After the first child is born, a lull sets into the home for ohhhh about a day. When the new baby is sleeping many parents aren’t sure what to do with themselves. They wonder should I nap or should I quickly clean up. Some scurry around cleaning this, making that, and when they finally sit down, the new baby wakes and starts to cry.
RELAX moms! Take a break. Look at your precious new baby; cuddle next to him on the bed. Nap when he naps. When I brought my first baby home from the hospital, I had no idea what to do. Do you ever get that feeling now that your new baby is home, that something might happen to them? I certainly did. My first baby slept in our room, and went here, there, and everywhere around the house with me.
When I cleaned the house, the baby went with me from room to room in the rocking seat. I’d hang toys off the top for baby to look at, talk to the baby while I made beds, and sing to the baby while I cleaned the bathrooms. Okay, this all sounds easy. So I’ll be honest. In the beginning I used to ask my mom or just about anybody to hold the baby while I cleaned. I was so nervous to leave the baby unattended for a second or touch them with grubby hands.
For some moms, another situation would occur. It’s 4 in the afternoon you haven’t brushed your teeth or taken a shower and hubby’s due home any moment. So you quickly run to the bathroom, brush your teeth, and try to make yourself look good in a matter of 15 minutes. But he walks in and notices that you’re still in the same clothes you were in yesterday. WHAT DOOOOOO YOU DO???
* If possible find a church or temple that you feel comfortable with. Ask for help. Look for their moms group.
* Go to the park and introduce yourself to the other ladies sitting there watching their kids. (Yes, I know how hard it is, but you’ll be SO glad you did afterward.)
* Find a moms group in your area and join. You can find a moms group by looking in your local parents magazine.
* Google – MOPS (Moms Of Pre-Schoolers) groups (put your city name) or MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) groups in your area. (Example: Type into Google – MOPS groups Kern County)
* Join your local La-Leche League.
* Young teens would LOVE to get out of their own home and help someone else. This is just something they’re born with. So find a teen in your neighborhood and put them to work.
* If you have a lot to do around the house and the baby is fussy, keep him/her in your backpack or front pack while you vacuum, dust or wash dishes. (It’s great exercise too!)
This time of babyhood seems so exhausting, but enjoy the peaceful moments. You’ll want them back as the kids start getting out of diapers. So ASK for help from anyone trustworthy. Be brave because with a little help, you’ll be able to actually sit back and enjoy this time of life.
Have tips for new moms? Please post them in the comments below.
©2000 Susie Glennan
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