The First 6 Months With Baby
By: Dr. Jody Snider, ND

It's BABY SEASON - a topic very close to my heart. On January 11, 2012, I had my first child, a perfect baby boy. I have been learning (A LOT and QUICKLY), and loving him fiercely everyday since. Here are a few tips to make the first 6 months with baby, the healthiest they can be

MONTH 1:
Breast may be best, but OUCH!

When my son was first born, I kept asking myself two questions; How can you love something so new, SO much? and, How can something so new cause such significant nipple pain? Breastfeeding is not a possibility for everyone, so I don't want to sound like I am taking it for granted. I feel truly blessed that I was able to provide for my child in this way. All that being said, I can't deny that it hurt, A LOT! Cracked, bleeding nipples in the first few weeks of feeding may not be pretty, but are quite common. Here are a few tips to avoid throwing your baby across the room in agony...

Let the girls go free air out your nipples as much as you can. Close the blinds, keep hand towels in your pockets to catch any leaks and let the open air do it's magic.

Nipple butter - find a god nipple cream, something with lanolin, so you don't have to worry about washing it off before baby feeds.

A good latch is key if the pain is lasting longer then the initial few seconds of latching on, baby's latch might need some improving. Talk to a lactation consultant in your area (some hospitals can arrange for a free consult). Or check out www.breastfeedinginc.ca for tips and resources.

Give it time - if it's your first baby, you don't realize that IT ENDS. You, your baby, and your nipples will become more skilled and efficient at feeding, and before you know it, there is no more pain. Sometimes simply knowing that there is an end in sight makes the pain more bearable and gives you strength to bear it for just a few more days!

MONTH 2:
Baby Blues

I remember being told by a local nurse that, at 4 weeks, my hormones have regulated themselves and I shouldn't feel emotional anymore. She suggested I might want to speak with someone about possible post partum depression. I panicked Is there something wrong with me? Am I depressed?

The truth is every woman is going to have a slightly different experience. At four weeks your hormones ARE still out of whack and you ARE sleep deprived, maybe feeling it now more than ever, as the initial euphoria of new baby starts to wear off. Post partum depression can be very serious, should not be dismissed or ignored and may need some short-term pharmaceutical interventions if it lingers and/or begins to affect the health of both mom and baby. All that being said, don't jump to this conclusion right off the bat. Having a baby is a big change and change takes a little getting used to. Ask for help. Have a friend or family member come over for a few hours so you can nap. Start planning meals again, with a focus on nutrition, instead of ease. Consider supplementing with fish oil. Postpartum DHA and EPA are not only great for baby's skin, growth and IQ, but they can do wonders for natural mood support. Read more about the many benefits of fish oil. Come the second month, it's now time to focus just a tiny bit less on baby and start nurturing yourself, as well.

MONTH 3:
Sex

If you haven't already started engaging in sexual intercourse, you may find around the 2-3 month mark, that you are feeling ready. For all those breastfeeding mothers out there, invest in an all-natural lubricant to make the experience more comfortable. The hormones necessary to maintain production of breast milk also act to decrease our natural lubrication process.

It is not uncommon to find your libido is not what it used to be following baby. Again, this is completely normal and your libido will increase/return in time. Maca may be a safe and effective way to increase libido following childbirth. Talk to your healthcare professional before taking Maca while breastfeeding, as there is very little research on safety during pregnancy and nursing. Starting out with half the recommended dosage may be advised.

MONTH 4:
Get Moving, Mommy

It is now time to start getting more active, both for your mental and physical health. Exercise is a great way to combat stress, improve and balance mood, and helps to shed some of that lingering baby weight. Get outside and walk with your baby, using the stroller or carrier to add a little extra oomph to your work out (not to mention, most babies love a good walk!) Look for a mommy and baby yoga class, stroller fitness or bootcamp in your area. Use your baby as a weight (carefully, of course) for weight bearing exercises. You can even do a few sit-ups at this point. Just remember to start slow and not to push your body beyond it's limit. Exercise really can be fun for you and baby, and you'll both benefit from becoming more active. An added bonus: it's a great way to meet other moms in your area.

MONTH 5:
All about Baby, AKA: What's that rash?

It was around the 4 -5 month mark that my little guy developed a bad case of eczema. I am frustrated to say we are still dealing with it! A perfect example of how one solution is not the answer for all babies.

Diaper Rash - Diaper rash can happen at any time, but is quite common around the 3-8 month mark for a number of reasons. Infant immunizations, if you choose to do them, can often spark a case of diaper rash, as can teething, and the introduction of new foods into the diet. Try to air out the bum as much as possible, just keep a towel nearby for any accidents. Keep the diaper area as dry as you can, with frequent diaper changes. Use a zinc based cream, which will act as a barrier, protecting the skin from wetness. Diaper rash can also be a sign of yeast. Try an infant probiotic, putting a few drops into the formula or directly on the nipple before breastfeeding. Add some oats to the bathtub, for soothing. Apply an antifungal directly to the area. Grapefruit seed extract diluted in a carrier oil (coconut oil is a GREAT option) and applied topically to the diaper area is an effective and safe treatment for babies with a potential yeast problem.

Eczema - Having been through this one myself, I can honestly say, this may simply be something that needs to take its course. There are things you can do to help. Again, you will find that your intake of omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA will help with baby's skin. As will a probiotic both for you and babe. Look for all-natural lotions and creams with calendula, oats and other soothing herbs. Try cutting dairy out of your diet for 3 weeks and see if you notice an improvement. There is some debate about whether mother's diet can cause allergic reaction in baby. It is rare, but possible, and if nothing else is working, it's worth a shot. Dairy, nuts, eggs and soy are some of the more common sensitivities, so start there.

MONTH 6:
Developmental milestones: Use with caution

It is very hard as a parent of a newborn not to compare your child with those around you. Even if you managed to shut that voice in your head off, everything you hear and read is telling you "at this age, they should be doing this.

My little guy started sleeping through the night pretty early. It was nothing we did, I think it was basically just luck. Then at 4-5 months, he stopped. He started waking up every 3 hours again and is just starting to go through the night again at 6 months. I tell this story because I think this is really the norm, meaning there really is NO norm. Your baby will start teething, rolling, sleeping, smiling, eating, and so much more, when your baby feels like it. Try your best not to compare or beat yourself up when your so-called 'routine' takes a couple steps backwards, or when your baby is a few weeks behind another of the same age. Every baby is different and every parent's experience is equally as varied. That's what makes it all so special.

To all of the new moms out there Congratulations. And in case no one has told you lately, you are doing a great job!