5 simple and practical ways to help you adjust to a new parenting when the help you were relying on is not up to you.
You may experience menstrual cramps (known as post-breastfeeding pain) in the first few days, especially if it's not your first baby. This is because the oxytocin released from breastfeeding will help your uterus contract further as it begins to return to its normal size.
- Stay in touch.
It's easy to waste time and let one day (and one night) slip into the next when you're in the middle of a new baby. If you spend some time chatting - almost through programs like FaceTime or Zoom, or just picking up the phone - with a family member, friend, or other parent, you may feel more or less supportive.
Find out who your favorite people in your life are and who you support. Are you very attached to your mother or sister? Enter the date of the zoom on the calendar every day at the time you prefer.
Have you recently met another friend who is also a new parent, or do you know someone who has been there, did you do it with the kids and all the advice you have? Contact them and find out the time of the interview every day.
- Go virtual.
While this may not always be the case, life has many benefits in a time when you have access to almost everything by pressing a button or swiping your finger across your smartphone screen. And there is never a better time to use it than now.
Get postpartum support online. Breastfeeding is not the only kind of support you can get online as a fresh parent. If you’re having trouble getting into your new parenting role, Duhaney recommends online courses like the Keeping Mammy in Mind virtual room specifically designed for new moms. It was created by a licensed psychologist with specialized training in perinatal mental health and can help you learn how to manage your parenting role and manage changes in mood, relationships and identity.
- Start putting together a program.
Do you dream of a time when your baby will fall asleep thoughtfully every day and fall asleep peacefully every night? While this may be the case if you are a loving parent, there is no time for newborn days. And the kids certainly don't need a plan. However, there are benefits to getting a free program that works for you and your little one during the first few months when many aspects of your life are out of control, especially if you are dealing with parenting. new without any external help.
According to a blog post by Dr. Harvey Karp, a pediatrician, child development expert, vendor author of The Happiest Child on the Block, and creator of Bassinet Snoo Smart Sleeper, has some tips that you should not forget. work on a children's program.
A strict schedule is not recommended, but a flexible schedule that works around feeding and sleep times may work.
Help your baby distinguish between day and night by wearing them frequently during the day.
Try to feed every 1.5-2 hours, then try to take a nap. Feed your baby in a quiet room to minimize distraction.
Use white noise and a dark room to signal that sleep is on its way.
- Share the load.
If you have a partner at home with you, making sure you share the load of new parenthood is even more important now than it would be under normal circumstances.
If your little one is drinking formula, switch off each feeding so one person can rest while the other feeds the baby.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Let your partner know when you need a break, a shower or even a quick nap, and encourage them to do the same. It’s easy to assume the other person in your relationship knows what you’re thinking, but that’s often not the case. Stay calm, be honest and try your best to meet each other’s needs during this (crazy, stressful, tiring) time.
- Be gentle with yourself.
This should go without saying all of the time, but it’s never more important than during the postpartum period—especially when you’re not able to enlist any outside help.
Be as gentle as possible with yourself. Prioritize what’s important and let go of what’s not. Feel bad that you usually make a home cooked meal but instead you ordered out for the last four nights? Don’t. Worried that you haven’t vacuumed in two weeks? A little extra dust never hurt anyone.
The newborn period is all about survival; do what you need to do to make it (sanely) through the day. Listen to podcasts or binge something mindless on Netflix or do some yoga or take a quick walk around the block if you can—whatever brings you a little peace and sanity. Don’t put any extra pressure on yourself or on your partner.
And remember, it gets easier. We promise.💗