Guidelines for Caring for Babies from the Womb and Growth and Development

As a mother, you will certainly give the best for the baby from the beginning of his life. Starting from maintaining a healthy pregnancy, giving birth safely and smoothly, to support its growth and development from birth to adulthood. For women, the experience of getting pregnant, giving birth, and continuing to accompany a baby is a wonderful and happy thing. At the same time, this is a challenge, especially for those of you who have just assumed the title of mother.

Underwent Pregnancy and Childbirth

When declared pregnant, various mixed feelings. Happy, emotional, anxious, and confused, as if present at the same time. To be able to support healthy fetal development, you need to know the factors that affect the health of the pregnancy, such as:

• Routine inspection

Once you are declared pregnant, immediately contact a doctor. The aim is to check your womb and health. Routine pregnancy check up every month is important to monitor the development of the fetus and the health of the mother during pregnancy, so that if there is interference, it can be overcome immediately.

• Nutrition intake

Now, you should pay more attention to the intake of nutrients from food. Besides yourself, there is already a baby in your womb that also needs nutrition. You need 300 extra calories per day. If before pregnancy you needed 45 grams of protein, now you need 70 grams of protein. In addition, reduce consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and stop smoking. To supplement your nutritional intake, you are also advised to take supplements for pregnancy.

• Sports

Pregnant women still need to exercise regularly. Exercise during pregnancy will increase endurance, help reduce pain, improve blood circulation in the legs, and relieve stress. Exercise in pregnant women will also help reduce physical stress during labor. In addition, exercise is effective in increasing levels of serotonin, a chemical that is associated with a happy mood. Noteworthy is the type of exercise chosen. Adjust the conditions of pregnancy and consult a doctor, before starting regular exercise.

• Break

In the first trimester of pregnancy, you will usually feel tired. This is a sign that the body needs rest. Reduce all activities and get plenty of rest. If possible, you can try to take a nap.

Before reaching the end of pregnancy, you need to think about the birth process that will be taken. Discuss with your doctor about this. There are two methods of labor, namely the normal delivery and Caesarean delivery. Delivery is the normal way to give birth through the vagina. While Caesarean delivery is a labor with surgery, which is done if there are certain indications relating to the safety of the mother and baby. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Paying Attention To Nutrition For Infants

After giving birth, your job is to provide the best intake for the baby. Breast milk (ASI) is the best food for babies up to six months of age. From breast milk, babies get the nutrients and vitamins needed for growth and development. Apart from being the main food, milk also provides other benefits, namely:

• Protect babies from various diseases

Colostrum, which is the first liquid produced by the mother's body, has an excellent effect on the baby's immune system. Colostrum forms a protective layer in the membranes that exist in the intestine, nose, and throat of the baby, thus protecting these organs from germ attacks. Some diseases in infants that can be suppressed by giving colostrum are ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, respiratory diseases, meningitis and cancer in children.

• Reducing the risk of babies dying under the age of one year

Research shows, babies who consume breast milk are 20% lower risk of dying at the age of 28 days to one year, compared to babies who do not get breast milk. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

• Protect babies from allergies

Breastfed babies have a lower chance of developing allergies, compared to babies who are given formula milk. Breast milk is also believed to prevent food allergic reactions in infants.

• Increase intelligence

Various studies have shown that babies given breast milk have a higher level of intelligence than those who do not breastfeed. The length of time breastfeeding will also affect the level of intelligence of children. Premature babies born with breast milk will experience better mental development. But further research is still needed on this matter.

• Prevents the risk of obesity after adulthood

This is especially true for infants who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months. Breast milk contains less insulin which forms fat, thus preventing excessive weight gain. The process of breastfeeding can also build a healthy diet in infants.

How to breastfeed properly is also not as difficult as you imagine. The following steps can be taken to start breastfeeding:

• Baby's lap, make her position as close to your chest as possible, face to the chest.
• Direct the baby's mouth to your breast, let him open his mouth. If you haven't opened your mouth, touch her upper lip so she opens her mouth.
• Keep supporting the back of the baby's neck to stay safe.

A good sign of breastfeeding is if the mother and baby both feel comfortable during breastfeeding. Proper breastfeeding does not cause pain in the nipples.

Accompanying the Growth and Development Period of the Baby

No less important for you to consider is the process and stages of baby growth and development. This is to ensure there are no health problems in your child. The stages of infant development up to one year old, namely:

• Physical development

In the first twelve months, the baby's physical development increases rapidly. Babies grow big fast, tall quickly, and head circumference increases, a sign that the brain is developing normally.

• Cognitive development

Babies can learn many things, such as laughing when there are people who ask to joke, know the faces of their parents, and remember various things.

• Emotional and social development

Babies can begin to show emotions, as well as showing feelings for others or something that makes them angry, sad, or happy.

• Language development

Babies begin to learn to talk, by saying words that are usually heard from their surroundings.

• Motor and sensory development

This development includes sitting, crawling, and standing. There are also babies who have started to walk before the age of 1 year.

Keeping Babies Healthy

To keep the baby healthy, it is recommended that you regularly check with your baby to see a doctor so that your health remains monitored. During a routine check, the doctor will do:

• Medical examination

Examination of physical conditions needs special attention if complaints or symptoms arise, which may indicate an illness.

• Immunization

The doctor will provide immunizations to the baby, as well as provide and monitor immunization schedules. Immunization is very important as an effort to keep the baby from getting sick.

• Monitor length and weight

The aim is to make sure the baby grows normally according to age. The baby's body weight is monitored to determine nutritional status and evaluate its growth.

Get Health Information from Reliable Sources

In the growth and development of children, you can consult with a doctor, to support the growth of your child optimally. But in this digital age, you also have the convenience of finding health information to monitor your child's growth and development. It is important to make sure health information comes from a trusted source, so there are no missteps in providing care.