So you just had a baby?
And by chance its not as easy as you thought huh?
You’re not alone. Many new moms go through this when they bring their baby home or when the midwife leaves. You’re overwhelmed. You’re tired. You’re hungry. You need to take a bath. But.. But.. The BABY!You start thinking of the baby. You can’t do anything else. The baby is crying or sleeping or is just too cute to stop staring at. Then you get worried about a thousand things that can go wrong . Anxiety sets in and before you know it, you didnt get to take care of yourself. Your tea you made for yourself is now cold. Does any of this sound familiar?
Well let me give you a few tips to help reduce the overwhelm in the early days of being a mom.
- Ask for help! and accept it when it comes!
This a major tip because often as moms we dont like to ask for help or think that were bothering anyone. It is so hard to ask because of the appearance of looking weak. But help is much needed and often time people are more than willing to help! sometimes they are waiting for YOU to ask. If you by chance have no friends or family around then hiring a postpartum doula is a good way to go. These professionals are skilled at postpartum duties.
2. Get some sleep!
This is another chance to ask for help. Sometimes those little babies wont give you rest mama if you are always around. You may need your partner to watch baby while you sleep with a noise machine or headphone so the baby crying wont wake you for a few hours. This is needed so you can get uninterrupted sleep for even 2 or 3 hrs.
3. Eat!
If you aren’t eating right then your body will be deprived of correct and needed nutrients so you can function well. This isnt just for nourishment but for your mind as well. Your brain is your powerhouse for your mood and body function. Good food =good mood. As well as energy to keep taking care of that little one.
4. walk!
Notice I didnt say exercise! Depending on when you are reading this in your postpartum season, it may be too early to engage in vigorous exercises. So just to be safe, just take a walk. Moving your body will be good! Your muscles need to stretch and perform. You can’t lay down all day. So a quick walk to the mail box or even around the front of your place of residence is good for you!
5. Be easy on yourself
This one is the best tip of all. Be easy on yourself! A newborn baby is a lot of work. They cant do anything for them selves! And if its your first baby, there is a big learning curve! You are doing a good job! Seek professional help for depression. Seek professional help for doula services to help you. And at the end of the day , you made it one more day.
And as always, It takes a village to help a baby AND mom! Im always here to be apart of that village.
xoxo
Alison