So, you’ve just had a baby. Maybe you had a natural birth in the hospital, a cesarean, or a homebirth. However you give birth, there are some things that we all can expect the first week home after giving birth.
Expect to...
…Be Tired
Being pregnant is exhausting. Giving birth is like running a marathon. Newborn babies don’t always (or ever) get their days and nights figured out right away. That first night home from the hospital can be especially challenging. With time, things will get easier, but whether it’s your first baby or your third (or more), you will be tired the first few weeks.
…Be Hungry
Send out your husband or a friend to get you a bunch of healthy snacks! You will be hungry. Have fruit and veggies on hand. String cheese, yogurt, and nuts are good protein sources. And dark chocolate is a must!
…Feel Emotional
Having a baby can be an emotional rollercoaster. Not only are you adjusting to a shifting family dynamic, but your hormones are all over the place! Having your placenta encapsulated may help with the hormones and help you cope, but this is still a time of great change. Know that you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unprepared. If you or your significant other have concerns that your symptoms go beyond what can be expected as normal, please contact your healthcare provider.
…Feel Blessed
The little baby who just joined your family takes time, energy, and work! But you can expect to feel blessed! Not only by your sweet newborn, but hopefully by your friends and family. If someone offers to help you, let them! I know when I offer to help a friend, I really mean it and would genuinely love to be put to work. So I take my friends at face value when they offer to help me. I find something useful for them to do, whether it’s helping with laundry (that’s a good possibility at my house!), organizing baby clothes, bringing a meal, or picking up a few necessities at the store. Give them something specific and practical to do for you. You will be blessed, and so will they!
Did you experience any (or all) of these? What else do you think women should expect their first week home with a new baby?
Expect to...
…Be Tired
Being pregnant is exhausting. Giving birth is like running a marathon. Newborn babies don’t always (or ever) get their days and nights figured out right away. That first night home from the hospital can be especially challenging. With time, things will get easier, but whether it’s your first baby or your third (or more), you will be tired the first few weeks.
…Be Hungry
Send out your husband or a friend to get you a bunch of healthy snacks! You will be hungry. Have fruit and veggies on hand. String cheese, yogurt, and nuts are good protein sources. And dark chocolate is a must!
…Feel Emotional
Having a baby can be an emotional rollercoaster. Not only are you adjusting to a shifting family dynamic, but your hormones are all over the place! Having your placenta encapsulated may help with the hormones and help you cope, but this is still a time of great change. Know that you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unprepared. If you or your significant other have concerns that your symptoms go beyond what can be expected as normal, please contact your healthcare provider.
…Feel Blessed
The little baby who just joined your family takes time, energy, and work! But you can expect to feel blessed! Not only by your sweet newborn, but hopefully by your friends and family. If someone offers to help you, let them! I know when I offer to help a friend, I really mean it and would genuinely love to be put to work. So I take my friends at face value when they offer to help me. I find something useful for them to do, whether it’s helping with laundry (that’s a good possibility at my house!), organizing baby clothes, bringing a meal, or picking up a few necessities at the store. Give them something specific and practical to do for you. You will be blessed, and so will they!
Did you experience any (or all) of these? What else do you think women should expect their first week home with a new baby?
