Updated: December 3, 2020
Originally Published: March 17, 2016
No amount of parenting classes can truly equip you for that moment of panic when you first bring your newborn home. However, somewhere between the sleepless nights and the sixth week, you begin to find your footing. Here are some invaluable lessons learned only through experience:
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Set Boundaries with Visitors
As soon as you arrive home, expect your space to become a social hub. While it’s nice to receive messages and gifts from acquaintances, it’s best to limit visitors during those initial weeks. Politely express that you are still recovering from childbirth and would prefer to host guests once you regain your composure. The rule is simple: if you feel the need to tidy up for them or they aren’t comfortable with your postpartum state, they shouldn’t be on your guest list.
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Embrace the Love-Hate Relationship
Sleep deprivation will wear you down night after night, but paradoxically, it also deepens your bond with your little one. This phenomenon might as well be termed “Baby Stockholm Syndrome.” You’ll come to understand the unique joy of holding your newborn in the quiet hours, despite the exhaustion. Your perspective on new moms will shift—seeing them as both captives of their babies and cherished guardians of these tiny beings.
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Prioritize Your Sleep
Treat your sleep like the most precious commodity. When your baby finally settles down for their first nap, seize the opportunity for a quick rest yourself. Whether it’s early in the morning or during the day, prioritize napping whenever possible. Even if it feels indulgent, your well-being is crucial for both you and your baby’s happiness.
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Ditch the Parenting Books
While parenting books might promise the secret formula for a perfect baby, they often lead to confusion and self-doubt. Instead, consider creative ways to dispose of them: donate them to a local school to promote abstinence, burn them in a symbolic gesture to the sleep gods, or even launch them into space—anything is better than stressing over their unrealistic expectations.
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Let Your Baby Sleep Where They Want
If your baby falls asleep in the car seat, let them stay there. The same goes for any other cozy spot they choose. It’s essential to allow your newborn to rest peacefully, whether in their swing, stroller, or wherever they find comfort. When your baby is sleeping, embrace it as a win—don’t disrupt that tranquility!
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Get Out of the House
Make an effort to venture out, whether it’s a simple walk in the park or a trip to a café—you deserve a change of scenery! Your first outing may come with challenges, like figuring out your stroller or dressing the baby, but remember that fresh air can greatly benefit both you and your little one. Prepare the night before to make the process smoother.
Surviving the first six weeks is a remarkable feat for both you and your new bundle of joy. Nature rewards your efforts with that first smile—a moment that transforms the chaos into a beautiful experience. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel, signaling that you’ve made it through the hardest part.
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Summary: The first six weeks of parenting are filled with challenges and learning experiences. By setting boundaries, prioritizing sleep, and letting your baby rest where they feel comfortable, you can navigate this transformative period with greater ease. Embrace the chaos, and look forward to the joy that your new arrival brings.