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What to do in the first week of the baby’s arrival?!
You have waited 40 weeks and spent hours in labor waiting for your newborn.
Finally, it’s here, but then you realize that you aren’t as prepared but confused about what to do and how to do it. Reality hits you when you leave the comfort of the hospital to your home.
You can’t really anticipate what the first week will be as it depends on your little one. Suddenly, your entire life revolves around your newborn. If this is your first, there will be highs and very low lows.
Even though you can’t change the situation, you can survive the first week with these tips for you and your newborn.
Tips are:
#1) Don’t reject help:
Please don’t say no to help. You will not realize how exhausted you are until you come home. The pains of labor, expelling the placenta, a few stitches there, and the mental exhaustion will come rushing back and leave you drained.
So if mom, mom-in-law or a friend is coming to help, please gladly accept it. If the family is far from you, have a good friend or neighbor help you out. Don’t try to do it all.
#2) Take care of yourself:
The baby comes with plenty of bleeding, get good absorbent, maternity, sanitary pads that will give you hours of calmness than the regular that will have you visiting the restroom which will only hurt you more.
Go for cotton instead of nylon mesh. Remember to take your drugs, and drink a lot of fluid, warm is better. If you have stitches, try some warm water, deep baths for relaxation, and to expedite the healing process.
#3) Sleep when the baby sleeps:
If you are busy when the baby is sleeping, you will be exhausted by the end of the day.
So when the baby sleeps, get some sleep or rest, and just count your blessings and be thankful for a safe delivery and a healthy baby.
#4) You will cry most times:
The post-baby period is really an emotional journey that will see your eyes water at the slightest reactions, either good or bad. It is not a bad thing as it will help you expel emotional confusion that you can’t explain.
It’s okay to cry, so enjoy.
#5) Emergency numbers:
Have you OBGYN numbers, your spouse, and a close neighbor at hand just in case you notice something wrong with the baby or you have a question that needs answering or help with some little chores.
Whatever the case, have their numbers on speed dial in case of an emergency.
#5) Ask, Listen, Watch, and Learn:
As a new mom, you can never be too right, but you can be really wrong. If you are breastfeeding your newborn, you will be taught how to hold and position him/her towards the nipple without obstructing the breathing.
We employ you ask, listen, watch, and learn. The ask, listen, watch, and learn process goes for everything else from bathing and changing the baby to how to hold them to pacify them.
Your journey is like being on a roller coaster ride, but you should get your footing after a couple of days and start coming to terms with the new life for you and your baby.
Don’t forget to check out the brand new online newborn basics class here!
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