4 Tips for New Moms to Survive the First Few Weeks

Suddenly you’re a mom. Before the panic sets in, take a deep breath and remember that you’ll learn as you go. Striving for perfection is a recipe for disaster, as even the best moms make mistakes. Don’t beat yourself up for the initial learning curve that comes along with being a new mom. In this article, we aim to make the process of entering motherhood easier. Here are four tips for surviving the first few weeks. 

1. Allow Room For Error

Listen, you are just getting to know your baby, and your baby is just getting to know you, too. Introductions are always uncomfortable, so embrace this stage with all you’ve got. Eventually, your little one will learn to trust you, and you will have picked up on all of their nonverbal cues. After a while, you’ll be proficient in your baby’s likes and dislikes and will be able to provide for them without causing distress. Remember that babies cry to communicate. Don’t assume that your baby is upset every time they cry. Most of the time, they are just trying to tell you they need something. 

2. Save Yourself the Hassle

You don’t have to go overboard when it comes to things like name-brand diapers or total lack of screen time. If the only thing that gets your baby to stop crying is to play Baby Einstein videos, by all means, press play and avoid the new-mom stress. The most important thing is that your baby feels safe and comfortable, so giving in to their demands at this early age is a good thing. To avoid the hassle of diaper rashes and all of the creams that go with it, try out eco friendly diapers instead. You’ll save money by washing and reusing these diapers, and your baby will be less likely to develop irritation with these natural materials. 

3. Find Ways to Bond

The first year of life is critical for babies; this is the time they learn how to trust and bond with their parents. Make the most of this special time by intentionally bonding with your baby. If your baby is breastfed, bonding will come naturally. If not, you can still bond by rocking them to sleep, singing songs to them, and playing with baby toys together. The more time you spend with your baby, the greater your bond will be. If your baby awakens easily at night, make sure that you are there to soothe your baby back to sleep. For new moms and dads, take this learning as an opportunity to observe how your baby reacts to you, noting crucial things as you go. For instance, if you notice that a particular lullaby or soothing music helps your baby sleep, be mindful of this and see if the pattern is consistent. 

4. Just Be There

By being there for your baby as much as possible, you are showing them that you are always there to care for them and keep them safe. This sense of security will strengthen the bond between the two of you and will make you feel more confident as a parent. Just remember to be present and to stay attentive to your baby’s needs. In the beginning, you will have to put your baby’s needs before your own, but eventually, the two of you will fall into a rhythm that will allow you to take care of yourself and your baby more easily. Hang in there! 

The Bottom Line

Being a new mom is really about giving yourself a break. Do your best and remember that motherhood is a learning process.