Bringing a baby into the world is one of the best and most rewarding experiences of your life. You will experience a type of love that you can’t possibly imagine until you hold that baby in your arms…and that love grows every day. Of course, with that said, the first few weeks and months aren’t always 100% blissful, and feeling overwhelmed or anxious during this time, is completely normal. Just remember that you’re not alone. Here are 12 tips on managing and making the most of those first few months.
1. Enjoy every moment.
When you’re sleep deprived and learning how to adjust to your new life with a baby, it can be easy to start wishing away those early weeks in the hopes of getting more shuteye. Or perhaps you’re so excited for your baby to reach the next milestone (smiling, eating real food, sitting, standing, walking, and so on) that you forget to enjoy the moment. Before you know it, your precious little baby will be itching to get out of your arms and to start exploring the world around him or her. The bottom line here is that time will fly, so try to enjoy each moment of cuddling and clinging.
2. Remember: This too shall pass.
If your baby has colic, or you’re just plain sleep-deprived, remember this simple phrase and repeat it out loud: ‘This too shall pass’. Just reminding yourself that those moments aren’t going to last forever, can help you get past those hurdles.
3. Keep lines of communication open.
Your relationship with your significant other will obviously be a bit different- in a good way! A baby can bring you closer in many ways, but it can also bring new challenges to a relationship. The key to keeping your relationship strong is by keeping the lines of communication open. Discuss your feelings, lean on each other for support, and when baby gets a bit older and you feel comfortable leaving him or her with a trusted sitter, make recurring plans to do date nights for quality one-on-one time.
4. Ask for help.
If your family or friends want to cook something for you or offer to babysit, let them. It’s also important to ask for help when you need it. Whether someone comes over for a couple of hours so you can shower and take a nap, or a family member takes a night shift so you can recuperate, it’s important to ask (and accept) help.
5. Take a minute for y-o-u.
Your baby is your priority, but don’t completely forget about yourself. After all, a happy mommy makes for a happy baby! Now is the time to think about the simple pleasures in life that you enjoy, and set aside time to make them happen. If you like to get your nails done, make plans on the weekend to head out to the nail salon for an hour or two. If going for a run or to the gym makes you feel better, set time aside to make it happen (assuming you’re cleared for exercise by your doctor). You get the idea. It can be as quick and simple as giving yourself 15 minutes in the morning to put on some makeup and fix your hair- or a nice, warm evening bubble bath. How great does that sound?
6. Cut yourself some slack.
Try not to be hard on yourself. You created and delivered a miracle and with that comes changes to your body and sometimes drastic changes to your hormone levels. A number of causes, including a change in hormone levels can cause postpartum depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ‘With postpartum depression, feelings of sadness and anxiety can be extreme and might interfere with a woman’s ability to care for herself or her family. Because of the severity of the symptoms, postpartum depression usually requires treatment. The condition, which occurs in nearly 15 percent of births, may begin shortly before or any time after childbirth, but commonly begins between a week and a month after delivery.’ Only your healthcare provider can diagnose you, so if you suspect you’re struggling and need help, discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
7. Sleep (or rest) when baby sleeps.
Newborns sleep a lot, so whenever possible, catch some zzz’s when baby goes down for a nap. It’s tempting to want to spend your days getting things done around the house, trying to cook, or entertaining guests who want to see the new baby, but your well-being is a priority, so make sure your focus is on bonding with the baby and getting rest. According to WomensHealth.gov, ‘new mothers must take special care of their bodies after giving birth and while breastfeeding, too. Doing so will help you to regain your energy and strength. When you take care of yourself, you are able to best care for and enjoy your baby.’
8. Trust your gut.
Family and friends all around you will give you advice, but take it with a grain of salt. Every baby is different, and you know your baby better than anyone else, so trust your instincts. When it comes to the health and safety of your baby, always err on the side of caution. Also be sure to keep a running list of questions so you can discuss them with your baby’s pediatrician.
9. Stay calm.
If you’re stressed or anxious for any reason, your baby can pick up on it so try to remain calm. For example, if your baby has colic or has been particularly fussy for hours on end, then put the baby down in a safe and secure place (or hand him over to your significant other) and step away to take a 5-minute breather. Breathe, gather your thoughts, splash some water on your face, and then approach the situation calmly. (Remember, this too shall pass!)
10. Pick tricks that work for you and baby.
For the first year or so, your baby’s favorite place is likely to be in your arms. Find what works for you. Some babies absolutely love being in a swing, while others love to lay and roll around in their playpen. And since most babies love being coddled and close to you, it’s a win-win when you have a baby carrier or wrap. This allows baby to be comforted and close, while allowing you to be hands-free!
11. Speak up.
It’s inevitable that you’ll have family and friends come to the hospital or to your home to meet your precious newborn, but speak up and ask them to wash their hands before touching or handling the baby. Most importantly, ask anyone who is sick (or who may feel under the weather or suspect they’re getting sick) to stay home until they are sure that they’re better.
12. Get some fresh air.
Many moms choose to stay indoors the first few weeks or months to be cautious about the baby’s health, at least until the first set of vaccines. While it’s a good idea to stay away from crowded places (i.e. malls) and ask any visitors to wash their hands before touching the baby, it’s also a good idea to get out and get some fresh air. Going for a walk outdoors is an excellent way to escape the house, get fresh air, and get some light exercise. It’s good for you and your baby. In fact, fresh air helps clean the lungs and will also help your baby sleep better.
And on the topic of being a new mom, are you delivering your precious bundle of joy in an America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics? Giving yourself and your baby the best birthing experience is a great way to start. Good luck and congratulations to you and your growing family!
1. Enjoy every moment.
When you’re sleep deprived and learning how to adjust to your new life with a baby, it can be easy to start wishing away those early weeks in the hopes of getting more shuteye. Or perhaps you’re so excited for your baby to reach the next milestone (smiling, eating real food, sitting, standing, walking, and so on) that you forget to enjoy the moment. Before you know it, your precious little baby will be itching to get out of your arms and to start exploring the world around him or her. The bottom line here is that time will fly, so try to enjoy each moment of cuddling and clinging.
2. Remember: This too shall pass.
If your baby has colic, or you’re just plain sleep-deprived, remember this simple phrase and repeat it out loud: ‘This too shall pass’. Just reminding yourself that those moments aren’t going to last forever, can help you get past those hurdles.
3. Keep lines of communication open.
Your relationship with your significant other will obviously be a bit different- in a good way! A baby can bring you closer in many ways, but it can also bring new challenges to a relationship. The key to keeping your relationship strong is by keeping the lines of communication open. Discuss your feelings, lean on each other for support, and when baby gets a bit older and you feel comfortable leaving him or her with a trusted sitter, make recurring plans to do date nights for quality one-on-one time.
4. Ask for help.
If your family or friends want to cook something for you or offer to babysit, let them. It’s also important to ask for help when you need it. Whether someone comes over for a couple of hours so you can shower and take a nap, or a family member takes a night shift so you can recuperate, it’s important to ask (and accept) help.
5. Take a minute for y-o-u.
Your baby is your priority, but don’t completely forget about yourself. After all, a happy mommy makes for a happy baby! Now is the time to think about the simple pleasures in life that you enjoy, and set aside time to make them happen. If you like to get your nails done, make plans on the weekend to head out to the nail salon for an hour or two. If going for a run or to the gym makes you feel better, set time aside to make it happen (assuming you’re cleared for exercise by your doctor). You get the idea. It can be as quick and simple as giving yourself 15 minutes in the morning to put on some makeup and fix your hair- or a nice, warm evening bubble bath. How great does that sound?
6. Cut yourself some slack.
Try not to be hard on yourself. You created and delivered a miracle and with that comes changes to your body and sometimes drastic changes to your hormone levels. A number of causes, including a change in hormone levels can cause postpartum depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ‘With postpartum depression, feelings of sadness and anxiety can be extreme and might interfere with a woman’s ability to care for herself or her family. Because of the severity of the symptoms, postpartum depression usually requires treatment. The condition, which occurs in nearly 15 percent of births, may begin shortly before or any time after childbirth, but commonly begins between a week and a month after delivery.’ Only your healthcare provider can diagnose you, so if you suspect you’re struggling and need help, discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
7. Sleep (or rest) when baby sleeps.
Newborns sleep a lot, so whenever possible, catch some zzz’s when baby goes down for a nap. It’s tempting to want to spend your days getting things done around the house, trying to cook, or entertaining guests who want to see the new baby, but your well-being is a priority, so make sure your focus is on bonding with the baby and getting rest. According to WomensHealth.gov, ‘new mothers must take special care of their bodies after giving birth and while breastfeeding, too. Doing so will help you to regain your energy and strength. When you take care of yourself, you are able to best care for and enjoy your baby.’
8. Trust your gut.
Family and friends all around you will give you advice, but take it with a grain of salt. Every baby is different, and you know your baby better than anyone else, so trust your instincts. When it comes to the health and safety of your baby, always err on the side of caution. Also be sure to keep a running list of questions so you can discuss them with your baby’s pediatrician.
9. Stay calm.
If you’re stressed or anxious for any reason, your baby can pick up on it so try to remain calm. For example, if your baby has colic or has been particularly fussy for hours on end, then put the baby down in a safe and secure place (or hand him over to your significant other) and step away to take a 5-minute breather. Breathe, gather your thoughts, splash some water on your face, and then approach the situation calmly. (Remember, this too shall pass!)
10. Pick tricks that work for you and baby.
For the first year or so, your baby’s favorite place is likely to be in your arms. Find what works for you. Some babies absolutely love being in a swing, while others love to lay and roll around in their playpen. And since most babies love being coddled and close to you, it’s a win-win when you have a baby carrier or wrap. This allows baby to be comforted and close, while allowing you to be hands-free!
11. Speak up.
It’s inevitable that you’ll have family and friends come to the hospital or to your home to meet your precious newborn, but speak up and ask them to wash their hands before touching or handling the baby. Most importantly, ask anyone who is sick (or who may feel under the weather or suspect they’re getting sick) to stay home until they are sure that they’re better.
12. Get some fresh air.
Many moms choose to stay indoors the first few weeks or months to be cautious about the baby’s health, at least until the first set of vaccines. While it’s a good idea to stay away from crowded places (i.e. malls) and ask any visitors to wash their hands before touching the baby, it’s also a good idea to get out and get some fresh air. Going for a walk outdoors is an excellent way to escape the house, get fresh air, and get some light exercise. It’s good for you and your baby. In fact, fresh air helps clean the lungs and will also help your baby sleep better.
And on the topic of being a new mom, are you delivering your precious bundle of joy in an America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics? Giving yourself and your baby the best birthing experience is a great way to start. Good luck and congratulations to you and your growing family!
Back