A Mother’s Guide To Surviving The Newborn Phase
As a mother of two, I’m more than familiar with the newborn phase. And with how difficult it is to navigate! So I thought it was about time that I create a guide for young mothers, that will take you through all the steps you’ll need to make it through this stage.
But before we get into those tips, let’s talk about…
What To Expect From The Newborn Phase
According to the WHO, the newborn stage only lasts until the child is twenty-eight days old. But many experts agree that the newborn stage actually lasts until the baby is about twelve weeks old, and they also refer to this span of time as the “fourth trimester”. As it actually relates to parents… the challenges of a brand new baby tend to get easier around the three to four month mark.
But regardless of the exact amount of time that the newborn stage actually lasts, this phase is characterized by the following things…
- Frequent feedings and diaper changes.
- A lack of sleep for you due to the frequency of your babies needs, despite your baby sleeping a lot!
- And heightened emotions for you as the mother, as your body adjusts to no longer being pregnant.
It is important to note though, that the newborn phase can look different for everyone. Some parents actually find this stage to be one of the easiest, whereas some find it to be the hardest. It all depends on your circumstances, and especially, on your baby!
How To Get Through The Newborn Stage
However, regardless of how easy or difficult your newborn stage is, I believe these tips can help all new parents to have an easier time during the first few months of their baby’s life…
Sleep –
First of all, you’re going to need to prioritize getting sleep whenever you can! Which is why the advice “sleep when your baby sleeps” is so popular. Because, since newborns sleep so much, it’s not difficult to get enough rest if you’re able to take naps throughout the day. Rather than only rely on overnight sleep, as your sleep will frequently be interrupted by needing to feed your baby.
But in addition to taking naps whenever the opportunity arises, you can also implement the following tips to give yourself the best chance of getting the rest you need…
- Place your baby’s crib in the room with you for the first year or so of his or her life. As this will allow you to take care of your baby but slip back into bed a lot faster, before you fully wake yourself up.
- Take shifts with your partner if that’s possible. For many couples, it may be possible to take shifts with the baby when it comes to nighttime feedings. And this can be done whether or not you breastfeed, because you can always pump some milk for your partner to use overnight.
- And avoid caffeine, even if it’s tempting. Because then you may not be able to fall asleep when there’s an opportunity to do so.
Self Care –
Now, although sleep is definitely one of the most important aspects of making it through the newborn phase, there are others to consider! Such as…
Diet –
Many new parents fall into the trap of eating lots of processed foods during the newborn phase, and hey… I get it! Popping a tv dinner into the microwave often sounds a lot more appealing when you’re sleep deprived than cooking a full meal yourself.
But you need the proper nutrition to be your best self for you and your baby! So… try to stock up on some meal prepped freezer meals before you give birth (this will come in handy for the first few weeks), then take advantage of any food your friends or family send you, and you can always supplement those meals with services that send premade meals to your home or even with healthy takeout options.
Exercise –
Depending on how fast you heal after birth, exercise can look different for every post-partum mother. But regardless of what you’re able to manage, it’s vital that you find ways to move your body! So try to aim for at least thirty minutes of intentional movement per day.
One of the most simple forms of this just taking a walk around the neighborhood! And you can even do this with your baby in tow, or leave them at the house with your partner and take some much needed time for yourself. You may be surprised at how much a few moments in the fresh air can improve your mental health on tough days!
Relationships –
Lastly, let’s talk relationships! Both in the romantic, and non-romantic sense…
When it comes to your friends and family, it’s important that you still make time for them during the newborn phase. Both to keep up with those you love, and for your own mental health! So even if it’s a quick phone call here, and text to check-in there… Make it a priority to stay in touch.
And then, when it comes to your partner, it’s pivotal that you communicate more than ever before! Because the newborn stage can be a tricky one for relationships. So don’t let anything build up, discuss all your feelings and encourage your partner to do the same.
Plus, try to be patient with each other. As it can take a while to get used to being a parent! Remember that you’re a team at the end of the day… And if you can manage it, try to have a trusted friend or family member take over baby duty for a while once every week or so. To give you and your partner some quality time together. Or, if that’s not possible, schedule out a small increment of time every day that you spend connecting with your partner when the baby is asleep.
Final Thoughts
When you’re in the thick of the newborn stage, it can be so overwhelming. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, and this stage doesn’t last forever! So do your best to enjoy it while it lasts, and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures. Because babies grow so fast!
And if you’re looking for more parenting content revolving around the newborn phase, check out this article about how to help older siblings adjust to a new baby! And then read up on gentle sleep training methods that you can use when the time comes.
