Taking care of a newborn can be very difficult, specially as a first time parent, as the baby doesn’t sleep through the night, and needs to be fed and diaper changed around the clock, must parents experience sleep deprivation, plus the mother is also healing from birth.
The newborn stage is very short, it starts when your baby is born and last aproximately 8 to 12 weeks. Even though those few weeks can feel like they will never end. Because this time is short, we as mothers should try to survive it and actually enjoy it. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this stage:
- Sleep when the baby sleeps. I know it sounds cliche, but as the nights are rough with broken sleep, taking naps during the day would help you make up for some of the lost sleep.
- Share night feeding and wakes with your partner, or other family members. If you are breastfeeding, your partner can change the diapers, burp the baby and help on anything you need, like getting you a snack. If you are bottle feeding, your partner could take on some feeding so you can have a longer stretch of sleep, or you can alternate nights so each one of you have a night off to rest. If you need it and can afford it, hire a night nurse.
- Focus on bonding with your baby. Bonding is very important during the newborn stage. Having skin to skin contact can regulate their nervous system, heart rate and body temperature. Other ways to bond with your baby are holding them frequently, looking into their eyes, singing and reading to them.
- Fed is better. If you are struggling with breastfeeding, you should see a lactation consultant to help you. If this doesn’t work out, remember that fed is better, and you can supplement or completely feed with formula.
- Don’t pressure yourself. In this period of time, new mothers should concentrate on healing, eating nourishing foods, staying hydrated, recovery and sleep. It is not the time to try to look perfect, be dieting or trying to do everything by yourself.
- Get therapy if you need it. Many new mothers experience postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. If you are feeling overwhelmed, crying often, have difficulty sleeping or other concerning symptoms, you should search for help and go to therapy. You don’t have to go through it alone.