I’ve been there mama! I’m driving home from the hospital with this new baby in the car seat next to me and I can’t help but to feel overwhelmed with the fact that I have to care for this baby now. It’s no longer just me, it’s me and baby. And let me tell you mama – it’s hard! Those first five weeks I was in survival mode. It’s hard being a new mom, but that’s why I’m here with this guide to help you survive and THRIVE for those first few weeks.
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I honestly thought I’d be ready. I spent my whole pregnancy preparing: reading all the books, listening to all the right podcasts, researching all the right baby products, and trying to optimize the nursery for easy use. But once that baby was in my arms in my home, it felt like everything hit the fan! Nothing can really truly prepare you for all the emotional, physical and mental load you’ll carry those first few weeks. I hope these 10 tips will be exactly what you need to survive the first 5 weeks!
New Mom Survival Tip #1: Freezer Meals
Of all the things I did to prepare, having freezer meals was possibly the best one that I did. I had heard about it often from all the moms I followed online, but actually implementing it was game changing. By the time I was 39 weeks pregnant I absolutely did not want to spend the time making freezer meals. But thank goodness I did.
The first five weeks I could barely keep up with showering, so I couldn’t imagine cooking and cleaning up while caring for my baby. I only made four freezer meals, but when I have my future kids, I’m planning to make at least 10 large freezer meals so I don’t have to worry about anything else but loving and cuddling my little one. Making these freezer meals also gives you the freedom to sleep when baby is sleeping rather than worrying about your next meal!
New Mom Survival Tip #2: Accept Help
It was difficult to ask for help for me. I worried that my baby’s cry would bother anyone who came to help and that someone assisting me would burden them. I didn’t want to burden anyone, but I needed the help.
Mama, please accept the help. Your baby’s cry doesn’t have the same affect on others as it does on you. Your entire body may respond to that baby’s cry, but your friend will barely be fazed by it. I had my mom live with me for that first week which was super helpful during that time. She helped me sleep, she encouraged me during my breastfeeding journey, and she picked up any medication or food I needed so I never had to worry about anything.
New Mom Survival Tip #3: Comfy & Cute Lounge Wear
I attempted this tip, but failed. I focused on sleeping gowns, but I should have focused on two pieces! During this time, you might not want to wear jeans or dress up because most of the time you’re covered in vomit or your own breast milk. I wish I had comfy and cute two pieces and many of them. Here’s why:
- Two pieces make it easier to breastfeed and pump without taking off your entire gown, plus, it’s cheaper than buying specialized maternity dresses.
- You will want to be super comfy, but presentable enough for visitors or going out for walks
- You want it to be cute so you feel more confident
Had I spent more time in intentionally buying the lounge wear for this time, I wouldn’t have been so insecure about how I looked. I hated the clothes I bought because it made me look lumpy and I hated looking at myself in the mirror. It’s already a hard time with your lumpy and loose belly, so try and get clothes that really help.
These are some ideas for cute and comfy loungewear:
New Mom Survival Tip #4: Portable Breast Pump
I, unfortunately, didn’t have this the first time around. But, it’s absolutely something I wish I had invested in. I had a difficult time with my breastfeeding journey. I tried all the supplements and the foods and the herbs but nothing would help my milk supply go up from two ounces total from both breasts. But, I was determined to try to at least give my baby as much from me as possible. So, I was pumping round the clock. The problem was, however, that my breast pump had me stuck by a plug at all times.
I did buy a “portable” pump from Medela, which worked great, but I know that in future I would want to invest in a wireless portable pump that is ALSO discreet! Since I’ll have a toddler running around with my second, I know I can’t be all wired up when pumping.
My sister got me on this company and this is the pump she swears by: The Portable Elvie Breast Pump!
New Mom Survival Tip #5: Have Designated Baskets
I didn’t realize I needed this until much later. But having designated baskets around the home for baby stuff was important for me. I would have a basket for diaper changes in my room and in her room. I would have a designated breastfeeding/pumping basket in order to keep everything together. I even implemented this idea with my snacks. I had them in a basket by my rocking chair.
It’s such a small tip, but having everything in its place helped with keeping the home tidy as well.
New Mom Survival Tip #6: Get a Midwife if Possible!
I know in the USA it can be expensive to hire a midwife. For those who can, I say do it! Having a midwife doesn’t mean you’ll be having a water birth. If you want a hospital birth, go on ahead! The benefit of having a midwife for everyone is the post-birth perks. Midwives actually come to your home for baby check-ups! That way you don’t have to go out to the doctors for them.
I was so scared to take my new baby out for the first time. It felt like it was too soon, and the environment was so stressful for her. It was cold, but she had to be naked for her weight check-up. And it was so short and (it felt) rushed only to have to drive back home.
I wasn’t able to have a midwife the first time around (due to health issues), but I know the second time around I’ll be sure to have a midwife by my side and really make those first few weeks less stressful.
New Mom Survival Tip #7: You Have to Walk
Unless your doing some super cool Chinese Confinement stuff, you gotta get out of the house. Even if it’s just for yourself. And honestly maybe this is a personal thing, but I absolutely needed to get out of the house every once in awhile. I felt so stuffed in my house and needed some fresh air. It seemed like I was going to go stir crazy seeing the same things over and over again.
I went for a walk everyday with my baby, even though she was born in January. I needed the space and the fresh air to clear my head and strengthen me for the day to come.
Mama, it’s also just good to be active. Don’t give in to being lazy all day because of your baby. You still need to be the very best you can be for that little baby, and remaining active and healthy helps. I loved my daily walks with my little girl, since she’ll fall asleep and I could listen to a podcast or music or call a friend.
New Mom Survival Tip #8: Have Night Time Snacks Ready
When you’re breastfeeding or up in the middle of the night, you’ll definitely get the munchies. I was always hungry in the middle of the night, but I didn’t want to take the time to make something because I wanted to go back to sleep as soon as possible.
My go to snacks were granola bars and fruit, but you stash up all of your favourite snacks. It’s best that those snacks are healthy and nourishing, because you still want to fuel your body well when you’re breastfeeding. And if you’re not breastfeeding, you at least want to stay healthy to keep up with your baby’s demands.
I designated snacks just for my midnight munchies. My husband knew not to touch any of my snacks, and I knew to not have any during the day. I also like to keep an extra water bottle filled and ready to drink in the fridge for these night time wake-ups.
New Mom Survival Tip #9: A Baby Seat is a MUST
I don’t know if I was necessarily a huge fan of having a carrier at all times. Sometimes it was nice to have a little break outside of my baby’s nap time. A lot of the time it was nice to put my baby down in her little chair as I cleaned or cooked. This proves helpful for many things that make it difficult to do with the baby strapped to you. Here are some examples:
- The bathroom! Having a little pillow or chair to put my baby on ready in the bathroom at all times is a crazy game changer.
- Eating! It’s hard to balance food on your fork and carry it such a long distance from the plate to your mouth because of the baby in between.
- Cleaning! When I have to bend down and sweep up, or pick things up, or do anything that requires me to bend down, it’s helpful to put the baby down for a moment.
We used the Baby Delight Bouncer for our little girl, but I personally love this bouncer by Ergobaby that my friend used for her baby! It seems so much more comfy!
New Mom Survival Tip #10: Get an Easy & Comfy Baby Carrier
Honestly, I really don’t like the baby wrap carriers. It’s such a long piece of fabric that a) doesn’t fold well, b) takes forever to put on especially as a new mom and c) stretches way too much that my baby is sagging from long wear use.
I tried to solve the problem by getting a baby harness to hold my baby up well, but even that was difficult to put on AND to rigid for my baby.
There are so many easy and comfy baby carriers out there, and I don’t know why they aren’t trending enough. My sister got me on the Ergobaby Carrier that she used for her son. It’s comfy for the baby (and you) and doesn’t have a million latches and buttons and straps to deal with. I personally have been loving this baby wrap that I still use for my 1 year old. It’s soft and super easy to put on.
BONUS: You’re Not Just A Mother
Being a mother is one of the most incredible gifts for a woman! But during these first few weeks it can feel super overwhelming and draining to be a mother. And sometimes, it seems like that’s all you are. But remember that you’re still a wife, you’re still a friend, you’re still a daughter, and you’re still you. Don’t allow yourself to get drowned by motherhood, allow the other parts of you to show. Invite your friends over to help you fold laundry. Invite your mother over to teach you about raising a child. Go out of your way to spoil your husband (who is probably going out of his way to ensure every comfortability for you).
It can be a super hard first few weeks. It’s emotionally, physically and mentally draining. But you can do it! Prepare yourself before hand so that you can be as present (and as sane) as possible for your little one!
