Naps have become another four letter word in my household. Much like the mysterious toilet paper thief (why is the roll ALWAYS empty when I sit down?!), naps are elusive, and are now reduced to a fond memory, much like my fitting in those jeans from high school.
Let's face it, naps are crucial for a new parent, as well as many other things. I have the same memory of my daughter's first few weeks alive as I do of the semester I tried binge drinking as a major in college. Bits and pieces, my friend, bits and pieces.
So, without further adieu, here is my version of a "Top 5" list. Things you really should do after your baby is born so that you don't accidentally try breastfeeding the cat while half asleep.
Let's face it, naps are crucial for a new parent, as well as many other things. I have the same memory of my daughter's first few weeks alive as I do of the semester I tried binge drinking as a major in college. Bits and pieces, my friend, bits and pieces.
So, without further adieu, here is my version of a "Top 5" list. Things you really should do after your baby is born so that you don't accidentally try breastfeeding the cat while half asleep.
This tip is more of a PSA than anything. 1. Bathe. Seriously, we all know why you need to do this. You. Stink. I know it, you know it. But let's put a spin on it. Take this time to be by yourself, get some super fruity/flowery/musky soap-like stuff, and lather up. Massage your temples, neck, shoulders, whatever you can reach. There are going to be times when it's either shower or sleep, at least HALF of the time, pick shower. Have your partner, friend or family member watch the baby for 30 minutes, and take that time for yourself. Plus, good hygiene is just, well, good for you. For women who have had a C-section, you want to keep the incision clean and dry, and for vaginal births a shower can help clean up any tears that are still healing.
2. Sleep. Okay, so like I said, HALF of the time, it's bathe. The other half, it's sleep. I can't count how many times I was told "Sleep when the baby sleeps". That may work for some women, and if that's you then there's my advice. Eventually, however, you are going to need to get a routine of your own down, so you don't go broke buying "As Seen On TV" crap at 3 AM when no one else is awake but you and the baby. Try going to bed at night when the baby does, even if it is 7 PM. Lack of sleep is a primary contributor to many issues during the postpartum period, including Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. When we don't sleep enough, we can't think clearly, and it can lead to a lack of motivation, irritability, and changes in many other areas of our lives. We. Need. Sleep.
This bitch is crazy. Her baby was born this morning. 3. Be Realistic (a.k.a., let others help you). Who expects to come into the home of a 10 day old baby and see the cover of Better Homes and Gardens? Me, but that's irrelevant. Really, no one does, and if you don't either, pressure will just fall right off your shoulders (unlike that baby weight). During the first few weeks, just cover the basics. Keep the lights on, food in the house, and don't let any wild animals build forts in the living room. Rely on your support system, and if you don't have one, ask me, I'm always looking for friends. Hook up with other moms with newborns, connect with friends and family you feel closest to, and let them help you. Not ALL the laundry needs to be done, you don't have to vacuum EVERY day, and please put that post-graduate thesis on the back burner. Enjoy your time with your baby. Get to know your baby and his/her new routine. Getting to know other moms will help with idea sharing and allow you to socialize so you feel part of the functioning world again. Allowing family and friends to help you will give them time to get to know the baby as well, and give you time to relax.
Isn't this beautiful? Don't go all Julie Andrews on me though. 4. Go outside (of the house). At first, going out for any reason may seem as reasonable as a Mike Tyson face tattoo, but give it a whirl. Maybe not in the first few days, or weeks depending on how you feel, but definitely as soon as you can, start getting outside. The sunshine and fresh air can be a natural mood enhancer. Go to the park, or sit out on your front porch. If the weather is nice enough, try to do it every day for at least 45 minutes. The change of scenery can be exciting for the baby, and calming for you. Remember before the baby was born? You used to go outside ALL the time. It was amazing, remember?
Look how happy she is eating healthy! She eats her Doritos in the closet. 5. Eat. Not Doritos. When my daughter was first born, I am pretty sure I didn't cook a single thing for weeks. You don't have to cook, but that doesn't mean you can't eat WELL. Keep cut up fruit (just buy it cut up, don't be a hero), yogurt, granola bars and other foods you can eat with one hand close by. Try to avoid anything junky, it's just going to bring you down emotionally and physically, despite how delicious it may taste. I can be a junk food addict just as much as the next guy, but recognizing healthy food is crucial. Make crock pot meals you can eat from for a day or two, casseroles or stews. Don't skip meals if you can help it. Eating well is (just like everything else) tied to your mental well-being.
Like this blog? Want to know more about what a doula is and does? Visit our website, Facebook page, or contact us!
