Newborn Parenting Tips for New Mothers. . .

"You come home with the baby and life really begins and you really don't know what to do."

--My FIRST tip will be to take a shower when you are able to--

 The baby will take all of your energy and usually when they get home; they are asleep for a little while. This gives you time to yourself because nighttime will really test you. Sometimes, you are given a special child that doesn't cry at night and sleeps through the night BUT most of the time; the baby will stay up because it is in new surroundings and want the light on because that is what they are used to in the hospital nursery. Take a quick ten-minute shower; it is okay. The baby is fine. 

--My SECOND tip get a good support system--

 You have been carrying a baby in your body for almost a year and now you are coming to yourself and sometimes, the brain will go in overload. You might cry out of nowhere. Your breasts will leak out of nowhere. If you have had a C-Section; your stomach may hurt and you need to lie down and elevate your feet. If you have pushed and concerning how much you tore; you may need to lie down or do your periwash often. It is best to have someone you have to confide in because you can do this often. It really doesn't matter if is your child's father, your parents, your friends, a neighbor, or even a stranger on social media. It may even help to get in a new mommies group on social media. Sometimes; all you need is a listening and caring ear/person.

--My THIRD tip is to keep snacks/drinks around--

I have found that you need snacks with the pain meds and the loss of blood from having the baby. The pain medications, most of the time, are pretty hard on the stomach and you will need to coat your stomach. Don't worry about your weight right now either. Here are some examples.

*Bananas

*Crackers

*Ice-Cream

*Strawberries

*Jello

*Pineapples

*Chips

*Oatmeal Pies

*Honeybuns

*Graham Crackers

*Orange Juice

*Cranberry Juice

*Chocolate Milk

--My FOURTH tip is to keep bottles ready and keep the essentials stocked by the bed--

*Diapers

*Wipes

*Powder

*Extra Onesies and Booties/Hoodies

*Lotion

*Diaper Trash Can with scented trash bags

*Nursing Pads

*Regular Pads for You

*Water Bottles/Juices for You

--My FIFTH tip is to co-sleep--

A lot of parents have a problem with this but I did it with all of my children and it really made our bond even stronger. That skin-to-skin contact makes the baby feel safe and warm as if they were in the womb. You can continue to do this until you are ready to stop; no one can decide for you. It is you and your baby and that is all that matters.

--My SIXTH tip is don't let everyone hold or babysit your baby--

A lot of people still don't wash their hands even after going through this pandemic and you have to protect your child. Family and close friends will feel some type of way because they will want to come over and spend time with you and your baby but right now; you will need rest and people need to give you space unless they are giving you time for self-care. If there is no other choice; you will have them wash their hands and sanitize and tell them to wear a mask. If you have a small blanket; have them put that across their chest and then let them hold the baby.  

That is just a few tips from a seasoned mother but you will figure out on your own how you like to do things with your child. Thanks for reading.