Tips for Making the Transition into Motherhood
Charles Dickens said, "Babies are a wonderful way to start people." The following tips are designed to make your transition to motherhood wonderful too.
I have heard other moms talk about strict nap schedules
& baby nutrition. How do I learn more about these baby issues?
Does it just come naturally?
Many parts of parenthood DO come naturally, and you'll grow more
confident every day. In the beginning, it helps to enlist various
resources for advice. Some great new-parent resources are friends
with children, your parents, your pediatrician help line, and organizations
and speakers designed specifically for new parents. Keep in mind
that every baby is different. Part of the frustration and fun of
parenthood is getting to know your special baby! You'll hear
several different ways to get your baby to sleep and eat. Over time, you'll
discover what works for your baby and your family, and that's all
that will matter!
My husband's sister went jogging two days after
delivering her baby. When is it safe to exercise?
You may hear many stories like this one, but do not take them to heart.
Remember, you and your body have just accomplished one of life's
greatest challenges, and it will take adequate time to recover from such
an experience. Traditionally, advice on returning to any form of exercise
is to wait at least 6 weeks. However, there are now variations from
doctors and caregivers to the length of time to wait to return to exercise.
For a mom who has had a vaginal delivery, the minimum time to wait
before returning to specialty postnatal fitness classes or personal training
is 10-14 days. She should wait at least 6 weeks before returning
to a regular fitness setting (aerobics classes, the gym). A C-section
mom should wait a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks post-op before returning to
specialty classes or personal training and 6 to 8 weeks for regular exercise.
Not feeling up to exercise? Receiving a postpartum massage can also help
get you body back in tune. It is important to let yourself heal. You'll
be better able to care for your baby when you care for yourself!
I'm worried I'll lose my friends once my
baby comes? How can I keep in touch?
It's normal to wonder how your friendships will change. Since
a baby will take up most of your time for the first couple months, give
yourself time to adjust to caring for an infant. Set realistic expectations
and be easy on yourself! When you start feeling better, make it a priority
to contact friends. If it is difficult to get ready and leave the
house, invite friends over to visit. You have just begun a new chapter
of your life called motherhood, and with this incredible change comes
new opportunity. Plenty of ways to meet other new moms await—moms'
groups, movies for moms, exercise classes, and baby and music classes.
Some of your future friends-for-life will be met in these new places.
My husband & I really like skiing. How can we enjoy
some of our interests once the baby comes?
Whatever your interests were B.C. (meaning Before Children), they will
need to be modified once the baby arrives—at least, for a while.
For example, if you liked seeing the newest movie at the theater
Before Children, Friday night new release DVDs could be the compromise. A
couple who likes to cook every night, might decide to cook a really nice
Sunday night dinner instead. Make a list of your favorite hobbies, think
of how being a parent will change them, and then be creative in modifying
your hobbies. If your hobbies are something that you don't do together,
make a deal with your husband for a monthly hobby date. For example, one
weekend day a month your husband watches the baby while you get a massage
or scrapbook with your girlfriends, and you return the favor while your
husband golfs for an afternoon or heads to the gym. Don't forget
to schedule "couple time" as you do other parts of your life
and hire a baby sitter on a regular basis for fun and romance! For big
ticket items—like skiing, for instance, arrange for a baby sitter
(or take a sitter with you) and go once a year.
There's so much to think about while taking care
of an infant. How do I just enjoy my new life & baby?
Every aunt and grandmother will say it... "They grow so fast."
It is true; babies experience the most rapid growth of their life
(doubling their birth weight) in the first six months. Think of it—you
will have double your baby at six months! Save cards, notes, and
photos and you might eventually create a first year scrapbook. In
a calendar, jot down memories and "firsts" you'd like to
include.
Though many responsibilities will occupy your thoughts, take time each day to enjoy the tenderness and beauty of your newest family member.
