Bringing Home Baby
Creating a Smooth Transition
If you have chosen to have your baby at a hospital or birthing clinic you may be wondering what things will be like once the birth is over and you come home. You may also be wondering how best to prepare for this major change in your life so that things will transition smoothly. Even though each situation is unique, there are three important areas to be aware of and ways of managing each so that when you bring home your baby everyone will have a positive experience.
Be aware of your physical health.
Planning and managing things so you heal and maintain optimal health is paramount to your overall success during the first few weeks after birth. You want to make sure you get enough sleep, have time to relax and recuperate, and are eating healthy meals. Sleep deprivation is not a prerequisite to becoming a good parent. In fact, your ability to do anything decreases rapidly the longer you stay awake, so it is in everyone’s best interest to plan ahead to make sure you all get enough sleep.
While you are still pregnant think about how much help you will need in order to get enough sleep. Talk to friends and family members to find out if they are willing and able to help take care of your baby while you sleep. If this is not an option or you don’t think you will have enough help, think about hiring a professional. There are many qualified care providers that can help during the first few weeks and/or until your baby is sleeping through the night.
Creating a list of family and friends who will bring over meals is a great way of saving time and energy. Place a cooler outside your door for them to deposit the meals. This way if you are busy you won’t need to answer the door. Preparing meals beforehand and freezing is another alternative but if you don’t have time for that there are also companies that will do this for you.
Once you are on your way home, you are probably going to be thinking about the cleanliness of your home to prevent the possibility of infection and/or illness. To alleviate any stress this may cause, arrange for someone to clean the house before you bring the baby home. Ask that they bring hand sanitizers and/or hand washing items so that they are easily available for guests. Ask anyone who plans on holding the baby to wash their hands as soon as they arrive. Do not let anyone who is ill near the baby.
If you have a pet, have your partner or family member bring home a blanket with the baby's scent on it and place it near the pet before you and the baby leave the hospital or clinic. Then, when you come home, the pet will already be somewhat familiar with the baby. As much as you may love and trust your pet, never leave them alone with newborns especially in the nursery while the baby is in their crib. Put up a gate or a screen to the nursery if your pet(s) is/are not trained to obey your commands. Keep your pet clean and insect-free. Wash your hands carefully after handling or cleaning up after your pet.
Be aware of your emotional health.
Don't be surprised if you have a mix of emotions as you bring your baby home, especially if this is your first child. You may be nervous, anxious and possibly even terrified as you realize how your life is changing. All of these feelings are normal and it is more than likely that they will dissipate quickly as you get into a routine.
Taking things day-by-day and setting realistic goals for yourself and your baby will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and giving up. Becoming more assertive in how you want your new life to be structured is very empowering and positive. Share time with supportive family members and tell your birth story to friends who are willing to listen without judgment.
Know the signs of postpartum depression and seek help if you need support or want to speak to someone who is objective and qualified to help. Many local resources, organizations and providers are only a phone call away.
Be aware of your interpersonal relationships.
Your relationships with your partner, family and friends are likely to change after the birth of your baby. Embrace these changes and deepen your relationships by being as positive as possible. The easiest way to do this is to ask for help and delegate. This will reduce your burden and help everyone feel more involved in this amazing time of your life.
Your partner is going to be the one who is most affected so be sure to discuss your expectations with them before the baby arrives. Decide who is going to do what and make sure that your partner is involved enough so that you feel like a team. Here are a few suggestions:
- Have them record a voicemail with the vital statistics of the birth.
- Ask them to pack a couple of changes of clothing for the baby for the trip home.
- The day before you are scheduled to leave the hospital/clinic, have them take home items such as flowers, gifts or balloons.
- Ask them to set the thermostat to 72° the night before so that the temperature of your home is comparable to the hospital.
- Have them setup visitation hours and be a gatekeeper for visitors.
Remember, as much as you are looking forward to bringing your baby home and becoming a parent, remember that the goal is not perfection. Do the best you can, learn as you go and enjoy the journey!
