There is nothing more euphoric than the news of the arrival of a new member into your family. As a parent, you start picturing a million things in your head. Mostly about holding your little one in your arms for the first time and taking care of them. While that is a legitimate feeling that every parent-to-be experiences, no one quite tells them about all the other aspects of being a parent to a newborn baby. It usually hits you after the baby is born, and you find yourself in the midst of all the novel chaos. But it does not have to be that way. It is always best if couples are acquainted in advance with the reality of taking care of a newborn. Below we have listed our pick of the things you wouldn’t know until you have a baby.
1. Breastfeeding The Right Way
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We have all heard about the challenges a new mom faces with breastfeeding. That could be why most moms-to-be feel a sense of apprehension when thinking about the same. However, it is imperative to know about the benefits of breastfeeding so that you have the right information at your disposal. It is great for your baby’s health, especially during the first few months. Also, most issues related to breastfeeding can be sorted if you have the right support system. You could reach out to your friends who have breastfed to be aware of the dos and don’ts. You could also seek the help of a professional lactation consultant to learn more about the technique. Various legitimate websites are also available online that provide additional information to new mothers about the whole process.
2. Sleeping Hours Are Not The Same For Every Baby
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Don’t be fooled by baby books and websites that tell you that your baby is going to sleep 12 to 16 hours every day. If that is the case, then it would be easy for most of us to smoothly get things done while our baby is asleep. The truth is that not all of them sleep the same way. A baby usually sleeps for 4 to 5 hours at a time, and this could be the case even during the night for some of them. Accepting this reality and trying to structure your day around their schedule would be the smart thing to do instead.
3. You Are Going To Be Terribly Sleep-deprived
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Being sleep-deprived is synonymous with being a new parent. And that’s that! You will likely be exhausted all the time, especially during the initial weeks (or months!). Any experienced parent would tell you that once your child is born, sleep is going to be a luxury for a while. Your baby would likely wake up during random hours, and it might take you a while to calm them down. The best thing to do is to coordinate with your partner and take turns staying up with the baby. Also, make sure you catch some sleep whenever the baby is asleep. Everything else can wait!
4. Don’t Shy Away From Any Support That Comes Your Way
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Taking care of a newborn is going to be quite a challenge. From feeding and taking care of the baby to getting them to sleep, you are going to be occupied the whole day. So, it is completely alright to accept a helping hand whenever one is offered by a friend or a family member. If someone offers to babysit the kids, then you could use that time to take a nap. Also, it is okay to have your loved ones do a bit of the cooking or cleaning at times. Asking your partner to share equal responsibility when it comes to parenting and taking care of the household can save you from feeling exhausted all the time.
5. Babies Are Stronger Than You Think
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As parents, we tend to be extra cautious when it comes to the safety of our kids. It is common for new parents to be super protective of their kids and hover over them all day long. However, it might come as a surprise that our little ones are more resilient than we think. Your baby can likely endure a small accident such as a minor fall or a bump. Keep in mind that newborns have flexible bones that make it easier for them to recover from trivial injuries without causing serious harm.
6. Stop Comparing Your Baby To Others
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Each stage of a baby’s development is quite significant to a parent. However, make sure you do not compare their milestones with that of others. Remember that every baby is unique. Celebrate each milestone as and when it happens, and let your baby take their own time to get there. Pressuring them to walk or speak is only going to have a negative effect on their mental and physical health.
7. Babies Don’t Need Much
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We all jump into motherhood thinking that our little ones are going to require everything baby-related. But the reality is you are only going to use half (or maybe less) of what you get from your baby shower. All you might end up using are a few onesies, a couple of blankets, and lots of nappies. Don’t bother buying all those fancy gadgets and flashy toys, as your baby might probably not pay any attention to them anyway.
We hope that you are better equipped to welcome your baby now that you know what to expect after childbirth. Let us know what other challenges you had to face in the comments section below.
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