So how will I know how to take care of a newborn?

[Estrella1]

Hi,

I have absolutely no experience with babies. I have no siblings, and friends with babies. My mum, on whose advice I was counting said that she actually forgot everything as it was more than 30 year ago :-)I started to worry about how will I know/ who will teach me how to bath a baby, swaddle, hold him etc. NCT courses ,as I understand, are not focusing on after delivery life. I read books, but I can't read all book in the world and I find it hard so far to put theory into practice. So what do I do?

[MillyONaire]

Your baby will have no one to compare you to! That was my mantra (I had barely held a baby before having my first) - and my mum admitted that she didn't bath my older brother properly until he was older because she was too terrified he would not survive the experience!!
Like everyone else said: you learn on the job and your baby will not be giving you marks out of ten so you'll learn from your mistakes and be an expert in no time!!

[snowgirl1]

If you can afford it, sign up for NCT classes and make an effort to get to know the others in your group, e.g. go for coffee before the babies are born to get to know each other. The NCT class will cover bathing, nappy changing etc. and the others in your group will be real life people who are going through the same thing as you that you can get reassurance that you're not doing it all wrong!

[quirkychick]

If you have your baby in the hospital and have to stay in the nurses make sure you can bath, change nappy etc.

Nhs antenatal course was useful too. As others say not just for what you learn but the other people you meet. Local breastfeeding group (if you decide too) was a life saver too, with great advice and support. Meeting other mums is great.

You learn to do whatever is best for your family and your baby. They are all different!

[quirkychick]

*decide to, obviously.

Phone also typed breadfeeding! (weaning comes later

They aren't newborns long btw. Congratulations too.

[systemsaddict]

I had no clue at all! The Internet is a wonderful resource :-) and Mumsnet is fantastic. And if you can get to groups to meet mothers with babies the same age that can be very helpful too. You will learn as you go along, and just as you think you've got the hang of it, it will all change. But it's OK, that's how it is for everyone.

[Estrella1]

Thanks girls, you made me feel much better.I was about to start panicking. :-)Will speak to midwife when I have my next appointment.

[naturalbaby]

The NHS book for the basics, NCT classes did cover some basics and then we had mums in the same situation to meet up with and compare notes. I spent a lot of time at mother and baby groups to talk to other mums for hints and tips.
For everything else there's google and mumsnet.

[ContinentalKat]

Some excellent advice here, Estrella. And remember, all these really competent mums you see around everywhere were once just as clueless as you are.
I remember refusing to leave hospital with dc1 because "I wasn't qualified to look after a baby"... Both kids have so far survived my parenting

Read up, by all means, but because there is so much conflicting advice out there I would say choose one book and stick with it.

[slightlyinsane]

I don't know anyone who didn't have a panic at the thought of looking after their 1st. I will never forget the terrified look on my brothers face when I handed my dd over to him.
Like many people I'd never had anything to do with babies before my 1st, never held one, changed one, fed one, I'd just looked at them.
You will be surprised how much comes naturally, it's an old cliche but so true. AAslong as you know there is a front and back to nappies you'll figure it out, I still get that wrong after changing bums for a solid 9 1/2 yrs.
Ask your mw to show you how to bath them the "correct" way and then you'll find your own way of holding them in the water.
As for swaddling I'm still working on that, one of my 5 wk old twins manages to wriggle out every night and travel the cot!
Once you been thrown in to parent hood you'll wonder why you were worried about it all, then they'll upset everything with a nappy that's leaked everywhere leaving you wondering where the blinking heck to start and how on earth can they getpoo upto their neck! Still baffles me.
It's hard work but soooooo worth it

[sleeplessbunny]

I didn't think the NHS give out the Birth to Five book anymore? I agree it is helpful, ask your midwife if you will get a copy. I got one for DD but not for DS (born this year) and I was under the impression it had gone with cost cutting. If you won't be getting one, I can send you mine if you PM me your address.

[Estrella1]

sleeplessbunny, that is very kind of you, thank you for offering! i 'll check with midwife when I can.

[neversleepagain]

The more you do it the easier it will be. After 3 or 4 weeks things like nappy changes, bathing and feeding will be like second nature.

[MetalLaLa]

I believe the Birth to Five book is available online, it was a few months ago as I was told it was and found it on the NHS website.

[Nyancat]

if you are anything like me you won't have a clue what you are doing, but you sort of muddle through and then realise you've kept the baby alive for a day, then 2 days, then a week and like that and just when you get the hang of one thing a new thing.starts!

[Redling]

My Hospital run a 'preparing for baby' workshop, I'm going in two weeks. I think it might be mainly breastfeeding but with a bit of practical info. Check to see if your HA do it?