Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! Here are a few tips to survive the newborn days.
Your world has been turned upside down by the cutest little baby you’ve ever seen. When days and nights bleed together and it seems like all you can think about are diapers and feedings, your regular routines are gone, seemingly never to return.
Your new baby is your first priority, and mama, in particular, needs to take time to recover. Be patient and kind to yourself. Drink lots of water (especially for breastfeeding mamas!) and have healthy snacks available. Apples, carrot sticks and almonds are great grab-and-go options.
Guilt can creep up when your regular routines disappear, but there is good news. Feeling bad about not getting normal activity? Guess what? Those hours spent pacing, bouncing or otherwise on your feet trying to console the new baby? Not only is that activity, but you’re also carrying around a 6- to 10-pound “weight”! (And an adorable weight at that!)
When you’re able, get outside! The fresh air is good for the entire family. Put baby in a wrap, sling or the stroller and walk around the block. If you have other children, they have the chance to release energy, too, on bikes or scooters while you and baby bring up the rear.
New babies can mean lots of visitors, so take advantage of offers to help. Have friends or family toss a load of laundry into the washing machine or load the dishwasher. Ask them to get your older children a snack or chop ingredients for dinner. And once in a while, have them cuddle with the baby so you can take a shower. Sometimes 10 minutes in hot water is exactly what you need.
Congratulations on your new baby! You’ve got this!
Appeared in the ZP Challenge app.