The Healthy Baby

You’ve waited nine long months and sometimes wondered if your baby would ever arrive. Suddenly the infant is in your arms–and most mothers feel thats their organized life has become topsy turvey. You’ll start by examining your child carefully–and of course –satisfying yourself that everything is normal.

• Appearance: Most babies weigh between 3200 to 3600 grams or 7 to 8 pounds. Some babies are quite small, either because they are premature or were underweight. On the other hand, some infants are quite huge (over4500 grams)–but may of these had mothers who had diabetes.
• Body Position: When your baby is born, you will notice that the body is curled up, with bent knees and elbows. Even the feet are curved. Don’t be concerned — this is usual and the body will soon straighten out.
• Body Movements: babies sleep most of the time, but you will notice movements, even during sleep — stretching, slight trembling and often showing some sucking and eye movement. When the baby is awake, arms and legs will move in various directions– and the baby will grasp hold of something places near a hand. (A detailed description of these movements or reflexes will be discussed in further detail on my next blog)
• Skin: At birth most babies are very red. Hands and feet may look a little blue because blood circulation during this time is still sluggish. Your baby is still adjusting to the outside world. There may be some birthmarks, or somewhat that resembles a bruise specially on the lower back. This is evident to dark skinned babies and is caused by the pigment in the deep layers of the skin.
• Head: You will notice the soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the baby’s head. This is covered by a tough inner skin, do not be scared to do regular activities like washing the baby’s scalp.
• Eyes: A newborn’s eyes are closed most of the time. Young infants look cross eyed and this is normal.

These are basically signs of a normal, healthy baby. If you are a mother like me, I think you would know right away if there is something wrong with your new baby. Until I have given birth to my eldest son 12 years ago, I have never believed in a mother’s instinct, but I am telling you, it is quite true. In most of the years I have been a mother, I have thanked my instincts so many times because, trusting these instincts always told me how to handle things with my kids and prevent them from harm. Call me superstitious but it’s true!