How to Survive the First Six Weeks with a Newborn

You're bringing home your baby and life is now complete. Then why are you so tired? Everyone feels overwhelmed after leaving the safety of the hospital and having to go forward alone at home with their baby. Here are some tips for saving your sanity and making the transition as easy as possible. Even enjoying it and taking a million pictures!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. When bringing home your newborn, you're exhilerated. It's only been a few days so you're not tired yet. If you haven't done so already, now is the time to enlist those close friends and relatives to help get you through the blur of the first few weeks. Have someone (Grandma, Aunt, Friend) at home to cook your meals, do your laundry, clean your house, take care of the pets, entertain the older children.
2. Remember the old adage: Sleep when the baby sleeps. That nap during the day will save you late at night when the baby is up every few hours.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it's nipple pain (use lanolin on cracked nipples!), diaper duty, someone to hold the baby while you take a shower, or a shoulder to cry on from exhaustion and too many hormones in your system, asking for help is the key to warding off depression and feelings of being overwhelmed. Older children will be proud to be enlisted to go fetch diapers or wipes, pat the baby or help entertain guests who have come to see the newborn.
4. Remember that this very challenging phase of your baby's life will pass quickly. Try and dive in and enjoy the moments you can. Keeping a sense of humor about the rigors of a newborn can help you through a night with a crying baby.
5. Eat often and drink lots of fluids especially if breastfeeding. Having someone help prepare and bring you regular meals will keep your energy and spirits up.