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Original poster

Webchat on Monday, 30th June 2014 (11.00 am) - Parenting A Newborn (with Vickie from The Baby Academy)

37 replies

LocalEditorMerton · 18/06/2014 09:24

Expectant parents are often so focused on pregnancy and childbirth, that practical and emotional aspects of looking after their baby can be overlooked and come as a challenge, particularly for those without previous experience of parenthood or the support network to help them adjust and give them confidence.

If you need some tips on bringing your baby home and settling them in, you may like to join us on Monday, 30th June for a live webchat (at 11.00 am) with Maternity Consultant Vickie Bowles who launched her website The Baby Academy last year.

Vickie offers parents help and advice, giving them the confidence and skills to build a happy home with their new arrival. Her career as a Maternity Consultant has spanned 18 years. Her insights into the needs of babies, give parents peace of mind from the start!

Vickie will be here to answer your questions on bringing your baby home - the first few weeks. If you are unable to make it on the day, you are most welcome to post your questions (in advance) below.

Webchat on Monday, 30th June 2014 (11.00 am) - Parenting A Newborn (with Vickie from The Baby Academy)
Webchat on Monday, 30th June 2014 (11.00 am) - Parenting A Newborn (with Vickie from The Baby Academy)
OP posts:
AnnTeek · 23/06/2014 20:20

I've not got a newborn but a friend is due to give birth soon.
What is the best thing I can do to help make her life easier in the first few weeks?

bouncychair · 23/06/2014 21:59

What are the absolute essentials for the first 6-8 weeks? I am getting a bit overwhelmed with all the choice I'm faced with!

Willemdefoeismine · 24/06/2014 12:05

I am about to have another baby after a ten year gap and want to know how to establish a routine which is workable around the school day? I am very worried that I won't be able to leave the house as and when required to pick up DD from school!

JonquilleTW · 27/06/2014 12:14

I had my second baby after 5 years and realised I forgot it all!

I do not remember if my 1st one fed constantly during the night but this one does. Is that normal? Do I have to teach my 4week old to feed more during the day, so that we both can get a better sleep? Or is it too early? The baby feeds for quite a long time too. And would only sleep in my arms, when I try to put the baby to Moses basket wakes up and all over again...

Fufifa · 27/06/2014 17:04

How do I know if my baby is overheated or not? I do not want her to be too cold or too hot in this changing weather these days. I can't go out from fear she will be too hot or too cold.

HaydonWomble · 27/06/2014 19:19

SIL is just about to have a baby and has no experience of colic and the nightmare that causes for most parents (and babies) during the first three months or so. What do you think colic is and how do you advise parents to deal with it - grin and bear it, or is there a way to work thro' this time with baby kept as calm as possible?

mumbleema · 29/06/2014 20:18

My 6 week old cries solidly for about 3 hours every night starting at about 6pm. My health visitor says its colic and suggested Infacol but it doesn't seem to help. A friend with an older baby told me he is probably overtired but I just can't find a way to calm him down enough that he will go to sleep.

Any ideas? I am exhausted with rocking him for hours on end!

localparent · 29/06/2014 20:20

I want to get a sling for my baby but the prices seem to vary hugely. Is there one you'd recommend and are the expensive ones really worth the extra money?

SirWhingeAlot · 29/06/2014 20:34

Baby massage - does it really make any difference and if so, could you please share some tips and techniques? When should one start? Is it worth signing up for a class?

Amychris7 · 30/06/2014 08:34

My baby isn't technically a newborn anymore as is 15 weeks but I thought I would still ask for your expert advice!
My little one was sleeping through beautifully from 7.30-5 but the past few nights wakes up at about 9pm screaming and crying and just wants to be comforted by me and she sobs back off to sleep eventually at about 10.30. I've read about night terrors or sleep regression so could this be it and is there anything I can do?

Archie1970 · 30/06/2014 10:52

I've not got a newborn but a friend is due to give birth soon.
What is the best thing I can do to help make her life easier in the first few weeks?

It always helpful to cook the odd dinner for your friend or maybe offer to take the baby out for a walk so she can get some sleep. Its always very tiring in the first few weeks.

Archie1970 · 30/06/2014 10:59

I want to get a sling for my baby but the prices seem to vary hugely. Is there one you'd recommend and are the expensive ones really worth the extra money?

To be honest I have no clear favourite. the important thing is to carry your baby correctly. especially if you have issues with back pain. Some of them are expensive but very useful.....a lovely baby gift!

Original poster
LocalEditorMerton · 30/06/2014 10:59

Hello

Welcome to our webchat with Vickie Bowles from The Baby Academy. She's very much looking forward to answering your questions, but is experiencing some internet connectivity issues currently, so please bear with us if there seems to be a pause in transmission!

Those of you with newborn babies may also be interested in this 'Building A Happy Baby' Unicef document.

Welcome Vickie - over to you!

OP posts:
Archie1970 · 30/06/2014 11:01

Good Morning from sunny Cornwall....

Original poster
LocalEditorMerton · 30/06/2014 11:07

Just to point out Mumsnetters, that Archie1970 is Vickie Bowles!

OP posts:
Archie1970 · 30/06/2014 11:10

Baby massage - does it really make any difference and if so, could you please share some tips and techniques? When should one start? Is it worth signing up for a class?

Most babies love baby massage...Its always a lovely idea to sign up for a class around 6 weeks when you are feeling recovered. Its a lovely bonding experience for you both.

Original poster
LocalEditorMerton · 30/06/2014 11:11

One thing that would be useful for new parents (and parents-to-be) to know is which parenting books would get your vote, Vickie? Bookshops seem to have shelves and shelves of them these days and it can be overwhelming.

OP posts:
Whoatethelasttwirl · 30/06/2014 11:13

Hi Vickie, Do you have any tips on introducing a new baby to older children who will be aged 2 and 3 when the baby arrives. Any other tips/miracles gratefully received. Thanks I'm off for BP check but will be back later

Archie1970 · 30/06/2014 11:17

My 6 week old cries solidly for about 3 hours every night starting at about 6pm. My health visitor says its colic and suggested Infacol but it doesn't seem to help. A friend with an older baby told me he is probably overtired but I just can't find a way to calm him down enough that he will go to sleep.

Is your baby good at burping? I always advise plenty of winding after each feed. Also keeping your baby upright will help any trapped wind...also the evening is always when you at your most tired and everything feels so much worse...

Archie1970 · 30/06/2014 11:21

When it comes to baby books...there is so many to choose from and they all seem to offer different opinions. Its a hard one to answer!

4m4nd4 · 30/06/2014 11:22

Any tips for introducing a newborn to the family pets ? Is there anything I shouldn't do?

Archie1970 · 30/06/2014 11:27

What are the absolute essentials for the first 6-8 weeks? I am getting a bit overwhelmed with all the choice I'm faced with!

Yes it can be very expensive if you buy everything that your local nursery department suggests...the most useful items are plenty of muslin squares for winding and you can also buy lovely giant muslins for swaddling your baby. Also saline nose drops for a blocked nose....these are brilliant if your baby has a cold or in the summer when there is a lot of pollen in the air.

Archie1970 · 30/06/2014 11:31

I would suggest that you gently let your pet get used to your baby's scent. A crying baby can sometimes scare a cat or a dog so maybe when your baby is sleeping after a feed invite your pet to have a good look

Original poster
LocalEditorMerton · 30/06/2014 11:34

Presumably family pets shouldn't be left alone with the baby for a goodly while though?

OP posts:
Archie1970 · 30/06/2014 11:38

I am about to have another baby after a ten year gap and want to know how to establish a routine which is workable around the school day? I am very worried that I won't be able to leave the house as and when r
equired to pick up DD from school!

When baby no 2 comes along I always find that the routine has to be flexible and needs to fit in with things like school runs and other activities. The last thing you want to do is to rush a feed so my advice would be to allow a little extra time to feed your baby and still make it to the school gate on time! Maybe in the first few weeks ask a friend if they could help with the school run?