1. Sign up for a New Parent/Mommy Group (Join Park Slope Parents if you haven't yet! We'll connect you to your monthly group!)
2. Worried? Contact the pediatrician. They are used to calming new parent fears so make that call. No question is too small.
3. Sleep when the Baby Sleeps! (Get shade darkeners if you have to!) Even if you just close your eyes and rest, that will rejuvinate you.
4. Accept Help! If someone offers, have them make you lunch/dinner, fold your laundry, hold your baby while you take a shower. It makes people feel good to help! Check out this list if you want people to figure out what they can do to help: Things to do for new parents home from the hospital
5. Utilize your support team. Your closest friends will give you lots of leeway and understand that you’re overwhelmed. Don't be shy about saying you're overwhelmed.
6. Know when to say, “No.” If people are trying to be helpful and they aren’t, it’s okay to say that you want to do it your own way and that you don’t need their help. (This goes for family too!) If you're the kind of person who will work to hard if people are coming to visit, don't have them visit. This is YOU time.
7. Foster the relationship with your partner (if you have one). Partners may feel like they went from being #1 to #3 in your life and while all you may want to do is to stare at and be with your new child, it’s important to take time for each other. Let them build a relationship with your new baby. Protect their quality time with the baby and be careful that grandparents don't squeeze out partners.
8. Leave your house if you can! Get out of the house, take a walk (even in the rain, snow, cold) and get some fresh air. It’s important to get a change of scenery. This can be with or with out your baby.
9. Write down your Birth Story while it's fresh in your mind. Have partners do the same. (Also have partners tell their birth stories; if they were there, they have a different story.
10. Boil some eggs. They are a great shot of protein with little effort.
11. Call a lactation consultant if you are having trouble and want to breastfeed. Breastfeeding does NOT have to hurt! Also, there are lots of tricks to making it great so check out the breastfeeding support groups on PSP.com
12. Honor the body who just gave birth! What an incredible feat! Give birthing folks lots of breathing room to relax.
13. Check out your emotions. It's okay to feel overwhelmed (don't we all!). Get professional help if you have signs of post- partum-depression.
14. Do SOMETHING each day for YOU! Take a shower, wear your favorite shirt, watch a video that makes you happy.
15. Put aside the idea that you should be doing MORE. You'll have days when it seems like you haven't done anything, BUT YOU HAVE! You are an alien scientist doing a case study on a brand new life form, carefully learning its patterns and habits. It's a NEW job with a sharp learning curve that takes a lot of mental and emotional energy. Cut yourself large quantities of slack if you don't get your To Do list accomplished!
16. Just “be.” Enjoy this time with your baby. It’s over quickly so breathe deep and try to relax into it all.
Reminders about GREAT INFORMATION on PSP:
Expectant Parents: Everything from what to pack for the hospital to "don't freak out" advice
New Parents: Breastfeeding tips (lots of them), sleeping ideas, and more!
Hiring a Nanny: Everything from where to look to interview questions to ask potential nannies and their references!
