How To Survive Baby's First Week
A Guide for New Parents to Baby's Early Days
The lead up to a baby's birth is a time of anticipation; an eagerness to meet the new arrival as well as contemplating what parenting will really be like. There are plenty of people giving advice, but much of it contradicts and anyway, every baby is different! But, while the parents-to-be may be busy with sorting out the nursery and reading up on parenting books, they don't really know what is about to hit them!
So baby is born, with lots of screams from Mum and hopefully lots of praise from Dad. There will probably be visitors, some routine checks, and before they know it, the new parents find themselves back at home with this little newborn baby, and it's up to them now!
The first week with a newborn baby can be very overwhelming. There are feelings of immense love, a new sense of responsibility, someone so dependent for survival, combined with a new appreciation for the word exhaustion.
Baby's Early Days
Don't expect to get anything done, other than caring for baby (and Mum). This especially applies to Dad. Paternity leave doesn't mean golf days or DIY, it means looking after Mum and baby. Have meals prepared in the freezer so there is no need to worry about cooking and forget about the housework.
Don't have any expectations.By all means have plans, but be prepared for them to not always go as they should. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding isn't always easy and can take time to get right. Despite great advice in baby books, babies don't always sleep well and will cry. Don't worry. Babies have lots of adjusting to do as well. See the article Why is my Baby Crying for more reasons babies cry.
Specify visiting hours and let everyone know the times that you'd like to have visitors. Rather than having people dropping by at any time, having visiting hours means that Mum & baby can have rest, and there is also time for Mum, Dad & baby to get to know each other.
Don't turn away help, so long as the help is genuine. That means that Mum & Dad won't be rushing around with cups of tea, so grab all offers of help. Don't be shy to accept help with cooking, washing or housework; it's likely they are parents as well and understand how tough that first week can be.
Becoming a Parent
It was two and now it's three. There are adjustments to be made. No longer is it a carefree couple but parents with responsibilities; big responsibilities in the shape of a tiny helpless bundle. The reality of such responsibility can be a shock and it can take time to adjust to this new stage.
If you are worried, seek help. Becoming a parent can be a scary experience. If something doesn't seem right seek help. Speak with the health visitor or doctor. They understand that new parents are new at the job!
Becoming a parent is a wonderful experience and the first week is full of special moments. Many parents worry over their ability to look after a newborn baby and the reality of parenting responsibility can come as a shock. Don't worry, most parents have such concerns initially and quickly become good parents. Have a camera ready because it's likely that the week will be a blur with so much to learn combined with too little sleep!
For further tips on parenting see Suite101 article: Parenting your New Baby. The BabiesOnline and Parenting.com and websites contain useful information on baby's early weeks as well as basics on baby care and typical concerns of new parents.
Newborn Baby
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