
Take comfort knowing that there is no such thing as a perfect parent but that you are the perfect parent for your child.
Getting to Know Your Baby
As you get to know your baby, you will learn the signs that tell you when they need you. Comfort your baby, especially when they are hurt, sick or upset. You will also learn to recognize when your baby is content, exploring the world around them knowing that you are nearby. Over time, this growing relationship helps you build a secure attachment with your baby.
- Comfort your baby with soft touch and warm cuddles when he/she cries.
- Use gentle rocking motions to soothe your baby.
- Make eye contact and smile.
- Talk to your baby and respond to baby sounds.
- Respond to your baby to help them feel loved, valued and confident in their place in this world.
- Play with your baby. Play helps a baby develop motor skills, problem-solving skills and teaches them how to get along with others. (i.e. Sing, read, make funny faces and sounds, and play peek-a-boo.)
As your baby grows, you may find it helpful to connect with other parents to share your experiences. You may also have questions to ask of health professionals. Below are some topics that you may find helpful.
First Days
- Appearance
- Attachment
- Baby blues
- Bathing baby
- Birthmarks
- Birth control
- Breastfeeding
- Car seat safety
- Child development
- Child safety/childproofing
- Choosing how to feed your baby
- Colic
- Crying
- Flat head
- Infant formula
- Jaundice
- New dad
- Postpartum depression
- Reflexes
- Safe sleep
- Scalds and burns
- Shaken baby syndrome
- Skin changes
- Skin-to-skin/kangaroo care
- Sleep habits
- Thrush
- Umbilical cord care
- UR a Parent
- Wet diapers and bowel movements
You and your new baby
- Canada’s Food Guide
- Car seat safety
- Child development
- Crying
- Dental health
- Flat head
- Health checks
- Healthy Beginnings
- Immunizations
- Jaundice
- Mother baby nutrition supplement
- Safe sleep
- Secondhand smoke
- Shaken baby syndrome
Services related to this information:
Public Health Nursing offices, Eastern Health
811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
