New Mom's Survival Guide

Posted by Phyllis Brown on April 8th, 2018

Limit well-wishing. Everyone wants to see the new baby. But put people off for the first two weeks. That allows mom time to rest, bond with her family and start to feel a semblance of normalcy. Making self-care a priority helps you and your baby.

Accept help. Chores still can get done – by others. Tell family and friends how they can help. “When people want to visit, ask if they might be willing to bring food,” Agresti says. “Don’t be afraid to rely on others.”

Family medicine

Watch a video to learn more about her. Breastfeed if you can. Yes, it’s good for the baby – “but it also will burn an extra 500 calories a day,” Agresti says. “If you’re trying to get the postpartum weight off, breastfeeding is a great way to start.”

Hang up your cape

You’re not superwoman. “Napping when the baby sleeps is easier said than done if you think you have to keep up with laundry and cooking," says Agresti, who recently gave birth to her second child. “Forget the chores and try to nap at least once a day.”

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Ride the roller coaster

Emotional ups and downs are normal. But a ride that only goes down is broken. “Get help if you’re not bonding, start to have negative thoughts about the baby or yourself, don’t feel safe with the baby or experience severe mood swings for more than a couple of weeks,” Agresti says.

Drink water

Breastfeeding increases your need to stay hydrated. Get the equivalent of eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Stay away from sugary sodas and caffeine that can filter into breast milk.

Ease into exercise

Take baby steps to get back to pre-pregnancy shape. “Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan, especially if you had a C-section,” Agresti says. “Make a start date once the baby is on a schedule that’s easier to work with.”