There is nothing in the world like holding your child for the first time. Becoming a new mom is a heart-opening experience, and an honor to be cherished each day. It can also be overwhelming. You're trying to adjust to a new schedule and to new demands and responsibilities from that beautiful little life in your care. You are bound together, especially in those first few months, and your baby will pick up on your moods and your rhythms. Here are a few tips to help you make life with baby as a new mom less stressful: Work on your patience: You will need a lot of patience as you adjust to the needs of your little one. Taking some long, slow breaths – just three breaths, for instance, when you're starting to feel anxious - works wonders for many new moms. Remember that your baby is learning everything for the first time. Their reactions can be unpredictable and it may take a while to figure out how to give comfort. It can be a tough job altogether, requiring lots of flexibility and loads of patience. Remember to breathe. Let your baby tell you what she needs: Instead of forcing a schedule on a newborn, feel out her needs for a few days. Let her eat on-demand without applying an "every two hour" schedule. She may need to eat more often than that, especially in the first few weeks. (And remember that, as she grows, her needs will change.) Get some sleep: Lack of sleep might be one of the most difficult parts of new motherhood because of the effects on your health, your stamina, your patience, and your baby. For breast-feeding moms sleep is also critical for milk production. So if baby goes down for a morning snooze, follow suit and lie down no matter what chores might be calling for your attention. Even if you don't actually fall asleep, the downtime will replenish you. Be aware of your mood: If you are feeling frustrated, take a time out at the first opportunity. Get some help from a family member or friend or, if your baby will tolerate it, put him in the crib or another safe spot and take a 10-minute breather. (If that's impossible, then take three breaths, and three more, and three more, etc. Focus on getting your attention away from the frustration.) Remember, if you're stressed, your baby will pick up on your tension. Your newborn will be very sensitive to your mood each day. Have a support network: It is very difficult to raise a new baby without a source of support. For many, that support is the family and friends living with them. But even if you are a single mom, you can build a support network by taking "mommy and me" classes, or locating other nearby support groups. There are many books about how to raise a newborn, but no book was written for your exact situation. Being able to vent or talk through situations will allow you to grow with your child.
Listen to your gut: Some advice is spot on, and others not-so-much. As a new mom, you may get more advice on how to raise your child than you ever hoped to hear. Take it in, but listen to your gut. Ultimately, you know your baby and your own needs best. Listen to your child's clues and your own instincts. The joy of motherhood is not a myth. The reality is even better than words can describe. This time with your baby will seem to fly by, so make the most of it by following the tips, above. Taking better care of yourself will help you take better care of your babe, with more time and energy to cherish precious moments.
Source : articlesbase.com
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