7 ways to stay sane during your first 6 weeks with a new baby!!!

7 ways to stay sane during your first 6 weeks with a new baby!!!

Lately my blogs have been all about babies, why...because I just had a new baby of course.  During those first 6 weeks with a new baby your life literally revolves around your new little miracle, which can be demanding and a bit overwhelming.  Even though I am on baby number 6 I sometimes have to remind myself how I have made it through dealing with 6 newborns without going completely insane!  So here are some tips for new moms (reminders for us pros) on how to make it through those first weeks without completely losing it!

Eat-

With all of the hormonal and schedule changes that come along with having a new baby in the house sometimes you forget to eat.  You are so busy feeding, changing, and soothing your new little one that you either forget or are too exhausted to eat when you get the time.  But eating is very important during this time to keep your hormones balanced, keep blood sugar levels normal, and to battle possible post partum depression.  I keep an apple (to keep me regular) or something easy, like animal crackers near my bed so that even if I’m too tired to cook I can get some calories in my system.  Another good option is smoothies or yogurt if you don’t have much of an appetite.

Sleep-

It is so important to get proper rest after having a new baby.  For one your body is healing and you are also trying to compensate for the sleep you will lose at night due to your baby waking to eat and be changed.  Whenever you can you should sleep when your baby sleeps.  Even though this is not always possible, do it as much as you can.  Even if you can only get a 30-45 minute nap each time your baby sleeps it will help you to heal faster be better prepared to deal with the stresses of taking care of a newborn.

Shower-

Nothing will brighten your mood and make you feel like a new person better than a shower can.  Being tired and trying to work the responsibilities of a new baby into an already busy schedule can make it seem almost impossible to find time for a shower into your post partum life.  Even if you can only steal away 5 minutes of time, make sure you use it to get a good shower, your mind and your body will thank you! 

Get Fresh Air-

Taking care of a newborn can easily lead to a bad case of cabin fever, which can bring on or intensify post partum depression.  One thing that I found helps wonders is to get a little fresh air everyday.  It may only be a walk to the mailbox or one minute on the back porch enjoying the sunshine, a little bit of fresh air goes a long way.  The weather doesn’t have to be perfect either, one minute outdoors can refresh you and lift your spirits helping to shake off that cabin fever.

Drink Lots of Water-

I cannot stress enough how important it is to drink enough water after having a new baby.  Drinking water can help to keep away constipation, which will only add stress to your life in any situation, but especially when dealing with a new baby.  Drinking enough water can also help to flush any toxins out of your system and help you to get back near your pre pregnancy size.  Not to mention drinking lots of water can help to deal with post partum acne, which can be quite annoying!

Take your vitamins

It is just as important to take your vitamins post partum as it is during pregnancy.  You are losing blood and not getting adequate sleep so taking vitamins can help to keep your body healthy while you are recuperating from giving birth.  Just continue to take your prenatal vitamins as usual, if you are breastfeeding and would like to take a different vitamin be sure to consult with your doctor first.

Accept Help

Don’t be too proud to accept (or ask for) help when you bring your new baby home.  If someone offers to cook a meal, wash dishes, or take your older kids off your hands for a few hours by all means, let them help.  Trying to be super mom can lead you to being overworked and stressed out, something that isn’t good for you or your new little one.  You don’t have to let every one do everything for you but take this time to enjoy the kindness of others and get the rest that you need and deserve.