Adjusting to Life with a New Baby
Postpartum. The fourth trimester. Whatever you call it, the period directly after having a new baby can be simultaneously precious and beautiful and overwhelming and difficult for so many reasons. We here at Golden Coil, as women and mothers, have experienced this firsthand. But with a little planning and a lot of patience and grace, we hope that this time can lean more toward heavenly and less toward hard.
Plan Early
This probably goes without saying, but setting up systems well ahead of your due date can reduce stress for everyone when the baby arrives. Scheduling meals from neighbors or friends, prepping freezer meals, or making a meal plan with your significant other beforehand takes your mind off how you or your family is going to get fed while you’re busy and recovering.
Planning out babysitters for older siblings while you’re in the hospital, for after maternity leave, or even just as added support can also alleviate stress for you and your designated helpers. Planning ahead can free up precious time so you can soak in your sweet newborn.
Tracking for Peace of Mind
One of the most stressful aspects of new motherhood can be the nourishing and feeding of your baby. Are they getting enough? Are they gaining weight? Conveniently, Baby Chart 1 and 2 can help keep track of their feedings, diaper changes, and sleep habits all in one place. When you’re tired and can’t remember every little detail, you’ll have a reference point. You can also record their weight and growth stats in the blank notes section or in a separate Spreadsheet designated specifically for your baby.
It can sometimes be hard to see progress when you’re in the thick of it, so having a written record allows you to recognize and celebrate small victories on your motherhood journey.
Self-Care and Mental Health
With the baby requiring so much care and attention, it can be very easy to neglect your own needs and health, but it’s vital that you take care of yourself too. The Mood tracker page is a great way to monitor your emotional well-being and to possibly catch early signs of postpartum depression or anxiety.
Similarly, a set schedule can become very nebulous when a baby enters the picture, but if possible, try to pencil in something that’s important to you or that you can look forward to every day. This could be as simple as going on a walk around the block to enjoy the fresh air, inviting a friend over to chat and hold the baby, spending some uninterrupted time with older siblings or your spouse, or even just taking a shower. Try to prioritize a small way to replenish your cup and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Give Yourself Grace
Give yourself permission to not only care for yourself, but to slow down and go at your baby’s pace. This time is fleeting and some ways you might try to capture it are writing down small memories in your planner or taking milestone photos. Above all, be kind to yourself and remember everyone’s motherhood journey is different and uniquely their own. There’s no right way to care for your baby. You are equipped with all you need to be the best mother for your child. And remember, you brought life into this world! That’s definitely worth stopping to celebrate!