Your womb was a warm and cozy environment, and it takes time for your baby to adjust to the various sights, sounds, and sensations of life outside your body. You may not be able to detect much of a personality just yet as your baby spends his time moving in and out of several different states of sleepiness, quiet alertness, and active alertness.
The only way your baby knows to communicate is by crying, but you can communicate with him through your voice and your touch. (He can now recognize your voice and pick it out among others.)
Your baby probably loves to be held, caressed, kissed, stroked, massaged, and carried. He may even make an "ah" sound when he hears your voice or sees your face, and he'll be eager to find you in a crowd.
• Learn more fascinating facts about your 2-week-old's development.
Your life: The baby blues
It seems to make no sense: At a time when you expected to be so happy, you feel down, weepy, moody, or irritable. In fact, there are very good reasons why about half of new moms get the so-called baby blues.
During the first weeks home with a baby, sleep deprivation, recovery from childbirth, the demands of newborn care, lack of experience with babies, and not having enough help can all be highly stressful. The huge hormonal shifts that occur after you give birth can also affect your moods, especially if you have a history of severe PMS. Then factor in modern America's expectations about moms "doing it all" and new moms being "blissed out," and you have the makings of a perfect storm for mild depression.
Knowing that these feelings are normal can help. It's a good idea to confide your feelings to people you love and trust: your partner, your parents, another relative, or a close friend. Connecting with other new parents online or in your community can help you see that you're far from alone.
Carve out time for yourself. Let your partner or a grandparent stay with your baby while you visit a friend, go shopping, or just take a relaxing bath. Even sitting outside or taking a walk with your baby in the fresh air can be beneficial.
Leave work behind. Really! Remember this is maternity leave. Turn off your cell phone and avoid your computer. Use these weeks to nurture your ties with your family.
If feelings persist more than a couple of weeks, tell your doctor. You may have postpartum depression (PPD), a more serious condition. The causes of PPD aren't completely understood, but it's not a reflection on whether you're a "good" mom or "coping well." Symptoms of PPD include extreme anxiety, panic attacks, changes in eating habits (overeating or loss of appetite), insomnia, and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
3 questions about: Reducing the risk of SIDS
What is SIDS?
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is sometimes called crib death. It occurs when a baby under 1 year old dies suddenly and without warning, usually while asleep.
Should I worry?
Even though SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year, it's still rare. SIDS claims about 2,500 victims a year — that is, fewer than 1 in 1,000 — usually between the ages of 2 and 4 months. No one knows exactly what causes SIDS, although the following factors are thought to increase the risk:
• A parent or caregiver who smokes
• Sleeping facedown on the mattress
• Being born prematurely
• Low birth weight
• Sleeping on a too-soft surface
• Being too hot while sleeping
How can I reduce my baby's risk?
Always put your baby to sleep on his back. When pediatricians and SIDS researchers began recommending this practice in 1992, the rate of SIDS deaths fell an astounding 50 percent. Even putting your baby to sleep on his side isn't advisable. Clear the cradle or crib of any pillows, soft toys, and bumpers, which can unexpectedly cover your baby's mouth and affect his breathing. Keep your baby's head uncovered. Keep the room cool (around 65 degrees Fahrenheit), especially if you swaddle your baby.
Don't overdress your baby at bedtime — put him in as little or as much clothing as you'd wear to bed. Some experts advise against sleeping with your newborn in your bed during the early months because the soft bedding is a risk. Others believe that sharing a bed allows parents to respond more quickly to changes in their baby's breathing or movements. If you do co-sleep, remove fluffy comforters and make sure the mattress is firm. Your baby should sleep on his back even in your bed.
Never smoke around your baby and keep him away from those who do. It's possible that breastfeeding your baby and giving him a pacifier during sleep may lower his risk for SIDS, but more research is needed to confirm these links.
source : babycenter
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