You’ve got home from the hospital, you’re overjoyed with emotion, and then it suddenly hits you. What the hell do I do with this baby?

And there it starts, the continual daily Google search, asking questions like; Do newborn babies need baths? And can you hold them too much?

So, to save you some time in your searches, we’ve collated the top ten things parents ask after they bring their baby home.

You’re welcome.

Do they know who their Mum is?

Looking after a newborn baby is hard, and some days you’re like, ‘I’m doing all this work for you, and I’m not sure you even know who I am?’ It might not seem like it, but they 100% recognise that you’re their Mum. Newborns know your smell and voice from the minute they’re born and studies show that they can also register your face after just a few days. Another concern some women wonder is if their baby can forget them. This is a completely normal question that lots of people ask. But please don’t fret, even if you have to spend some time apart, they will always remember your voice and smell, and you will be able to bond whenever the time comes.

Can you hold your newborn too much?

One of the best things about having a baby is all the lovely cuddles you get. And the good news is, you can’t do it enough. It’s actually essential to a baby’s development and helps them grow mentally and physically.

What happens if you yell at a newborn, and can they sense frustration?

Sleep deprivation paired with a baby that won’t stop crying will put anyone at the end of their tether. It’s ok to feel frustrated but getting worked up isn’t going to help anyone. Babies won’t remember you being upset, but they can pick up on your emotional state, and if they’re in your arms, they’ll feel the negativity in their bodies. So, take a breather. Ask someone else to help you and If you’re on your own, put your baby in a safe place, like their crib, and walk away so you can compose yourself. Take a few minutes, cry if you need to, and then once you’ve regrouped go back in. We have all felt like this, you are not alone, and the moment will pass. If it keeps happening and you feel overwhelmed, try and get some rest or go for a walk to get some fresh air and chat to a family member or friend about how you’re feeling, you’re not failing, you just need some help, and that’s normal.

Top tip: Got some earplugs? When trying to soothe their baby, some people put in headphones or earplugs to soften the noise, making it easier to cope.

Can I kiss my newborn?

“Of course, you can kiss your newborn!” Says antennal experts Blossom Antenatal. It is one of the biggest signs of love and affection that you can show your newborn. It also helps babies grow mentally, physically and psychologically, as it stimulates responses in the brain. Blossom Antenatal add, “Kissing should only ever be avoided if you have an active infectious disease. An example of this would be Herpes simplex, which can be dangerous for babies, so no kissing from you or any relative when you have a cold sore.”

Can you take a 1-week-old baby outside?

When you’re ready for a walk, getting some fresh air is a great idea for both you and your baby. Go steady though, the phrase ‘baby steps’ will apply to both you and your newborn for quite a lot of things over the next few months, so don’t rush it, remember you’re still healing, so head out for short walks at first and then build it up.

Should you pick up your baby every time it cries?

There’s nothing wrong with constantly picking up your baby when it’s teeny tiny, they are such precious little slugs and crying is how they tell you something’s up. And yep, it happens a LOT in the beginning, but it doesn’t last forever. As they grow and routines start to form, it gets a lot easier, and you tend to know what is up before the tears start to roll, well, most of the time.

Can I hold my newborn when it’s sleeping?

Yes, please do! It’s so lovely when they fall asleep on you, and you must enjoy those magical moments. Still, it is also important to put them down to snooze, not only so that you can have a break, but also, so they recognise that sleepy time happens in their bed and not just in Mummy or Daddy’s arms.

Can I give a newborn water?

It’s not advised to give newborns water, as it can make them feel full and decline the milk and nutrients that they need. Babies stay hydrated from milk, so if it’s hot and you’re breastfeeding they’ll either ask for more, or you can offer it. If they’re formula-fed and it’s very warm, then you can offer water as well as milk but make sure you do it after milk feeds and boil and cool the water before giving it to them.

When do I bath my newborn?

You do not need to bathe your baby in the first few days, and most parents prefer to top and tail by carefully washing their face, neck, hands and bottom. Usually, the best time to bath is when the umbilical cord comes off. Choose a time when your baby is awake and happy and make sure the room is nice and warm and lay out all the bits beforehand, so you stay nice and calm. You’ll need a bowl of warm water (or a baby bath) a nice fluffy towel, cotton wool, a nappy and some clean clothes.

When can a baby see?

Newborns can detect black, white and grey colours and focus on objects that are approximately 8-10 inches away from their face. As they get to two months old, they can see up to 18 inches away, and by three months they start to see colours and reach out for things that they see.

How do mothers feel after birth?

“Mothers can feel a range of emotions. Often, for women, the expectation is that you will fall instantly in love with your gorgeous newborn baby, but this isn’t always the case. Of course, some women will but don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t immediately feel the rush of oxytocin (the love hormone). You might just feel tired and emotional, and this is ok. Depending on your birth experience, physical recovery varies from woman to woman. Allowing yourself time to rest and recover is essential”, says Clare.

Is it normal to cry after birth?

“As with any experience in life, birth is a very emotional experience. It is normal to cry, laugh and smile, and you should meet these range of emotions with an open heart”, says Clare. Baby blues are normal, it does not make you a bad Mum or suggest that you’re not coping. The days, and even weeks, after birth are emotional and it’s ok if you get upset over small things. Just roll with it and while you’re looking after your baby make sure you are looked after too. Clare adds, “If these feelings continue and you feel overwhelmed, then you can call your GP or midwife to let them know. Talk to those that care for you and support you and if you feel you need more support then reach out. PANDA is an organisation supporting women who suffer from postnatal depression, and they have a helpline you can call just to talk”. You may even find one call is all you need.

Can a woman go crazy?

“Most women feel tired, and the changing hormones can make them feel sad one minute and happy the next. This isn’t crazy!” Says Clare. She adds, “There are some mental health conditions like postpartum psychosis, which needs immediate medical attention, but thankfully, this is a rare occurrence. If you do have thoughts and feelings that are overwhelming, or you are acting out of character, then you must speak to your doctor, midwife or health professional as help is out there”.

What is postpartum psychosis?

“This is a serious mental health condition where you must seek help urgently”, says Clare. She adds “It can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. Symptoms include severe depression, rapid mood changes, confusion and feeling disorientated. You might also feel restless, unable to sleep or concentrate and experience delusions or hallucinations”.

Can my newborn feel my emotions?

They certainly can. Newborn babies can communicate and are primed to understand emotions. It is proven that kisses from a mother to her baby can stimulate responses in their brain, and when you are emotionally upset, they can feel it in their bodies too. “They definitely feel and respond to your cues as much as you do to theirs”, says Clare. Want to know more? Clare says, “There is lots of information on Baby Brain Development on the NPSCC website”.

When can you have sex after birth?

This is completely up to you and your partner. It is whenever you feel ready. Please don’t ever feel like you have to rush and do it in your own time. Not sure, but you think there’s a problem? Clare suggests, “Always speak with your GP if you have concerns about your physical recovery”.

Is it ok I don’t feel like having sex?

“This is very normal for women after birth. Hormone changes can impact your libido and how you feel, nevermind the fact you have a newborn baby to take care of. Talk to your partner, and if it starts to take a toll on your relationship, then speaking with organisations like Relate can help. But usually, patience and time can help, plus a supportive relationship and partner”, says Clare.”

How soon after birth can you get pregnant?

This can happen as soon as your body starts ovulating. Clare explains, “There are women that find themselves pregnant six weeks after their baby’s birth, so you must use contraception. Don’t forget you ovulate before your first period so you can get pregnant before this happens”.

Why does it smell down there after birth?

Your uterus sheds lochia after birth, and while this is mostly made up of blood, it is normal for it to have a slight odour. If you notice a strong smell, it is worth speaking to your GP to ensure you don’t have an infection.

What is the meaning of postpartum?

The period just after you’ve had your baby.

Along with Blossom Antenatal’s free breastfeeding classes, they also offer paid classes in hypnobirthing, baby massage, infant first aid and sleep. For more information on Blossom Antenatal and their classes head to https://www.blossomantenatal.com