These Tips Will Help Every New Mom

The birth of a baby welcomes a brand-new phase in a woman’s life—one that is immensely gratifying and innately challenging at the same time.

Your new little bundle of joy will bring unique experiences that you may have never been through before. So, here are some tips that will come in handy as you confront them and face your first few months as a new mother.

Prepare before baby arrives

Most pregnant women go through a “nesting phase” during late pregnancy when they feel a strong urge to clean, organize, and prepare the house for their soon-to-be-born baby. This is nature’s way of telling you that you should prepare in advance for your baby’s arrival. Even if you do not have strong nesting instincts, itis wise to set yourself up with all you need in the days following the birth.

Organize your house, get your nursery ready, and stock up on groceries and household essentials. Learn to install your baby car seat, so there are no surprises when you must use it for the first time. You can also prepare and freeze a few meals, so you need not worry about cooking for at least a few days once the baby arrives.

Entertain a few visitors

As excited as you may be about showing off your new baby, it is best to avoid visitors during the first few days. You need plenty of rest to recover from childbirth, and even with a dedicated support system, you will not have much time for yourself. Make use of whatever time you get to relax and refresh yourself with some well-deserved sleep. Also, make use of this special time to bond with your baby and make sure he/she is well-rested and fed.

Listen to your baby

Your baby will take time to adjust to his new home outside the womb. So, give him time to relax and do not push him into a routine right away, as it will only stress you out. During the first few days, let your baby sleep and feed as he/she chooses. Plan your day around your baby’s needs, and it will be easier to find time to rest and recoup. Pay attention to your recovery, and you will be better prepared to handle your baby’s demands in the coming months. Make the transition into a comfortable routine at a slow pace, so your child gets time to adjust to each change and adapts to it better.

Enlist help

Even if you can do everything on your own, do not try everything by yourself. This can leave you feeling exhausted and frustrated. Whether your partner, parents, or friends, identify the people who can support you out during this phase in your life. Don’t hesitate to ask for their help with tasks they can handle, like cleaning the house, helping with shopping, tending to your pet, or accompanying you to the doctor. If someone offers to babysit, acknowledge, and use the offer. You can always return the favor when they have a similar need in the future. Also, share your responsibilities with your partner. Let him take over one or more tasks like bathing or reading to the baby, so you have a few precious minutes to yourself.

Trust your maternal instincts

It is normal for new mothers to stress out over the smallest things about their baby. Although babies are more resilient than you think they are, you can never be too careful. If you suspect that your child is unwell and unsure whether to visit the doctor or not, go with your gut. It is always better to get an expert opinion and confirm that all is well rather than unnecessarily stressing yourself. Also, do not be overly harsh on yourself if you goof up at times. Think of it as a learning experience, and you can avoid such mistakes in the future.

Always choose simpler options

Time is a luxury when you are a new mom. Keep your life simple and stress-free by choosing simple clothes, toys, feeding and bathing equipment, strollers, car seats, or anything else for that matter. When choosing clothes, avoid those with too many buttons or snaps. Similarly, pick feeding bottles that are easy to clean over those with several crevices that take longer to wash.

Document all the special moments

Time flies when you are busy, and your baby will grow up before you know it. Savor each moment while it lasts and documents all the milestones and special moments in your baby’s life. It will be a huge loss if you forget to record these precious memories as they occur. Take as many photos and videos as you can, as they will be sources of boundless joy for you in the years that come.