LIFE WITH A NEWBORN BABY: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE EARLY DAYS
LIFE WITH A NEWBORN BABY: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE EARLY DAYS
You're a new mum - congratulations!
Having a baby is amazing. A newborn also changes everything. Sometimes you might feel like you're in survival mode. Our routines change, schedules change.
A new baby touches every aspect of our lives. So how do you settle in and find your new normal after baby comes home? Here are a few tips to ease the transition.
It takes time. Babies are tiny creatures, but they make a significant impact. Suddenly, our every waking hour (and sleep time!) focuses on this new human.
Don't expect that you will find a routine immediately. It can take a while to figure out the perfect rhythm to a new schedule with a baby.
YOU CAN'T DO IT ALL YOURSELF / ACCEPT HELP WHEN OFFERED
You may find that you have a lot of hands offering to help. There is no shame in accepting people's offers to assist. You've heard the phrase, "it takes a village to raise a child." It's true, and it starts when baby is a newborn.
If someone offers a meal, accept it. If you need a break and have a trusted friend offering to watch the baby for a couple of hours, let them.
Having a newborn baby is incredibly joyful, but it's a huge change. It's ok to let people help as you transition to life as a mum.
GETTING SLEEP
When your baby is born, they usually don't know the difference between night and day. Sleep can be tough to come by the first few weeks or months. Work to get yourself into a routine and schedule but know that it may take a bit. There are many different schools of thought on sleep and baby sleep training. You can decide what's best for your family, but just know that help is out there if you need it.
Breastfeeding or formula feeding can be a polarizing topic. Many people will have an opinion on how you choose to feed. Whichever way you decide to feed your newborn baby is up to you. Baby will grow and thrive either way.
EMOTIONS RUN HIGH
Expect to feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Having a baby does crazy things to your hormones. Add lack of sleep, and you may experience some ups & downs. Know that it's completely normal to feel this way. However, if you feel more than just "baby blues", call your family doctor. Postpartum depression is different than just feeling a little sad.
Remember to care for yourself, too. Get rest, eat, drink water, get fresh air. I know it sounds easier said than done, but you will find a new schedule and a new normal in a bit. It's ok if the house is dirty or the laundry doesn't get put away. Leave a few moments to take care of you.
IT WON'T LAST FOREVER
Babies grow fast. The newborn stage doesn't last long, and before you know it, you will be seeing baby's first smiles and coos. Survival mode will be a thing of the past, and you'll have this mum thing down pat!
The first months are exhausting, but they are also amazing. In your sleep-deprived state, take a moment to enjoy the tiny human you created. Breathe it in. Being a mum can be demanding, but it's so beautiful.