| ▲ | oftenwrong 8 months ago | |
It would be hard to compile a comprehensive guide on such a vast topic. It would be more like an entire library. Consider that there are many areas where cultural differences preclude concensus. The closest thing available is probably public health guidelines. These are reliable, evidence-based resources that have been carefully crafted to be useful to all people. For example: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/ Of course, the context of a public health guideline is limiting. The average person cannot be given the whole, messy truth. The public health guidelines are a way to simplify that complex landscape, and provide a guide that is easy for that average person to follow correctly and safely. Breastfeeding often does not come as naturally as one might think. A newborn's brain may be barely developed enough to do it. It is not unusual for new mothers to enter a state of negative thinking as a result of breastfeeding difficulties (or anything else, really). A lactation consultant can help a great deal. They can provide advice on technique, and they can act as a coach/therapist. The postpartum period may be difficult for the mother. Try to be a keen observer, and don't hesitate to ask your doctor for advice on how to proceed if it seems like things are not going well. On a related note: seek help. In the context of the entire history of human parenthood, it is very unusual for the two parents to be the only direct caregivers of a child. If you have a support network that would help you, make use of it. This could be family, friends, neighbours, or people from some other community group you are a part of. Hire someone to help if you can. This is not just about helping hands; it is also valuable to receive outside input and emotional support. For example, someone with parental experience knows that caring for a newborn is typically straightforward and easy in many respects, whereas a new parent on their own may find it overwhelming and frightening. Even just having someone at your side will help make you feel more at ease. It is also very nice to have a reprieve. I recommend this series of articles on baby sleep, sleep training, and more: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220131-the-science-of-s... https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220322-how-sleep-traini... I also recommend this subreddit as a jumping-off point for more evidence-based resources (the typical caveats about information from social media apply): | ||