I’ve worked with so many wonderful mamas over the last few years and during my sessions, I often end up chatting lots to the new parents I meet! My favourite saying is that babies are like little puzzles – no two are the same – and you sometimes just need to try a few tricks before you figure out what works best for yours. Lately I’ve realised that some similar ideas pop up regularly and are often ‘news’ to the parents, so I thought I’d list a few fun/interesting ones for expectant mummies and new parents that worked for me! As with all advice, pick and choose to suit your world – but perhaps one of these will help make your first few weeks a little more wonderful! Remember – ‘the days are long, but the years are short’ [Gretchin Rubin]. Some days are very exhausting, but before you know it they are growing up fast! So remember to savour every beautiful moment you have xx
TIP 1. Most babies have peeling skin – true! No-one warns you but most parents are worried by it! It is super common and a they do grow out of it so don’t fear. A little baby oil will make it less obvious and it’ll be gone before you know it.
TIP 2. The little frill on disposable nappies is meant to be flipped OUT around their legs before you seal the tabs – do this! Or you may learn the messy way!
TIP 3. Flip babies bottom lip out if you are breastfeeding whenever they latch, to reduce tenderness. And always put a little breastmilk around first before you latch to help avoid dry skin.
TIP 4. Maximise your babies natural reflexes the first 24 hours for breastfeeding – let your bub suckle every time they search for it. (They are as new to this whole thing as you are!). If you give them loads of practice before they get hungry in the days following birth you could make it all a lot easier x
TIP 5. Quiet can be “noisy/unfamiliar” compared to your womb (heartbeat, digestion etc), so make the most of white noise or rainforest soundtracks to help your baby sleep if you’re having trouble with them at night when the world is at peace
TIP 6. Do something that makes you happy every day, even if for just 15 mins. Look after you and recharge your batteries when you can. You’ll be a happier mummy and a happier mummy makes a happier baby.
TIP 7. Don’t try and settle your baby together over a long night (your partner AND yourself). Two cranky parents makes for a dull day. If it’s going pear shaped at 12pm… send daddy to the couch or spare room for some decent shuteye. Then he can get up at 6am and do a morning shift while you get a few hours of yummy sleep in zzz’s!
TIP 8. If you have a baby that won’t settle and you’re feeling way in over your head, pop your bub safely in their cot. Then walk around the room, take big deep breaths and channel some positive words (I can do this!) and then continue with settling. It’s funny how your anxiety level can affect your bub and even if you have to ‘fake it’ at times, it can make a big difference to your baby’s calmness!
TIP 9. If your baby decides to be awake at odd hours, just get up and do something. They’ll often be asleep before you know it (or you’ll have a tidy house – win-win!). Clear a bench, do a load, create a list. You’ll feel tired anyway but a little bit organised which always helps!
TIP 10. On post-birth frumpy days (we all have them!) don’t be afraid of spanx, dry shampoo, pink blusher & comfy jeans. They’ll make you feel good x
Give your bubba a kiss for me! All the best x Maddie x
