Transitioning after the Baby Arrives: A Guide for New Moms
Having a baby is almost every woman’s dream. Their plump cheeks, dainty nature, and cute smiles are something to gush over. And just watching them grow knowing you’re responsible for their well-being consistently fuels your passion.
But as soon as the baby arrives, you’d realize there are so many changes — both pleasant and not-so-pleasant — that you’ll have to face as a new mom. Don’t fret; you’ve got this! This blog serves to prepare you for the new-mom transition.
Don’t forget yourself while caring for your newborn
The worst you can do at this point is to neglect your own care. Self-care is very important for parents, especially new moms, as it gives mothers fresh new energy to care for their babies.
You see, there are times when you’d feel so worked up and frustrated, angry that you even gave birth. It’s called caregiver burnout, and self-care can help moms overcome that.
Here are some self-care tips for new moms:
- Sleep when the baby does
- Find time to exercise like you used to
- Join a social community of moms, both old and new
- Try mindful meditation
- Care for your skin and hair as you used to.
Feeling good will give you the drive you need to be the best caregiver for your newborn.
Your post-birth body doesn’t have to deviate too much
Many women believe as soon as they give birth, they have to settle for whatever new forms their bodies take.
But the truth is you don’t have to give up that killer figure you’ve worked so hard to get. You can remove that tummy fat build-up and perk your breasts up again with mommy makeover by Dr. Garret Wirth. You can still look young and super attractive as a mom — your partner wants you to. You’ll feel much better about yourself as a mom when you look good.
Ask for help
Never be afraid to ask for help. You can’t know it all, neither can you do it all. There are dishes to do, baby clothes to wash, a meal to cook, a home to clean, and some naps to catch. Don’t fall victim to the wrong belief that these things must come second to every woman. You’d only wear yourself out. Who then will attend to the tasks?
Ask your partner for help with some things. You could also ask a motherly neighbor or relative for help once in a while. Additionally, search Google for baby care tips.
Be ready for the changes you’re helpless to
Transitioning into a new mom also means you have to let go of some things, at least for some time. Perhaps you’ve been making thousands of dollars daily before the baby’s arrival, but now you have to spend most of that time with the child. You can get back after they get a bit older.
You’d also experience some mood swings; sometimes, you just loathe the fact that you have to wake up at night to care for your crying baby. Sometimes you feel like a bad mom because you don’t love your child as you should. Your hormones are unbalanced at that time, and it’s alright to feel that way. It will pass.
Many issues will stare at you in the face as a new mom. But knowing these issues beforehand will go a long way in helping you transition correctly after the baby’s arrival.
