Being a new mother can be very difficult, even if you know everything there is about taking care of a newborn. However, after the first three months you will discover that everything seems easier and you can understand the needs of your baby and how to fulfill them. Here are the most important tips to survive the first three months:
Forget your expectations
We’ve all seen those commercials where a baby is sleeping calmly in the arms of the new parents, and they are well rested and happy with their life.
Your body changed, you are a mother and you don’t know how to deal with your baby, so it is normal to feel depressed and overwhelmed at time. Don’t be afraid to show others and yourself included that things are rough sometimes and that you need some encouragement. Accept yourself and trust your baby.
Get help with breastfeeding
For sure you heard before about mothers who “didn’t have milk” and they couldn’t breastfeed their babies. However, this is rarely happening; most of the time the new mother does not know how to breastfeed efficiently.
One of the best things that you can do is to get informed on how you can breastfeed your baby successfully and to avoid elements that can sabotage this, such as feeding him from a bottle or giving the baby a pacifier.
No matter if you are choosing to breastfeed or formula feed your baby, make sure that you stick to your feelings and do what’s best for you and the baby.
Stock up on everything you need
Going to the store every few days to bring diapers or napkins? Not so fun when you have a newborn.
It is a good idea to bring big packages of everything you might need in the first few months, so you don’t find yourself forced to go outside when you don’t feel you want to do this. Diapers, designer diaper bag, napkins, clothes and so on.
Understand the sleeping patterns of your baby
It will be much easier to get some sleep if you understand the times of the day when your baby is sleeping and the times when he is active. In this way, you will know when to play with him and when to put him to sleep.
If you don’t want to waste time writing the times when your baby is sleeping, you can use an app to help you with this.
Set your priorities
In the first months you will not have time to do everything you used to do before. However, your priority needs to be the baby, and nothing else.
Are the dishes dirty? Nothing will happen if you wash them tomorrow. You don’t need to send an e-mail right now, and your guests will not care if you didn’t clean the windows before they come.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Others will understand that you are still adjusting and they will be happy to do the chores for you.
Trust your baby
Your baby was in your womb in the last 9 months, and there is a reason while the first three months of his life are also called “the 4th trimester”. It is normal for your baby to want to be held all the time, and it is normal for him to want to breastfeed all day long.
He needs your protection and care and time to adjust to the outside world. Take your time to know your baby and give both of you the trust that you deserve.