Sometimes new moms are very excited to leave the hospital and get home. Others are more apprehensive about taking care of their newborn without the help of the nurses. Either way, it’s helpful to know some things that might make the first day home a bit easier.
Take it Easy
I’m starting with the best advice first. In my experience, it is usually mid to late afternoon when families arrive home after the birth of their baby. I remember sitting in my living asking my husband, “what do we do now?” My best advice is to rest. Get comfortable on the couch, find a Netflix show, and enjoy snuggling your baby.
Limit Visitors
Visitors during the first few weeks can be tough–especially that first day home. Your milk might be coming in, you are figuring out how to use the peri-bottle and pads at home and figuring out what breastfeeding will be like in the glider. Friends and family will be excited to see the new baby, but not everyone understands or remembers what a new mom is going through. Chances are she just wants to breastfeed her baby and sleep between feedings. Limiting visitors not only reduces the amount of stress on the new mom, but it’s less stimulation for baby too! Too much stimulation can lead to tired and fussy babies–and moms!
Siblings
Coming home from the hospital and having your other children home is a moment you’ve probably thought about many times over the past few months. Your older children will likely seem so big to you! I remember looking at my 3-year-old and thinking he aged about 10 years while I was in the hospital! My advice is to follow your older child’s lead. If they are interested, let them see what this new baby is all about. If they want to be alone, let them.
Make a List
I made a list on a dry erase board that included what medications I needed to take and the time each day. This list also included eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I even put “take a bath” on my list! Anything your health care provider tells you after the birth should go on this list. Then enlist your partner/spouse (and postpartum doula–shameless plug!) to help you get through that list.
Ask for help
Easier said than done, I know. As I mentioned, I’m a list person. I would also suggest making a list of things you like to have done each day. Every home I’m in has a different set of daily tasks but making a list can help y9u get some help from others. Here are some things you might include on your list:
- Load dishwasher
- unload dishwasher
- cut up fruits & veggies
- Make the beds
- pick up toys
- walk the dog
- wipe down kitchen counter
- fold laundry
That probably seems like a lot of things to do the first day, but it is simply rest and recover. If you are overwhelmed thinking about those first few days, weeks, or months with your new baby, let’s meet for a free postpartum doula consultation! Send me an email to katie@theiowababylady.com
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