How to Survive The First Six Weeks of Motherhood

The first six weeks of being a mom is the most important to both baby and mother. It's all about learning, adjusting, and accepting this new challenge in a woman's life - motherhood.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Support
• Sleep
• Baby free time for yourself.

1. You've just given birth and you have a beautiful new baby. While everyone is looking towards the prize of your labors, you on the other hand need to look towards your recovery.
   
   Follow proper care instructions after you leave the hospital. Be diligent and keep any incisions you may have clean after you come home from delivery.
   
   Use a heating pad and some pain medication for post delivery aches. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns before going home. Once you are home, you can still call the doctor's office with questions or concerns about you or your baby's well being.

2. 

   During the first six weeks, sleep is precious. On average, a new mother gets between 4 and 7 hours of sleep, but not all in one chunck. Introduce yourself to a nap and make it your best friend.
   
   While your baby sleeps, put aside all the thoughts of things you could be doing and let yourself relax and catch up on some much needed rest.

3. Nuture the bond with your partner. Don't be afraid to tell your partner what you need or how you are feeling. Along with your body, your emotions could be on the fly, and it helps to talk to someone close to you.
   
   They may not understand how you are feeling, but they should be willing to listen.

4. Divide out some of the baby care and house chores to other people, such as your partner or family members, during the first six weeks. This is not only an adjustment period for you, but also the other members of your household.
   
   Allow your partner take over from time to time and give you a much needed break from changing diapers.

5. Grant yourself some "baby free time". When your feeling up to it, call a friend and go out of the house for a short period of time to refresh yourself. Take a walk, have your nails done, or take a hot relaxing bubble bath at home.

6. As many as 70% of women get the baby blues, or otherwise known as postpartum depression. By getting substantial rest, support from family and friends, and planned alone time you can quickly fight off the baby blues.
   
   Try writing in a journal, praying, or yoga to distract you from getting depressed.

7. 
   Mothers Of Preschoolers

   Find a support group, like MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) geared towards mothers. These groups will connect you with other mothers who have experienced or are currently going through same to simular situations you are facing.

Tips & Warnings

• Your prime concern for the first six weeks is you and your baby. The dishes and the laundry can wait.
• Never say no when free food comes knocking at your door. Allow those around you to bless you with this gift. All else fails, there is always take out from a local diner.
• You're not wonder woman, so don't try to do everything at once.
• During the first six weeks it is best to check with your doctor before doing any physical activity such as exercise and intercourse.

Resources

• MOPS
• iVillage

[jenng]

on 3/10/2009 I never thought I would survive but I did 5*