This is the 5th of a group of emails I wrote to a mom-to-be a few years ago to help her prepare for breastfeeding and caring for her new baby. With the first one you can find a list each of them and the topics they cover.
This email is about taking care of yourself when you have a new baby. Having a baby is a major life-changing event, and a baby requires so much of your time and effort. It is exhausting! That makes it essential that you take time to take care of yourself. You’ll have nothing to give if you aren’t taken care of.
This mom-to-be that I wrote to was blessed to have a loving husband to help her. If you don’t have that, find someone else to help you. Taking care of a tiny human is not something you can do on your own.
Taking Care of Mom on Baby’s Schedule
Dear Mom-to-be,
You are about to take the best roller coaster ride of your life, with the highest highs, the lowest lows, and plenty of loopty loops. Here are some tips on enjoying the ride.
Sometimes Baby will nurse for a long time, especially when they’re really small or on a growth spurt. A distraction can help you stay sane, like a book, a movie, music, or even a crocheting project. Whatever suits you will do. Learning to nurse while lying on your side is so helpful so that you can doze off while Baby nurses, especially in the night. I found that my babies under 7lb couldn’t latch on that way, but after a couple weeks they could.
When Baby does let you up, put first things first – eat and sleep! When your basic needs are met you can figure out what else you need to do.
Call on your husband! Most dads want to help but don’t know how. Many women have a tendency to think their husbands should just know what they need, but they don’t. Ask him for a sandwich, some water, a shoulder rub, or whatever you feel like you need.
Dad also needs a turn bonding with baby, and can do everything besides nursing the baby. Let him have turns with burping, diapering, bathing, rocking, etc. Maybe you could get a shower while they play. 🙂
When you are ready for exercise, take it slow and listen to your body. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, lots of colors of food, small frequent meals. Find little ways to pamper yourself. (My favorites have been chocolate, toenail polish, and a walk by myeslf.) And take some time to just be with your little family everyday if you can. That’s what it’s all about.
Your friend, Anne
Find the next email on Safe Sleeping here.
