Surviving the first few weeks with a newborn
Surviving the First Few Weeks With a Newborn
Having a newborn can be a whirlwind of emotions. You are elated that you have welcomed a little person into the world but the adjustment can be overwhelming and exhausting. Here are some tips to help you survive the first few weeks with a newborn:
Get enough sleep
Your body is already in recovery mode, and you need to put sleep as a priority. Be sure to take turns with your partner so you can rest and recover while they take care of your newborn.
Take your time
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have things perfectly perfect. Take it one day at a time and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Ask for help
It’s OK to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask family or friends if they can help out with meals, laundry, or just coming over to hold the baby while you take a shower.
Take care of yourself
It can be easy to spend all your time focused on the baby and forget about yourself. Make time for yourself and do something to relax and take your mind off of being a parent for a few moments.
Accept support
Accepting help is easier said than done, but you will be happier in the long run if you open yourself up to support from your friends, family, and community.
Rely on your instincts
Don’t second guess yourself. Remember that you are your baby’s mother and you know what’s best for them. Trust your instincts and don’t be swayed by well-meaning advice from others.
Celebrate the wins
It’s easy to focus on the challenges, but don’t forget to celebrate the wins too. Your baby sleeping through the night, or taking a bottle – take a moment to savor those little victories and give yourself a pat on the back.
Connect with other mothers
You are not alone in this journey. Reach out to other mothers, both in person and online. You can find a lot of great advice and support from other mothers in the same boat as you.
The first few weeks with a newborn are hard, but know that it won’t last forever. With a bit of extra sleep, help from others, and some self-care, you can get through this time.
