Bringing Home Baby
You’ve been in the hospital for what feels like an eternity with a sweet bundle of joy who you are just getting to know. You’ve had this little babe growing inside you for 9 months and now babe is in your arms. It’s the most blissful and yet challenging time in your life. You are now responsible for caring and shaping this little babe’s future. Here’s some tips to ease the transition:
Immediately postpartum
Recognize your body just went through the most life changing and difficult thing a woman can do! Embrace that, recognize it and give yourself a whole lotta love. Don’t forget your partner has been there with you every step of the way as well and they need love too.
#1 Eat and drink! Your body needs nutrient dense food to recover and ensue the healing process. Foods such as red meats, dark leafy vegetables and molasses can help your body recover from blood loss faster. Eat often with snacks such as almonds, apples, lactation cookies and smoothies. Drink to thirst but try to drink 1800 ml a day to ensure a healthy milk production.
#2 Nap! I know it sounds cliché especially if you have older children, but try to nap when the baby naps. Dishes, laundry and cleaning the house can wait while you rest. Even if you don’t sleep, just simply relaxing can be restorative.
#3 Know your life will be upside down for a while! You may not get out the house when you want, be able to shower as often and might feel overwhelmed by your sweet babe’s 24/7 care. Receive, ask for and accept help when you need it. This may not be easy for you, but trust that your circle wants to help. This doesn’t mean you have to “give up” your baby but letting someone else sweep for you while you snuggle your babe can make a big difference.
#4 Rely on and trust in your partner. They are going through some big life changes too! Recognize that and show a little appreciation. Involve them in the process, and don’t expect them to read your mind. More on how dad’s can be involved here; You will both be tired and remember to give extra grace.
#5 Maintain a safe place for breastfeeding and bonding. It’s a good idea to create boundaries with mother in laws, siblings and extended family. The first few weeks are crucial in your new family unit bonding time and establishment of breastfeeding. Baby is learning how to eat, and you’re learning how to feed her! Ensure your partner supports the safe place and is able to fend off visitors when needed to help protect and maintain your family bonding time and breastfeeding needs.
#6 Expect baby to be eating every hour or two. Although some parents may be shocked by baby’s seemingly constant eating habits, now that this is normal and biologically healthy. Their tummies are little, and need fed often to keep them growing. They might cluster feed (feeding every 30 minutes or more) during a certain time of the day. As long as baby is gaining weight at an appropriate weight, having wet and poopy diapers, know that your body is calibrating your milk production for your little one so it’s important to feed them whenever they are hungry.
#7 Give yourself time, time to adjust, time to bond, time to heal. Go for a walk while baby wearing, let dad baby wear. Drink your favorite tea, spend time doing things you enjoy while still enjoying those sweet baby snuggles. Watching your little babe grow every day is one of the most rewarding joys in life.