Parenting Your Baby In Their First 6 Weeks

The first 6 weeks

"It's hard but it's amazing. There's no words that can explain being a parent".

In the video, a Tamariki Ora Well Child nurse has come to do Peyton's 6-week Well Child check. She explains ...

"So when we come and do our visits, we do look at baby's measurements. We measure his weight, length and head circumference. We also talk about things like breastfeeding and breast is best, where baby is sleeping, his immunisations, and whether he's achieving the milestones for his age".

"Around this stage, when we come in to see whānau, we talk about mum's well-being and health as well, to make sure she's is looking after herself, getting some sleep – often that can mean having nan or dad helping out and supporting mum and family as well".

6-week-old-Peytons's mum says ...

"Working as a team – that's a huge part of why we're where we are at the moment. The main piece of information I would give to first time mothers is, just don't be too proud to ask for help. And communicating as well – you grow as a person, as a couple and as a family".

'Baby blues'

You may feel down after having a baby – known as the 'baby blues'. If the blues don't go away, you may be developing postnatal depression. Ask for help.

See the Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand website for information about postnatal depression. 

When your baby cries

All pēpi (babies) cry. Responding to their crying will make baby feel secure and safe.

See KidsHealth for tips on what you can do when your baby cries.  

Attachment 

Attachment is the deep bond which develops between a child and their primary caregiver in the first few years of life. Secure attachments have positive outcomes for pēpi and tamariki (children) throughout their lives.

See the KidsHealth page to learn more about the importance of attachment in babies.

Breastfeeding

Breastmilk is free, fresh and requires no preparation. It is easy for your baby to digest, changes with your baby’s needs, and contains the nutrients your baby needs. Find out about preparing to breastfeed, the health benefits of breastfeeding and the hunger cues your baby may display.

See the KidsHealth section on breastfeeding for more information.

Safe sleep

Tips when putting pēpi to sleep

• face up 
• lay pēpi flat on their back
• face clear
• gentle handling of pēpi

See KidsHealth for more information about safe sleep for your baby.

See the KidsHealth page to learn about normal sleep patterns in newborns.

Smoke-free environment

Make sure your baby's environment is smoke-free. Cigarette smoke is very harmful for your baby.

If you want to give up smoking:

• call the free Quitline Me Mutu on 0800 778 778 or text 4006
• check out the website Quitline
• ask a health professional

Enrolling with a general practice

It's important to enrol your baby with a general practice at birth or as soon as possible after that.

See KidsHealth for information about enrolling your child with a general practice.

Pēpi and young tamariki get sick often – it's a normal part of childhood. Get help quickly if your child shows any danger signs. 

See KidsHealth for advice about when to seek help if your child is sick.

Call PlunketLine on 0800 933 922 for parenting advice.