Baby and Me For the past nine months or so there was probably a whole host of people to help shepherd you on your journey toward parenthood. After the frenzy of well wishers bearing gifts settles down, life at home with baby can get overwhelming at times. Here are some helpful bits of advice to get you over the speed bumps and help you enjoy this precious time as much as possible. Get Out of the House Everybody likes a change of pace. If the routine of feeding and changing begins to take its toll, re-energize by taking a stroll, visiting a friend or getting out to the mall. Your baby will enjoy a new adventure, too. Enlist Help. If you are fortunate to have kind offers of help from family and friends don't be shy about accepting this generosity. And consider enlisting the help of a doula if you feel funny asking someone to do your dishes or make lunch for you while you nurse the baby, or better yet, take a nap. Keep in Touch Talk with other new parents you've met. Take the opportunity to compare notes on feedings, sleep patterns, delivery stories and life after the arrival of the baby. Give Yourself a Break The baby will not care if the laundry piles up, or if bed is unmade until two in the afternoon. You will also realize fairly quickly that this is also not the best time to tackle new projects like cleaning out the garage! -- If you can manage to keep up with feeding the baby and yourself, you are off to a stellar start as a new parent. Rely on Your Pediatrician Your baby's doctor is a valuable resource. A quick call can get you some sound advice for the situation of the moment and reassure you at the same time. This Is All Temporary I know it may be hard to remember once baby arrives, but just a few short weeks ago life was very different. The transition to parenthood is challenging, but in a few (almost equally) short weeks your baby will be eating less frequently, sleeping more regularly and showering you with smiles filled with gratitude and love. |
