Being a new mother is by far the most terrifying, exiting, demanding and wondrous thing on earth. You never know what to expect that first day and that first few months, everybody have their opinions but they can not prepare you for that first moment you hold that precious little angel your arms. It was like walking on air for me the first night I spent with my boy, I could not believe that I gave birth to this tiny human being. Then it hit me like a gigantic wave crushing on me, I KNEW NOTHING! Exhaustion set in and it felt like I was dumped in the middle of the ocean and told to sink or swim.
Here are a few tips to remember that tiring first few days that I wish someone told me before I gave birth:
- Relax!! Even though you feel completely overwhelmed at this point you need to take a few deep breaths and RELAX! No matter what anyone says you WILL be a great mother. Just relax and get to know your little one, you will get the hang of it in no time.
- Ask for help. I know it might feel like you should know everything but you are new at this, give yourself a break!
- Sleep when your baby does. At this point you probably are totally exhausted, you've been carrying that little one for 9 months and on top of that you had to give birth. Rest when your baby does even if it means taking 5 naps during the day, it'll pay of during the night.
- Let those dishes pile up a bit. Even though having a baby is the most ordinary thing in life it still turns your life upside down. If you are too tired leave the dishes for the morning, that little one is more demanding than screaming dishes, don't you think…? Or hire someone to help out around the house, even if it is just for a month or 2.
- Give yourself time. Once that little one comes to light your body won't automatically pop back in to shape, give yourself at least 6 weeks to heal and then workout an exercise program for yourself and gradually work yourself up from there. It is said that mothers who breastfeed loose weight faster than others.
- Every child is different. You may get lots of advice from many sources but what worked for them may not necessarily work for you. I'm not saying do not listen to advice just keep in mind that your baby is one of a kind and the two of you need to find your own way of doing things.
- Last, but most definitely not least - ENJOY being a mother! Those tiny little fingers and toes are the best thing that will ever happen to you. Your baby is a gift, cherish and enjoy every moment you spent with him or her!
