Tip 240: Post 1week birth be watchful

It is truly a miracle to be able to hold a new born baby and watch this new life explore the world. The fragile baby gets stronger bit by bit each day and feels better adapted to the new environment. The baby copes better as she feels the warm embrace of mummy and begin to smile at the goodness of love. Upon birth, the baby can weigh so light and its limbs and fingers so tiny. As previously blogged, I encouraged daddies to hold and carry their baby even if they feel less able than mummy. We, daddies are capable of many things beyond our imagination. Spending that extra time to carry and watch the baby does help mummy as well as give baby the much needed affection needed. Plus, the first week of birth may be the most crucial week of a baby's life as the baby is still learning the ropes of this new earth. The baby has just started learning how to lie on a bed outside the pool of liquid in mummy's womb. The baby is also having her first taste of saliva and fresh air. The baby just started moving her body, neck and back to allow her to inhale and exhale, as well as to adjust to a comfortable position. The baby had her first pain at the hospital during inoculation/ vaccination and has just understood that there is a level of pain and comfort to be experienced. The baby is starting to explore the cool/warm bed and adjust herself to a position that she can sleep well and breath well. The baby also learns quickly on when to cry whenever she wants milk. Yet, in all this new beginnings for the baby, it is but trial and error. There are probabilities of error beyond the baby's knowledge and sometimes even out of the awareness of daddy and mummy. Hence, the need for extra vigilance and attention during the first week of birth.

















I was observing Sayaka while she was lying on the bed on her back when she was around 4 days old, while mummy got out of bed for a while. Sayaka does have regular cravings for milk, so the increased saliva in her mouth. She was also quite active as possibly my constant attention and speaking with her spurs her to be curious of her surroundings. She was beginning to move quite a bit, kicking her legs and moving her neck. Then, as I speak to her, she suddenly got startled. She began to choke on her saliva and her face was turning red. I could see that her whole body was tensed up. She was trying hard to breath, but was unable. She was trying to cry, but was overwhelmed by the choking. Immediately, I carried her and pat her on her back a few times. I was so relieved when I heard her coughing and crying. The patting was akin to light Heimlich Maneuver that I have learnt from my first aid lessons during my school days. She possibly could have overcame it by herself through trial and error and learning to cough harder. I am sure this trial has made her stronger and I am glad that now at 3 months old, she has a very healthy and strong body through her active exploration of her limits. All in all, I am glad that I was around Sayaka during her first choking experience.













In Japan, babies usually stay in the hospital for 1 week after birth as it is paid for by the insurance. In Singapore/Malaysia, many would discharge from the hospital upon 2 days if there is normal and safe delivery. However, keeping constant eye on the baby may be necessary at least for the first week. In fact, attachment parenting principles will suggest sleeping next to your baby instead of in a separate bed.













(Photos show Sayaka at 3 days old, 1 month and 2.5 months old)