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10 Things I Googled when becoming a mum

March 19 2022 – Shaunie Harker

10 Things I Googled when becoming a mum

10 Things I Googled when becoming a mum

Gosh, the things a new mum Google’s. Surely most mums do this right? I think it's safe to say that Googling weird questions starts to become part of your daily routine. So don’t sit and think that you’re a slightly obsessed Goggling maniac that is trying to learn how to mum, we’ve all been there.. (or in most cases, still there). 

Just remember though, although Google, bloggers & other mums can provide some answers and a little direction, be reassured that not all answers are right for you or your baby. No questions is silly, all the things a new mum questions are relevant!

 

IS BABY BRAIN ACTUALLY A THING?

What day is it? Erm…

Where is the the bottle? I have no idea where I just put it..

Have you just given birth to this baby? Well, I mean, I think so..

It’s nice to know that there has been some studies that suggest that baby brain is an actual thing. We may not be as sharp or acute as we may have been and the explanation likely comes down to the tiredness and the 101 more things you have to start remembering.

 

WHY AM I CRYING SO MUCH AFTER BIRTH?

Your sudden fluctuation in hormones can cause this. To give a little reassurance, there is science behind the way you feel and it is not uncommon. Sudden fluctuation in hormones is the most likely reason for the tears, and don't ever feel bad. The hormones along with the complete change in your life and responsibilities; being overwhelmed is quite a natural part of adjusting to mum life.

If you find yourself crying for several weeks or experiencing other types of emotional upset, speak to someone that can support you. Here is a useful page for those struggling with emotions post birth.

You’re also not alone in wondering if your baby is crying too much either. Gosh, 10 minutes of baby crying, as a new mum, you start to wonder whether your cut out for this kind of promotion. On average, newborns tend to cry for 2 hours a day. An article we found useful: How much crying is normal for a baby?

 

WHEN WILL MY NIPPLES GO BACK TO NORMAL?


I love this honesty!!: "No hidden description here, the digestives that appeared on my boobs sprouted mini peperami’s. Ok, maybe I’m being a little excessive there, but, they were not normal and I quite frankly hated them".

Anyway, it’s good to know that most boobs return to some form of normality within a few months.  

This Parents article covers a lot of boob related FAQ’s.

 

HOW DO I STOP MY NEWBORN CRYING?

It can be hard, but trying to best understand why your baby is crying will help. Here is a generic article on Seven reasons babies cry and how to soothe them.

Some of the things that worked for us were offering the breast, giving a dummy, white noise playlist, cuddles and rocking while my head was close to hers, taking a bath and singing (sing whatever, Daddy opted for football chants, acoustic versions of course).

Additional reasons for crying: Overstimulation, trapped wind, viral infections, other allergies, poor breastfeeding latch, hunger, colic, oral thrush & purple crying.

 

IS IT NORMAL TO GET CLOT LIKE BLEEDING AFTER BIRTH?

Clotting is normal immediately after birth, however, prolonged clotting or extra large clots may be a cause for concern. My midwife said the odd clot can be as large as a golf ball, YIKES. The advice I received was to drink plenty of water, and to look out for any dizziness, shortness of breath, foul 

Blood clots after birth

 

HOW CAN MY BABY DRINK AND BREATHE AT THE SAME TIME?

Quite ‘sciencey’ but, the larynx sits up high in the nasal cavity (like a snorkel), which allows a baby to breathe and drink at the same time. This stops at 3 months though when the larynx drops further down the throat.

 

HOW LONG SHOULD MY BABY GO WITHOUT POOING?

Breastfed babies older than 6 weeks, may go up to 1-2 weeks (WTF) without a dirty nappy as a lot of what they consume is absorbed. Formula fed babies should go at least once a day.

Read more: Baby Constipation: How Long Can Baby Go Without Pooping?

 

HOW DO I ASK PEOPLE TO SANITISE THEIR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING MY BABY WITHOUT SOUNDING RUDE?

Pointless goggling this one, your baby, your rules. If you want someone to sanitise, which is completely normal, you hand them that bottle or direct them to the closest sink. If they make a comment, hit them with a germ fact (or the bottle of sanitiser ).

 

HOW LONG WILL MY C-SECTION TAKE TO HEAL?

Honestly, everyone is different. There is an average timeline you can follow but everyone heals at different rates. Healthline have a good timeline to take as a guide for both vaginal and c-section postpartum recovery.

 

WHAT SHOULD MY NEWBORN WEAR FOR BED?

Gro Company have an automated guide where you input three things: Temperature, Age & Weight that gives an outcome on what to dress your baby to bed in based on your answers. As a rule of thumb, the ideal temperature is 16-20C with a light weight, well fitted sleep bag.

A good guide to go by:

  • 26 + degreesC: Vest
  • 24-25 degreesC: Vest and 0.5 tog sleeping bag
  • 22-23 degreesC: Vest and 1 tog sleeping bag
  • 18-21 degreesC: Vest, sleepsuit and 1 tog sleeping bag
  • 15-17 degreesC: Vest, sleepsuit and 2.5 tog sleeping bag plus a blanket

Couple of things to note:

  • If using a blanket, check the tog / thickness. Doubling a blanket over, doubles the tog
  • Touch test for a baby being too hot, two finds on back of the neck to see if they are sweating
  • Don’t go by feet and hands as these are often cooler than the rest of the body
  • Keep room cool by opening a window to circulate air and keep curtains / blinds closed
  • * info from BabyCentre

 

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