Tips for Surviving the First Couple of Days at Home

Let me start this out by saying that I am a first-time mom who still feels like I don’t have things figured out all of the time.  If you’re a first-time mom and feel the same way, then maybe these tips can help you out a little bit.

1. Formula might be your friend. Before Oakley was born, my husband and I talked about how we wanted to just breastfeed and skip out on the formula.  Well, that idea quickly changed.  The first night at home, Oakley was crying at 3 am and nothing we tried would calm her down.  So, my husband called the labor and delivery nurses.  The nurse explained that she was “hangry” because my milk hadn’t come in yet and the colostrum wasn’t enough to keep her full.  She said we could either wait it out until my milk came in or supplement with formula.  We couldn’t stand the thought of her being hungry plus it was sad to see her so upset, so we gave her some formula.  Our prayers were answered!  After that, we had a full and sleepy baby.  My mom also swears by putting the baby’s formula in the blender for a couple of seconds. So, we got out our baby bullet and put it in their for a couple of seconds.
2. Your poor boobs. The first couple days of breastfeeding might be rough.  Your boobs will be sore, but hang in there!  Remember, baby is learning too and the more they do it, the better they will get.  However, it didn’t take her too long to figure it out.  I bought the Honest Company’s Organic Nipple Balm and that helped a lot as well.  Your stomach will hurt for the first couple of weeks home while you breastfeed because your uterus is contracting.  Luckily, it doesn’t compare to contractions and they get weaker and weaker as the time goes by.
3. We’re all new here. You’re getting used to baby and baby’s getting used to you.  I will say, it’s true that your maternal instincts will kick in.  That doesn’t mean you always know the exact thing that your baby needs, but you will feel like you were always meant to be a mom.  Don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t soothe your baby right away.  You’re a first-time mom that’s learning.  (I really should practice what I preach.)
4. You want the help. Everyone told me that after I had a baby people would try to tell me how to parent her. I’m sure that time will come but as of now, I accept all the help and advice I can get.  Moms and mother-in-laws have done this before and have lots of great advice.  Plus, it gives you a chance to go to the restroom or eat a quick meal without a baby in your arms.  I also think about it this way.  This is an exciting time in their life too as they’re becoming grandparents and it probably makes them think about how fast time flies.  Let them feel valued and needed during this time, you will still be able to get enough time to bond with your baby!  They remember what it’s like to be a first-time mom and might even do some laundry or cook you a healthy meal!
5. Be prepared. Have everything set up before you go to bed.  This way you aren’t scrambling to find something when the baby is crying at 3 am.  Make sure you have plenty of water.  Breastfeeding makes you soooo thirsty!  You may want to have a snack ready too.  As far as baby is concerned, make sure you have PLENTY of diapers and wipes.  The gowns that you can put them in are a life saver and so much easier than messing with snaps in the middle of the night.  Last but not least, it’s true that you will be tired, but I felt like I had an adrenaline rush the first couple of days.

I’ll share more tips as I continue to figure things out!  In the meantime, enjoy the best time of your life!