Sleep deprived? Check. Emotionally drained? Check. Here’s the good news new mamas: a study by the baby brand Munchkin found that it takes new moms four months and 23 days to adjust to motherhood, a new baby, and a new lifestyle. So yep, it really does get easier!
Truth is, those early weeks can be brutally hard. You’ve joined the motherhood collective where someone will forever call you mom. It’s no small thing. And just because it’s common, well, that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
For new mamas it’s a daily dose of the brand new and the mundane. It’s exciting and terrifying, rewarding and draining… easier to figure out than you thought, yet totally confusing! And the love, oh my goodness, the love!
This job comes with fantastic benefits and although getting to know this little miracle is magical, your life will be upside down for quite a while! This initial stage of parenting ushers in unique challenges and the journey is all about learning and making adjustments.
Remember new mama, your own instincts are a wonderful guide to caring for your newborn. However, to supplement, we have a few top tips to help you through the first few weeks:
Sleep early. The most common advice you’ll hear as a new mom is “sleep when the baby does” but if this is difficult for you, crawl into bed at 7.30 or 8pm: even if baby is up during the night, you’d get a few hours early in the evening.
Adjust your expectations. Tasks such as dishes, laundry and vacuuming are pretty small in the grand scheme of things. Cut yourself some slack. You’re going to have to adjust to new sleep schedules, entertaining family and friends, and dealing with the physical changes your body is going through, all while keeping a tiny human alive!
Take the help. People WANT to help, so let them. Accept the frozen meals and pay it forward once your life is under control.
Find your village. Develop a good support network for the first few months. When you’re not sleeping it’s always good to hear that no one else is either. You’ll meet some pretty incredible women along the way.
Take a multivitamin. We spend our entire pregnancy taking prenatal vitamins and just stop as soon as baby arrives. It can make a big difference to your energy levels.
Enjoy date nights while your baby is still small. Soon he/she will be crawling and walking. And then there’s no going back.
Enjoy a cup of tea.
Have groceries delivered. Great for new moms who have a hard time making it into a store without crying (from you or the baby!) involved.
Sleep close to your baby. Being close to mom regulates baby’s heart rate, immune system and stress levels and makes breast feeding easier.
Focus on what’s important. Feed your baby, feed yourself and sometimes bathe one of you.
Take a bubble bath. (Add sparkling fruit juice in your best crystal flute!) You can only take care of others if you take care of yourself.
So, when you are up in the wee hours of the morning with your tiny baby, cherish the moment and let yourself feel the sweetness and wonder of that little person who depends on you for everything right now.
Go easy on yourself new mama, you’ve birthed a new life! You’re amazing!
Source: www.parenting.com, nww.thebump.com, www.scarymommy.com, www.huffingtonpost.com, www.sheknows.com, thestir.cafemom.com, www.imom.com, www.mommymoment.ca, northphoenix.citymomsblog.com, www.essentialbaby.com.au, www.fitpregnancy.com, www.womanshealthmag.com, www.edifymeblog.com, voices.washingtonpost.com, grubbymummyblog.wordpress.com, www.harpersbazaar.com, www.angelcarebaby.com, sleepingshouldbeeasy.com, www.parent24.com, www.quickanddirtytips.com, theartofsimple.net
