Holding your baby
The first hour or so after the baby has been born will be typically spent where you have given birth. If all has gone well, the role of early parenting will consist basically of holding and talking to your new baby. It is not unusual for much of this holding to be done by the partner or support person as the mother recovers, eats, has routine procedures performed and freshens up.
Some parents will reach out and hold their newborn baby as if they have been doing it forever. This could come naturally, or be helped by past experiences dealing with the babies of friends or relatives. Other parents may never have held a baby before, and can feel nervous, wondering, "How do I pick up this very small, little being?"
Be aware that babies are pretty 'durable' even if they look small and delicate, although supporting the baby's neck muscles is important. The baby's neck is not strong enough to support its own head-weight just yet. These muscles will develop over the coming weeks and months, meaning that less support will be needed over time.
The following are some tips for lifting and holding your new baby.
If the baby is being passed to you from another person:
 |
Simply cradle both arms with your hands facing upwards, overlapping at waist level, and let the baby's neck rest in the crook of one of your bent elbows. Use the rest of your 'cradled' arms to support the baby's body. Your caregiver will normally guide you for this first hold. |
Image 10-26 shows a father cradling his baby.
If picking up the baby from the bed or cot: