Making “Sense” of the World

The big day has finally arrived! Now he needs to make “sense” of the world

Your baby is experiencing life outside the womb for the first time, it is so amazing to witness this epic event. There is so much you can do to make this transition a little easier. Try to imagine what it is like in the womb, that will help you to understand your baby’s needs and reactions. He has highly developed senses especially the sense of touch, smell and taste. The other senses develop at a rapid rate as he absorbs his new world.

Life on the outside

The dry air feels strange after having being in water, you may notice him “feeling” the air with his tongue.

He will sneeze a lot in the first few days, this is his way of clearing his nose and is normal.

He may suck his bottom lip as this is how he was drinking the amniotic fluid. Some babies while learning to breastfeed resort to sucking this way, they have to be encouraged to open their mouth and latch correctly.

A warm bath especially if you let him lie on his tummy reminds him of home and he will love it. – see the bath notes in “Back to Baby Basics” book for the tip on using a towel in the water, be careful not to let his face go into the water.

Sounding strange;

Your heart beat was a constant reassuring sound, it is very comforting and familiar if you let him lie on your chest and listen to it again.

He is used to sounds being muffled, he may frown at sounds that are strange and turn towards familiar sounds.

The male voice comes through particularly clearly in utero, if your baby is unsettled let dad talk or sing to him it usually has a calming effect.

He will be soothed by your voice, let him hear it often and avoid load noises.

Babies often react to music or sounds that are in the background that they heard in utero.

A taste of life;

He will be comforted by sucking and smelling the amniotic fluid on his hands, it is better not to wash them after birth.

He is attracted to the smell of breast milk and the oils on the areola; this will stimulate the rooting reflex and will help him to latch on to the breast.

Each mother has her own unique scent that the baby will recognise.

He won’t like perfumes or after shave, avoid using these especially when he is skin to skin. Your baby will recognise the smell of massage oil or bath products. If this event is pleasurable, he will get very excited as he knows what’s coming.

 

The touch of love;

Your baby loves the feeling of your touch, just think that every time you had Braxton Hicks contraction your baby got a hug. When you rubbed your belly he had a massage.

He feels secure being close to you, loves to be skin to skin and enjoys it when you touch, stroke and cuddle him.

He is used to movement, he will love rhythmic motions, to be swayed, held and rocked.

The amniotic sack and his cord is as smooth as satin, and this is what he has been touching and feeling in utero. Most babies love to touch satin or rub satin ribbon between their fingers; they often choose a comfort toy or blanket that has satin fabric on it.

After a bath or when your baby is unsettled try swaddle him this cocoon effect gives them the security of the womb. Please note that they need to exercise their muscles so need to be kept open most of the time

At first sight;

He can see clearly at a distance of 20cm that is about the distance from your breast to your face.

You will see that at times baby will look intently at you as if he is printing your face in his mind, when he looks at your face he may mimic what you are doing- try opening and closing your mouth or pulling a tongue repetitively.

He won’t like bright lights, keep him in natural light and he will open his eyes a lot more.

Your baby’s body temperature was well regulated in utero; he needs to keep him warm but not over heated. A good guide is usually one layer more than the mother and if he is premature an extra layer is necessary.

Skin to skin works very well at regulating a baby’s body temperature and should be done as often as possible in the first few days. Wear a stretchy top preferably with a few buttons, you can undo them and pop him inside to cuddle with you. This is important on day two and three as he will want to lie close to you and you can relax knowing that he can’t fall out of your arms should you fall asleep.

The connections through senses whilst breastfeeding are significant, the taste and smell of the milk, your touch, the sound of your voice, the sight of the mother’s face and the areola.

The newborn has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three.

Grantly Dick-Read