Most Popular Articles

A Guide for First-Time Parents

You've survived 9 months of pregnancy. You've made it through the excitement of labor and delivery, and now you're ready to head home and begin life with your baby. Once home, though, you frantically realize you have no idea what you're doing!

You've survived 9 months of pregnancy. You've made it through the excitement of labor and delivery, and now you're ready to head home and begin life with your baby. Once home, though, you frantically realize you have no idea what you're doing!

Brushing up on these tips can help first-time parents feel confident about caring for a newborn in no time.

Baby-care basics:

* Getting Help After the Birth
* Handling a Newborn
* Bonding and Soothing Techniques
* Diapering Dos and Don'ts
* Bathing Basics
* Circumcision and Umbilical Cord Care
* Feeding and Burping Your Baby
* Sleeping Basics

Getting Help After the Birth
Consider recruiting help from friends and family to get through this time, which can be very hectic and overwhelming. While in the hospital, use the expertise around you. Many hospitals have feeding specialists or lactation consultants who can help you get started nursing or bottle-feeding. In addition, nurses are a great resource to show you how to hold, burp, change, and care for your baby.

Jump to full text of this article here.