The Sleepless Philadelphia Mom
Oh those hazy days! I always said that mom brain lets you forget these days and this is why we have more kids. After my first baby, I nicknamed myself the sleepless mom. I felt like I survived on coffee; I even got creative and started making cappuccino. As a Philadelphia newborn photographer, I always hear my clients tell me, “I don’t remember those days”. Here’s the thing mamas…it’s normal, those first few days and weeks with your newborn baby are so beautiful and emotional and at the same time so overwhelming. Your emotions are running circles around you: the joy, the tears, the exhausting days and at the same time, uncertainty and self doubt that creeps in. As hard as it may seem at this moment, the good news is this phase will pass. Here are some tips for The Sleepless Philadelphia Mom.
The Sleepless Philadelphia Mom
3 Tips to Help You Survive those First Few Weeks
TIP #1: Help the Sleepless Mom with Self Care
Seems simple enough; yet, as mothers we always put ourselves last. I can not stress the importance of taking a minute for self care. As a new mama, your days will be full of caring for the baby, your partner, your home, your friends, your work (if you are working), the list goes on and on. The Sleepless mom thing is real! I always found it hard to sleep when baby slept, because that was my time to get things done. If sleep is not your thing, take a moment where you can schedule time for you. Perhaps give dad a baby schedule time, so you can go for a walk, sit out side for moment. Just a few minutes for yourself will help you be more present for your baby and your family. It also helps YOU enjoy that time when you are present.
Many families consider hiring a Night Nurse to help at home. They can be such a huge benefit for the whole family to get rest.
Make sure you schedule all your postpartum medical care appointments; including, your Pelvic Floor therapy. So many times we worry about our baby that our own appointments get set aside. Make them a priority.
TIP #2: Gather your Village
You have busy days don’t feel guilty for reaching out to family, friends and your village of mamas for support. There is no trophy for the “mom of the year”, I mean what does that even look like!? Your day will soon feel so overwhelming with your list of to do and baby care at the same time. Some days baby will only find comfort in your arms – all day long! Make sure you set time aside for you, even if it’s a moment for cup of coffee. Which in turn allows you to enjoy the moments. I found, was the comfort and emotional relief when I joined Fit4Mom. This amazing group of mamas was super supportive as a new mom. Sometimes it was just helpful to sit in a circle and listen to other moms.
TIP #3: Breastfeeding Can Cause Sleepless Moms.
Many women want to breastfeed their new baby, but quickly learn how challenging it can be. Is the latch right? How do I know if baby is feeding enough? Baby is fussy at the latch. Those first few days of both you and baby learning how to make it all work. The breastfeeding game alone left this mom quite sleepless for weeks. This is one of those one size does not fit all topics. If you are having trouble breastfeeding, do not be afraid to ask for help. You can talk to your paediatrician, your doctor, a lactation consultant, or reach out to a mom who has been there. I struggled with my first born, and with my second in different ways. Find your support, and do not feel any way for asking for help. Breastfeeding can be the most challenging part of those first few weeks.
The Sleepless Philadelphia Mom
The first few weeks with your baby are beautiful, exciting, amazing and overwhelming. And it’s all ok! The Sleepless Philadelphia Mom is real! Take the time to take care of yourself, when you feel good, you can be present more and enjoy it more. Just know you are doing an amazing job everyday!
When you are ready, don’t forget to schedule your newborn portraits. I can come to your home or you can come to the studio. Let’s do what works best for you and your family. You can learn more about your experience with me as your Philadephia Newborn Photographer.
