Though babies fill a home with love and bliss, they can be draining and exhausting for moms, especially, if it is their first experience. After delivery, you go through many hormonal changes while your body starts recovering and gets ready to breastfeed your newborn. There are ways your family can help after bringing a baby home that will provide you with much-needed relief!
During the days when you experience many new feelings, a little support and help from your family can save you from being stressed and worn-out all day long. Can’t figure out how your partner or family can assist you? Here are the ideas you can use to have some time for yourself while your family helps you enjoy the early days of motherhood even more.
Cuddling the Baby While You Take a Power Nap
Usually, babies sleep whenever they want and wake up when they feel hungry. They set their own routine which nonetheless disturbs the sleep-wake cycles of mamas. Sleep-deprived moms lack energy and mindfulness that not only disturbs their activities but also affects their mental health.
So, asking a family member to take care of the baby while you take a power nap can help you boost your energy levels. It will not only give you a break from the tiresome routine but will also let the family develop a stronger bond with the baby. You can prepare a bottle of breastmilk beforehand if you’re pumping so that your baby can be fed whenever he/she feels hungry during your nap time.
Preparing Meals for You at least Twice a Week
Preparing three meals a day takes time and energy which most of the mothers usually don’t have. Your mother can be of great help during these days if she lives nearby. She can prepare your favorite healthy meals a few times a week and deliver them to your home. Or even set up a “meal train” to encourage family and friends to deliver food to you too.
You can also ask someone else from the family who is aware of healthy foods to prepare you snacks like No-Bake Apple Cinnamon Lactation Cookie Bites or Lactation Smoothie to have whenever you feel hungry while breastfeeding your little one. Such snacks will not only satisfy your hunger but will improve your milk supply as well.
Taking Care of Your Pet
Pets need love, care, and attention all the time. Already have too much on your plate? Let someone trustworthy take care of your pet. Your partner can bring your pets on a walk outside. He can feed them and keep an eye on their health while you focus more on developing a new routine.
Any of your siblings who are fond of pets would also not mind taking in your pet for a few weeks. It will give you and your partner more time to adapt to life as new parents.
Doing Grocery Shopping for You
Being a mother, you don’t only have to shop for yourself but have the responsibility to buy things for your little bundle of joy as well. If you cannot make time to go out and do shopping, ask your family to help.
You can request someone from the family to buy the things that you need whenever they go for their own grocery shopping. Text them the list of things you need and trust them to buy the best products. You can even ask for their recommendations to help you choose an item.
Doing Home Chores
Taking care of yourself, a baby, and a family means having a long to-do list that never seems to get accomplished. From laundry and cleaning to cooking and feeding, there are a lot of things that need your time and attention. You can share this burden with your partner and family by letting them do chores.
Talk to your partner and divide home chores in between each other. Your siblings or someone from the in-laws can come by often to give you a helping hand as well. Do not hesitate to look for help when you feel overwhelmed.
Helping You Find the Best Products
New moms do face overwhelm when choosing the right baby accessories. If you don’t know which company provides good-quality diapers or if you are unfamiliar with their right size, you can ask an experienced parent to get guidance and save yourself from wasting money on the wrong thing.
There are numerous baby products that a mother may need. You may have questions when using a baby product for the first time. If that is the case, get the help of a mom from your family. She will be glad to share her experience with another mom.
Taking the Older Kids to a Park
Being a mom, you do not only have to look after the newborn but you need to give attention and time to your older kids as well. Kids are never out of energy and usually do not think twice before making a mess at home.
So, for the time being, you can request their favorite aunt or uncle to visit them often and take them to the park or any other similar place so that you can have some time alone with your newborn. They can also enjoy a playdate or movie time with their cousins.
Spending Quality Time with You So You Don’t Feel Isolated
Parenting consumes lots of mental and physical energy. You dedicate yourself to taking care of a newborn and forget about your own health. You have to give most of your time to the baby and may feel alone sometimes.
During the newborn days, to have someone to talk to feels like a great blessing. Invite your best friend or any relative, who you are very close to, at home, and share what you feel with them. Talk to your partner if something is bothering you. Share your thoughts or confusion with him to ensure you are communicating your needs. Reconnect with your spouse and family. There are many ways your family can help after bringing a baby home- it often just requires communicating with them.
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