The first week at home with your newborn is a mix of overwhelming emotions, sleepless nights, and endless learning. While you are recovering from childbirth, your baby is adjusting to the world outside the womb. Between deciphering your baby’s cries, trying to remember when you last ate, and attempting to sleep (ha!), you’ll also need to squeeze in that first pediatrician visit. This guide will help you survive the madness and keep your tiny human on track with vaccinations in India and the UAE.
The First Week at Home: What to Expect
Recovery and Rest
Your body just did something incredible—and now it’s time to heal. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your body is on a mission to recover. What you can expect:
- Postpartum bleeding (lochia), which can last for several weeks.
- Perineal pain if you had a vaginal birth with tears or an episiotomy.
- C-section incision healing if you had a cesarean.
- Uterine contractions as your uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size.
Feeding Your Baby
Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or a mix of both, feeding is now your full-time job. Some fun facts:
- Breastfeeding: Expect frequent feeds, cluster feeding, and some nipple soreness initially.
- Formula feeding: Ensure you follow proper sterilization and preparation guidelines. In India, bottle-feeding right after birth is practically a crime in the eyes of ‘knowledgeable aunties’ who seem to have a PhD in unsolicited advice. Instead of engaging in a never-ending debate, you can power through the first week and, if breastfeeding becomes too painful or overwhelming, get your doctor to recommend formula. Nothing shuts down an argument faster than the words ‘doctor’s orders.’
- Signs of hunger: Rooting, sucking on hands, crying (a late sign of hunger).
Sleeping Patterns
Newborns sleep for 16-18 hours a day but in short bursts of 2-4 hours. Their sleep cycles are irregular, and night wakings are normal. Safe sleep practices include:
- Always placing the baby on their back to sleep. Remember Back is best!
- Keeping the crib free of pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys.
- Room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first six months.
Diaper Changes and Hygiene
Expect 8-12 diapers a day and an occasional pee fountain (especially with baby boys). Pro tip: Open the diaper slooowly to avoid unexpected splashes. Expect meconium (dark green-black stool) that transitions to yellowish poos if breastfeeding and dark green for formula.
Your Baby’s First Doctor’s Visit
Your baby’s first pediatrician visit usually happens within the first week, around day 3-7. Here’s what to expect:
General Health Check
- Weight check: Newborns may lose up to 10% of their birth weight initially.
- Length and head circumference measurements.
- Skin, eyes, ears, and overall physical examination.
Newborn Screenings and Tests
- Jaundice check: A common newborn condition caused by excess bilirubin. If detected, they may recommend indirect sulight exposure or if severe; phototherapy.
- Hearing screening (if not done at birth).
- Checking for proper feeding and hydration.
Vitamin K and Hepatitis B Injections
- Vitamin K Injection: Given at birth to prevent a rare but serious bleeding disorder.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine (First Dose): Administered at birth to protect against hepatitis B infection.
Discussion with the Doctor
- Addressing any concerns about feeding, sleep, and diaper changes.
- If any and every doubts you have.
- Understanding normal newborn reflexes like the Moro reflex.
- Guidance on umbilical cord care and circumcision care (if applicable).
Vaccination Schedule for Newborns in India
| Age | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| At Birth | BCG (Tuberculosis), Hepatitis B (First Dose), OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine – Zero Dose), Vitamin K Injection |
| 6 Weeks | DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine), Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B), Hepatitis B (Second Dose), Rotavirus Vaccine, PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) |
| 10 Weeks | DTP, IPV, Hib, Hepatitis B (Third Dose), Rotavirus Vaccine (Second Dose), PCV (Second Dose) |
| 14 Weeks | DTP, IPV, Hib, Hepatitis B (Fourth Dose), Rotavirus Vaccine (Third Dose), PCV (Third Dose) |
| 6 Months | Influenza Vaccine |
| 9 Months | Measles Vaccine |
| 12 Months | MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Hepatitis A |
| 15-18 Months | DTP Booster, Hib, IPV, MMR (Second Dose) |
| 2 Years | Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine |
| 4-6 Years | DTP Booster, IPV, MMR (Third Dose) |
Vaccination Schedule for Newborns in the UAE
| Age | Vaccine |
| At Birth | BCG (Tuberculosis), Hepatitis B (First Dose), OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine – Zero Dose), Vitamin K Injection |
| 6 Weeks | DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine), Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B), Hepatitis B (Second Dose), Rotavirus Vaccine, PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) |
| 10 Weeks | DTP, IPV, Hib, Hepatitis B (Third Dose), Rotavirus Vaccine (Second Dose), PCV (Second Dose) |
| 14 Weeks | DTP, IPV, Hib, Hepatitis B (Fourth Dose), Rotavirus Vaccine (Third Dose), PCV (Third Dose) |
| 6 Months | Influenza Vaccine |
| 9 Months | Measles Vaccine |
| 12 Months | MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Hepatitis A |
| 15-18 Months | DTP Booster, Hib, IPV, MMR (Second Dose) |
| 2 Years | Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine |
| 4-6 Years | DTP Booster, IPV, MMR (Third Dose) |
Note: Vaccination schedules may vary based on specific health recommendations and pediatrician advice.
Final Thoughts
The first week postpartum is a beautiful yet challenging period filled with adjustments and learning experiences. Ensuring your baby’s health with proper check-ups and vaccinations is an essential part of early parenting. As you navigate these new responsibilities, don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Lean on your support system, seek help when needed, and embrace the journey of parenthood!
