Classes
Section 1 - Introduction
It takes some time to get used to having a new baby at home. That adjustment is easier if you know what to expect from your baby and what to expect from yourself.
This class covers Mom's physical and emotional changes in the first few weeks. It also describes how a new baby might look and usually behaves. If offers ideas on how to cope with your baby's sleeping, crying and exploration of the world. Class topics are:
This class also includes:
Section 2 - Mom's new body
You are now the proud owner of a new mom's body! The body that nurtured your baby for nine months is changing again. It takes time for your body to recover from the birth, and if you are breastfeeding, you experience more changes. It's important for you to rest when you can and to eat well.
Section 3 - Mom's new emotions
Talk about ups and downs! It's normal for a new mom to go through a wide range of emotions, from joy, excitement and amazement to fear, sadness, anger and more - often in a short period of time! Physical changes, fatigues, changing hormones and the pressure of this new "on-the-job training" all contribute to this, and new parents are often surprised about the depth of all their emotions! All new parents go through a time of adjustment after the new baby arrives.
Section 4 - What does a new baby look like?
A first look at your new baby
If you have never seen a newborn baby before you may be quite surprised the first time you see your child. Newborns look quite different from babies who are a few weeks old. Here are some of the normal things that you may notice about your newborn:
Section 5 - What does a new baby do?
Here are a few interesting facts to help you to get to know your newborn better.
Section 6 - How do I read my new baby's cues?
In the first year of life, babies feel a wide range of emotions such as distress, fear, joy, interest and sadness. Babies cannot talk, but parents can learn to understand how they are feeling if they watch them carefully.
Section 7 - Levels of sleeping and waking
Newborn babies have six different levels of sleeping and waking called ‘states'. Understanding these states will make it easier for you to read your baby's signals and respond to his needs.
Section 8 - When Your Baby is Awake
Movement is vital for the healthy growth and development of your baby. Most of baby's movements at this stage are reflexes like sucking, grasping and rooting.
