Getting used to a new baby can be stressful in the
early days after delivery, especially if you try to do everything. A
baby can be very demanding on your time as well as your patience.
Remember that you are recovering from the
childbirth experience, so listen to your body and try to do only what
you comfortably can. There is nothing wrong with asking well-meaning
friends and relatives to help you by cleaning the house, doing the
laundry or shopping for food. Save your energy for you and your baby.
Newborns are unpredictable so it may be difficult
for you to get enough sleep. Even if you are able to get enough total
hours of sleep, you may not feel completely rested as your sleep cycles
will be frequently interrupted. Try to nap during the day when the baby
is napping and ask your partner to wake up during one of the night
feedings.
If you are breastfeeding, your can store extra
milk in the refrigerator and once breastfeeding is well-established, you
can ask your partner or others to give the baby a relief bottle at least
once during the day or night.
For more information about this and other subjects
related to preparing for childbirth,
read Motherwell® Maternity Fitness
Plan by Bonnie Berk, RN.
