The first 6 weeks

0-6 Weeks

General Infant Behavior

Sleeps about 16 hours/day, in small increments, at one month
Lack of mobility; movements are reflexive
Sucking ability
Frequent eating
Pattern of repeated crying at a certain time every day may indicate colic (contact doctor)
Draw attention by crying
Can see objects that are about 10 inches away; vision is not fully developed yet

Positive Parenting Practices

Handle infant often while making eye contact
Respond to needs by checking for signs of discomfort (hungry, wet, diaper pins, etc.)
Feed on demand until full (child will self-regulate eventually)
Smile and talk softly in a pleasant tone while holding, touching, and handling infant
Touching, rocking, talking, smiling, and singing all positively affect how your baby’s brain is “wired” and helps to shape later learning and behavior
Baby should sleep on his/her back unless doctor says otherwise

About Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression in mothers:

At least 50-80% of new mothers experience the baby blues, a mild form of depression that begins a few days to a week after delivery and generally lasts no longer than two weeks. If you have the blues, you may be weepy, anxious, and unable to sleep. You may also be irritable and moody.

Could I be suffering from postpartum depression?

If your mood doesn’t lift within a week or two, you may have postpartum depression. About 10% of new mothers develop full-blown clinical depression, which can last from two weeks to as long as a year.

You cannot sleep when your baby sleeps, no matter how tired you are
May also experience a loss of appetite
Panic attacks
Intrusive thoughts about harming the baby
Postpartum depression in mothers that lasts more than a few months after birth has been known to cause the mother to be less responsive to their baby’s needs
Lack of attention from the mother can fail to provide the baby with the cognitive stimulation they need to form connections in the brain

If you feel you may be suffering from postpartum depression, talk with your doctor or call Gallatin City/County Health Department @ 406-582-3100.