To say that becoming a parent is a life changing and monumental occasion is a massive understatement. In the first few days and weeks it’s perfectly normal to be flooded by almost every emotion humanly possible with happiness, anxiety, worry and exhaustion being at the top of the list. That said, effectively adapting to your newest title of “Mom” will be crucial to getting you back to feeling like yourself.
Here are 4 quick reminders to keep in mind during the early days of motherhood:
1. Accept Help from Loved Ones
The first step is admitting that you can’t, and shouldn’t, have to do it all on your own. Accept help from your family, friends and loved ones who have experience, and who are there to help lighten the load for you. This isn’t you being a bad or neglectful mother, it’s you utilizing your resources to ensure your child is always well taken care of. So, sneak in a nap here and there, meal prep or do laundry while Grandma or Grandpa babysit.2
2. Find Ways to Relax
Being with your baby is both instinct and a necessity. While you still need to accomplish everyday tasks, finding a reliable and comfortable baby carrier enables you to be active while staying connected to your little one. For example, I love the Infantino Together baby carrier. From cleaning up around the house to going for nice walks around your neighborhood, it’s always better to keep your hands free. You could read, paint, or do whatever you enjoyed doing beforehand all while your baby sleeps within close proximity.
3. Work to Make Pre-Packed Meals
Eating healthy when you are tired, and struggling to get used to the new life you now lead can be difficult. That is why making pre-packaged meals (or buying them from a company) can help immensely. That way all you need to do is reheat or bake the food, and you’re all set – instant healthy meal! To accomplish this, have someone come over to help you watch your new baby and prepare your food. It’s the best way to stay healthy with minimal effort.
4. Create a Loose Routine
In the early days, you’re no longer on your own schedule, but on the schedule of your baby. You might feel frustrated that your daily routine is out of your control, which is completely normal. However, keep in mind that newborns have a variety of needs, and you need to get to know your child before you can start creating a routine for your baby. Once they have grown a bit, they will benefit from scheduled meal times, and a bedtime. That way you can get back to your own schedule faster.
There is no right and wrong way to parent, so cut yourself some slack, especially in the early days! Ask for help, get a team effort going to help you be better prepared, and enjoy each and every moment to its fullest. You’ll be surprised at how fast they grow up!
