Caring for Your Baby at Week 3
At the third week, your baby is growing rapidly which means that they will require frequent feeding, which might also improve your milk supply but also come with some bit of fussiness. When it comes to feeding at this point, do it on demand as opposed to following a strict schedule. Other areas of care for your baby at week 3 include:
Getting Plenty of Fresh Air
Ensure that your 3 weeks old baby is getting plenty of fresh air. Even if she spends all her time indoors at this stage, keep the doors and windows open during her daytime naps, to maintain a free flow of oxygen. Several parents mistakenly bundle their babies up and keep them cooped up with all the windows shut. This is not recommended because the air quality becomes poor.
Caring for the Umbilical Cord
Caring for your baby’s umbilical cord will also be a concern during the early weeks. Follow your nurse’s instructions when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting the belly button. It should dry up and fall off on its own.
It will look a little strange as it shrinks and shrivels up, and may have a slightly strange odour which is normal. However, see a doctor immediately if it starts to swell or oozes discharge.
Stool for a Newborn Baby at Week 3
Note that during the first few days and weeks, your baby may not always have stool that is the same colour. If you are breastfeeding, his stools will likely be yellowish and loose. If he is formula fed, the stool will likely be darker and much firmer, giving the impression that your baby is constipated.
Things to Watch out for With a 3-Weeks-Old Baby
As your baby gets used to the world and feeding, this is also the time to watch out for things like:
- Colic symptoms: If your baby is having difficulty sleeping, breastfeeding or experiencing symptoms that appear to be colic, try these soothing techniques if mild and if they don’t seem to work, seek medical advice.
- Reflux or food intolerance: This is likely the case if your baby is spitting up huge amounts of feed when burping, or is emitting projectile vomit. Go with your gut and seek a first and second opinion.
- Jaundice: Keep your eyes peeled also to detect any strange changes in the baby’s complexion. If she appears to have a yellowish tinge, mention this during your pediatric clinic visit, to rule out infant jaundice.
Related: Your Newborn Baby at Week 2: Growth Milestones, Sleeping, and Feeding
Your Body’s Recovery After Birth
During this period, your body will still be healing after birth. Even as you do so, you should also look at healthy foods for breastfeeding mums.
If you are considering resuming your fitness routine or exercise, speak with your midwife or gynecologist for advice. Either way, it is important to get moving, facilitate your return to fitness and boost your energy levels. Stretching, yoga and light exercises are fine, but listen to your body’s signals to ensure you do not overdo them.
If you feel unusually tearful, overwhelmed and struggle with persistent insomnia and listlessness, mention this to your doctor or your Malaica Nurse Midwife and look at our post-natal depression checklist to rule out this possibility.
Personalized Postnatal Care for You and Your Baby
We have a list of doctors and nurse midwives in the Malaica program that are committed to helping you navigate this period with as much support as possible. Our postnatal care support includes recovery monitoring, mental health screening, help with breastfeeding and latching, baby feeding and sleep advice, maternal nutrition tips, adjustment to parenthood support, and so much more.
Book a consultation today or call us at +254 746 610643 to learn more about how we can support you and your baby to help you thrive in your new chapter.
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