Early Symptoms of Pregnancy

Early Days

Being at home, as the main caretaker of your new baby, can be scary and tiring, especially if you are a first time mom. Figuring out how to bottle or breastfeed, how to get your baby’s arms through a shirt sleeve, or how to give a first bath can be challenging, particularly when you feel exhausted. You may need to ask help with chores, so you can focus on your baby and get some rest.

The First Few Days At Home

Both you and your partner may feel uneasy caring for your baby at first. Your new born may seem fragile and you may worry about doing something wrong. In addition, neither one of you may sleep particularly well because new babies do not sleep through the night. With all these changes in your daily rhythm, you may also wonder how you will manage going back to work in just a few weeks.

Realistic Expectations

It is important to realize that you will probably not have your life under control even several weeks from now. Being a parent is a messy business. Babies are unpredictable and with their arrival in our lives, they introduce an ever present element of surprise. However, living with this unpredictability will become easier with practice. Remember, babies are not as fragile as you might expect. Your baby just underwent a complete change in environment from a dark, cramped place to this bright, open world. With you close by, he or she can handle some parenting bloopers. Rest assured, your baby will enthusiastically inform you when things don’t go exactly the way he or she wants.

Accept that you will not be able to prevent all problems. Most moms worry about protecting their babies from diaper rashes, colic and so on and older moms may feel this even more if they have had a long wait to get pregnant or had a challenging pregnancy and birth. Take comfort in knowing that all parents have felt inadequate at some point. You will quickly learn how to handle things effectively, so don’t feel guilty if you are not an instant baby expert.

Just Baby And You

In the early days, before you become attuned to your baby’s more subtle signals, a lot of your actions may be a reaction to his or her crying. Communication is simple for babies if they are uncomfortable in any way, they cry. Crying can mean hunger a wet diaper, or just plain fussiness. Try not to let your baby’s crying make you resentful. It won’t take long before you get better at deciphering why your baby is crying and fixing the problem quickly. Soon the majority of your baby’s time should be crying free, unless he or she develops colic. Remember that crying is not harmful for your baby. If you feel that you are becoming overwhelmed and angry, it’s best to leave your baby safely in the crib and take a break for 5 minutes or so, then come back when you have calmed down.

Hold Your Baby When He Or She Is Sleeping Or Happy

In an attempt to create at least some time to get chores done in between feedings and diaper changes, it may be tempting to tiptoe out of your baby’s room as soon as he or she is calm enough to let you go. However, it’s important for you to spend some positive time with your baby. Have your new born go to sleep on your chest, listen to music, and take time to savor being a mom.

Soothing A Crying Baby

If your baby cries for more than a few minutes, even after you have changed and fed him or her, pick your baby up. If your baby cries a lot, use a baby carrier to keep him or her with you. Most babies are soothed by being held close to your body (or your partner’s). If this doesn’t work, try taking your baby out for a walk or a drive in the car. Many babies are soothed by music or the sound of household appliances such as washing machines and vacuum cleaners. Don’t worry about over pampering your baby. Calm, secure babies deal better with separation from their moms than anxious, lonely ones.

Dealing With Visitors

Visitors can help you feel supported and loved during the first weeks after the birth of your baby. A good conversation over a relaxing cup of coffee can provide a wonderful escape from diapers and burpings. However, it might be necessary to create some visiting boundaries that secure unstructured, restful time for you, as you get used to caring for your new born while still recovering your self. During the first few days, you may only want to see your closest family and friends. After this, set some visiting hours when your baby usually sleeps, perhaps so you can enjoy the time with your visitors.

How To Beat The Baby Blues

During the first few days and weeks after the birth of their babies, many women experience some emotional liability and crying jags, dubbed the baby blues. Try the following strategies to help. If these strategies don’t help, talk to your care provider. You may be one of the 10-15 percent of women who suffer from postpartum depression, a more serious condition that may require medical treatment.

Invite a friend to visit

Talking to some one who understands and listens can make all the difference.

Create time with your partner

Take the opportunities when they arise (when your baby sleeps, for example) to be alone with your partner.

Get out of the house alone

Ask your partner to baby sit for an hour or two so you can get out and see your own friends or do something you enjoy.

Join a support group

Interacting with others who are in the same situation can make you better.

Pamper yourself

Take a relaxing shower and pamper yourself when you can.