When you’re expecting, you’ll likely spend so much time preparing for your delivery that you forget to plan for the first few days at home. These first days of bonding with your newborn can be both wonderful and stressful – so take the time to prepare for your first week at home before you even leave for the hospital.
Make preparations for meals
If possible, spend some time cooking before your delivery so that you’ll have plenty of frozen meals on hand that you can simply stick in the oven and heat up. If you’re on bed rest or don’t have the culinary skills to prepare meals ahead of time, ask friends and family members if they’d be willing to help out by bringing over a dish or two. When you don’t have to worry about cooking, you’ll have more time to spend bonding with your new baby.
Limit your visitors
Your friends and relatives will all be anxious to meet your new bundle of joy – but that doesn’t mean you have to see them all within your first few days home from the hospital. Some new mothers bask in all the attention they receive, while others feel overwhelmed by being in the spotlight. If you aren’t ready to see visitors right away, that’s fine. Ask your husband or partner to handle incoming phone calls and to let your loved ones know that you’ll let them know see them as soon as you’re settled in to your new role.
Pay attention to other children
The needs of a new baby can seem all-consuming, but if you have other children, you need to be sure they’re receiving enough attention throughout the adjustment period. When you do decide to allow visitors, ask that they bring small gifts for the other children as well, so that they don’t feel left out. Plan out family activities that include all your children, and make a special effort to refer to the baby as the “younger sibling” and to your older children as the “older siblings.” This will help to reinforce the notion that you’re all a part of the larger family.
Spend time on yourself
Ask your husband or partner to sit with the baby for an hour or so to give you time to sneak in a nap or a relaxing bath. If you can’t get away, indulge in your favorite treats or with a hot cup of tea or cocoa. If taking time for yourself feels selfish, consider this – stress weakens the immune system, which can lead to colds and other illnesses. Spending time on yourself reduces your stress level, leaving you healthier and better able to care for your newborn.
Rest up
Along these same lines, getting as much rest as you can is important in maintaining both your health and your sanity. Try to nap whenever your baby naps – even if you can’t fall asleep, the simple act of lying down and closing your eyes helps your body to rest. If you can afford it, hire a housekeeper so that you don’t have to spend your spare time cleaning up around the house. If not, use disposable plates and silverware during the first few days, and use disposable diapers – even if you plan to switch to cloth diapers eventually. Use the extra time to kick back on the couch and rest up – you’re going to need all your energy to get through the next few months!
