There is no doubt that motherhood is physically, emotionally and mentally demanding. As soon as you announce your pregnancy, you will begin to hear loads of new mom tips. The parenting advice, whether solicited or not, can quickly become overwhelming. Even though you will be filled with love and excitement with the arrival of your new baby, you definitely need to sort through the multitude of information. Here are seven reliable “New Mom” survival tips to help you make the most of early motherhood.
1. Get Organized
In order for things to run as smoothly as possible, try to get organized before baby’s arrival. Think beyond just setting up the nursery: prepare your entire house to make life easier with a newborn. Create specific spots in your home for necessary items like burp cloths, diaper changing supplies, a change of clothes or pacifiers. If your house is two stories or a bit larger, consider making at least two spots for these items. Many playards and ‘Pack ‘n’ Plays’ are equipped with a changing station and sleeping spot that are great to use in a second space. Share the locations of these important items with your spouse or other people who might be around to help. Being able to quickly grab what you need without running to another room will prove to be especially helpful on those sleep-deprived days.
2. Ask for Help
Being a new mom is an extraordinarily busy and exhausting job. Since the majority of your time will be devoted to caring for your newborn, usual household chores might fall to the wayside. To ease your workload, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Whether you ask your spouse, a friend or a professional, find and utilize helping hands where you need them. You may simply need someone to watch the baby while you shower or to throw in a load of laundry while you kick your feet up. Maybe the mess in your space has become overwhelming and you need to consider treating yourself to a professional cleaning service. Or, perhaps you just need someone to vent to or specific parenting advice. For that, look to a trusted friend or therapist.
3. Create a Routine
You can read all sorts of articles, books and other resources about babies’ schedules. While having a routine is important, find what works for you! All babies and mommies are different, so your daily schedule might be nothing like your friends’. However, knowing what to expect can help both you and your baby fall into a similar routine each day. Many moms choose some variation of an eat, play, sleep cycle. Pay less attention to the time on the clock in the early days. Instead, learn your baby’s cues and cries to tune you into what they might need. If you need help keeping things straight, try a baby tracking app. There are several available to record feedings, sleep, diaper changes and play time. Use the data to find patterns in your daily schedule and to ultimately reduce some of the chaos in your day.
4. Get Out of the House
It may feel like a daunting task to leave home with your newborn, but a change of scenery can boost your spirits. If the weather is nice, a stroll around the block might be just what you need. The fresh air and light physical activity can be beneficial. Or, if you feel comfortable venturing into public with baby, a trip to a local store can brighten your day–certainly you can think of something you need at Target! Get baby ready with a clean diaper and a full belly. Then, pack the diaper bag with all the necessities, including a warm bottle or a nursing cover in case baby gets hungry while you’re out and about.
5. Try Baby-Wearing
Babies can be high maintenance: some are only happy when they’re being held! This might seem like an impossible feat with all that’s on your plate. Consider using a sling, wrap or structured baby carrier to free up your hands while keeping baby happy. There are many options for carriers on the market: do a little research or visit a baby store to try out some in person. In general, baby wearing can be a sanity saver for many new moms, allowing them to accomplish simple tasks like loading the dishwasher or eating a meal. Many moms also opt for a carrier over a stroller for outings with their newborn.
6. Eat Well
New moms are often so devoted to feeding and caring for their newborn that they forget to take care of themselves. Notably, moms should aim to eat healthy to sustain their energy levels. Eating well and drinking enough water is also imperative for breastfeeding moms. Before baby arrives, try to stock up on freezer meals that are easy to just heat in the oven. Keep snacks and water bottles throughout your house for when you need a quick bite to eat. Stock up on healthy snacks like almonds, energy bars or string cheese that are easy to eat with just one hand. Don’t be afraid to ask someone (your spouse or friend who’s coming to visit) to grab a few items at the grocery store or a nutritious takeout option. Overall, aim to take care of yourself so that you’ll be able to best care for your baby.
7. Don’t Aim for Perfection
You may have dreamed of being a mom for years, and your dreams were likely filled with the perfect picture of motherhood. Don’t be disappointed when reality with a newborn is far from perfection. Rather than striving to do everything “by the book,” find what works for you. Be flexible with scheduling, household chores and life in general. Don’t feel pressured to follow every bit of advice you have read or been given. Instead, follow your motherly instincts: you know your baby better than anyone else.
Survive Knowing Every Stage is Temporary
Being a new mom is a stressful time for most women. However, understand that the newborn stage is simply that: a temporary stage in your journey as a mom. While you may not believe it now, you will look back fondly on the early moments with your baby. Try to soak in the sweet moments with your little one, no matter how tired you might be. Before you know it, you will have an energetic toddler and you will be searching for advice to make it through the next challenging stage.
