Your
Baby's First Year ~ Month 2
The
first few months are truly a time of very rapid change and
growth for your baby. If your baby hasn't given you a real
smile yet, he will soon! Many very happy babies will wait
until they are 6 or 7 weeks old before giving you their first
real smile. Your baby will also start to coo, gurgle, grunt
and hum -- a real conversationalist! It's important to talk
(and even sing) to your baby. Listen and watch your baby --
you will begin to understand his signals, which are the start
of communication.
Although
he may only be able to hold his head up for a few seconds,
your baby's neck muscles will begin to get stronger, but he
won't be able to support his head completely. Remember to
provide the added support for your baby's head when picking
him up.
Usually
at around six weeks postpartum, your doctor will want to see
you for a checkup. Although it varies, he or she will probably
check the following:
-
Blood Pressure
- Weight
(which should be down by about 17 - 20 pounds)
-
Your uterus, to see if it has returned to it's prepregnant
size, shape, and location
-
Your cervix
- Your
vagina
- The
episiotomy or lacerations if any; or if you had a cesarean,
your incision
-
Your breasts
- Hemorrhoids
or vericose veins
- The
method of birth control you are now using or plan to use
Make
sure you make a list of any questions or problems you want
to discuss. Many doctors will also want to see the baby at
this time as well. You can expect the doctor to check the
following:
-
Baby's weight, height, and head circumfrence
-
Physical exam
- Developmental
assessment for things such as head control, hand use,
hearing, vision and social interaction
