Your baby has a very packed schedule of sleeping, eating, crying and pooping.

What's happening to your baby?

Your baby will sleep a lot, eat a lot, and poo a lot – up to 12 bowel movements a day, particularly if you're breastfeeding. This is all helping your new-born's brain to develop. New-born babies sleep up to 20 hours a day, and will likely have between eight and 12 feeds. The other thing your baby will do a lot — crying. Be aware of something called colic, which is uncontrollable crying in a healthy baby. These bouts of prolonged crying usually come in the evenings. Speak to your doctor if this is happening so other health issues can be ruled out.

What's happening to you?

You're probably still trying to get used to all the extra things you have to deal with now: feeding and looking after your bundle of joy. If you're breastfeeding, remember to stick to a healthy diet as this affects the milk you're feeding your baby. Try to stay off caffeine a little while longer and have more food rich in omega-3 fats like salmon, tuna and mackerel — these will nurture your baby's brain.


By Associate Professor TAN Thiam Chye Head & Senior Consultant, Dr Janice TUNG Senior O&G Resident,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital

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