Key Development Milestones for 11-Weeks-Old Baby
Newborns at this point already have definite ideas of their own and when they get bored with your stories, they will turn their face away to indicate that you need to try something different. Your baby at week 11 also loves toys that make a noise, such as rattles. Your little athlete is also building body strength and may do mini press-ups while lying on his stomach.
By 11 weeks, your baby will also be showing signs of tiredness. Looking away, yawning and being unable to hold your gaze are signs of over-stimulation. By decoding these signs you will learn to put the baby down to sleep before he gets overtired. Teaching him the skill of self-soothing in this way is vital for training his long-term sleep patterns. Aim to lay him down in his cot while he is sleepy and tired but still awake.
Continue to sing to him at this stage, coo to him, play little games like peek-a-boo narrate stories to him and talk to him. These interactions should be uncomplicated and fun but they are critical in feeding his brain. Just because he cannot express himself at this stage does not mean he doesn’t understand. Your baby is a learning machine, taking in information like a sponge. Talking or singing to him are also all great ways for connecting and bonding with your baby to create a strong emotional connection.
Read More: Your Newborn Baby at Week 12
You at Week 11 of Being a Mum
Some new mothers were fortunate enough that their bellies snapped back into shape a couple of weeks after baby was born. However, the majority of new mums have to content with postpartum pots. You may be feeling under pressure to tie your stomach or wear a waist trainer so that it goes down.
How effective are waist trainers for postpartum recovery? This is what midwives advise their clients, “it took 9 months to make your little one and it will probably take 9 months to lose the baby weight and return to your original body size.”
Eating a Healthy Diet for Breastfeeding
Remember that it takes much more food to breastfeed than it does to be pregnant, so eat healthy foods for lactating mums. During the peak moments of pregnancy, your unborn baby consumes around 300 calories from you. While nursing, your newborn will demand anywhere from 500 calories and up from you. Some useful tips for a breastfeeding diet:
- Eat when you are hungry
- Drink plenty of water and other beverages or fruits high in water volume.
- You do not have to eat massive quantities of food during breastfeeding but you will do well with nutrient-dense meals and snacks so have healthy and easy recipes for when you want to snack.
- Limit the junk and focus on fresh, local foods that are common in our indigenous diets.
- When tired, ask your partner to make easy meals that you can both have.
Self Care for Mums After Childbirth
You may be up at odd hours and spend most of your day in a tracksuit or pyjamas. Remember that your self care is also important. The good thing about having visitors is that you do get to spruce up and at least change out of your ‘home clothes.’
Taking care of yourself and your appearance will boost your confidence and help you feel feminine while adding some normalcy to your life. Try to have some bit of me-time and map out a few enjoyable or relaxing activities you can pass time with when the moment presents itself.
Get Expert-Led Postnatal and Well Baby Care at Malaica
From psychologists to a nutritionist, gynecologist, general doctor, and pediatrician, the goal of our holistic care for your recovery and your baby’s growth is to make sure you’re both thriving in all areas. Our postnatal program also comes with an exclusive 24/7 emergency line for Malaica mums, an online support community with newborn mothers, and a virtual psychologist specialized in maternal mental healthcare.
Curious how we can empower your postpartum recovery and support your baby’s healthy development? Book a consultation or call us at +254 746 610643 to learn more.
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