The First Weeks with Your Newborn: Calm, Confidence and Evidence-Based Care

Welcome to one of the most beautiful seasons of life.The first weeks with your baby are filled with closeness, joy, learning one another, and everyday discoveries. At the same time, questions, doubts, and moments of uncertainty may arise — and this is completely natural.

In this guide, you will find practical advice based on current medical knowledge (EBM – Evidence-Based Medicine), so you can experience this time with calm, confidence, and awareness.

Understanding Your Newborn’s Needs (EBM)

Every newborn has individual needs and their own developmental rhythm. To better understand your baby, it is helpful to remember a few principles supported by scientific evidence:

1. Feeding and nutrition

Most newborns need to feed every 2–3 hours.➡ Feeding on demand, as recommended by the WHO and AAP, is the best way to support healthy development and lactation.➡ Babies regulate the amount of milk themselves — there is no need to force specific portions.

EBM: Feeding on demand increases breastfeeding effectiveness, supports infant development, and reduces maternal stress.

2. Newborn sleep

Newborns sleep on average 16–18 hours per day.➡ Sleep is irregular and fragmented — this is physiological.➡ Early signs of tiredness include fussiness, turning the gaze away, and reduced activity.

EBM: Avoiding overstimulation and introducing predictable, gentle routines helps reduce tension and improves sleep quality.

3. Temperature regulation and hygiene

Regular diaper changes are essential to prevent skin irritation.➡ Newborn skin is delicate — mild cleansing products or water alone are usually sufficient.

EBM: Minimalist care, natural cleansing, and avoiding harsh cosmetics are recommended.

Newborn Feeding According to EBM

Breastfeeding (EBM)

Current recommendations emphasize:

• feeding on demand (baby and mother regulate the rhythm together),

• correct latch and positioning — proper technique significantly reduces pain, nipple damage, and lactation difficulties,

• physical closeness and skin-to-skin contact, which support development and oxytocin release.

EBM is clear:A good latch = effective feeding + less stress + greater comfort.

If feeding feels difficult, midwifery support is especially important in the first days after birth.

Bottle feeding (EBM)

• Choose a bottle and teat appropriate for the baby’s age and sucking strength.

• Milk temperature: approximately 36–37°C (96.8–98.6°F).

• The teat flow should be adjusted so the baby does not feed too quickly.

• Thorough bottle hygiene reduces the risk of gastrointestinal infections.

EBM: Hygiene, appropriate teat flow, and observing the baby’s comfort are key.

Newborn Sleep – Safe Sleep Guidelines

Safe sleep principles (AAP & PTN):

• baby sleeps on their back,

• on a firm mattress,

• without pillows, bumpers, soft toys, or loose bedding,

• in a crib or bedside sleeper,

• room temperature 19–21°C (66–70°F),

• avoid overheating during sleep.

EBM: A safe sleep environment significantly reduces the risk of SIDS.

Bathing and Care – According to EBM

Bathing should be:

• short, calm, and based on the baby’s needs,

• done with neutral cleansing products or water alone,

• water temperature 36–37°C (96.8–98.6°F).

EBM: Newborn skin does not require intensive care — less is more.

The baby bath should be stable, and the baby must always be held securely and safely.

Newborn Health – Observation and Monitoring (EBM)

• Monitor hydration, weight gain, and behavior.

• First pediatric visits are essential.

• Fever, lethargy, feeding difficulties, or breathing problems → immediate medical consultation.

EBM recommends: Contact with a midwife in the first days after discharge is one of the most effective forms of support for families.

Emotional Support for Parents (EBM)

Research shows that:

• emotional support from family and a midwife reduces perinatal stress,

• routines, predictability, and a sense of safety stabilize oxytocin levels in both mother and baby,

• parents do not need to be “perfect” — good enough parenting is a well-established psychological concept.

EBM: A calm parent supports a calmer baby.

Summary

The first weeks of a newborn’s life are unique and intense. It is worth being guided by:

• your baby’s rhythm (feeding on demand),

• safe sleep principles,

• minimalist care,

• observation and parental intuition,

• regular care from a midwife and pediatrician.

You do not have to know everything on your own. What matters most is support, empathy, and professional care grounded in Evidence-Based Medicine.

MATERNIVA

If you are looking for:

• feeding support,

• newborn care guidance,

• a first postnatal home visit,

• online consultations,

I am here to support you in a calm, practical, and professional way.

📞 +48 885 025 886📧 materniva@poloznawkrakowie.com

MATERNIVA — care that brings peace.