First month of Baby? 3 Tips for New Parents

Baby's First Month

A baby’s first month is crucial, and new parents will inevitably go through the marathon of sleepless nights, unending feedings, frequent nappy changes, and soothing the crying baby. No matter how much you have prepared your home, and yourself, for the arrival of the baby, when it comes to making it through the initial days of motherhood, there are numerous, unpredictable challenges that you will have to face.

3 Tips for New Parents

Here are a few tips from veteran moms and experts to make your first-month stress-free, so you can welcome the newest member of your family properly. These tips will also help new parents prepare themselves for baby care, and establish a routine for themselves.

Take care of yourself

The challenges of having a new baby can take their toll, but while you are focusing on your bundle of joy, don't forget to take care of yourself. Remember, your family’s health and well-being depend on yours. While your focus will be on baby care, you must consider recovering from pregnancy and birthing as a priority. Baby development depends on the physical and emotional well-being of the mother.

Don’t forget to go for your follow-up check-ups with your healthcare provider. Instead of focusing on losing weight, focus on eating healthy and nutritious food, because your body needs to recover and gain strength to cope with its new responsibilities as a parent.

Be sleep savvy

Though sleep deprivation is quite obvious for new parents, especially during the first few weeks, chronic sleep deprivation is not only grueling, but can also lead to bad moods, reduced focus, and an inability to fulfil your responsibilities.

In order to get more shut-eye, sleep when your baby sleeps. Ignore house chores, or get help for them. Take turns with your partner, or ask family or friends to do a night shift with you, so that you get enough sleep to keep your sanity.

Seek and accept help

There is nothing wrong with asking for help. It will not make you inferior or incompetent. The unrelenting chores of new motherhood, coupled with hormonal changes and fatigue, can lead to postpartum depression. For a less stressful adjustment to your new situation, seek help for daily chores and baby care, and if needed, hire help as well. It will give you much-needed relaxation and some ‘me time’ as well.

You will get plenty of advice on parenting down the road, but by keeping these basic strategies in mind, you will be able to do so much more for your baby without going crazy. Remember, you are going to be different than the next mom. Not better or worse, because you are doing the best you can. No matter how you choose to handle things, be proud that you are inventing your own special way of being a mom.