Thankfully, there are a few tips that will help you get through it that little bit easier:
Don’t expect perfection
Don’t expect your baby to sleep through the night, for everyone to be there when you need them and for you to take to the role naturally. While you don’t need to approach it negatively, having high expectations of this ‘perfect four weeks’ is not only unrealistic, it is will affect your confidence if it doesn’t go to plan.
Expect no sleep
You’ll be feeding through the night, washing when the baby is asleep and getting up early so expect to have to make do with little sleep, at least for the first few weeks. You will probably feel a tiredness that you have never felt before, but it will get easier.
Take care of yourself
Make sure you take the time to care for yourself as well as baby. Keep all doctor appointments and be open and honest with your midwife about how you are feeling. Remember, you need to be in top form to be able to look after your youngster.
Don’t overload your schedule
Try to avoid having an overly packed schedule, so don’t plan to go for lunch everyday with friends or let everyone in when they come around. An overloaded schedule can put you under undue stress, making you feel overwhelmed and stressed. You need time to adjust to your new role, spend time with baby and take things easy.
Stock up on baby essentials
Make sure you stock up on baby essentials like nappies, wipes, creams and lotions so that you won’t run out at the most inconvenient times or have to go to the shops when you can barely muster the energy to take off your pyjamas, never mind get properly dressed.
