11 ideas to help you survive those early weeks as a new Mom

These 11 ideas to help you survive those early weeks as a new Mom

1.       Pray! It doesn't take long and it is a great way to start your day, whether at midnight or 6 in the morning. Anytime when you feel heavy and burdened with your new set of responsibilities!

2.       Take things slow. We live in a "Go, go, go" world. Babies move at a very different pace, as do new parents. Give yourself permission to move on baby time for the next few weeks.

3.       Limit your  other obligations. Everyone will want to see baby! Of course it is exciting to share with your relatives or co-workers. But this can take it's toll, try to ease back on these or other obligations.

4.       Sleep whenever you can. It is so easy to sneak in some laundry or other household chores. Throwing on a Super Mom cape while baby is napping can be so tempting. Try to rest whenever baby is asleep or being cared for by someone else. Rest can sometimes feel like a waste of time when there is so much to do, but keeping yourself as recharged as possible will make everything else so much easier.
 
5.       Nurture yourself. You are putting out an enormous amount of energy right now and it is so important to recharge your batteries. Pray. A 30 minute soak in a hot bath, a short read or a walk with a friend could help to rejuvenate you. Think about two or three things you could do in less than an hour to nurture yourself and make it happen.
  
6.       Think of your baby's crying as a way of communicating with you. Your baby needs to learn that the world is a trustworthy and reliable place. There may be times when nothing seems to help, due to illness or colicky so  you may just need to stay close, relaxed and supportive until your baby is done crying.

7.       Keep your expectations about this time to a minimum. Many parents who work outside the home before they have a baby expect that being home with baby to hold many opportunities to get things done around the house. If you can keep your expectations to a minimum, you may feel less overwhelmed and unsuccessful. Figure out which projects  or chores can wait.
 
8.       Be open to accept offers of help. Many times it is easier to say “I can do it on my own!” But many times you are actually giving others the gift of feeling included and helpful and you will be giving yourself a breather or well-deserved rest.

9.       Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many people around you might be interested in helping, but may not know how or what your needs are. Don’t be shy to gently inquire if they would be interested in giving you a hand.

10.   Find other new parents. The hardest things about being a new parent is believing you are the only one with the feelings of being overwhelmed and confused. It can be supportive to spend time with other new parents that can be feeling just like you!  Look for new parent support or activity groups through your hospital, community college, adult education school, internet or other local community group. If you are lucky to be an At Home Mom here are a few websites to groups that may meet in your area and during the day!

http://www.momsofmultiples.org/
http://www.momsclub.org/
http://www.mops.org/
 http://www.mochamoms.org/
 http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/?_kk=moms&_kt=f776e5bc-d5c3-4931-9328-78f259dddbd2



Or connect on the web with:
www.cafemom.com

11.   Expect for your emotions to change! Bringing this new beautiful baby into your life changes you in ways you never imagined! Your feelings are simultaneously deepened and closer to the surface. You may find yourself crying at a drop at a hat or giddy at the blink of an eye. Know that this is normal part of being a new parent.

 Just remember, no matter how frustrated or discouraged you may get during this time, it's OK to need to seek out a friend or family member to help you out or just to talk. Don't feel as though you need to do everything! And don't think you should know everything about your new baby, even if you have read every book you could get your hands on or babysat in the past. This little gift is totally different once he or she is actually in your arms and there will be times when it doesn't go by the book. Breathe! Step back and remember you are doing great! These months and years go fast so relish this time with your little one with joy!