How to Organize Your Life as a New Parent

Your mom has gone home, your spouse is back at work, and you and
your baby are bonding beautifully. Things are getting back to normal--
except for the fact that you haven't returned your best friend's call
from last week, the laundry's overflowing and the fridge is looking
pretty bare--again. How will you ever get in front of that 8-ball?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Remember that you and your baby will grow and adapt incredibly quickly. Just as you get used to one phase, you'll be rocketed into another.

2. Practice asking for help. Most friends and family say "call me if there's anything you need!"--and they mean it. You'll do yourself and them a favor by actually asking for what you need. The trick is to figure out what sort of task is best for each person--one may be just dying to hold your baby for an hour while another loves to cook and someone else would happily feed your roses.

3. Be aware that breast-feeding is often not quite as "natural" as you may have expected. If you are having trouble breastfeeding, contact the La Leche League (lalecheleague.org) or a lactation consultant.

4. Turn the phone off and return calls when it's convenient for you. You don't need to be at the whim of other people while you're on a sleep-deprived, 24-hour feeding schedule.

5. Sleep when your baby sleeps. Getting enough rest to be able to function is your top priority. Eating is second. After you get the hang of things, you can start wearing your baby in a front pack or sling while you take care of chores. The baby will be happy as a clam tucked into you, and you'll have both hands to work with.

6. Hire help to do the cleaning and laundry once a week if possible; if not, prioritize housekeeping needs and delegate tasks to other family members.

7. Start an exercise program or pick yours up again once your doctor gives you the go-ahead. Join a yoga class for new moms, walk everywhere (baby in stroller) or join a gym with child care.

8. Join a mom's group for invaluable support from people who are going through exactly the same thing you are. You'll glean more information from other moms than from any baby book and you'll make new friends at the same time. Ask your pediatrician for names, and look at community parenting resources online.

9. Plan for pandemonium when you're least able to handle it. Seasoned parents are familiar with the dreaded witching hours (often 5 to 7 p.m.), when even the calmest babies melt down and cry inconsolably. Realize that this is going to be hands-on baby time, and plan a tag-team dinner with your spouse. See 303 Cook Ahead.

10. Do nothing. When you're overworked or overwhelmed, milk cascading down your shirt, diapers and laundry stacking up--don't deal with anything at all. Simply enjoy being with your baby.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a friend to set up a food tree for you for the month or so after the birth. You'll get short visits and wonderful meals while your friends get a coveted peek at the baby. See 369 Set Up a Food Tree.
• Don't forget that your workload has just doubled while your free time has halved. Recognize you really can't do it all--the Supermom is a myth.
• Buy a headset for your phone so you can get two things done at once. Not only will you be able to talk to people while rocking or changing the baby, but you can also do laundry, the dishes and other tasks.
• Don't try to multitask complicated chores like paying the bills.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you are feeling depressed or even harboring thoughts of harming your lovely child. Don't try to tough it out. Postpartum depression can be severe and frightening, but it can also be treated.