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 > Plan your visitors wisely While your mother, mother-in-law, sister, best friend and countless others will likely be eager to visit you and your little babe, do what works for you and your family. You may prefer to wait a week before welcoming visitors in order to allow you, your partner and baby some time alone to just be a family and adapt to your new lifestyle. Or, you may decide that the extra hands would be a huge relief right away. Whatever you decide, control your “visitor schedule.” For example, your mother visits for one week, then you get one week to yourself, then your mother-in-law visits on week No. 3, and so on. > Let visitors help Your visitors will likely ask, “What can I do?” Take advantage of their offers. Your mother might do a few loads of laundry. A girlfriend could easily run to the grocery store. You will also be fielding calls from neighbors with the same offer to help. While it’s easiest to reply with “We’re just fine,” this is no time to be shy. Try, “That is so kind of you to offer. What we could really use are some meals right now.” > Continue to reach out Being a new mom can be an isolating experience. A common cause of postpartum depression is the feeling that you’re all alone. If you start to feel this way, call a friend. Consider joining a mommies group. You’ll no doubt find other mothers who are feeling exactly like you. > Get Movin’! As soon as you get the green light from your doctor, begin an exercise program. Start slowly, at a level both you and your doctor agree on. Getting the blood pumping and being out in the fresh air will do wonders for your state of mind. Once you are comfortable pushing a stroller, just walking the hills in your neighborhood can be a great workout. Stroller Strides and See Mommy Run are organizations that can help connect you with other like-minded moms seeking an exercise partner with baby in tow! > Set small goals – don’t strive for perfection When we become mothers, many of us feel the need to continue to do the things we did before baby, even though we’ve added the care of another human being to our list. This can result in stress that can put a damper on what should be a beautiful time in your life. Instead of a “To Do” list, try making an “I Did” list each night, noting things like: nursed six total hours today, changed eight diapers, played with baby, gave baby a bath, took a shower, rocked baby to sleep, etc. > Get your z-z-z-z-z-z-z’s Being a new mom is an exhausting experience, and there is no greater sanity staple than sleep. Be vigilant about getting and protecting your sleep. It’s unlikely (especially with a newborn) that you will get seven solid hours, but you can get those hours in various increments. Vow to get caught up on your sleep whenever the opportunity arises. > Find your sense of self Motherhood is an amazing process filled with challenges and opportunities that take many new moms by surprise. When settling into the reality of life as a mom, many of us face a major adjustment in our own identity. We are no longer Ms. Wood, second grade teacher or managing partner of XYZ Inc. Take a moment to write down five things that are important to you, whether they are hobbies or life goals, then create a realistic plan to make them happen. Work on rebuilding your life to include time and space for both family and self. > Eat well It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of being a new mom and forget to eat. But, just as you would never let your baby skip a feeding, you cannot neglect your own nutritional needs. If you are breastfeeding, a healthy, calorie-packed diet is essential to your milk supply, as well as lots and lots of water. > Carve out alone time Wake up 15 minutes earlier or take a half-hour when Daddy can take over to do something for yourself … feed your brain with a thought-provoking book or nurture your spirit with yoga. Get a manicure or grab a coffee date with a friend. Maria Bailey is founder of smartmom.com and author of “Trillion-dollar Moms.” Jennifer Arnold is a freelance writer and mother of three. • > Smart Mom Goes Green Recycle baby clothes When friends heard you were pregnant, there’s no doubt that many of them raced to a children’s clothing store. And, really, who could blame them? It’s so much fun to shop for those cute little outfits. But soon, you may find yourself standing in front of your newborn’s closet wondering, “How in the world is my baby going to wear all these clothes?” Two words: “clothing swap.” Clothing swaps are all the rage right now for moms who gather, armed with clothing, shoes and accessories to trade. Why not host a small clothing swap of your own, baby-style? It’s a great way to recycle, save money and meet new friends. •> Solutions of the month Practical tips from other moms that make everyday life with baby a little easier.  > A must-have toy Get a set of colorful little chain links that hook together … and hook to everything else. Attach a few links to the stroller and the other end to the pacifier. Voila! No more dirty pacifiers! > Baby book backup Take some pressure off yourself about keeping up that baby book. Keep a blank notebook in a handy spot. When baby starts to roll over, you can quickly jot down the date and details and then transcribe it neatly into your baby book. > Sing out loud There’s something about a mother’s voice that can soothe even the most restless baby. For times when you are away, record yourself singing your baby’s favorite lullaby or telling a story. It works great when you return to work! |
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