Bringing Home Baby and Surviving the First Months

You’ve done it! Congratulations! Whether you delivered vaginally or had a cesarean, had drugs or no drugs, labored a week or a few hours; you now have a beautiful little ball of squish. Now what?! Time to bring the baby home, what?!!... The first few months were probably the hardest for my family. Not only are you learning how to care for a newborn, you are doing it on little to no sleep. So when the baby is colicky and screaming, the house is dirty, laundry needs to be done, sink is full of dishes, and you still haven’t showered, keep these in mind. Here is my 5 top tips that got me through…

1.Sleep when baby sleeps.

I am sure everyone has told you this one. And it is totally true. I had a hard time sleeping during the day, but even just 15 minutes of shut eye really helps with those all night feedings.

2. Let others help

If you are anything like me, I didn’t want any help. I was mom, I knew what to do and no one could do it my way, but when you have a colicky baby and you don’t sleep and the sink is full of dishes, letting someone come over and help while you can get that needed rest for the whole houses sake, do it! When I finally gave in, it was worth it.

3. Play nice

Nope, I am not talking about with your baby; this is for our significant others. Having a baby is a huge adjustment for everyone. I knew things would be different but I was prepared, my husband on the other hand…well let’s say it took him a little more time. Remember both of you are tired and try to bite your tongue. Things do get better, I promise. Our daughter screamed her head off every night from when my husband got home from work till she went down for the “night”. It took about 3 months for things to settle for her and adjust to life outside the womb. You are not alone mamas.

4. Leave the bubble

Once you are healed and feeling okay, it is time for you and baby to get out of the house. Go for a walk around the block once a day. It will feel so good getting that well needed fresh air and your baby will enjoy it too.

5. Be a confident Mom

There are so many things out there now on what you should and shouldn’t do with your baby. Everyone has an opinion. But in the end you are the Mom. Do your own research, but lastly do what you feel is right for you and your family. I had so many people telling me do this, o you shouldn’t do that, when I had kids we did this, etc. Some I would listen to, but in the end I did what I wanted to do, which is how it should be. Don’t be hard on yourself or let other people make you feel you aren’t a good mother just because you don’t do what they feel is right. There were things I thought I would never do, but then I ended up doing them and things I wanted to, but it just didn’t work with my situation. If you do too, don’t worry. You are a good mom. As long as you aren’t putting your kid in any harm and you think you are doing the right thing…screw everyone else! Be confident in who you are as a parent.