Surviving the Newborn Stage

Because that’s what it is — survival. Don’t let the instamoms fool you, it took them 7 times as long as normal to get that newborn/all put together photo they posted, and chances are they’re still wearing an adult diaper under all that perfect. You are doing great. 

My baby is out of the newborn stage now, but as I reflect back on it now that my level of sleep deprivation is lower I could have done some things better. I also did some things really well, and it’s okay for me to pat myself on the back for those things. Take the wins where you can get them, Amiright?

If you are in the newborn stage, here is my completely non-expert advice for you: 

Eat.

Literally everyone gets a little cranky when they’re hungry. You should know this because your newborn gets cranky because they’re hungry about every 2 hours. You are not exempt from this reality. Add to the hungry, horemone dumping, sleep deprivation and breastfeeding (or bottles on bottles of formula) what you have is a hot hot mess of a woman. I actually had to ask my husband to help make sure I ate when my baby was a newborn. Find yourself loosing it... stop and ask yourself “Am I hungry?” You will actually be amazed how often the answer is “Yes.” 

Actually take time for yourself every day.  

Taking time for YOU makes you a better mother. You have to take time for yourself to stay healthy. I know you feel guilty or scared to leave your baby with someone else, but a.) its good for you to give up some control, I strongly believe that sometimes you have to consciously practice chilling the f*ck out, and b.) it’s okay and good for your baby to learn to adapt to different styles of care.

So walk away, go take a sitz bath and scroll Instagram, or don’t, because, y’know.... instamom jealousy.... Go take a walk, go savor a glass of wine now that your time of abstinence from that sweet nectar has come to an end. I don’t care what you do or don’t do, just take some time for yourself. I’ll say it again. 10/10 times taking time for yourself will make you a better mother, not a worse one. 

Trust your partner.  

I honestly pride myself on being level headed and trusting myself. I’m hyper rational and practical. Enter newborn. For the first 6ish months of Ransom’s life I had NO CHILL. Everything was worrisome, and I was constantly wondering if I was “doing it right” and if I was enough. The Viking was the voice of reason in my life. Daily he told me that I was a good mom, and that Ransom was happy and healthy. He talked me down in the newborn stage and offered rational opinions on everything from the color and consistency of Ransom’s poop to wether we should let him sleep in the swing. He let me talk out all the insanity without judging me, and was always there to encourage me. He got annoyed with me when I didn’t take time for myself, and he made me lunch when I was cranky. He reminded me all the time “You aren’t alone.” Let your partner help you and be there for you and the baby. It’s their baby too. Both of you are. 

For other moms out there, any other newborn stage survival tips?