The first time with a baby is a big change for parents.
Uncertainties are completely normal at the beginning.
That’s why we have summarized the most important information here.
A lot of closeness and physical contact is good for everyone, the baby as well as the father and mother.
Babies want to be breastfed.
There is nothing better for you and your child.
If the mother is not breastfeeding, babies need formula milk/pre-formula in the first year of life.
Only feed freshly mixed milk – no leftovers.
Babies need a lot of physical contact, especially when they are crying.
Never shake babies.
Put babies on their backs to sleep so that they can sleep safely.
Babies move around a lot, so secure babies at the changing table with one hand or change particularly lively babies on the floor.
Babies like to splash around and love body-warm water with a maximum temperature of 37 degrees.
From the 5th to 7th month, babies start to crave
porridge.
In addition to breast milk, there may be a new porridge meal every month
.
Babies know best when they are full.
Leftovers on the plate are allowed.
Babies like to quench their thirst with water.
Sweet drinks are not for babies.
Babies like to kick and crawl – preferably on the floor.
To do this, they need enough space and a safe environment.
Babies like fresh air and do not like rooms where people smoke.
Tobacco smoke is toxic.
Source:
Gesund ins Leben (last updated February 2023)
In the first few days after the birth, rest and recuperation are particularly important for mothers.
This is why support from family members or friends is essential during the postpartum period.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
This is the best thing for you and your child.
Mothers need a lot of rest in the early days.
Few visits in the first few weeks and lots of breaks are good for mothers’ recovery.
Midwives visit mothers at home and support them with individual advice in the first period after the birth.
A balanced, varied diet is good and healthy for breastfeeding mothers.
The “baby blues” is normal. More than half of mothers often experience mood swings, anxiety or feelings of alienation towards their child. If these moods persist for more than two weeks, get help.
Regular exercises strengthen the pelvic floor, prevent incontinence problems and organ prolapse.
They strengthen the back and abdominal muscles and can increase sexual
sensitivity.
In order to cope well with the many changes in daily life, mothers need trusted caregivers such as their partner or friends who will listen to them.
Most mothers take advantage of counseling services to exchange ideas and valuable tips, such as those offered by connexia Elternberatung, ÖGK Vorarlberg or aks gesundheit.
Giving up responsibility is valuable for mothers to have time for themselves.
But it also helps fathers or other caregivers to get used to dealing with the baby from the very beginning.
Now comes the time for fathers, which can hardly be better described than by the two words that make up its name: The postpartum bed. During these weeks, mother and child should recover from the exertions of childbirth in the same bed. Now the father’s grand entrance has come, and with it the wonderful moments of bonding between baby and father begin.
Skin to skin, experiencing the intimacy, swaddling, bathing and comforting – these are tasks that fathers can do very well.
The baby is turning your life completely upside down, and it’s now the greatest art to set the right priorities.
Sounds like a lot of work and a big change.
For good reason, fathers should ideally take time off in the first few weeks after the birth.
Fathers also have the right to take parental leave and can take it alternately with the mother.
Source:
Austrian Board of Midwives (2018): Midwives Parents Brochure 2018, page 44 (last updated February 2023)
Vorarlberg midwives
connexia – Parental counseling near you
Man becomes dad – Fathers’ evenings in Dornbirn
Early help – family network
Purzelbaum parent – child – groups : Tips, fun and exchange with other families
