It’s been a week since Rosa was born. Her father, Celio, says “It has been the shortest and the longest week of our lives!” Silvia, Rosa’s mother, shares that she could not imagine life without little Rosa, and yet, “It’s been a lot of work!”
Silvia and Celio are so glad they attended prenatal breastfeeding and newborn classes. Recording those pees and poops has confirmed that Rosa is getting enough to eat. Over several days, Silvia became confident about reading Rosa’s early feeding cues. Celio enthusiastically took on the role of breastfeeding coach. He helped Silvia check that the Rosa‘s ear, shoulder and hip were lined up when she is on the breast. Though there were a few days of tweaking that latch, Silvia is now comfortable breastfeeding.
Silvia and Celio are beginning to notice Rosa‘s subtle “SOSs.” When Rosa glances away from Celio, he holds her gently on his shoulder and feels her relax in his arms. Silvia is starting to identify what stimulation works best to keep her daughter breastfeeding. She notices that compressing the breast during feeding is more effective than tickling the baby or putting a cool rag on her head.
The Science: Prenatal education and parent’s confidence
The research is clear. Prenatal education is critically important to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals and to build their confidence as new parents. Being able to spot a breastfeeding concern early, and knowing where to get help, prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
Child development research confirms that parent confidence is the key to promoting a baby’s optimal growth and development. Learning to read a baby’s body language and respond effectively to what that baby is “saying” are skills that have built these parents’ confidence.
An “Ah-Ha” Moment -- every day
Silvia and Celio remember hearing in class that “Every new parent feels confused during those first few weeks. That feeling of confusion will make you more attentive to your baby and help you learn more every day about being a new parent.” Though Silvia and Celio prepared themselves well for early parenting, they now know that “Rosa is our best teacher.”
“We don’t need to be perfect, “Celio shares. “We just need to enjoy our baby and pay attention to what she is telling us.” “Yes,” Silvia adds. “Every day is an adventure and a miracle. We’ve got lots of time to figure it all out.”