» Life Topics » Parenting
"Coping Tips" For the First Weeks With Your New Baby
During the exciting, astonishingly round-the-clock-hectic days of parenting a newborn, it’s important to remember to take good care of yourself while also focusing on the many needs of your baby--these "coping tips" can help:
Get as much rest as possible:
A pretty laughable notion for parents of newborns, we know, but during the first weeks home with your baby it's more important than ever to get lots of rest (this goes for both moms and dads!). Whenever and however possible, sleep when your baby sleeps--and take turns with middle-of-the-night feedings and being in the charge of the baby during segments of the day so that you each have opportunities for respites of uninterrupted relaxation. And if family or friends offer to come over and watch the baby while one or both of you new parents get some rest, ACCEPT!
Eat smart:
Even though your newborn's demanding feeding schedule turns your days and nights into one seamless, seemingly-endless blur, be especially mindful of eating nutritious foods and of maintaining regular meal schedules. When family members or friends offer to help, ask them to bring you lunch or dinner or to pick up things for you at the store.
Be sure your baby receives necessary health care:
Make sure to maintain regularly-scheduled well-baby check-ups. And don't hesitate to call your baby’s doctor with whatever questions or concerns you may have--your baby's pediatrician expects lots of calls from new parents and wants to do whatever they can to ensure the first weeks home with your baby are as healthy and as anxiety- and stress-free as possible (for you and your newborn!).
New moms--make sure you receive necessary health care:
In addition to your regularly-scheduled post-delivery check-up, be mindful of taking especially good care of your physical and emotional well-being. Call your ob-gyn with any and all questions and concerns. One out of every ten new moms experiences postpartum depression, which can, if left untreated, progressively worsen and cause decidedly unwanted and unnecessary pain for weeks or even months.
Get outside!:
Take a walk, sit in the garden, visit a friend--whatever it takes to get you out of the house, however briefly, each day.
Don’t expect too much from yourself:
Lighten up on your expectations of how everyday responsibilities like housework, shopping, and errand-running get done during the first weeks. Eventually, you’ll get back to a regular routine.
Nurture your mind and body:
Make concerted efforts to do those things that you find especially pleasing, such as listening to your favorite music, asking that someone "be in charge" of the baby while you take a relaxing bath or shower, or perhaps arranging for a few hours to be on your own so that you can do something nurturing like going to a movie, getting a massage, attending a yoga or exercise class, having your hair done--or taking an uninterrupted nap!
Get together with other new parents:
It’s too easy for a new parent to feel isolated from the rest of the world. Meeting with other new parents who share your interests and concerns can be a lifesaver. Join a neighborhood parenting group or create a group of your own by getting together on a regular basis with friends who also have young children.
Be attentive to older siblings in the family:
Bringing in a new baby can be confusing to older siblings. Every day, in ways big and small, let them know you love them. And remember that it "takes a village to raise a child": Accept any and all offers of help from family, friends, and neighbors to drive car pools, to have your older kids over for "playdates" and "sleep-overs," and to include them in on opportunities that will make them feel grown-up and special, such as ballgames, picnics, and excursions to local museums and other places of particular interest for kids.
Enjoy your new baby:
Do whatever it takes to make sure you have the peace of mind to enjoy bonding with your new baby! While parenting is, without a doubt, the most difficult and demanding job you'll ever have, the relationship you share with your child can also provide deeply personal rewards and joys that exceed even your biggest expectations!
Link: Find a Therapist
Take a test:
See also:
|
 |
 |
|
