Keep Calm And Be A 'New Mom'

 

Being calm seems to be the furthest thing on a new mom's mind. Don't worry, IT'S NORMAL. You won't know whether you are coming or going...or remember the last time you took a shower. Hopefully you'll remember if you showered, but if you don't, stay calm and carry on.

 Here are a few tips to help you to keep calm and be a new mom:
 

1. Don't be intimidated! YOU are the mother! YOU carried this baby for nine months and YOU just gave birth! You know your child better than anyone so take suggestions and comments with a grain of salt.  

 2.  Accept all free food with open arms! Seriously, you can barely get off the couch just kick your feet up and let other people cook for you for a change.
 

3. Don’t be upset that your body didn’t bounce back like the robot woman you secretly stalk on instagram did. She's eating air. Focus on your baby. Which leads to point number four….

4. Get off social media during your maternity leave. Be ‘in the moment’ with your new little one and your hubby. These are days that will go by wayyyy too fast. Seriously, I value my maternity leave as one of my favorite times in my life.

5. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE! I know the first few weeks you feel absolutely wonderfully...horrible! But as soon as you are able, get out of the house! Even for 1 hour a day you need that time to get some fresh air and to collect your thoughts. This is also a great time for daddy to have some special bonding time with the new baby.

6. Shower. I know what you're thinking...shower? Who doesn't shower? Trust me...showering becomes a chore after you have a baby. Make sure you shower daily. This will help with your soreness and will help you to relax. I'm sure you're husband will thank you later. 

7. Bedtime can make you anxious. Sounds crazy. But it's not. Anxiety can build because you don't know how many times your little one will wake up. Maybe the baby will be inconsolable? Or maybe you feel like your baby's food source (utters) will hurt to the point of tears during feeding. In the moment though, YOU JUST DO IT. You will get the baby to sleep, your utters will eventually not hurt, and sleep deprived nights are part of the game.

8. If you need help, ask for it! Don't be ashamed to ask your husband, friend, relative, or random street walker (just kidding, lock street walkers out unless you feel compelled to witness to them) for help. There is no way I would have kept my sanity had I not had help with dishes, laundry, cleaning, etc. Even asking someone to just talk with you. Baby blues are real so if you feel yourself getting upset have a good chat with someone. There were times I felt depressed or about to cry and I'd pull my husband aside and ask him to pray for me or to talk to me. These emotions come OUT OF LEFT FIELD.

9. STAY ORGANIZED.  Sounds like a crazy thing to ask of a new mom but it's so helpful. Have the baby's room super organized for when you come home. This way if someone needs to grab something for the baby and you are too sore to move you can tell them exactly where it is. Plus, who wants to search the whole house for mini fingernail clippers and socks that your big toe cant even fit into.

10. Nap! Oh what a glorious word...nap. Doesn't it just roll off the tongue! To help with the sleep deprivation take a nap when your baby naps. Whether it's while they're sleeping on your chest or if they're in the swing and you're on the couch. Their nap time is now your nap time. Enjoy!

11. Eat! You can NOT starve yourself (especially if you are breastfeeding). I was so overwhelmed with a new baby that I would literally forget to eat. Be sure and eat small snacks throughout the day and drink water like a camel. Like I said this is crucial if you are breastfeeding!  

                              YOU CAN DO THIS, MOMMY!