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Getting through that initial month of caring, nursing, and looking after your newborn can not only sap your energy but also leave you on the brink of insanity. However, you have the benefit of hindsight, in the form of opinions of ladies who’ve lived through the experience. Here are 13 tips to prepare you for life with a newborn.
1. Talk about breastfeeding: It’s okay to get an appointment with a lactation consultant, even before you give birth. If you can’t bring yourself to talk about breastmilk at this stage, attend a La Leche League meeting.
2. Be resourceful: Many moms are wising up to the idea that they can learn everything there is to get them started, with nursing at the hospital they deliver their baby. If you have a lactation consultant on your birth support team, she’ll be the best guide.
3. Be comfortable: If your breasts are sore after a nursing session, you might want to use a warm compress on your breasts. You can also use an ice pack if your breasts still feel sore after a feed.
4. Taking shifts: Sometimes putting the baby to sleep is probably tougher than forcing toothpaste back into its tube. The best way to work around this is to work in shifts. Let your partner take over the mornings while you stay up at night. Sleep deprivation isn’t something to be happy about.
5. Avoid fatigue: There are only a few goals you have right now. Care for your baby, and avoid getting too tired. Fatigue can make you angry, and slow. So, make sure you don’t overdo anything.
6. “Sleep when your baby sleeps:” One of the few adages that work wonders. Catching up with sleep while your little one is dozing is the best way to feel energetic all day.
7. Soothing your infant: Baby talk is Greek to adults, and we just can’t understand what the little munchkin wants. Mimicking the womb is a brilliant way to soothe a baby. It is why swaddling, swinging, rocking, and shushing a baby calms her down.
8. Play music: Babies respond to music. It doesn’t make them smarter, but it does promote neural and vocal stimulation, which can indeed make your little one smart enough to take on the world.
9. Letting Your Partner Be: Many dads don’t want to get involved in taking care of the baby as they fear reprimand from their partners. You shouldn’t be too hard on your spouse. Give him his space and let him make mistakes. It lets them bond better with the baby.
10. Work from home: Ask your partner to either take some time off work or work from home. This way, he gets to spend time with the baby and help you as well.
11. Ignore unwanted advice: Remember that unsolicited advice can confuse you, create doubts, and lead to misconceived notions. You need to turn a deaf ear towards anyone who thinks they can raise your child better than you.
12. Be prepared for a day out: If you go out with your little one, take your partner or a friend along. It helps as you walk your little one down for the first time. Keep the diaper bag ready.
13. Embrace the pandemonium: You’re only going to be a mum of a newborn for 12 months before he officially enters babyhood. So, make the most of your time with the baby.
Do you have any other tips for our readers? Tell us here.
