For many parents the most difficult thing about the newborn phase is the sense of the unknown.
The moment you become a parent is difficult to describe in words. Impossible even. It's a profound out-of-body (no pun intended) experience. The fear. The responsibility. The Love. It's everything you expected and nothing like you expected all at once.
For many parents the most difficult thing about the newborn phase is the sense of the unknown. It is completely unfamiliar territory and yet you find yourself in a situation where small mistakes can have huge consequences.
During this precious time there are some things that can really help you along the way. Here are my top 10 survival tips.
- Coffee. It will help keep your eyes open. It will unite you with other human beings. It will taste better than it has ever tasted before.
- Leave The House. It's terrifying but so worthwhile. It will remind you that you are not alone. It will highlight that the world outside of your home still exists. You also happen to still be an important part of it.
- In stark contrast to the above... don't feel pressured to leave the house. Do what feels right to you. There is no rush to get dressed, put make-up on and feel more “together”. This is a precious time in your life and if you want to stay home soaking up your beautiful offspring then simply do.
- Be prepared for at least 10 pieces of advice a day. Often from strangers. Be prepared also for contradicting advice time and time again. Do what feels right for you.
- Embrace the online communities. There are so many Facebook groups and chat rooms full of parents just like you. In the dead of night it can be the one place you will find company. It's a social life inside your phone and it's with you always.
- Try not to compare yourself to other parents. Particularly when it comes to topics such as feeding and sleep. Every family is different and more often than not we feel worse when we compare ourselves to others.
- Eat, drink and bathe whenever you can. Newborn days are busy and littered with so many different tasks and jobs. Self care is so important. Remember you cannot make tea with an empty kettle. You need to be fuelled to be the best parent you can be. Don't forget to look after you too.
- Accept help. You can 100% do it all yourself if you have to but accepting help when it's offered will make life so much easier for you. People want to help and you're not failing if you need it.
- Lower your standards. Your house may look and feel chaotic, your meals may be a lot less elaborate than normal and your appearance will be different but you've just given birth to a human. Life has changed profoundly so cut yourself some slack.
Remember that everything is a phase. This too shall pass. The sleepless nights. The colic. The exhaustion. You just have to get through each day.
Written by Tracey, mummy blogger and staff writer at www.familyfriendlyhq.ie.
Check out her own blog at www.loveofliving.ie
Check out her own blog at www.loveofliving.ie
