Don’t put pressure on yourself
It's natural to feel a bit overwhelmed at the beginning of being a new mum. The important thing to remember is that it will get easier once you get used to your baby’s routine. So for the first few weeks just focus on your baby and you. Don’t try and do too many things and ask for help if it all gets to be too much – you might have a stream of people offering to lend a hand so don’t be proud and accept it when people want to help you!
Getting advice
If you ever need advice or just a different view on something to do with your baby, talk to your partner, family, friends or health care professional. It’s also great to locate a mum and baby group in your area where you can spend time with other mums in the same situation and swap stories. You'll probably find they have experienced and feel exactly the same way about things you’ve been through.
Getting confident with the basics
When it comes to the basics of caring for your baby, there's no need to get too hung up on whether or not you're doing things exactly right either. As long as you're using your common sense, you'll be doing just fine. We can provide you with guidance on the practical things like how to hold your baby, feeding your baby, how to change a nappy and lots of other practical help and tips, but trust your instincts first and foremost.
Let people help you
Don’t try and do everything yourself – accept when friends and family offer care for you and your baby. Many people are only too willing to lend a hand but they might not know what they can do to help, so don’t be afraid to let them know.
Here are some suggestions for organising your helpers:
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Instead of rushing around yourself to find the tea and biscuits when family or close friends drop round, point them to the kitchen and ask them to put the jug on. If you’re lucky, they might even make you some lunch too!
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Grandparents and any other broody friends are often dying to hold the baby and have a cuddle. Make the most of this and let them spend time and fuss over your new family member. Of course you should use your own instincts to know when baby has had enough handling, and then its time for you to say no and to let your baby rest or sleep without disturbance.
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Shopping with a baby can be a bigger job than you might think, so why not ask others to pick up a few things for you while they’re at the supermarket or in town?
Looking after mum
In the excitement and business of new motherhood, many mums can forget that looking after a new baby takes a lot of energy so you need to make sure you are looking after yourself too. Getting the right mix of sleep and exercise is vital so your mind and body are ready for the challenges of the day with your baby.