Having a baby changes your life in all kinds of ways. It’s an exciting time as you begin to bond with your new baby, but there are also a lot of things to get used to as you try to adjust to life as a new mom.
It’s normal to feel like a fish out of water, especially at the beginning. There’s a lot of great advice to help you get through this time, and fellow parents will be great sources of knowledge for you to lean on. While everyone’s experience is different, the following could give you some helpful suggestions for settling into life with your new baby.
Craft a routine that works for you, but be prepared to be unprepared for a while!
Despite all of your prior preparations, life with a new baby is unpredictable and challenging. Try to settle into a routine that works for you, but remember that each day will be different and may not go according to plan. Write basic lists of things you need to do, making taking care of your baby and yourself a priority. In time, things will get easier and a routine will be easier to stick to.
There are a lot of great apps that are ideal for new moms. They can help you keep track of feeds and other activities, while also offering some fantastic advice.
Connect with other new parents
It can be very comforting to know there are people going through the exact same things that you are. Connecting with other parents will help you get some advice, shared experiences, and best of all, people to meet and spend time with. Make plans with the other new parents in your life or check out some local classes and groups that can help you make some new friends.
Take opportunities to rest if you can, even if it doesn’t mean sleep
Sleep is one of the biggest challenges that new moms face, and nothing can quite prepare you for it. One of the key pieces of sleep advice for new parents is to sleep when the baby sleeps – which is a great idea in theory, but isn’t always practical. If you struggle to switch off and sleep, look at other things you can do to rest during this time. From taking a bath to lying down and listening to an audiobook, there are things you can do to switch off and try to relax a little.
Accept help when it’s offered
It’s not always easy to accept help from others, but if it’s offered to you – take it! From having someone cook you dinner to offering to watch the baby while you nap, these gestures can make a big difference to your day, and help ease some of the strain.
Remember that self-care is important for you too
Taking care of your baby will be your biggest priority right now, but that can’t happen if you don’t take care of yourself too. It’s important to rest and practice some self-care to help protect your mental health and keep your energy up. There may be some things you need to work through after the birth, especially at the beginning, so take the time to consult your doctor, a dedicated birth injury lawyer and other professionals who can help you work through problems you might have had. Some things can hold you back from enjoying the early days with your baby, but if you can face them and take action, you can move on in a positive way.
Settling into life with a new baby will come with all kinds of ups and downs. Take each day as it comes and you’ll soon find your new normal as you settle into your life as a new mom.
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