Surviving the first few weeks after birth

I wrote this note to an almost new mommy, I thought perhaps it could be shared with other new mommies:) 

-Sage words from a mom who’s been there

1. If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry: not everything will go as planned, you might have had all sorts of plans for sleeping arrangements, and in the end, you and "Daddy" will take turns holding the baby all night, just to get some peace, or the baby will wind up sleeping in the car seat, or swing, not the really nice cradle you have and were planning on using. (Our situation, but you never know how the baby will turn out). You also could have made plans to breastfeed and after really trying it doesn’t work, or your supply craps out, or you have to be on medication that makes breastfeeding impossible, don’t beat yourself up about it, it’s not the end of the world. (I have known several mom’s who have had those situations)

2. If the going get’s tough, stick with it as long as you can: Breastfeeding is not always easy, the baby may have trouble latching on, or have a poor suck reflex (that was my gymnist's case) or the baby could take right to it, you never know. Remind yourself when you’ve got sore nipples the first few days or you’re boobs are rock solid they are so engorged that, breastfeeding is free, breastfed baby poop and spit-up doesn’t smell so bad, and after you get the hang of it, it is so easy to just pop the baby on, no matter where you are, you won’t have to deal with mixing formula in the middle of the night and dealing with washing bottles.

3. Ask for, and accept help: You never know what kind of temperament your baby might have; he could be really good, or a crier. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family or friends, sometimes having someone over to hold the baby while you take a shower, or a nap can make all the difference in the world. If someone offers to help, you can always give them a chore to help you out, doing the dishes, taking the trash out, vacuum the rug, every little bit will help.

4. The bathroom hasn’t been cleaned in how long? Who cares if the place goes to pot for a while, the first few weeks you will be in survival mode, sleep and keeping the baby happy will the most important things to worry about. You’re having guests over to see the baby? Who cares what the place looks like, everyone should understand, and if they don’t like it, they can clean something.

5. Use your local resources: the lactation department at the hospital can be invaluable. Also check the hospital to see if they offer a new mommies group to visit; this can be a great way to commiserate with others in your same situation. They appreciate conversations about poop and other bodily functions, your current friends with no kids won’t appreciate that conversation as much. Plus you might make some new and lifelong friends that could have your baby’s future playmates. Libraries are also a great place to go to get baby books, novels to read, and meet other moms. It will be a nice retreat over the winter when you can’t take your baby out to parks and stuff, and you are sick of being at home all day.

Good Luck and get all the rest you can now!