Being a new mom is exciting and overwhelming. When you come home from the hospital, you are so happy to have this adorable baby, but you are also recovering from giving birth, and facing the challenge of sleep deprivation. The following are ten tips to help make life a little easier for you.
1. Shop before the baby is born. It is true that you won’t know how big your baby is and may not know gender and what not, but what you do know is that you will probably bleed, and they will eat, sleep, and poop. So, stock up on the things you will most definitely need, like diapers, wipes, sanitary napkins, etc. This way you aren’t asking your husband to run out and buy pads, and you are not stuck doing it on your way home from the hospital.
2. Make sure your husband knows not to take things personally. One of the problems with child birth is the hormone imbalances after. So, you might be moody. Expect it and prepare your spouse so that no hurt feelings result.
3. Get some help. Don’t turn down meals, house cleaners, babysitters, etc. The fact is, when you are a new mom, you may want to try and do it all on your own, but take advantage of help that is offered. If your husband can stay home from work for the first week to help you out, or a parent can come stay to keep meals on the table and laundry under control, take advantage of it.
4. Eliminate extra worries. One of the best things you can do as a new mom is plan ahead for the things that might be a problem if they are forgotten while you enjoy your new baby. Set up automatic bill pay and make sure you have your bills taken care of. Arrange for time off work, and for people to cover you in other responsibilities for the first 4-6 weeks.
5. Pamper yourself. Often a pedicure, a bunch of chick flicks to watch in bed, a pint of ice cream, and no guilt are all you need when you are a new mom. You just gave birth, created life, and pushed a baby out of your body, so spoil yourself for a little bit. You earned it.
6. Freezer meals and take out menus. One of the things that makes life easier is not having to worry about grocery shopping, deciding what food to fix, etc. Instead, prepare in advance and put some of your favorites into the freezer so all you have to do is pull them out and bake them. Or, stock up on menus for places that deliver.
7. Don’t let things get in the way of your sleep. New moms need to take hold of the advice to sleep when their baby does. They should be taking time off work and away from other responsibilities so that they can try and get enough sleep each day.
8. Have emergency numbers by the phone. One of the scary parts of being a new mom is not knowing everything. So, having quick and easy access to lactation specialists, pediatricians, your OBGYN, and a nurse practitioner so that if you are ever worried about something you can get answers fast.
9. Hire a cleaning service. Right after you have a baby, you generally make a mess of your bathroom, and you don’t feel up to scrubbing and cleaning your house. So, leave for the hospital with a clean house, and find a cleaning company that can come once a week for the first few weeks after a baby. Consider the expense just part of the expense of birth.
10. Make fewer messes for yourself by buying some paper bowls, cups, plates, and plastic utensils that can be thrown away. You probably won’t want to do dishes, so for a few weeks eat on disposable dish wear.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to