Survival guide for the first 6 weeks with a newborn

Just had a baby? Here are a few tips on how to manage the early days

• Forget the mess- Even if you are incredibly house proud now is the time when you reign in on it and accept that a messy house is inevitable. If you are scrubbing the house while your little one is asleep and fretting over having visitors, you are only setting yourself up for a fall. Exhaustion will set in leaving you deflated and you need every little bit of energy you can get right now anyway. 
• Think of yourself too- Though you have a new tiny baby and naturally you want to put them first but remember you need to think of yourself too. To care for your child in the best way you can you need to have some rest, have time to shower and eat, these things are vital. 
• Join forces and unite with your partner- In the early days it is only natural that you and your partner may argue over the littlest of things due to sheer tiredness. However, make a pact that anything you say to each other be forgotten instantly and promise to be there for each other even in the bad moments when your baby screams for hours during the night. 
• Take all the help offered- There is no shame in accepting help, in fact it is advised to take all the hands you can and use them to allow yourself some time to recuperate. If a friend minds your baby while you take a nap or eat that would be hugely beneficial to you and you will feel better able to mammy your baby afterwards. 
• Rest when you can- It seems obvious yet a lot of new mams don’t rest enough and leave themselves absolutely shattered. If your baby takes a nap you should sit down, read, sleep or watch TV the choice is yours but you should rest either way. 
• Plan for any event- A little organisation goes a long way and having your baby’s bag ready if you do need to go out is a huge help. Ensuring you have plenty of nappies and other baby supplies are important to avoid any last minute dashes to the shop though you can barely find the energy to get out the door. 
• Make things easier- Accept offers of dinners, order take away and buy paper plates for the first few weeks or so to eliminate washing up. Send clothes to the laundry if your partner needs ironed shirts, and don’t feel guilty for taking the easy way out as it is just for a couple of weeks till you get settled. 
• Have something to look forward to- When your baby is six weeks old you should treat yourself to a meal out with your partner and ask a relative to mind your baby. Don’t worry about your baby and put yourself first, get your hair done and go all out to have a nice evening. You deserve it after all!