Any new mom will tell you that it’s not easy. It sometimes takes a while to get into the groove of things, so any tips to making like easier are often welcomed.
We spoke with Tracy Martin-Turgeon/Director of The Children’s Workshop for the following tips that new moms may not know:
Just you and Baby:
When dad is back to work, mother in-law or your mom has left and it is just the two of you. This can be a little scary. You have had so much help for the past couple of weeks and now it is up to you. Start scheduling what you need to get down and what you want done. Don’t expect that everything is going to get done the way it used to and that is ok. Make sure when you get up in the morning and your partner or husband is home you shower before they leave. Or take the baby in the bathroom with you. This helps you start your day and you don’t get into a rut. It also helps you feel better too! When your baby is awake this is a great time to cuddle and read a book to them. This is a special time that goes very fast.
Getting enough sleep:
Babies sleep a lot in the beginning about 14-16 hours a day. Not so great when they only do 15min – 1 hour increments. When your baby falls asleep this is not the time to clean the house, do laundry and catch up on cleaning out a closet. Take a nap when your baby does. As soon as they fall asleep put them in their crib and you get some shut eye. Catching up on sleep when you can in the first couple of months is like you struck gold. This too will pass faster than you know it. By 3-4 months your baby is sleeping 5-6 hours at a time which is music to your ears. Take turns in the night with your partner changing the diaper and feeding if it is possible. It will help both of you cope better.
Treating yourself:
New parents feel guilty about doing something without their new born. But you need a break even if it is just for an hour. If someone asks what you need or want, tell them to give you gift certificates to a spa or join to a gym. You should aim to go out to do something for yourself at least a couple times a week. Don’t go food shopping, don’t go pay a bill, do something that will make you feel good again. If you are breast feeding, plan to go out right after you breast feed. So if your mom is coming by, plan it around the same time you usually breast feed. So at least this gives you a couple of hours of sanity for you.
It is okay to let someone babysit:
When the baby comes home every family member and friend will want to come over and hold onto the baby. When they are there, ask them if they would mind watching him while you take a shower or catch up on a nap. Everyone wants to cuddle and snuggle newborns. You just need 5-10 minutes. When someone you are comfortable with, such as your mother, says I will come over you two go out to dinner, take them up on that offer. They will not come as often when they get older, so take advantage of them as much as possible.
Emergency diaper kit:
When it was just you, you could easily just get up and go. Now with a baby you need to take so much stuff, it’s ike you are going on vacation. It is okay if you forget something, it will be fine. But get used to having a diaper bag ready.You will need extra diapers about 4-5, some wipes, a couple of bottles, and formula, if you breast feed no need for bottles and two extra pairs of clothes. You can easily pick up diapers if needed, buut most moms do not want to run into a store to get diapers. By keeping the diaper bag filled, it will save you a ton of time to just grab and go. Each time you use items in the bag replace as soon as you get home. You can add more things as your child gets older. Making your life more simple will only help you .
If this is your second child no problem. You can fold clothes, get breakfast ready, pack a lunch, brush your child’s hair, and put clothes away with just one hand. It gets easier I promise. Take time to enjoy the little things because it goes by so fast.