Surviving Your First Week with a Newborn
Welcome to the world of parenthood! Welcome to the wonderful, terrifying, amazing, beautiful, and completely overwhelming process of raising a child. As a Columbia, SC Newborn Photographer and mother, I'm so excited to help you navigate this journey! Surviving your first week with a newborn can be a challenge. You're sleep-deprived, you don't know how to take care of yourself, and there are so many things to worry about. It can be overwhelming, but don’t worry I've got your back! Here are some tips for surviving those first few days with a newborn!
Tips for Surviving that First Week with a Newborn
1. Take it easy
At first, you're going to feel like you need to keep moving, and that's normal! However, if you're feeling tired or worn out, stop and take a break for a little while. It's okay to take a nap on the couch for an hour or two if it helps you recharge. It’s okay to ask a family member for help so that you can just rest. It doesn’t make you a bad mother, it doesn’t make you week, it makes you human.
2. Take care of yourself
You deserve it! You just brought a new life into the world! Make sure you're eating well, getting enough sleep, and getting outside for that vitamin D. I know you have a little one to care for now, but you can’t properly take care of them without first taking care of you. You need to nourish and honor your body and mind so that you can be your best self for your little one.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help
If you need help with something, ask for it! There's no shame in asking for help when it comes to taking care of a newborn. It's actually very respectable! Someone will probably jump at the chance to help out their friend or family member.
4. Try to create a schedule
It’s helpful for both you and your newborn to try and get on a schedule of some sort. Designated sleeping times (if your newborn allows for such), times for feeding, activity, etc. Most newborns simply sleep and eat their first week. If you have a troublesome sleeper on your hands, take some time to learn him or her! A lot of newborns love white noise sounds as it is reminiscent of the womb. They also like to be swaddled, so give those a try!
5. Make time for activities
Even if it's only 10 minutes, try to spend some time cuddling with your baby and reading them a book or singing a song before bedtime each night. The best part about these activities is that once you get into the routine of doing them together, it'll become easier and less stressful over time! Your little one just spent nine months quite literally attached to you…they’re going to want to keep that momentum going to some degree as it’s what makes them feel safe and secure. Allow for that with simple rocking sessions, book readings, even casual walks around the house.
Do you Have Any Other Tips for Future Mamas?
Surviving your first week with a newborn is a challenge, but it's also one of the most rewarding things you can do. As a parent, it's important to remember that while you're learning how to care for your newborn, they have their own instincts and needs that are just as important as yours. You’ll work together to find the best routine. Just make sure you don’t lose yourself in the process. Care for yourself so that you can care for them!
As your Newborn Photographer in Columbia, SC , I cannot wait to meet your little one during their big debut! Make sure you reach out to schedule your session asap!