Postpartum Survival Guide

Your first weeks home with a newborn can be awkward and scary. Here's what to expect and how you can stay sane.

Benefits
The health benefits of nursing are numerous:
 A baby’s suckling triggers the mother’s uterus to tighten, reducing uterine bleeding and returning it to its previous shape more quickly.

“Babies who are breastfed have fewer infections, especially diarrhea and allergies, during the first year of life than babies who are fed formula,” writes Schmitt. Even breastfeeding for just a few months can be beneficial for your baby. Breast milk is free, convenient, sterile, always available and provides Baby with a balanced, easily digestible diet.

 Bottle-Feeding
If you’re bottle-feeding, try these tips:

•  Wash your hands thoroughly, and make sure bottles, nipples and measuring spoons are spanking clean. Measure powdered formula and sterilized water exactly.
•  Don’t reuse leftover formula.
•  Experiment with different types of nipples. Boil new bottles and nipples before use.
•  Never microwave your baby’s formula. Instead, warm it slowly by placing it in a pan of water on the stove.