Breastfeeding Basics
Thoughts for new mothers:
- Let the housework go, and stay in your pajamas.
- Eat what makes you feel good, and what you have time for.
- Drink lots of water.
- Sleep when the baby sleeps, if you want to, or use that time to connect with something else that makes you happy.
- Only have visitors if you want.
- You are not obligated to share your baby with anybody- no matter how much they want to hold her.
- If you do not want anybody to touch your baby, wear him in a wrap, and say he just wants to be with his mom right now.
- Be specific about the help you need; ask somebody to do the laundry, or the shopping, or the cooking.
- Feel good about wanting to hold your baby all of the time.
- Feel good about knowing when to say you need a break.
- Know that this time is fleeting, and that soon people will be less compassionate of your role as new mother.
- Know that it is okay that you do not know everything yet, and that it will take time for you to get to know your baby.
- Trust that you are doing it right.
- Trust that you know what your baby needs.
- Trust that things will be okay.
- Sleep will come again.
Take this time. Bask in it. Focus on your baby, whenever you want, and for however long you want, while she is still so little.
Everything else can wait.
You’ve got this. You’re doing it right. Your baby loves you.
Relish it.
Jennifer Andersen is the creator of OurMuddyBoots.com, thinking about parenting, LIVING! with kids. Jennifer advocates for children and families, deconstructs societal parenting norms, and offers tips for enjoying life with children.
