So This Is Motherhood

The following are some common symptoms and feelings you may experience during the first couple of weeks after bringing your baby home:

The Blues

• Depressed and miss your former lifestyle
• Let down after excitement and anticipation of the last few months
• Sleep deprived
• Demands of 24 hour mothering
• Tied down - feel resentful
• Husband may experience some jealousy
• Discouraged and weepy

All of these emotions are normal and quite common. Within a few weeks, you will establish a routine and begin to feel like your old self again.

Fatigue

Fatigue is also a common complaint of new moms. Yes, it's true you have a new little person to care for, but don't forget about the caregiver…you! Here are some ways you can fight back at fatigue:

• Rest when you're tired
• Pamper yourself
• Let your husband help with household chores

Preparation for lifestyle changes

Prepare for your new lifestyle before your baby arrives -- it will make the transition much smoother. You can prepare by taking some of the following steps:

• Develop a support system now
• Hire help if possible
• Gain baby care information - reading, video, networking with other new mothers
• Volunteer to take care of newborns for friend, church nursery, day care

From the beginning, be sure to include dad. Ask him what he would like to do and don't be critical if he doesn't do things exactly as you would. All that really matters is that the job gets done and he is contributing in his own way.

Encourage dad to bathe the baby in the evening. This will give the two of them some special time together and may give you an opportunity to do some shopping alone. If you are bottle feeding your baby, let dad have a specific time when he routinely feeds the baby. Many couples switch off during the night feedings. If you are breastfeeding, let dad get the baby ready. He could change the diaper and comfort baby while you get ready. He could also bring you something to drink while you're breastfeeding. Moms build up quite a thirst while breastfeeding and it's important to drink as many fluids as possible.

Will Life Ever be the Same?
It's a time of many lifestyle changes - some sudden and some very gradual. During this time, it's important for you to get as much rest as possible (even though that may be a challenge!), eat right and take time to adapt to your new role and lifestyle.

Attention All Visitors
You've waited to see the new baby for nine months and can't wait to rush over and visit. However, during the first six weeks or so following delivery, you may want to limit your visits. A newborn's immunological system is not established and he/she cannot fight infection like adults do. Sometimes new moms feel like they should "entertain" visitors when actually they should be concentrating on rest and establishing a routine. Encourage visitors to stay brief periods of time, help out with meals or help with household chores. If friends and/or family ask to help - take them up on it!

Most of a new mother's attention is focused on the baby. This is a time to call on friends and family for help. Let others care for baby while you go out and do something special. Let family members and friends help with housework and cooking. Don't worry - there will be a day when you can return the favor. Include dad and your other children (if you have them) in caring for the new baby. Most importantly, take every chance you can to rest. The laundry can wait - in fact, let dad do it! In about six weeks, you should be feeling more comfortable with your new role and into the full swing of old and new routines.

The Grandparents' Role
Let the grandparents help in every way possible. They, too, want to be a part of this new extension of their family. Try to respect their schedules and only ask for what they are willing and/or able to give. Gently remind them that you are the one in charge but that their help is greatly appreciated. Provide special time that they can spend with the baby.