Making it through pregnancy, delivery, surgery and staying in the hospital after birth for a period of time is a major accomplishment. You no longer have to deal with being woken up by medical staff to check your vital signs and you are finally at home with your newborn baby.
Realistic Expectations
While becoming a mother is a fulfilling experience, it can be challenging. You can keep both you and your baby happy and healthy by maintaining realistic expectations. Do not expect you and your baby to be perfect and handle each situation as it arises. This is a period that requires you to gradually adjust and everyone adapts at their won pace. Your priorities include making sure that your baby is fed, clean and monitoring his or her health.
Supplies
Make your situation easier by ensuring that all your essential supplies are accessible especially where you usually use them. Mothers who are nursing can move their favorite and comfortable chairs to the baby’s nursery for convenience.
Keep every thing you usually need during nursing on a table next to your chair. It is also important to try and pump some breast milk if you want your partner to help you with feeding the baby at night. If you give your baby formula, prepare the bottles in advance. Find pregnancy books here.
Comfort and Convenience
Since you are likely to spending a substantial number of nights awake, try to be as comfortable as possible. If you want to avoid physically getting up as soon as your baby wakes up, consider buying a crib that is specially designed to fit next to the bed so that you can reach over and nurse your baby.
For bottle feeding, the things you need for preparing formula should be organized in the kitchen. This will spare you from the task of looking for lids and bottles when you are tired. You can also prepare bottles before bed for night feeding.
Sleep
Try to sleep when your baby is sleeping. It is important to get as much rest as you can so that you are alert as you care for your baby. Determine how much sleep you require each day and take naps during your baby’s naps. Resting when the baby is resting is essential. If you want to sleep next to your baby, make sure you do it safely.
Schedule
It is always a good idea to have a schedule for your baby as soon as you can but at a pace that you can manage. If you have time off work, your baby’s sleeping times are not a big deal. You may need to let them fall asleep when they are ready rather than trying to force them. Maintain a clean household to prevent your baby from falling ill and enjoy the benefits of clean and organized environment.
Help
If people offer to help, let them assist when they can. From housecleaners to babysitters and family members, support is important during this time. Discuss how much help you need and utilize useful items such as baby carriers to keep your baby close as you move around and go out.
Bio
Melanie Walker is a professional journalist who is passionate about motherhood and children. Her articles have been published locally and internationally. She likes to spend time with friends, attend social events and watch television. Learn more at www.babyconsumers.com.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Yes you nailed it with the schedule it is so often hard to keep them but worth having
Most important is the schedule you keep with your little ones. Just remember that, and get lots of rest as well.