I am not going to lie, for me, those first weeks with my newborn were HARD! I wasn’t getting any sleep, my hormones were all out of whack, and I was adjusting to being responsible for another life for the very first time. It was tough but I hope using my struggles to create this post on how to survive the first weeks with your baby, will help other new moms!
I was prepared for the lack of sleep, I had been warned about that, but I was shocked by the emotional roller coaster that followed after childbirth. I have never been so happy, and yet so sad at the same time! I definitely had a case of the Baby Blues during those first weeks with my newborn.
The first weeks of motherhood were filled with happiness and joy, but at times were also overwhelming and exhausting. Here are some things that helped me survive! I hope these tips help you through the first weeks with your newborn too!
Netflix
Artie was born during flu season so he had to stay secluded for his first two months. There is only so much you can talk about with a newborn, so Netflix helped me pass the time. I found it especially helpful during long nursing sessions!
Don’t feel guilty for watching a little TV during those first weeks with your baby. I binge watched every episode of Parenthood! It’s a great show for new moms to watch! What other shows would you recommend for moms during the first weeks with their newborns?
Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps
Some moms say this isn’t possible because there are things to do around the house, but for me it isn’t possible to do things around the house on three hours of sleep! During those first weeks, my baby had his days and nights mixed up, so he was up all night and took long naps throughout the day.
After a few days without sleep I realized I couldn’t do it all.. at least not without some rest. I knew I had to find a solution that worked for us, because if I continued not sleeping I would be too exhausted to care for my baby. That’s when I started sleeping when Artie slept.
When he woke up in the morning, I would bring him downstairs to our living room and set up the couch with pillows and blankets so I could nap when he did. I would keep going back to sleep every time he did until I felt like a human again!
The key to surviving the first weeks with your newborn is taking care of yourself, too! With a little rest I was able to get my chores done in the afternoon and felt so much more refreshed!
Crock-pot
Cooking is usually all about timing but those first weeks with your baby can be unpredictable! I would start dinner in the crock-pot when Artie was napping and at night we had a few hours time frame that we could enjoy dinner.
All you need is something simple like this. Just set it and forget it! (I use these crock pot covers for easy cleanup!)
Accept Help
I have always been someone who likes to do things on my own but if there was ever a time to accept help, it’s during those first weeks of motherhood! Let your family and friends watch your baby so you can actually take a shower. Trust me, you will feel so much better!
Even a simple offer to change a diaper can make a difference during those first weeks with your baby. That is one less diaper for you to change! That diaper could be the last thing standing between losing your sanity or not! (just kidding… kind of)
Get Out of the House
I have never felt more free than I did on that first trip to the grocery store. I rolled my windows down and turned the radio up! I never thought a trip to the grocery store would feel like a vacation.
True, it’s hard to be away from your baby, but you will feel so refreshed afterward and will be SO happy to have him back in your arms! Even if you just take a walk outside, it’s important to get out of your house. The change of scenery is just what you need during those first weeks with your newborn!
Sometimes, as new moms, we get so wrapped up in taking care of our baby that we forget to take care of ourselves. Make time for yourself, you won’t regret it!
Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a new mom’s best friend, especially during the first weeks with your baby! It’s hard to feel like yourself when you don’t have time to shower, but a little dry shampoo and running a brush through your hair can work wonders!
I have tried at least ten different kinds of dry shampoo and I absolutely love this brand! Unlike most dry shampoos, it sprays on colorless, without leaving behind any white residue. It also adds volume so your hair will look AMAZING in any style! If all else fails just throw on a hat!
Mom Friends
What helped me more than anything was talking to other moms. Those first few weeks with my newborn were some of the most exciting, yet challenging weeks of my life and it really helped having someone who could relate.
Open up about how you are feeling because they probably felt the same way! Whether it’s your own mom or friends with kids, they will help you feel less alone on this crazy journey called motherhood!
Enjoy The Newborn Snuggles!
The newborn phase, although it may not feel like it at the time, is such a short phase. Before you know it, your newborn will be a walking, talking, toddler!
Enjoy getting to know your baby because these months will fly by! Take tons of pictures and snuggle every chance you get! Your baby is only a newborn once so take a deep breath and recognize what a fantastic job you are doing!!!
