Whether you’re knee-deep in the whirlwind of newborn life right now or you are anticipating the arrival of your baby, I hope my words offer you a sense of reassurance. Because let’s face it, navigating through the maze of parenthood often involves a fair share of winging it and grabbing food when you can.
Becoming a new parent is not easy and there are so many challenges in the first few months,
Forget the routine
Eat when hunger strikes, sleep whenever the opportunity presents itself – well, that’s the dream, isn’t it? Though let’s face it, the idea of sleeping whenever you want becomes a distant memory once parenthood kicks in. But hey, if you manage to sneak in a cheeky cat nap at 4 p.m., seize the moment without one bit of guilt! After all, in the whirlwind of newborn life, every moment of rest is a precious victory.
Be kind to yourself
Step away from social media, sure, there are plenty of helpful and refreshingly unfiltered snapshots out there, but for every genuine moment, there’s a staged photoshoot that could make even the most grounded new mum feel inadequate. Especially when you’re juggling days without a shower and surviving on rice cakes.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, especially in those early days when everything feels overwhelming. But here’s the truth: being a mum is not a competition. You need to be kind to yourself and resist the temptation to measure up to those picture-perfect portrayals that social media showcases so well.
It’s great to share and connect with your fellow mum friends (they’re invaluable, after all), but remember, every baby is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all “normal,” only what works for you and your baby. So embrace your unique journey, and don’t let the highlight reels of social media cloud your own beautiful reality.
Look after yourself
Remember the age-old advice about putting on your own life vest before assisting others on the plane? Well, there’s a reason for it. It’s not just a safety precaution; it’s a valuable life lesson, especially when it comes to motherhood.
You see, a happy mum is essential for a happy baby. So, amidst the chaos of caring for your new baby who just entered your world, don’t forget to prioritise yourself too. It’s easier said than done, I know, but even the simplest acts of self-care can make a world of difference.
Whether it’s treating yourself to a soothing face mask, taking a leisurely stroll around the block, or indulging in a Netflix marathon, carve out some precious “you time.” Whatever it is that rejuvenates your spirit and replenishes your energy, make it a priority.
Because in the grand scheme of things, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s necessary. So go ahead, put yourself first every now and then. You deserve it.
Google is not always your friend
Google can be a rollercoaster ride from “should baby be breathing like this” to “can a newborn survive on no sleep?!” (Spoiler alert: they totally can.)
While Google can be a lifesaver for new mums in moments of nighttime panic, it’s a double-edged sword. Sure, it can offer reassurance and valuable information, but it can also amplify worries, especially when you’re already sleep-deprived
Trust me, Dr. Google has a knack for leading you down the rabbit hole of self-diagnosis and escalating hysteria.
So, my advice? Use it wisely. Take what you find online with a grain of salt, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted healthcare professional if you’re truly concerned. Because when it comes to your baby’s well-being, a little peace of mind goes a long way.
Say yes to help
Embrace the helping hand extended your way – seriously, take it! If someone offers assistance, grab onto it with both hands. And if they’re kind enough to ask how they can help, don’t be shy about letting them know. Whether it’s holding the baby while you sneak in some much-needed sleep or lending a hand with your older kiddo(s), don’t hesitate to accept the support of friends, family, or even a helpful neighbour. Sometimes they might not know the best way to assist, so don’t be afraid to speak up and tell them what you need. Oh, and one more thing – make it clear that dropping by unannounced isn’t ok and you would appreciate a message ahead of time to make sure everything is ok before they visit.
You are not alone
You’re never truly alone, even in the quiet hours of the morning. Have you ever found yourself wide awake at 4 a.m., feeling a bit isolated? Here’s a little tip that might sound strange but really can help through those endless nights: take a look outside. Chances are there’s someone nearby with a light on. Maybe they’re starting a night shift, returning from a late outing, or, just like you, adjusting to life with a newborn. Regardless of the reason, knowing that someone else is awake nearby can bring a sense of solace. And if you have friends and family in different time zones, they’re like a lifeline during those night time feedings – perfect for a comforting chat or message exactly when you need it most.
Don’t give in just go with it
Had big plans for today like giving your baby a bath and taking a leisurely stroll? But ended up not even changing your pants? If this scenario sounds all too familiar, this is exactly what those early newborn weeks are meant to be like. And my advice? Roll with it. Embrace the chaos of those newborn weeks., cherish those cuddles with your baby, relish in the sweet scent of newborns, look into your little one’s eyes, and yes, don’t be afraid to rock the same pair of PJs for days on end. Soak it all in.
Sure, it’s incredibly exhausting and feels like you’re riding the biggest emotional rollercoaster of your life, but before you know it, those weeks will have flown by. You’ll emerge from the new baby fog, not quite sure how time slipped away so quickly – one week turns into a month in the blink of an eye. But once you’ve managed to catch up on sleep (if you have a baby that is not the best sleeper, it might take a while), you’ll find yourself looking back on those memories and those nighttime wake-ups, and you will think how did I survive it all.
So, embrace the madness – because as the saying goes, the days may seem long, but the years are oh so short.
Written by Cath Howard
Clinically reviewed by Amir Salem
