Bringing home a new baby can be a daunting time for any new mother, whether it’s your first or fourth child. Add on that a “new normal” that we’re all still taking time getting used to; we need every trick under the sun to help lighten the load of stress that comes with the newborn phase. Here are some things you can do to help ease into the transition and make you, baby, and the rest of the household more comfortable.
Supplement, Sister!
While it’s always vital to check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your wellness routine, they are an invaluable addition if you get the go-ahead from your physician. You’re probably already taking a robust multi-prenatal vitamin, but there are other things you can add to your diet to help you through the postpartum transition period.
Vitamin C is a given as it can expedite healing and Vitamin D (most people are deficient, and new mothers are particularly deficient). Any DHA is a game-changer for its omega fatty acids as it can help combat Postpartum Depression.
Teletherapy
Unfortunately, the topic of postpartum depression still carries a stigma, and many women are afraid to reach out. Please, don’t let this be a fear. If you are feeling depression or anxiety, this is a critical time to get help.
Our time is so limited as the mothers of newborns, and luckily, telemedicine is a preferred and easy way to get in touch with a doctor quickly. Do not hesitate to reach out and contact the care you need and deserve for your own health as well as your baby’s.
Conquer Feeding Fears
The term “Breast is Best” is dated and also debatable. The truth is, fed is best. And, however, you choose to feed your baby is healthiest. Whether you go with donor milk, formula, or breastfeed your child, your baby will grow and be healthy and bonded to you.
That’s what is most important, isn’t it? If you decide to go the breastfeeding route, take advantage of the lactation consultants available to you through the hospital where you deliver. Suppose you go with home birth or other alternative birth option. I
n that case, there are likely several consultants in your area that can help you with questions about latching, pumping to increase milk supply or anything else you may have concerns about. Just remember, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to keep your baby fed, do what works for you and your family.
Pampered Partners
Hear us out here. This time of life, bringing a newborn home is exhausting for not only mothers but fathers too. It’s so important to make time to enjoy one another as you did pre-baby. If you feel comfortable leaving the baby with a grandparent or trusted friend, commit to taking time to do things with one another.
Sure, you’re tired and maybe a little stressed, but romantic and intimate interactions are known to boost the chemicals in our brains that relax and regulate stress. You may not feel like taking this time, but you need to. So, take time with your significant other to stay connected and stronger together.
Outsource
If it’s within your budget, outsourcing things can make a world of difference in the entire household’s lives. Whether this is simply ordering all your groceries online, signing up for subscription deliveries of things you often use, or hiring a cleaning service – it’s a must.
The benefit also typically outweighs the cost of doing these things too. It may seem intimidating to spend that kind of cash on cleaning your house (something you usually do yourself), but your time will be so limited for a while. You can’t “sleep while the baby sleeps” if your dishes and laundry are overflowing.
So, remember, it’s just a moment in time that you’re going to need this extra help. And, once you’re at a point where you can take those chores on again yourself, that money you were spending outsourcing can go towards college funds for your new child.
Bringing home a new child is a magical and wild ride. The time flies by, and suddenly they’re a toddler heading to preschool. Hopefully, implementing some of these tips will ease your burden and stress level, freeing you up to enjoy this time and all the snuggles. Congratulations, Mama, you got this!
Nickida
Nickida is a first-generation Trinidadian American wife and mother of four. She enjoys sharing recipes from her childhood growing up in Trinidad with her readers. Nickida has a son with Autism and shares posts around traveling with a child with special needs to help other families like her own. She loves television, movies and is a true 80's baby.
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