Returning from hospital with a newborn baby can be one of the most beautiful and rewarding moments in life, but as you settle into a new routine with your baby, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Newborn babies can’t do anything for themselves, so they’re going to demand a lot of your time with their crying, pooping and eating, whether that be day or night.
Being a new mom is a full time job, and if you add other children into the equation, you may feel like your life is a constant balancing act. So to help you get through this time as smoothly as possible, Baby Schooling have put together a list of steps you can take to help you feel less overwhelmed.
1) Learn to Say No to Well-Meaning Family Members
When you’ve first given birth to your little one, it’s natural for family and friends to want to come and visit the new arrival. However, that doesn’t mean you’re ready for all of the attention quite yet.
It’s more than okay to let everyone know if you’re not quite up for seeing anyone – and those who care for you will understand. Childbirth puts a huge strain on your body, and ensuring that you’re using all of your spare moments to relax is a vital form of self-care. The first few special weeks of having a newborn allow for the mother and baby to bond, so take this time for yourself if you feel you need it, and don’t let others rush you.
2) Be Prepared With Meals
Moms will tell you that your eating patterns can basically go out of the window in those first few weeks of being a new parent. It might be 1am before your stomach rumbles and you realise you haven’t eaten since breakfast that morning. But instead of making an order at the takeaway, consider your other options.
Some moms like to prepare meals and freeze them before their birth date, so that for the first few weeks with their baby, minimal effort in the kitchen is required. If you don’t like to meal prep, another option could be to sign up for a subscription meal delivery service. The great thing about these services is that they offer healthy meals that can simply be heated up in the microwave, and you’re still getting those much-needed nutrients that you wouldn’t get from a takeaway pizza.
3) Ask For Help
If you feel up to seeing your family and friends, don’t feel bad about asking them to help with chores such as cleaning or the laundry when they stop by your house. Most people will be happy to help in any way possible, and it’s a great way for you to relax and enjoy their company without feeling guilty about it.
4) Recognize The Signs of Becoming Overwhelmed
Although it’s natural to feel overwhelmed occasionally when you’re looking after a newborn, be sure to always keep an eye on your day-to-day emotions. If you stop seeing the joy in life, and find you’re constantly feeling stressed, anxious and teary, it may be best to make an appointment with your doctor. Postpartum depression is surprisingly common and can be treated from the minute you ask for help, so don’t be afraid of speaking out.