4-Week-Old

How your baby's growing

Your baby's starting to lose her newborn quiver and jumpiness. She's holding your gaze steadily and can probably lift her head when lying on her stomach. If you move your hand side to side over her head, she can track it with her eyes. But the real thrill for new parents is that she's beginning to "talk" -- that is, coo, gurgle, grunt, and hum to express her feelings. Try to coo and gurgle back to her and speak to her face-to-face as much as possible. Keep talking even when you walk away -- she'll enjoy hearing your voice from across the room. Find out more fascinating facts about your four-week-old's development

How your life's changing

In a world in which time is calculated by feeds and nappy changes, it's no wonder new parents often feel tired and dispirited. Don't worry -- this cloud will pass and we have lots of tips to relieve any postnatal stress. But if it feels like more than that -- if, for instance, you're having trouble getting out of bed in the morning, you can't sleep or you're constantly agitated -- do speak to your doctor about it. There's lots that can be done to treat postnatal depression.

Parent tip: My baby fought the bottle

"I was so determined to breastfeed my first baby I didn't express any milk until she was four months old. She refused to take the bottle and just spat out the teat. I offered her expressed milk from a glass and she readily accepted." – Farah

Poll of the week

Was breastfeeding difficult?

Things to consider

• Are you still feeling tender when you sit down? Don't put up with continuing perineal pain from an episiotomy or tear. Talk to your doctor and see what you can do to make yourself more comfortable.
• If you're trying to lose some of those post-baby kilos, it's best to take it gently. Our diet for a healthy weight loss can help you get started. If you're breastfeeding, check our list of dietary dos and don'ts for nursing mums.
• Caffeine and the breastfeeding mum
• Hang a cot mobile over the crib if you haven't already. Your baby will love it and be stimulated by it.
• As you're bound to worry about your baby while she's still small, it's worth familiarising yourself with signs that she may be in trouble so you'll know when to call the doctor.
• Find out more about burping your baby.
• What is vitamin K and why is it important?

Breastfeeding problems

The Ministry of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding until your baby is six months old. Most doctors discourage bottle-feeding. However, if due to some unforeseen circumstances breastfeeding is not possible, then you may try the paladai. This is a special newborn feeding bowl which has a long, grooved spout. Your baby will be able to lick the expressed breast milk from the groove, thereby mimicking the tongue action that is needed to feed effectively from the breast.

• What's the best way to store breastmilk?
  
• Supplement-feeding basics.
  
• Read more on breastfeeding problems and solutions.