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Giving birth to a baby is the most wonderful thing in the world. This experience is not only great for a mother, but for the baby as well. In the womb, baby is perfectly protected, until it comes out into the real world where the things are not that easy as they used to be. This is why the first few months after the birth are crucial, because at that time the baby needs to get used to living without the comfort of the uterus.
Function of the Womb
Uterus, also known as the womb, is a special reproductive organ which shields and protects the fruit of your loins from internal and external influence. Its main function is, thus, protection, but also insulation and a means of transport of nutritive ingredients. Namely, via the umbilical cord and placenta, the baby gets all the necessary nutrients through the mother’s blood – food, water, and oxygen.
It also protects the baby from infections and different bacteria. While inside, the baby is surrounded by placenta and a wall of muscle and bones which hold it firmly during its development and stretch and expand as the baby grows. When the moment comes for the baby to come out, the womb contracts and pushes the baby out into the world.
The Next Best Thing
After the baby is born, it no longer has the protection of the womb. The things it got used to – like rocking and the comfort of the uterus wall are now gone, and it is on you to make the experience of the real world as gentle as you can.
The trick is to transmit the intrauterine experience into real life. This is typically done by limiting your baby's movement when it sleeps. This age-old practice is called swaddling and is quite simple. You can put your baby in a baby sleeping bag, wrap it in a baby blanket or a piece of cloth, just enough to restrict the movement of their limbs during sleep. Swaddling provides them with comfort and restrictions similar to those it used to have in the womb.
Another thing that can soothe your baby is touch and smell. Even though some people think that babies do not feel or smell in the uterus, this is the opposite of the truth. While in there, they feel and smell your body and you can provide them with this even when they are out.
The gentle scent of chamomile and breast milk can help your baby feel as if it is back in the womb, having its mommy around it. If you are really up to the task stop using deodorant to let your baby become familiar with your external smell as well.
Tips and Tricks
The trick about soothing your baby with touch, smell and sound is singing to it while breastfeeding, for example.
And the trick about swaddling is not to make it too tight. The baby needs to move a bit during sleep, so you have to give it enough space so its limbs don't go numb. Pay special attention to the material you are wrapping your baby in because synthetic blankets do not let the skin breathe. If it is too hot, the baby can feel uneasy and wake up. What you can look for in the shops are natural cotton and organic swaddles, that allow your baby’s skin to breathe normally and are soft enough to give it comfort similar to that in the uterus.
Emma Lawson is a busy mom to two wonderful boys. She is passionate about writing and her boys are her inspiration. She loves to explore, learn and share about parenting techniques.
These are great tips. I don’t have kids of my own but I’ve been around my nephew since he was born and I always find that remaining calm helps soothe a baby a lot. It’s not always easy but they definitely pick up the emotions around them.
Aw, I miss those days of snuggling my babies. My oldest is a teen now and I found his newborn pictures and bracelet for the hospital. This post brings back good memories. All 3 of my boys though totally disliked being swaddled. They’d fight till they got out of it.
Great post. Having a new baby can be such a scary and daunting thing to happen to a first time mom, sometimes they are so ill-prepared for the reality that they really don’t know what to do with baby. Great post.
Yes, it is very scary. You never know if you are doing things right and are overly concerned about everything. It reminds me of that Luvs commercial comparing first time and second time moms.
It depends a lot on the baby. My son loved loved to be swaddled. My daughter could not stand it. The one constant was being held by mom or dad. Much to the disagreement of family members, that’s what we did. If they needed to be held we held them.
Both of my babies loved to be swaddled! My daughter literally would not go to sleep for the first couple of months unless she was swaddled. It was so sweet.
Swaddling was a 100% sanity saver in the first few days home from the hospital! We made the nurse come in several times and show us how to do it as tightly as she did! Jett loved being swaddled up like a baby burrito!
Interesting information about babies and how to take care of them in the best way! I’m not a mom, but your points are great and I will definitely pass this along to moms I know! Karen | GlamKaren.com
Swaddling worked best for my son. He also did really well after bathtime. A routine helped us out a lot.
Yes, routines are essential with any child.
I use the trick my mom used on me by rocking and giving a gentle shhhh. Also rubbing the forehead has worked on all of my kids.
I’m not sure if I tried the forehead thing. My youngest likes to be firmly patted on the back.
These are great tips. I don’t have kids of my own but I’ve been around my nephew since he was born and I always find that remaining calm helps soothe a baby a lot. It’s not always easy but they definitely pick up the emotions around them.
Yes, I’ve found out if I freak out they freak. It’s always a good idea to remind calm when something bad happens.
Aw, I miss those days of snuggling my babies. My oldest is a teen now and I found his newborn pictures and bracelet for the hospital. This post brings back good memories. All 3 of my boys though totally disliked being swaddled. They’d fight till they got out of it.
I love going through old memories like that. It’s fun to watch old videos too 🙂
Great post. Having a new baby can be such a scary and daunting thing to happen to a first time mom, sometimes they are so ill-prepared for the reality that they really don’t know what to do with baby. Great post.
Yes, it is very scary. You never know if you are doing things right and are overly concerned about everything. It reminds me of that Luvs commercial comparing first time and second time moms.
I was always fascinated by the 4th trimester! It’s supposed to be a real thing & so hard for Moms
It’s interesting to me too. Being a new parent def makes you look at the world differently.
It depends a lot on the baby. My son loved loved to be swaddled. My daughter could not stand it. The one constant was being held by mom or dad. Much to the disagreement of family members, that’s what we did. If they needed to be held we held them.
You’re right. Each baby is different. You just have to find what works best for you.
Slings saved me so often when my children were tiny. These are great tips!
I couldn’t the hang of slings too well. I did love my bouncer though 🙂
This was such a wonderful refresher! With two toddlers and a baby on the way, I needed this! Reminds me of the baby phase! Beautiful list !
Congrats on the new little one!
Both of my babies loved to be swaddled! My daughter literally would not go to sleep for the first couple of months unless she was swaddled. It was so sweet.
Awe she sounds adorable!
Swaddling was a 100% sanity saver in the first few days home from the hospital! We made the nurse come in several times and show us how to do it as tightly as she did! Jett loved being swaddled up like a baby burrito!
My kids loved being burritos too. It was a life saver!
Interesting information about babies and how to take care of them in the best way! I’m not a mom, but your points are great and I will definitely pass this along to moms I know!
Karen | GlamKaren.com
Thanks for passing it along 🙂