This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Brita, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #BritaOnTheGo http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”
7 Tips for Your First Month Postpartum
1. Sleep
You will most likely be a walking zombie the first two weeks. Adjusting to a little one is a big task, however, your body will adjust to waking up every three hours and you will get use to your “new normal” soon. Don’t get discouraged! Remember to take a nap or two during the day. I am not a “nap” person, so I think I only took two or three naps the first two weeks, but I so wished I was a nap person those weeks.
2. Shower
It might sound crazy, but I was actually nervous to shower when coming home from the hospital. Crazy, I know! But, that nervousness only lasted about two seconds and I didn’t want to ever get out of the shower. As the days went on, I found it difficult to find the time to shower everyday and felt like it was somewhat unnecessary, because I wasn’t leaving the house that often. However, it is so important. You will feel a million times better once you shower and maybe even straighten your hair (occasionally throw on some make up too if you are that kind of girl). Feeling good about yourself or at least fresh and clean is important to recovering.
3. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is another thing that helps you feel better, plus you will need to if you are breastfeeding or on any medications. I carried a Brita filtered water bottle around with me everywhere (& still do). I love that the bottle is BPA-free, and the replaceable filter reduces chlorine taste and odor, zinc, copper, mercury and cadmium, often found in tap water. This way, when I was out, I din’t have to worry about polluted water. I could have great filtered water on the go – wherever, whenever. Plus, I love the sleek pink design (it comes in other colors) of the Brita water bottle with its easy-sip straw and durable plastic body. Advice: Pick one up now, one filter can replace 300 water bottles. And lets face it, the money you save on water bottles can be spent on diapers and wipes. You can find Brita water bottles in the hardware section of Walmart.
4. Accept Help
We had my mom stay with us the first week, Kevin’s mom stay with us the second week, and then, my mom came back for week three (because our little miss was in NICU the first week). Having our moms help out was amazing. They drove us to appointments, since you can’t drive for the first two weeks, made sure we had groceries, cooked dinner, helped clean our house, helped with Brooke and so much more. We also had friends offer to bring over dinner and come see Brooke. Accept as much help as you need and don’t be afraid to ask for help either.
5. Learn to say “No”
However, learn to say “no” as well. While having our moms here was amazing, we were very ready to have alone time as a family. We also had to say “no” to a lot of friends coming to the hospital and coming over after we got home since Brooke was in NICU for the first week. It is overwhelming to bring home a new baby and you are very sleep deprived. Sometimes, visitors who mean well, don’t realize how tiring it can be. You love them, but it gets overwhelming. Learn that is is okay to say “no” to visitors when you need space or are exhausted.
6. Eat (a lot)
Try not to worry too much about the number on the scale the first few months. You just had a baby. Tell yourself that over and over. You need to make sure you are eating healthy and enough food for you and baby, if you are breastfeeding. You need a lot more calories if your breastfeeding so don’t skip meals and be sure to snack as well.
7. Take it slow
Relax. Sleep in. Cuddle with your baby. Enjoy these weeks. They pass by so extremely fast. Don’t worry if it takes you three days to check two things off of your to-do list. These moments are precious and you won’t get the back. Plus, your body is healing, listen to it. Take everything slower than normal and make sure you aren’t lifting anything heavy. Spend lots of time in bed and on the couch with your Netflix going.
Check out this month’s featured sponsor: