In the first month, your baby will be able to see, hear and may turn towards familiar sounds, like your voice. Within the first few weeks, your baby will start to take more notice of your voice, your smile, and will recognise their Mum and Dad or carer. Your baby needs cuddles, talking and attention to help their brain develop. To guide you on your new journey, the ‘Bump, Baby & Beyond’ e-book is written by parents, health professionals and child psychologists. The book has 5 sections, pregnancy, birth, you and your new baby, your growing baby and your toddler. Everything you need to know, all in one place. Babies communicate in lots of ways - you don’t have to wait for them to cry to give them a cuddle or play with them. You won’t spoil your baby if you give them lots of cuddles and attention. They will learn the world is safe, and will feel secure. It’s OK to ask for help. If you are worried about feeling stressed, low or depressed talk to your health visitor or GP. 2. Make sure your partner is involved Elated but exhausted after the birth, everything can become a bit of a foggy haze, which is why there is a special section at the end to help you with everyday care as well as record your newborn baby’s first precious weeks.

This booklet replaces the pregnancy and birth elements of the previous Public Health Wales parent information resource Bump, Baby and Beyond. However, if you received a copy of Bump, Baby and Beyond from your midwife or health visitor, you can continue to refer to it when you need to, as all the information in it is up to date. Bump, Baby and Beyond digital resources The further booklets in this new series, covering birth to age 7, will become available in the coming months and years, but until they do, please refer any parents looking for information after their baby is born, to the below resources. All first-time parents in Wales should get a hard copy, or be signposted to this digital version, of Every Child Your Pregnancy and Birth, early in their pregnancy. If you or your partner is pregnant, have not yet received a copy of this booklet but would like one, ask your midwife to provide you with one. To encourage their development make sure you talk with your baby, whenever you can. The BBC has developed some useful tips on supporting your baby’s speech, language and communication skills.If you are parenting together, sleepless nights and a crying baby can put a strain on your relationship with your partner. Try to support each other and stay calm as you learn what your baby needs. Take turns to have a nap. Sleep when your baby sleeps. For more information on relationships when you first become parents, go to Couple Connection (External link) or Relate (External link). 4. Talk with me It can be an intense time and you may have a range of emotions. It’s life changing, so don’t forget to look after yourself too! It will take time to get used to having a baby and working out what they want. There is no need to rush into having a routine straight away. Take time to get to know your new baby and enjoy time together. This special time will help the bond between you to grow.