Having a baby is a remarkable thing, but it’s not without its challenges. As a new mum, there are things that are going to change in your life, and being unprepared can take its toll on your wellbeing, so here’s a quick rundown on what to expect!
1. Emotional Upheaval: It’s important to understand that having a new baby will have an impact on your emotional wellness. It’s normal to experience a mild case of postpartum depression, or simply freak out about HOW to feel about the baby and the plethora of responsibilities it brings along. One day you’ll be euphoric, and the next you’ll feel like a basket case. It’s all perfectly normal, so don’t worry about it. Just feel how you feel, and try to unwind with hot cups of tea, yoga and even meditation. Stress can become a major health concern, and if you do feel so depressed that it affects the way you handle the baby, it may be time to see a doctor.
2. The First Night: Of all the tough nights of taking care of your little one – and, believe me, there are plenty – the first night is the toughest. Some babies only take a night or two to adjust sleep through the night; others will sleep through the day and keep you awake all night. It’s sucks, but remember that you’re not alone. Make sure your partner pitches in to take care of the baby while you get some sleep too, and don’t be concerned if no amount of strolling, cooing and cradling stops the baby crying. That’s just what babies do sometimes, so don’t panic and call your doctor the minute your baby starts.
3. Getting Enough Rest: If you’re lucky, you might find that your baby sleeps a lot when it first comes home – which means you get plenty of sleep too! However, before you start bragging that being a parent is a piece of cake, wait and see; you will be surprised how soon the sleep pattern changes and you could have days without any rest! The key thing to do here is to make sure you get plenty of sleep while your baby sleeps. There will be time for cleaning, laundry and writing Thank You notes later; focus on getting sleep now. Your body is still healing and recuperating after the ordeal of childbirth, so sleeping should be an absolute priority.
4. Need for Space and Privacy: You may think that one little new person won’t take up that much space in your home, but you forget; that kid is cute, and everyone wants to come visit. Friends and family always have the best of intentions, and probably think they’re helping you out by coming over, but this constant outpour of love from your near and dear ones can also leave you tired. Plus, your little one will probably become crankier from all the new people picking him or her up. There will be plenty of time to entertain later, so be polite and make sure everyone understands that you need your rest. Just get to grips with how to deal with the baby yourself, and then you can invite the mob round – maybe a few at a time!
5. Accepting the Physical Changes: The unfortunate fact is that you just might not look like you did before you got pregnant. Once your body is ready to handle the stress of physical exertion, you can join a gym or go for a run and try to get back to the old you. However, the fact remains that your uterus is swollen and it can be months before your belly looks flatter. A crash diet will only leave you feeling fatigued, which is something you just cannot handle when you have a new baby to keep you on your toes. It’s better to accept the changes in your body and wait until it’s completely safe to workout and diet again.
