If you're planning on having a baby, or are pregnant right now, hold on. It will be the greatest ride of your life, but also the most tiring and bewildering. Every new mom has a moment (or a thousand) where they wonder if they are doing it right. Breathe. Here is some great new mother advice for you to take on this journey of new motherhood. And unlike with advice from your mother-in-law, you don't have to pretend to listen.
Slow down! When you have a new baby, you're also inviting a whirlwind of events that happen along with it. Relatives want to come visit, friends want to throw baby showers, you may be hosting a christening or baptism, or you probably have some serious shopping to do. Know that all of these things can wait. Your baby is only a newborn for so long, and you'll want to soak up every minute of his sounds, smiles, and smells. The baby shower can wait. It'll save you the stress of trying to clean your house while making an elaborate lunch and then passing your baby off when all you want to do is cuddle him on your own. Schedule events far enough away from the birth of your baby so you're not feeling frazzled and stressed.
Learn to say NO! As soon as that baby comes home, everyone will want to be the first to come take a peek at your new bundle of joy, But with sicknesses like RSV, as well as the germs that can come into your house through visitors, it's best to wait a few weeks before you invite over the masses. Even if you're itching to show your baby off, take time to think about his or her health. It's okay to tell them to hold off for a week or two until you feel comfortable.
Sleep! This piece of advice is much easier said than done. But that old adage about "sleeping when the baby sleeps" is completely true. Remember that the time after having a baby doesn't run on the same time as the rest of the world. You'll feel completely out of sync for a while, and that only gets worse with the sleep deprivation.
Leave the dishes and the laundry for someone else, and simply take the time to curl up and have a nap with your beautiful new baby, sans the guilt. And when you do need to pick up the house or run errands, invest in a baby sling. Baby slings are a great way to wear your baby who loves to be held, and still get things done.
Kat Hafen writes and contributes to many baby, child, family, and parent online publications including HugaMonkey. Kat is an avid baby carriers slings supporter because of the positive impact it can have on families. For more information regarding baby carrier slings, visit HugaMonkey.
Tags: family, pregnancy, baby carriers, family planning, baby carrier, baby carriers slings