Having a newborn can be challenging. They are tiny people with big needs. But, you will survive this time. My goal though, is for you to thrive during this time.
A few of my favorite tips for THRIVING with a newborn:
Be Kind to Yourself
1. It took months for your body to grow your baby, so you give yourself permission to allow months to recover from pregnancy and birth.
2. Do not feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help.
3. Remind yourself that you matter too.
4. Enjoy this time. Your baby will only be this age once.
Get Out
5. Bring an extra shirt for your baby AND yourself when you go in public.
6. Yes, you just had a baby, but you can still go in public. (Of course, now with COVID, maybe take a walk around a park)
Sleep
7. Sleep now, clean later.
8. Set a bedtime routine.
Enjoy the ride
9. Take lots of pictures. Yes, even of your milk drenched shirt and messy hair. This is what memories are made of.
10. Have fun. You did an amazing thing, and you have the proof looking back at you. Enjoy this time.
11. Laugh when you get vomit on or your partner has poop on his or her face.
Seek Out Others
12. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get professional help for care, or take advantage of local support groups.
Manage visitors well
13. Visitors are for support not to be entertained while at your home by you or your partner. 14. Remember visitors do not know you or your baby’s routine. You are allowed to excuse yourself as much as needed if you do not feel up to having someone in your home.
15. Visitors will ask if you need anything. Do not hesitate to take them up on the offer. Keep a list of things on the front of the fridge that they can do while visiting. Update the list as you think of more things. There are always more things to be done!
16. Be honest with yourself and your partner to make sure your own feelings are not hurt.
17. Do not feel obligated to have visitors. Tell them no any time you aren't up to having them over.
Delegate
18. You do not need to be the one that is in control of everything. Let others take some responsibilities. Refer back to #15.
Follow your own advice
19. Figure out a system that works best for you and your family, even if your mom or sibling did something different.
Self Care. Self Care. Did I mention self care?
20. Get outside at least once a day, even if it is a short walk around the block.
21. Make one room or area off limits to maintain your privacy.
22. Do not be afraid to ask for help and be specific with your requests.
23. Wear the mesh panties as long as possible. 24. Show affection to your partner at least once a day. Even if it is a hug for 2 minutes. Eat
Well
25. If asking others to bring food, consider every other day to minimize excessive leftovers.
26. Speaking of food, don’t forget to eat good food. You need the calories and you need something that is delicious.
27. Get some great one handed snacks and a water cup with a straw and lid.
28. Better yet, wear your baby so you have both hands to eat.
Remodel your house a little
29. If you have a two story home, having a diaper change and feeding station on each story can be helpful.
30. Have phone chargers throughout your house and especially near your couch, bed, and nursery. Definitely keep one near where you feed the baby.
31. Learn what grocery stores have curbside pickup/delivery so you can literally grocery shop from your couch.
As always, your birth and postpartum doula is available to help in any way I can. I am just a phone call away or you can book an appointment online.
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