Hey Mama's and Dad's out there. If your expecting or already home with your newborn, your probably wondering, "what now?" Well, I'm here with you, and I just wanted to first give you a virtual hug and say "Congratulations you did it and your almost there!" Second I wanted to be a support for you and provide some general tips for this roller coaster ride your about to endure. Now, don't be nervous, you will absolutely come out a stronger, wiser person than going into parenthood. Parenthood is a whole other beast. If our parents did it with half of the equipment we have today, than we absolutely got this! Here are 5 tips to surviving your first three months with a newborn.
1. Nap when baby naps. So we've heard all the nurses say it, the doctor, your parents and everyone else around you say it. It's easier said than done and not that your not exhausted but there's also other things to do. You want to maybe cook, eat, clean, bathe, pump if your providing mothers milk. Not to mention your a new parent and on high alert. Eventually by month 2, you get the memo. You hit snooze as soon as babies eyes close. Nap until you feel rested, this isn't to be misconstrued with sleeping all day for every single nap, but maybe LO's long afternoon nap is the best time to hit some REM and then for all those other daytime naps, you eat, clean cook etc.
2. Accept help. Mom, this one is specific to you. That's right, I'm talking to you and no one else. I completely understand that innate pressure you feel to be the super hero parent. I mean you held LO for nine months right? So now, you have to keep baby alive, feeding and cleaning baby day and night while also taking care of yourself and feeling the pressure to maintain the household. Listen, if no one has told you already, then I'm telling you now. RELAX! You just had a baby, provide yourself with grace. You're body did an amazing thing and continues to do so. If dad wants to help you with baby, let him. Even if he doesn't change the diaper the way you would and holds baby a little differently. If your nursing, try pumping as well so dad might be able to do some overnight bottle feeds while you get some rest. If friends offer help, take the help. Let them do some food shopping or buy/make dinner. Invite grandma/ grandpa/ godparent over to the home to bond with baby while you take a shower, nap, tidy or do laundry. Makes things a little easier on yourself by accepting help if it's offered. You will absolutely appreciate it in the long run.
3. If family and friend support is not available to you. Utilize how convenient things can be. Use laundry drop off services, grocery delivery to your home, subscribe to meal services like Hello Fresh to make the dinners a bit easier for either you or Dad to make. Don't have time to keep running to the market for diapers whenever you're running low, try looking into a diaper and wipe subscription to deliver to your home. Baby supply subscriptions will automatically deliver monthly supplies to your doorstep. If your formula feeding little one, include the formula in grocery delivery. You can also order formula directly from the Brand website and from Amazon. Not to mention, now there is Uber eats for convenience stores like Walgreens, that also sells baby formula and pharmacy goods.
4. Now, this last one is important. If this was in a hierarchical order of importance it would be number one on the list. Have your pediatrician office on speed dial. There is nothing more comforting and easing to a newborn parents anxiety than a quick call to the pediatrician when your worried. Following this last is the final tip.
5. Find a pediatrician office that is open on weekends, evenings and holidays. If your a parent, then you know this needs no explanation. Emergencies don't only happen on weekdays from 9 to 5. The more flexible the doctor's office is with hours, the better it will be for you and your family.
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