Congratulations! If you’re reading this, then I am assuming you are a new parent to a beautiful, little baby. You’re now entering into a wonderful time of life, the first month of your baby’s existence.
It’s amazing how you can honestly fall in love with somebody that you don’t even know. It’s an experience you can’t even imagine until you are blessed with a tiny miracle.
Getting through the first month is often tough, and you’re not alone. Millions of women have felt the way you do right now, and I am here to give you some tips on how to survive.
Sleep deprivation when you’ve been out partying and have to work the next day and sleep deprivation when you’re up feeding and caring for an infant are two completely different animals. It’s hard!!! It is extremely difficult to wake up every few hours under demand. Sleep when your baby is sleeping and don’t feel guilty about it. Everything else can wait.
If your husband has the opportunity to take some time off of work, that’s great. He can get up with you if you want him to. If you are nursing, he obviously can’t feed the baby, but he can burp her. When you finish nursing, let your husband burp the baby and change his diaper. If you’re bottle feeding, take turns.
When your husband returns to work, don’t ask him to wake with you anymore. I know this sounds harsh, but he does have to get up and actually function the next day. This is where you can take advantage of taking naps when the baby does.
Take the time to get to know your baby. Before you know it, you will be able to distinguish between cries, whimpers and even facial expressions. You will be the one who knows every little thing that your baby needs.
Be prepared for help, whether you want it or not. Everybody is really good at putting their two cents in, but ultimately it’s your decision. Even some stranger at the store will tell you if you’ve over or under dressed your baby. Smile, nod and walk away. Get used to it. From now on, somebody will always think they know more about your baby than you do.
Take care of yourself, too! You’ve just given birth to a child, and you need some time to care for yourself as well. A couple of tips – keep a bathrobe by the front door. When somebody comes to visit, throw it on and they’ll feel like they shouldn’t stay long. Most importantly, do not get out of your jammies until you’re ready for everybody to think you’re back to normal. Yes, you need to take care of yourself, but give yourself some time to rest.
Lastly, enjoy this time. Soon enough your baby will be walking around and pulling everything out of everywhere. Take advantage of this time where they can’t really move or get into anything. You’ll thank me later!