Being a new mom results in a whole bunch of new feelings. You will often feel happy, nervous, tired, frustrated and maybe even a little sad. Coping with all of these feelings can be overwhelming at times, especially if you are trying to experiencing post-partum depression. No matter what, keep in mind that everything will be okay. Lean on family and friends for support so you can meet your baby's needs and get the education you want. Here are some tips to help you get through the trying times.
Sleep Problems
Newborns can turn your household upside-down when they get night and day confused. Some moms are lucky and their baby sleeps through the night. But many moms have babies that sleep more during the day and stay awake more at night. For the first few weeks, you will probably lose sleep if your newborn is not a good nighttime sleeper. After that, you can begin to work on getting your baby to sleep most of the night.
When you can, keep your baby awake during the day. Introduce her to baby-safe toys and keep her interested in what's going on around her. If she falls asleep, don't worry. Just try not to let her sleep for several hours. At night, develop a calming routine. Darken your baby's room and turn off any televisions or radios. Some people use a white noise machine to create a calming atmosphere for their babies. The key to getting your baby to go to sleep on her own is to give her cues such as darkened, quiet atmosphere. If she falls asleep on her own, she will have an easier time of getting herself back to sleep if she wakes up during the night.
If you have a caregiver for your child while you are completing school work, explain what's going on to her. Ask her to try and keep your baby awake as much as she can during the day. If you stay at home, ask a trusted friend or family member to watch your baby while you grab a nap. Be consistent and it will pay off. Sometimes it can take months, but sooner or later your little one will start sleeping at night.
Crying
The sound of your newborn baby crying can keep you guessing. Sometimes, no matter what you do, she will still cry. First, try to see if she needs anything. Is her diaper wet or dirty? Is she hungry? Is she hot or cold? Is she sleepy? Is she in pain?
If you can't find a reason for her cries, try to soothe her. Turn on some soft music while holding her close. Walk around with her and pat her back. Sit down and hold her in different ways. As you change positions, be gentle. Hold her upright, next to you. Rock her gently in your arms. Or put her on her stomach across your legs and pat her back. If she has gas, this may help. If your baby doesn't stop crying, call her pediatrician to ask for advice.
Feeling Sad
If your feelings of sadness keep you from doing the normal things that you always do, such as taking care of yourself and your baby and completing your school work, let your partner or someone else know. Or call your OB-GYN right away. Your doctor can talk to you about your feelings and help you get back to your old self. Don't let your sadness cause you to neglect your baby. She needs you.
Asking for Help
As a new mom, you may find that you can't do everything that you used to do before your baby came. This is especially true if you are trying to
get an online degree. That's okay. You shouldn't expect yourself to be super-mom. Instead, ask for help. Ask your husband to help out around the house or with the baby. If you have other children, ask your husband or other family members or friends to help with their needs. Don't try to cook dinner every night or at all at first. Your husband or partner can take control of the evening meals. The point is to ask for help whenever you need it. Taking care of a newborn is a full-time job. When you're exhausted and trying to cope with all of your new feelings, find someone else to help you with routine tasks, so you can focus on completing your goals and being the best mother you can be. Make sure you do everything you can to keep yourself and your baby healthy and happy.
Sources
Aces.edu
WebMD
Cardiac Cath Lab
