Baby's First Week | 9 Tips for Survival

I’m going to share some tips today for surviving the first week that baby is home. I’m writing these tips from the viewpoint of a woman who’s had a caesarean; however, I think women who have had any type of birth might benefit from these tips. 

The first week is going to be so difficult. I wish someone had told me how difficult it would be so I could have prepared myself. I’m not saying I thought it was going to be a walk in the park, but I was never fully prepared for it; especially since my idea of the perfect birth flew out of the window and I wasn’t expecting to be recovering from a cesarean.  

| Sharing is caring

Sharing is so important. When I was trying to breast feed my partner said he felt left out that he couldn’t help me with the feeds, but in reality there was so much more he could do to help. He could look after Aoife when she was napping so I could have a moment to myself, he’d bring me food and drink, help change her nappy, carry her to her cot for me and just generally keep me sane. 

| Meal prep

I wish I’d prepped some meals for when I’d come home from the hospital. I didn’t feel like cooking so I turned to convenience foods like chocolate and crisps which didn’t help with the post pregnancy pounds. I think it’s very important to make sure you have a stock fridge and some meals in the freezer so you can just unfreeze it and eat. 

| Sleep when baby sleeps

I struggled the first few weeks because I’d never sleep when Aoife was asleep. When she was asleep on my chest I felt like I just had to sit and stare at her instead of getting a little nap in. I’d definitely say to all mums to make sure that you get your sleep in; especially during the day when baby has their nap. Because I wasn’t sleeping, I was becoming very emotional, crying constantly and feeling a lot worse that I should have been. 

| Look after yourself 

Don’t forget to look afyer yourself too! You need as much pampering as your little one. I spent so much time looking after my baby that I completely forgot about myself. It might be a little difficult to find the time to look after yourself, especially if your baby wants very frequent feeding but pampering could include having a sneaky sweet snack, having a shower, putting your favourite film on or reading your favourite book. They might get interrupted but for a little while you’ll feel like you’re having some time to yourself. 

| Ask for help 

It’s very scary to ask for help. I worried about people viewing me as a bad mum for asking for help. However, if you don’t ask you don’t receive. I’m not talking about help from just professionals. If your partner has to go to work then ask a family member or very close friend to come and give you a hand. I think it’s important to remember that, especially if it’s your first baby, that your partner can be as clueless (or even more clueless) as you are, so having help from a relative or friend who has had children will feel invaluable. If someone offers to help grab the opportunity with both hands. 

| Set up camp 

 I made myself a little corner camp with everything I needed so I didn’t need to move as much which helped my post cesarean pains. I had a table with a bottle of water, a few snacks, my pain medication (which is not advisable if you have other children around), some books etc. I also made sure Aoife’s Moses basket was very close so I didn’t have far to carry her. It helped because both my back and stomach were sore following the caesarean so walking was a little bit of a struggle for me. 

| Forget the housework 

Don’t worry if the dirty dishes are piling up, or if the hoover needs putting around; who wants to do that when you have a little bundle you want to dote on? I thought my apartment felt like a dump and I felt a little ashamed when people did come over but no one cared and that’s what you need to remember. This is also where your partner can step in to help by taking on some of the housekeeping responsibilities. 

| Limit visitors

This one sounds a little mean because everyone will want to see your little one and you’ll want to show them off, but at the same time you’re going to be tired and run down and need rest. I’m not saying don’t let anyone come round, but set some rules. Let your family and friends know what time they can come round or what time they need to leave by. They’ll understand; especially if they’ve had children themselves. 

| Watch your stress levels 

This is the most important tip of all. Babies pick up when mum is feeling distressed and can become distressed themselves and then both mum and baby are in floods of tears. It might feel difficult to destress but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and after the first week the second week will start to feel much better. If you can survive the first week then you will survive the rest of motherhood. If you feel that you are unable to cope please talk to your partner, someone in your family, your health visitor or GP.  

Are there any tips that you would recommend that helped you survive your first week home with baby?