New Mother Guide

A new baby can be the most beautiful experiences of your life. However, a new child is also overwhelmed, tired and frustrated. Read on for some things that help relieve the stress that may occur during the first months of parenthood ...

a. Preparing food portions for lunch and dinner (including soups, pasta, stews, casseroles, chili) to be frozen and warmed up a bit 'for the family again before baby arrives.

b. Reduces paper plates and cups onthe amount of dishes being washed (especially useful if you don't have a dishwasher). If you are environmentally conscious, use biodegradable/compostable ones.

c. Before baby comes, buy gifts and/or cards for relatives, friends, etc. that may be having a birthday or anniversary, etc. during the first few months of baby being born. Have them ready to send out or send them ahead of time with a note not to open until their event. Include in this other occasions where things can be prepared ahead of time.

d. Buy maternity clothes that can also be used after the birth of baby.

e. Use well-fitting nursing bras day and night with disposable nursing pads.

f. Be prepared ahead of time with an installed car seat (the car seats that go from car to stroller make taking baby in and out and shopping a lot easier...the downfall, is that you will need to buy a new car seat when your baby reaches the age of one or so).

g. Have a newborn diapers, diaper cream, tissues, change pads/cloths, moist towelettes (often referred to as wet wipes) in an easy to tote storage container to make it easy to change baby. Also, if you want to save money, don't buy a change table, use the floor with a washable or disposable change pad instead. (Less chance of baby rolling onto the floor if they are already on the floor).

h. Buy body sleepers with snaps on the legs to keep baby warm and make changing diapers easier.

i. Consider using a Diaper Genie or similar product. It stores many diapers at a time without producing a smell.

j. Have an abundance of items that you will need all ready to go before baby comes such as newborn and the next size up diapers, Diaper Genie refills, change pads, moist towelettes, tissues, diaper cream, sleepers in newborn and larger sizes, blankets, nursing bras, nursing pads, nipple cream, feminine pads, and in some cases bottles, breast pump, and bags/containers for freezing breast milk, etc.

k. Besides the car seat, there are four other "necessities" that might help to relieve stress: a bassinet, sling, bouncer and playpen. A bassinet by the bed makes for ease of feeding, a sling helps for mobility in case you have to prepare meals or do some laundry, etc., the bouncer gives you a break from holding baby and sometimes helps get baby to sleep with music and vibration, the playpen is a "safe zone" for baby in case you need to do something that requires your full attention.

l. When doing laundry, save time by not folding things like tea towels and towels. Just throw them in the drawer as is. You will most likely be using them soon enough anyways.

m. If there is a partner around or someone to help out, get them to take care of the meals and laundry and such so that you can concentrate on baby.

n. If the opportunity exists for you, nurse as much as possible as it's good for developing a mother/baby bond and makes for less time spent in the preparation of bottles, pumping, etc.

o. Try not to let others tell you how to be a mother. Being a mother comes naturally to most women. If you are having trouble getting baby to latch on, try consulting a lactating specialist, look on the internet or consult a book that tells you exactly how the process works...sometimes knowing the "science" behind things can make things easier. Getting information from friends and others around you may just mix you up and make you become overwhelmed and stressed. The key to breastfeeding is to relax and enjoy your time with baby.

p. Through all your weariness and sometimes the fussing and crying, try not to forget to take time to appreciate baby...because they grow up really fast and before you know it, this hard part will be over with and you'll be on to knew challenges.

q. That being said, try to take some time for yourself too as your life after the baby is born often becomes more about the baby than you.

r. Try going for short or long walks...depending on how you and baby feel. Exercise can be a big stress buster.

s. If the baby is having trouble sleeping, try taking the baby for a car ride.

t. Prepare "Daddy" ahead of time...letting him know that things will change...he won't be the foremost in your life anymore (if he was up until then) and you will now need to concentrate on yourself and the baby. He may feel left out and even jealous that the baby gets all your attention. Confront this issue before the baby comes, to alleviate some of the stress of not being able to cope with "pleasing everyone".

u. Try not to let relatives, family and friends push you into visiting until you are ready. If you don't want people at the hospital when you deliver, tell the nurses and your relatives, family, friends, etc. beforehand. A whole new set of emotions comes into play once the baby comes and sometimes things can be said that may not have been said in other circumstances.

v. Consider having a digital camera and email addresses ready ahead of time to send pics to waiting relatives, family and friends. This may "buy you time" till you are ready to do an in person visit.

w. If you have other children to care for, try to make sure they are reminded that they are special too. Maybe buy a few toys or books ahead of time and keep them hidden for "surprises" once in awhile. You and the baby will most likely be getting a lot of presents. To keep them feeling part of things, it may help to let your other child/children open the gifts and present them to the baby.

x. If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, ask for help. Most people understand that a new baby is a lot of work and are happy to help out when needed.

y. It's hard not to worry about every little thing, but if you are worried about something, make sure to ask your doctor...you will be visiting them every two weeks or so and they usually have the answer. Remember...if the baby is eating, sleeping, pooping and peeing, he/she is on the right track!

z. Try not to plan a major event or take on a big project too close to baby's due date such as a wedding or house renovation. This can add extra stress and make it so you are ill prepared for baby's arrival.

No matter what, you will still most likely end up with some stresses and unexpected challenges to overcome. Keeping a level head and not letting emotions get out of hand is helpful in many situations. A child is like a roller coaster ride. You have your ups and downs, sometimes thrown for a loop, a couple of times to stop disturbing, some thrilling and heart before you know it, the ride is over and you are or want to go back or ever want to return to run! It is different for everyone and all the children the same thing. Do not worry if your child the best or most intelligent. Your child will be what he / she is ... Be sure to show your lovebaby all the same, because that's what your baby needs most.