By Tara Gilbert
Your baby is due to arrive soon, and you feel prepared.
You have read the latest baby care books, washed the baby's
wardrobe, and stacked the diapers. But have you thought how you
will survive those first six weeks? Your baby has a game plan –
cry when they need something. What is your strategy? The following
tips can help you avoid a post-delivery meltdown, while getting
your own needs met.
1.
Cut your locks.
A new baby in the house means less time
for everything, including simple things like styling your hair.
Make it easy on yourself, and get a wash and wear hairstyle before
the due date. You will look great even if you didn't plug
in the curling iron that morning.
2. Buy a new wardrobe.
Well, maybe not an
entirely new wardrobe, but at least some key pieces. In the weeks
following delivery, you will lose a considerable amount of weight
due to the baby and fluids, but not quite enough to slip into those
pre-pregnancy jeans. In fact, flabby abdominal muscles will be your
biggest hurdle to your wardrobe, but your doctor won't let
you work on those for a few weeks. In the meantime, you will need
something to wear. Maternity clothes will be best for the first
couple of weeks. After that, wear some loose knit clothing in a
size larger than you normally wear. If you are nursing, you will
need some larger tops until baby is weaned. It will tie you over
this awkward period.
3. Eat your oatmeal...or some other high-fiber
cereal.
Fiber will be your new best friend after delivery.
Delivery was traumatic for your colon, so treat it with care. Fiber
can ease some of the discomfort and also tends to not be as upsetting
to the digestive tract as stool softeners. You can eat a bowl of
high-fiber cereal for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
4. Stock up on healthy foods.
Those quick
runs to the grocery store are a thing of the past. Packing up a
screaming baby to grab something for dinner will become your worse
nightmare. Better to stock up now on some quick, healthy foods such
as stir-frys or vegetables and pasta dishes. Delivery is also a
great resource, especially now that family-style restaurants are
offering this service. Don't forget snacks either. While your
baby is snacking at midnight, you too will be tempted to grab something.
Go for healthy choices such as fresh fruit, muffins, or string cheese.
5. Set your boundaries
People love to see
new babies, and some people don’t see a problem just dropping
by. However, you and baby probably have a different sleeping schedule
than the rest of the world. Make a sign: “Do not disturb.
Mother and Baby are sleeping.” Post it on the front door or
over the door bell, and don’t feel obligated to open the door
when people knock.
6. Practice saying "No."
"No,
this isn't a good time." "No, we can't come."
Practice saying it to yourself in the mirror. People will understand,
and if they don't, well...they will get over it. Learn
to say no to visits and outings if they are too much for you and
baby. These six weeks are the most trying and you won't always
be such a recluse, so be willing to give yourself plenty of time
to recover.
 7.
Learn to say "yes" to help.
If your mother-in-law
offers to clean your kitchen or your best friend offers to do laundry
– say yes. I know you want to think you can be Super Mom,
you can do that later. Right now you and the baby need as much rest
as you can get. Let others help, especially when they offer. It
gives them joy to be of help and, you can always return the favor
later.
8. Treat yourself like a queen.
You have
just done one of the hardest jobs in the world, bringing new life
into the world, so relax a bit. Take a bit of time each day to simply
relax. It could be a short walk to the mail box or reading during
baby's naptime. Look for shortcuts to daily chores such as
having groceries delivered or hire some housekeeping help.
Good luck…and enjoy your baby.
Article written by Tara Gilbert.
All opinions expressed are that of the writer.
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