You’re home from the hospital, the visitors
have all gone, and now it’s time to get back to normal life. Except, you can’t
quite find the ‘normal’ in your life anymore between the swaddles, the diapers,
and the ever-changing routine of a little person who brings you to your highest
highs and lowest lows all in the time it takes you to blink an eye.
This is new parenthood and it is such a
unique time. No other phase of life is filled with such joy and excitement. And
no other phase brings on the same stress or requires the same sort of survival
mentality.
If you’ve just welcomed your firstborn into
the world and have started to wonder how to make it through this big life
change, first, remember that you’re not alone. Many of us are right there with
you while others of us have lived to tell the tale and are here help you along.
So read on for a few tips to help you survive these early parenthood days.
1. Adopt new techniques
Major life changes cause stress. And a new
baby is nothing if not a major life change. The stress you’re experiencing now
may be unlike anything you’ve seen before and you may find that you need new
ways to handle the physical and emotional demands on you and your time. So adopt
some new stress management techniques
that fit into your life today and can help you to take care of yourself in this
new world. When you feel calmer and more in control, you’ll be better equipped
to take care of your baby.
2. Accept (even ask for) help
Every superhero has a sidekick and you’ll
need one too if you’re going to attempt the superhuman task of raising a human.
Asking for help is never easy and, sadly, becoming a parent doesn’t make it any
easier. But the first days and weeks of your baby’s life will be challenging
and overwhelming and you shouldn’t do it alone. Undoubtedly, your husband,
friends, and family want to help you, so let them. I once had a friend who,
while adjusting to life with her newborn daughter, would regularly ask visitors
to take out the trash on their way out. It may feel awkward at first but you’ll
find that your friends are happy to do anything to help. And you didn’t really
want to take out the trash anyway.
3. Shower
Most new moms have stories to tell about how
long they’ve gone without a shower due to non-stop feedings, diaper changes,
and the logistics of snagging five minutes when the newest member of your
family needs you for everything. But few things can make you feel refreshed,
recharged, and ready to go like a nice, hot shower. So squeeze it in—when your
partner gets home or before he leaves in the morning. Try to hop in after you
put your baby down for a nap. Leave the dishes and the laundry and use the time
you have on something that will make you feel ready for the rest of the day.
4. Research, but only a little
It’s tempting to jump online every time your
baby sneezes or coughs or does anything more than sleep and eat just as the
book says he should. And a little research never hurt anyone. But remember that
the Internet overflows with information about every possible situation,
condition, and illness and some of it can send you reeling for no reason. If
you want to learn a little more, by all means, open up your laptop or crack the
spine on that baby care book. But, when in doubt, always call your doctor.
5. Trust yourself
Yes, this world is new and you feel as though
you have no idea what you’re doing. But the motherhood instinct is real and you
have it. You’ve had it since your baby took her first breath. You are this
little person’s mother for a reason and you can do this.
Bio:
Tricia Mirchandani is a mother of two, a
freelance writer and the blogger behind Raising Humans. Her words have appeared on
Literary Mama, SheKnows and BlogHer and in Pregnancy and Newborn magazine.
She tells stories about motherhood, personal growth and the life of a writer mama
because sharing words can make the world a better place.
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