This will probably sound stupid, but I can't help worrying about it. I'm due some time round September, but, thing is, I've never held a newborn before and I'm terrified that I'll hurt it or break its neck or something. How do you do it? Will my midwife (when I get one) teach me how?
First, don't worry yourself so much, it'll come to you. When I had my daughter I had never held a baby in my life. Your midwife should for sure teach you how. Little things to remember are: to make sure that your hand is behind the baby's neck when picking him or her up, with the other hand under his/her back, and to lift at the same time. The same thing goes for laying baby back down again, too. Another is, if you choose to burp your baby while he/she is sitting, rest baby's chin on that flap of skin between your thumb and index finger...this is something your midwife will be able to teach you as well. When your burping baby on your shoulder, just make sure you lift babe up the way I explained at first, and then baby's head should be able to just rest on your shoulder...just be careful, those newborns can whip their head around real quick, lol I hope I helped you a bit. After my first couple hours with my daughter, I got the hang of it real fast, and you will too
kirstyn gave you some great advice... i'm very much like you both....didn't ever really hold a newborn before my own....everything comes with instinct...just follow your instincts
