Survival Skills
You’ve finally been given the all clear to come home from hospital and bring your new bundle of joy home for the first time. In a mixture of emotion, you’re most likely exhausted, overjoyed, and naturally, a little bit terrified. Here are our top tips to help you transition smoothly from hospital to home with a newborn in tow.
First things first...don’t be afraid to ask for help! Chances are you will be inundated with offers of help from all your family and friends at this time. Don’t let pride get in the way, if you need help, accept it with a gracious smile. We know that it’s sometimes difficult to hand over any small amount of responsibility to others, but the reality is that you need help (everyone does) and letting your sister/aunt/mum/dad help you once in a while is only going to do you and your baby the world of good.
Accept mess! We’re not talking about becoming a rubbish hoarder, but try not to let it stress you out if you haven't vacuumed in a week, or if the house is a little untidy. Let it go, your baby is more important at this stage, and you will get around to the housework when you get the chance. Ignore pressures to keep up appearances with your home, everyone who has ever had a baby knows that it is a 24/7 job and that your energy is much better spent nursing your baby, than scrubbing floors.
Get Out Of The House! Don’t spend all day couped up inside, it’s a sure fire way to feel trapped within your own home. It doesn’t have to be a big trip, but bundle baby up and head out and about. It might just be for a walk around the block, maybe to sit in the park, or just down to the local shops, it doesn’t matter where, the important part it that it will build up your confidence, and lift your mood.
Filter advice from others. Everybody has advice for new parents! For those of us lucky enough to have lovely parents willing to lend a helping hand (or four) their advice can often be invaluable, however you have to remember that every baby is different, and not every piece of advice will fit, so feel free to gratefully accept everyone’s thoughtful advice and filter out the bits that you don’t think will fit with your parenting style and routine.
As always, the most important thing in these situations is communication. It’s easy to assume that people know how you’re feeling but if you don’t articulate your thoughts and concerns, your quiet cries for help can often go unheard. A wonderful way to combat this it to join a mothers group, or make contact with people who are going through the same issues that you are. There are so many ways that mothers can get in contact with people who have similar interests, a quick Google search will always lead you in the direction of mothers groups with a common focus, be it walking, knitting, reading or just having a good ol’ chinwag! If you’re looking for mothers with the same taste in fashion as you, come on over and join our facebook page at www.facebook.com/isokinappybags We’re always welcoming new mums and love hearing about what your day as a mum entails. So drop us a line and we’ll chat to you soon!
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