What To Expect: your 1 week old & you

Congratulations on the new little munchkin living in your home!

This is likely the most exciting, rewarding, joyful, and stressful time in your life. With a new baby to feed, dress, change, comfort, and get up with every few hours at night, you’ll almost definitely be short on time. But even though life is hectic, you still need to take good care of yourself. Your body has gone through lots of stresses and changes, and it needs time to recover. 

Every mom faces crazy hormonal ups and downs, fatigue, amazing joy, and some degree of overwhelm. Taking care of yourself while you take care of your baby, will help you regain your stamina and allow you to appreciate this precious and fleeting moment.

 Honestly, you’ll likely be more tired than you ever thought possible. The around-the-clock cuddling, calming, feeding, comforting, and changing diapers will initially consume your days. But, you will soon become the expert on your baby and no one else in the whole world will know him as you do. That’s when you’ll start to find momming is easier. In the meantime, don’t worry about too much cuddling for your baby. You can’t spoil him or her at this stage.

 Here are some simple strategies to conserve and boost your energy: 

  • Let it go. Now is not the time to worry about a clean house, fancy meals, or being a great hostess.
  • Ask for help. People don’t often know how to help, so let them know what would be most useful.
  • Take every shortcut!
  • Grab every bit of sleep you can.
  • Eat healthily!
  • See your physician if exhaustion is extreme.
  • Feeling blue can cause exhaustion. Expect your moods to be all over the place. Most moms experience a brief period of sadness, blues, and moodiness. Please speak with your healthcare provider if you’re feeling depressed.

What to expect?

Although you did all the prep, read the blogs, and bought the right books, there are still endless surprises when it comes to newborns.⁣ ⁣A baby comes into the world with a few survival skills, but otherwise, she’s completely dependent on you.

➜ For instance, Your little cupcake may sleep 20 hours a day, but it’ll only come in bits and pieces. ⁣He’ll get tired quickly too, and only stay awake 30 - 60 minutes, give or take. ⁣

➜ She’ll likely want to be held and soothed every single waking moment. (It’s okay- you can’t spoil a newborn!)⁣

➜ And breastfeeding may not come easily, and it can hurt. (Lactation consultants are EXTREMELY helpful).⁣

But let me reassure you, things will get easier! 

Let's get you feeling more confident!

You don't need to do this on your own!  I've taken my decades of experience and streamlined it into 6 modules of focused guidance around how to support your baby's growing brain. You deserve to feel proud of your parenting. Check out Precious Time and make the most of these formative years. 

Your Toddler Just Got Easier! 

Get our latest goodies, strategies, and insights 

Join the HB family❤️  

@healthiest_baby