Bringing home a new baby is a big lifestyle adjustment. Even if you have older children, a new baby can turn your world on it’s head and leave you feeling like your days are blending together. It’s important to find ways to balance the needs of your new baby while still making time to take care of yourself. The following tips can help you navigate those first few weeks of new parenthood while still feeling that you have a good grasp on your day to day life.
Have a (flexible) Routine
While you may not establish a routine until your baby is a few weeks old and becoming more predictable with their sleeping and eating patterns, having a basic routine in place will help you feel more structured in your day to day activities. In the beginning, keep your routine simple by getting up around the same time each day, getting dressed and eating a healthy breakfast. As your family adjusts to having a new baby around, you can add more involved activities to your routine, such as weekly play dates.
Make a To Do List
Again, keep it flexible. Having a “To Do” list can help you feel more organized and provides gratification when you are able to look at all you’ve accomplished in the day, but be careful not to put too much on yourself. Beating yourself up over what you didn’t get done will negate the progress you made with all you were able to achieve.
Have Fun With Your Child
Enjoy the time you have to play with your kids and watch them grow. Yes, there will be frustrating days, but focus on the positive and know that your baby won’t be colicky forever and won’t always wake you up to eat each hour of the night.
Take Care of Yourself
Be sure to keep your post natal doctors appointments and alert your care provider if you’re experiencing any signs of PPD or are feeling unwell. It is all too easy to put your own needs aside when caring for a newborn. To be the best mother, partner and friend you can be, you need to keep your own health and well being as a high of a priority as any other member in your family.
This information is not intended to substitute or replace the guidance of a medical professional. If you feel you need medical attention or are feeling depressed, hopeless or are thinking of harming yourself or someone else, contact your care provider or call 911 immediately.
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