Tips for New Moms: The First Few Weeks
Bringing a new baby home is an exciting time. «You’re healing from childbirth while getting to know your newborn,» says Hilary Baxendale, a childbirth educator and doula in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. Parents share their hard-earned lessons and favorite tips to help you get through those first few weeks. Know who can give you the support you need in those first few weeks.
Do some research now so you won’t have to scramble after the baby’s born, Baxendale says. «You should have frank discussions about who can enter your home and if you want them to quarantine or get tested before joining your bubble,» Baxendale says. For Rachel Huryn of Edgewater Park, NJ, only her parents regularly saw her new daughter. Other friends and family met her outside in socially distanced visits.
Have these items on hand, so you won’t have to run to the store in the middle of the night. «Breastfeeding has a steep learning curve, and these were a lifesaver when I was struggling,» says Liz Winer of Cresskill, NJ. «Even going upstairs to the nursery can be too much work, so you’ll wind up changing baby on the couch,» Baxendale says. You’re always hungry while you nurse, Huryn says.
«There are ways people can help out without entering your home,» Baxendale says. «Family members dropped off meals at our doorstep,» Winer says. «I was amazed how many other moms were just as lost as I was.» You can also find an online or in-person new mom support group. It may be a quick shower in the morning, a Zoom call with your friends, or a long walk.
«Make your needs known,» Baxendale says. You’re just getting to know your newborn in the first few weeks. «Trying to follow a rigid schedule is going to set you up for disappointment,» Baxendale says. «With a baby, I’ve learned nothing goes as planned,» Winer says.
«I’ve had strangers pull down their masks to play peek-a-boo,» Winer says. «It’s sweet but not COVID-safe. » «I continued this once the baby was born, so things didn’t feel so different.» Those first few weeks as a new mom are an emotional and physical challenge.
«After three pregnancies, I’ve finally learned that the newborn period is a time to be extra forgiving and nice to myself,» Huryn says. Keep things in perspective. «It does go by so quickly,» Winer says. «I miss that tiny newborn stage already.»
Do some research now so you won’t have to scramble after the baby’s born, Baxendale says. «You should have frank discussions about who can enter your home and if you want them to quarantine or get tested before joining your bubble,» Baxendale says. For Rachel Huryn of Edgewater Park, NJ, only her parents regularly saw her new daughter. Other friends and family met her outside in socially distanced visits.
Have these items on hand, so you won’t have to run to the store in the middle of the night. «Breastfeeding has a steep learning curve, and these were a lifesaver when I was struggling,» says Liz Winer of Cresskill, NJ. «Even going upstairs to the nursery can be too much work, so you’ll wind up changing baby on the couch,» Baxendale says. You’re always hungry while you nurse, Huryn says.
«There are ways people can help out without entering your home,» Baxendale says. «Family members dropped off meals at our doorstep,» Winer says. «I was amazed how many other moms were just as lost as I was.» You can also find an online or in-person new mom support group. It may be a quick shower in the morning, a Zoom call with your friends, or a long walk.
«Make your needs known,» Baxendale says. You’re just getting to know your newborn in the first few weeks. «Trying to follow a rigid schedule is going to set you up for disappointment,» Baxendale says. «With a baby, I’ve learned nothing goes as planned,» Winer says.
«I’ve had strangers pull down their masks to play peek-a-boo,» Winer says. «It’s sweet but not COVID-safe. » «I continued this once the baby was born, so things didn’t feel so different.» Those first few weeks as a new mom are an emotional and physical challenge.
«After three pregnancies, I’ve finally learned that the newborn period is a time to be extra forgiving and nice to myself,» Huryn says. Keep things in perspective. «It does go by so quickly,» Winer says. «I miss that tiny newborn stage already.»
Read more
baby
12 tips for new moms: Things you should know, but aren’t always told
Here are 12 things new mamas should know from the get-go. Leaving the hospital after giving birth can be scary. Adjusting to life at home as a new family will take time, but settling into your n...
Read more
Tips for new parents: A guide to caring for your newborn
Becoming a parent for the first time is an exciting and overwhelming experience. Caring for a newborn can be daunting, but with the right guidance, you can give your little one the best possible st...
Read more
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.