8 Tips for the New Mom to Survive Those First Few Weeks.

Are you preparing for a new baby? Since having my second baby, I can confidently say that there are a handful of things that a new mom can do to help her survive those first few weeks.

Disclosure: I've teamed up with Babies "R" Us and P&G for this post about tips for new moms. 

I'm just entering my third trimester and starting to get a little anxious about having a new baby in the house. After all, it's been almost 3 years since we had a newborn to care for and I'm starting to make lists of all the things I'll need to prepare. It's amazing how those first few months after baby seem a bit foggy and hazy. Although I'd read (and read and read) about pregnancy and delivery, having a tiny baby to care was new territory for me, and I certainly wasn't prepared for the changes to my body either. Thankfully, we made it through those first crazy weeks and I learned quite a bit that will make the second time around much easier (hopefully!). So, I want to share my top tips for new moms for those first few weeks and months once your precious baby arrives.

8 Tips for the New Mom to Survive Those First Few Weeks

1. Prepare as much as you can ahead of time - Hopefully, you're reading this post in advance of your new baby's arrival and can get started ahead of time. As I mentioned in my post about preparing for a new baby, it's helpful to set up the baby's nursery and all baby gear that you'll need within those first few weeks before baby is born. It's also a good idea to wash your baby's layette, sheets, and swaddles in a gentle detergent like Dreft, readily available at Babies "R" Us. You'll also want to stock up on food and have a few freezer meals prepared ahead of time. Just be careful of anything too spicy or acidic if you're breastfeeding as this might not agree with baby. I'd also recommend stocking on diapers - you don't want to have to run out for those. We started out with Pampers Swaddlers in the hospital and I was so appreciative of their color changing wetness indicator strip on the outside of the diaper. Sometimes it can be hard to tell if baby has wet their diaper or not, especially in those first few days when you're really monitoring their wet and dirty diapers.

2. Have items on hand to help with your postpartum soreness - This one was a BIGGIE for me. Can we talk about how pushing a baby out of your body causes a lot of swelling and soreness down there? I was not prepared for this and found myself scrambling for some relief. I'd recommend asking for a peri-care bottle at the hospital if they don't offer one already. Fill that little squeeze bottle with warm water and rinse every time you need a little relief or use the restroom. You'll also benefit from a sitz bath and Tucks pads with witch hazel or Earth Mama Angel Baby Mama Bottom Balm (seriously, I love this stuff!). Also, this is not the time for cheap toilet paper. Splurge a little and get some really soft TP. It's hard enough taking care of a newborn, be prepared to take care of yourself too.

3. Don't be afraid to ask for help - We all like to think we're Super Woman and can handle anything that comes our way, but when you have a new baby, you're sore, and you're functioning on very little sleep with raging hormones, and emotions can run high and little tasks can feel overwhelming. If you're close with your mother or mother-in-law, reach out and let them know you'd love for them to come stay for a few days while you adjust. My mom was an angel and stayed with us for a few weeks once our little guy arrived. She was a huge help with everything from laundry to cooking to cleaning - I don't know what I would have done without her. If you don't have any family around, maybe a close friend could lend a hand or some ladies from your church. If people offer you something (a meal, a few hours to watch baby so you can rest - anything really), take them up on their offer. You won't regret it!

4. Be gentle with yourself - Your body is probably going to be weird for a little while. It might look soft and people might still think you're pregnant if you escape for a little retreat without your new baby, but remember that your body changed over the course of 40 weeks and it's not going to go back to "normal" overnight. Allow yourself a little grace and focus on the miraculous thing you just accomplished - bringing a human into the world! But, vanity is tough... this leads me to my next tip...

5. Invest in shapewear and good bras - Like I said, your body is probably not going to bounce back right away (if you're one of the small percentile of people that fits into your pre-pregnancy clothes right away, bless your heart - but this tip is for the rest of us), so I'd recommend investing in some decent shapewear and a Belly Bandit abdominal wrap - I swear these helped me a ton. If you're nursing, you're also going to want some high quality nursing bras like those from Bravado. They're comfortable and will accommodate your changing shape.

6. Get some good swaddles and learn how to use them - If you deliver at the hospital, chances are you're going to go home with several of those iconic white swaddling blankets with the pink and blue stripes. Those are great at first, but once baby gets a little bigger they just aren't going to cut it. I'd recommend some high quality aden + anais swaddles (there are plenty of resources online about how to swaddle properly) or Summer Infant SwaddleMe packs. You can get both of these at Babies "R" Us and they have tons of colors and prints to choose from. These will help your baby fall sleep more soundly and will allow you to get some much needed rest too.

7. Use a wrap or sling for hands free snuggling - I'm a big believer in babywearing and think wraps and slings are pure genius for the newborn stage. As much as you want to hold your newborn all day, you'll still need to get some things done (like cleaning your house, preparing food, and maybe even taking care of an older sibling) and a baby carrier can be used to keep baby close (bonus if it's skin to skin) while allowing you a little freedom to use your hands.

 8. Rest when the baby rests - You've heard it before, sleep when the baby sleeps.. but sometimes that's just not possible for everyone. I'm not a good napper and never have been. I wake up more tired than I was before and cranky, BUT I did find it helpful to simply rest when the baby was asleep. Don't feel compelled to get stuff done every time baby sleeps. That load of laundry can wait, simply relax and rest your body and mind.

What's your best tip for new moms?
Or, if you're expecting, what are you anxious or wondering about?

Pampers and Babies "R" Us has prepared this fantastic graphic for you, full of tips for your first 100 days with baby. I wish I would have known about the onesie trick sooner. It took me a good 8 months to figure that out!  

Disclosure: Sponsored by Babies "R" Us and P&G. All opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced by outside sources. Links present may be affiliate links. Image credit: copyright ftlaudgirl/Dollar Photo Club.