10 Things That Will Help You Survive After Having a Baby
The first few months after having a baby can be absolute HELL. Your cute little baby requires work. With sleep deprivation, recovery from delivery and dealing with life, you may feel like you are in survival mode.
After 4 kids, I will say that there are a few things that helped me remain sane. Hopefully these will help you if you are a new mom, or a friend who has recently had a baby.
10 Things That Will Help You Survive After Having a Baby
-
Keurig
This single-cup home brewing system is a God send. Get your coffee on with a push of a button. Your sleepy body will appreciate the caffeine jolt!
-
Pinterest Account
Oh Pinterest. My maternity leave was spent pinning away with my baby on my lap. I suggest the Pinterest app for mobile pinning.
-
Power Naps
When people tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps, they aren't kidding. Even if you can just get in 20 minutes, your body will thank you.
According to wikipedia: a power nap, also known as a Stage 2 nap, is a short slumber of 20 minutes or less which terminates before the occurrence of deep slow-wave sleep (SWS), intended to quickly revitalize the napper. -
Make Lists
I made lists of everything the first few months after having Zeke. Keeping a feeding schedule allowed my husband to know when the next feeding was since my sleeplessness couldn't keep track! Keeping a list of needs from the store was also helpful, how easy things like WIPES are to forget!
-
Mommy Mentor
Having a baby makes your body do weird things. Having someone to talk open and honestly with is key. Find a mommy mentor, someone you trust and can ask any questions to - you'll need it!
-
iPhone
Not only will the iPhone (or Android, but I'm team Apple) keep you up to date on Pinterest (kidding, kind of) - it will keep you entertained. Plus, it has a camera and is most likely always with you. Take lots of photos and videos. Babies grow up too quick and unfortunately the only way to relive these moments is by photo or video.
-
Comfy Underwear
You may want to just forget about that lace thong for the first few months. Buy yourself some of those panties that you swore you would never wear. Chances are no one else will be seeing them, and you'll be comfy.
Image source: grandmaunderwear.com -
Fresh Air
No, not the NPR show - get outside! Take a walk or read a book outside. If the weather doesn't permit it, get out of the house somehow (walk the mall!) before your walls eat you alive.
-
Girls Night Out - GNO!
A break from the insanity is a must have. All moms should be required to spend a night out every few weeks without baby. Let loose and spend sometime decompressing. You deserve it.
-
Dr. Google
While if there is a major concern, by all means CALL YOUR DOCTOR - but chances are silly little things will happen that Dr. Google can help with. For instance, Dr. Google assisted with my baby's cold WET feet - Dr. Google let me know it was just sweat.
What Helped You Most After Having a Baby?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Molly blogs about technology, mom style and geekery at Digital Mom Blog. Follow her on Twitter @DigitalMolly
Great list. I agree with these100%!
My Moby! I was unprepared for how much a newborn needs/wants to be held. My Moby saved my life!
Great list. I would be lost without coffee.
Dermaplast spray.
Also, I made a color-coded spreadsheet that showed what my baby did every fifteen minutes (it sounds really anal retentive, but it wasn’t that hard). That way, I had a visual of when she did sleep and discovered that there was some consistency to our days.