BabyName Service.com

Your friends want to help you - let them

They want to cook dinners that you can put in your freezer, they want to come over to "help". The two of you will be so exhausted for the first few weeks, you won't feel like going out. You will be hard-pressed to feel like showering, so forget going out. But let your friends come over with lasagnas and casseroles. It doesn't matter that one of you will be sleeping or feeding the baby while the other one socializes. Socializing doesn't mean you have to entertain anyone. They understand that. Drink a cup of coffee with your friends while your mate catches up on some sleep, your friends can help you by taking pictures during these visits and posting them on facebook so your family feels "in the loop." When my wife and I had our first newborn, she was in the neonatal intensive care unit for a week because of an infection. We needed all the support we could get, and were grateful for every minute of it.

Catch Up On Your Rest - Outside Support Will Help

Remember to express your gratitude for all this support. You can do this by email, or by facebooking. You don't have to let people know how busy or tired you have been (they already know), just tell them how much their thoughts and prayers have meant to you while you are getting settled. They understand, and they are being paid in pictures, post cards and emails. Being rested will help you get back into the shower and out into the real world. You may consider going one at a time, but after about two weeks, there is no real reason to leave baby at home.

Taking the Baby Along - Inventory your Baby Backpack

Get your rest and take your vitamins, or you won't feel like going out. New parents are notoriously lax in their sleep and nutrition habits. To ensure you get enough rest - set up a feeding and sleeping schedule, taking turns and taking care that your partner is well rested. To ensure that your nutrition is sound, drink plenty of water, keep some fresh fruits and veggies in the house and take a multivitamin, preferably one with a B-complex. When you are ready to go out with friends, be prepared by making a list of things you need and stocking your diaper bag before you go.

Checklist of things to take with you on a >trip with your newborn

No Comments »