Baby tips after your maternity week
There is a lot going on for you during the first days, weeks and months after birth. With this information and useful baby tips we hope to give you some extra guidance in your development as a family.
Moreover, you will get to know different organisations. For example, the child consultation nurse with try to establish contact with you within 14 days after the birth of your baby. The first time she will visit you at home, follow-up appointments will take place at the “consultatiebureau”( child consultation office). There are possibilities to visit the Consultatiebureau between the official appointments, for example to weigh your child or to ask questions about feeding, sleeping and parenting. Additionally, you can turn to your midwife for questions up to 6 weeks after birth. After the maternity period you can contact Moed-er for coaching and guidance. www.moed-er.nl Check our tips for after your maternity week below.
Breastfeeding tips
For questions related to breastfeeding you can always turn to various breastfeeding organisations or lactation consultants.
Vitamin K
From day 8 up to three months you should supplement your baby vitamin K. Should you stop breastfeeding or start combining breastfeeding and formula before three months, please consult the pediatric nurse from the Consultatiebureau when to stop giving vitamin K supplements.
Vitamin D
Also, supplement vitamin D from day 8 until the age of 4. It is also recommended for the nursing mother to take vitamin D supplements.
Make sure to read the dosage instructions on the package; they may vary between brands!
All babies have restless days with a different feeding demand. The baby is uncomfortable and demands more frequent feedings. This usually shows around 10-14 days, 6 weeks and 3 months. By meeting the baby’s demand, the baby drinks more often and gets the amount of milk it needs, simultaneously stimulating the mother’s breasts to increase milk production.
Preferably defrost breastmilk slowly in the refrigerator or by keeping it under running water gradually turned from cold to warm. Defrosted breastmilk usually looks different from fresh (pumped) breastmilk. However, this doesn’t influence the quality. Stir the milk well before use.
Defrosted, not reheated breastmilk can be used for 24 hours, if stored refrigerated.
Breastmilk should not be heated over 30-35 degrees Celsius. When you warm up breastmilk in the microwave, the milk should be stirred halfway and at the end. Small amounts should be warmed up au-bain-Marie.
Throw away left-overs of milk one hour after reheating and never warm up twice.
Prepare for pumping breastmilk timely and let your baby get used to drinking breastmilk from a bottle once and a while from approximately week 3.
It is possible to continue 2-3 breastfeeding moments for quite some time when you go back to work. Your employer is legally obliged to offer space and time for you to pump or feed for at least 9 months.
Bottle feeding (formula)
The amount of formula is usually increased by 10ml a day, unless advised otherwise. For example with baby’s with a low birth weight.
You basically keep increasing the amount daily up to a maximum of 100 ml per feeding. The pediatric nurse from the Consultatiebureau will advise you further about increasing the amounts.
Do you have any questions sooner, please feel free to contact the pediatric nurse of your consultation office.
You should supplement your baby vitamin D from day 8 up to the age of 4. Check the package for the correct dosage.
Babies that are bottle fed can have frequency days as well. This probably is due to a growth spurt, increasing their feeding demand.
- Rinse bottles and nipple with cold water after use. Clean them well after rinsing; preferably in a dishwasher, at least at 55 degrees Celsius.
- If there is no dishwasher available or there are not enough bottles: wash the bottles with hot water and detergent and use a bottle brush. Rinse the items thoroughly with clean water.
- Leave to dry on a clean towel.
- Always check bottle nipples for damage and replace them every 6 weeks.
Using a car seat
Do not use the car seat (Maxi-Cosi) as a bed when underway. Your baby is constantly in a curved position. We also advise you to slowly increase the duration of transport and to avoid keeping your baby in the seat for hours. Keep to a maximum of 2 hours in the seat. Then make sure you lay your baby down in another position for at least half an hour.
Going outside in a stroller/pram
When you and your baby go outside together, dress your baby the same way as yourself and add one more layer (= blanket). Use a baby hat when it rains or when it’s windy. Do not use a hot water bottle with your baby in the pram, but you can use it to warm up the pram before you go. If you enter a warmer environment, make sure to lower the cap or take away the extra blanket.
It is not necessary to put a blanket over the pram to protect your baby from the sun. In fact, this can be a serious risk for your baby in terms of fresh air and a temperature that can increase by 7 degrees underneath the blanket. Preferably skip the hottest part of the day to go for a walk or use a parasol if you must. Put the cap down on hot days to ensure enough fresh air.
Does your baby have a fever?
When your baby’s temperature is 38°C or over in the first 3 months, this is considered a fever!
Check first if your baby hasn’t been covered too warm. In this case remove a layer (some clothes or a blanket) and check again after an hour. Call your home doctor immediately if the temperature hasn’t come down. Also check if your baby’s behaviour is different (drowsy or alert).
When your baby’s temperature is lower than 36.5 °C, please check if your baby wasn’t dressed too cold. Add a layer (clothes or a blanket) and check again after an hour. Call your home doctor if the temperature hasn’t come up and keep an eye on your baby’s behaviour.
When you are worried, don’t hesitate to call a doctor. You know your baby best!
Postpartum woman
Going out: realise when you go for a walk that you don’t go too far, increase slowly.
Postpartum discharge: this can last up to 6 weeks. In general this has reduced to a minimum around 3 weeks.
Rest: keep as a rule to put yourself to rest in the afternoon as long as you your baby needs night feedings. Feeling sore around the pubic area can imply that you have done too much. Please be sure to take enough rest. Please be sure to take enough rest.
After the maternity period
On the following pages you can read more about after the maternity period.
extending maternity care
Information about
Babythuiszorg
Information about
Child consultation office / Youth healthcare
You can call JeugdGezondheidsZorg (JGZ) or email them to make or reschedule appointments with your consultation office. Please mention to which consultation office the email is addressed. Your mail will be forwarded.