Congratulations on your new arrival! I know that the anticipation of labor and delivery may have consumed your thoughts during pregnancy, but now that your baby is here, there’s a whole new adventure waiting for you. So, buckle up and get ready for this incredible journey!
1. You’ll be hit with some intense postpartum symptoms.
The postpartum period comes with its own set of challenges. From bleeding, soreness, perineal discomfort, constipation, fatigue to leaky breasts, it can be overwhelming. Just remember that your body is resilient, and most of these symptoms will improve within a few weeks. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
2. Just when you think you’ve successfully tackled one “first,” another one will be right around the corner.
You may feel like you’re barely getting the hang of one aspect of caring for your baby, like giving the first bath or changing the first poopy diaper, when another new challenge presents itself. Clipping your newborn’s fingernails or dealing with diaper blowouts may seem daunting at first, but remember, with each “first” you encounter, you’ll become more confident as a parent.
3. The flood of emotions you’ll experience is staggering.
Being a new parent can be an emotional rollercoaster. You may feel happy, sad, prickly, bursting with joy, and even more sad, all in one day. Your body is going through hormonal changes, with estrogen and progesterone levels dropping after birth, and prolactin levels increasing as your body produces milk for your baby. Plus, you’re exhausted from taking care of your newborn round the clock. It’s important to go easy on yourself during this time and remember that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions. If you think you may be experiencing postpartum depression, don’t hesitate to seek support from your healthcare provider.
4. Partners may get hit hard by emotions too.
It’s not just new moms who experience emotional changes after the birth of a baby; partners can also go through a range of emotions. They may feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed with the responsibilities of taking care of a new baby and an exhausted postpartum mom. Keep an eye on your partner’s mood and encourage them to talk to a healthcare provider if needed.
5. You learn to live on less sleep.
Ah, sleep. It’s a precious commodity that new parents often find themselves longing for as they navigate the sleepless nights with a newborn. While seasoned parents may regale you with tales of endless sleep deprivation, it’s important to remember that this phase is temporary and that you will eventually sleep again.
During the first week with a new baby, you’ll quickly realize that sleep becomes a luxury rather than a necessity. Your baby’s needs come first, and that means waking up every few hours for feeding, diaper changes, and soothing. It can be exhausting, but rest assured that this phase won’t last forever.
One of the best tips for coping with sleep deprivation is to nap whenever you can. During the day, when your baby is sleeping, take the opportunity to catch some Zs as well. Don’t worry about the laundry, the dishes, or the messy house. Rest is essential for your physical and mental well-being during this challenging time.
It’s also important to communicate with your partner and come up with a plan to share the responsibilities of caring for the baby at night. This can help ease the burden and allow both parents to get some much-needed rest. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help from friends, family, or a trusted caregiver so that you can take a nap or get a solid stretch of sleep.
Additionally, creating a sleep-friendly environment for your baby can also make a difference. Keep the room dark, use white noise to block out any disturbing sounds, and establish a consistent bedtime routine. These measures can help your baby establish healthy sleep habits, which in turn can lead to more restful nights for everyone.
6. You’ll wonder why your baby doesn’t look like you expected – and then you’ll feel guilty for even thinking such a thing.
Before becoming a parent, many new moms and dads have an image in their minds of what their newborn will look like. But when your baby finally arrives, you may find that their appearance is different from what you expected. It’s perfectly normal to feel surprised or even disappointed by this, but it’s important to remember that newborns often have unique characteristics that change over time.
Newborns typically have wrinkled skin, a pointy head from passing through the birth canal, and may not have the adorable dimples or button nose that you were envisioning. They may also have a coating of vernix, a white waxy substance that protects their skin in the womb, which can further alter their appearance.
It’s important to remind yourself that your baby’s looks will change rapidly in the first few weeks of life. They will grow and develop, and eventually, their features will start to resemble yours or your partner’s. It’s also crucial to let go of any guilt or disappointment you may feel about your baby’s appearance. Your love for your child is not based on their looks, but on the bond and connection you share with them.
As a parent, it’s natural to have expectations and fantasies about what your baby will be like, but it’s important to remember that every baby is unique and has their own individuality. Embrace your baby’s quirks and characteristics, and appreciate the special qualities that make them who they are.
7. You don’t “bounce back” – physically, mentally, or otherwise.
In today’s society, there’s often pressure on new moms to “bounce back” and return to their pre-pregnancy selves as quickly as possible. However, the reality is that childbirth and the postpartum period can have a significant impact on a woman’s body, mind, and emotions, and it takes time to recover and adjust to the changes.
Physically, your body has gone through a remarkable process of pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and it needs time to heal.
8. Your baby is more resilient than you think.
Yes, newborns are tiny and vulnerable and fragile and helpless. But they’re also much stronger and smarter than we give them credit for — and so are you. So jump right in and have confidence that you know what you’re doing. No one else knows your baby better than you do.
