Your baby at week 6 will likely have an increased appetite. Keep drinking plenty of fluids to maintain an adequate supply of milk for their feeding. The standard recommendation is between two and four litres per day. Your baby will also prefer your company to anyone else’s and so it’s a good idea to get him used to the various caregivers in his life, especially if you are a working mum who is planning to return to secular work.
Baby’s Vaccination at 6 Weeks
This week you’ll also take your baby for their next dose of vaccination after those given at birth. They will be getting:
- Pentavalent Vaccine – 1st dose to protect against (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b
- Pneumococcal Vaccine 1 to protect against pneumonia
- Rotavirus vaccine 1 to prevent diarrhoea
- Oral polio vaccine 1 (OPV) to protect against polio
Bonding with Daddy
Baby’s bonding time with Daddy is ideally in the evening during bath and story time. Do not underestimate the role of your partner for even as early as 6 weeks of development, babies can recognize the voice of their mother’s partner. Let them spend as much time listening to Daddy read, laugh and talk while experiencing the comfort of his touch.
Sleep Training Your Baby at Week 6
Sticking to a bedtime routine will help with training your baby to have good sleep habits. Aim to have her bathed and settled by 6 pm each day then put them in a quiet and dark room with minimal sound and no stimulation. Beware of sleep mobiles, stuffies, and other cot decorations as these can be too stimulating, according to sleep specialist Judy Clark. Remember to put your baby on her back to sleep.
If you have noticed your baby has some cradle cap, wash their hair gently using plain water. Apply coconut oil or olive oil to soften the cradle cap and it will come off on its own.
Related: Your Newborn Baby at Week 5
You at 6 Weeks of Being a Mum
Your body and hormones will be stabilizing after pregnancy so do not be surprised if you feel a bit weepy. If you do not feel like seeing visitors just tell your intermediary to inform them that you are resting. It is also a good idea occasionally to take yourself and the baby out for short trips. You can take your stroller or drive to the mall or nearby parks or supermarkets just to get active.
If you are recovering from a Caesarean Section or episiotomy, be sure to take it easy and have your gynecologist or midwife monitor the wounds closely. Some mothers experience excruciating pain or infection from the wounds but if you feel you are not healing as fast as you should, seek medical attention.
Experiencing Insufficient Milk Supply?
If you are having difficulty producing enough breast milk, take heart and don’t feel like you’re failing at motherhood. Before considering adding formula to your baby’s diet, sign up for a lactation consultation with one of our Malaica experts in our post-natal care program.
Curious how Malaica can support your postpartum recovery journey and your newborn’s development? Book a consultation or call us at +254 746 610643 to learn more about our maternity care.
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