MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF CARING FOR YOUR NEWBORN

 After nine months of carrying extra pounds around, I couldn't wait to receive my little one into the world and to feel lighter (winks) but nothing prepared me for the sleepless nights ,crying and constant care I had to give to my baby.I'm not complaining because I love my baby very much but there were times when I felt I was going to loose it.

 For me pregnancy was so much easier when compared to nursing and caring for a baby, for one, i became frustrated for not knowing why he was crying and how best to soothe him.It took me a little while to decode what each cry meant and how best to soothe him.Then came sleepness nights when I had to wake up 3 to 4 times to nurse him.By morning I was exhausted from lack of sleep and the list is endless.many of you my readers can relate to my experience but some of you may have had it easier.however what most first time mothers would want to hear is how can I cope with the challenges of caring for a newborn without loosing my mind? So follow me once again as I guide you through.

1.SLEEP WHEN YOUR BABY SLEEPS:This is key to not loosing your sanity.forget about things you have to do that has piled up, shut down and sleep.No matter how little a time you take to nap as your baby sleeps, it's important to do this for your wellbeing, trust me, you'll feel rejuvenated and energetic once again to meet the challenges of motherhood. 

2.ACCEPT HELP:The minute you realise you're not a superwoman to do everything by yourself and that you need to solicite for help and accept it when given, ,the better for you.
With the extra assistance, you'll have the time to rest and pamper yourself. This is also key
 to a quick postpartum recovery. So when you feel you can't handle the pressures by yourself, remember to seek for help and accept whatever help is given.you do need it. 

3.LIMIT TIME YOU SPEND WITH VISITORS:when friends, ,colleagues, neighbours and well wishers come to rejoice with you on your bundle of joy, it's s pleasant feeling to be surrounded by loved ones. No one would be happy if no one comes to rejoice with them, nevertheless, in view of the importance of tip 1 and 2, it's important you limit the time you spend with visitors, ,your family or your spouse can receive them on your behalf.

4.EAT RIGHT:Now is not the time to dwell on how quick you want to fit into your pre pregnancy jeans rather your focus should be on eating right to nourish your baby.remember this not a licence to eat for two rather eat healthy.so please no dieting as this could affect your milk supply rather eat a balanced diet, especially lots of fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water to keep your energy level up.It could be exhausting planning a proper meal and caring for your baby and lack of time and exhaustion can affect your preparing healthy meals for yourself ss such you feed on fast foods, ,unhealthy snacks that make you pile on more pounds, as such it's important to receive whatever help you can get. 

5.LEAVE THE HOUSE:you may not want to leave the house for a whole lot of reasons, maybe you're not looking your best yet or you're too exhausted, anyway, a little fresh air would do you a whole lot of good, so go with your little one for a stroll or leave him with someone you trust to look after him.

6.KEEP A BALANCED VIEW:Accept the fact that motherhood comes with a lot of challenges and there are more hurdles to cross, however in the midst of it all, cherish the privilege of being a mother and beautiful moments like your baby's smile, that I say takes away all the stress. 

  The list could go on and on as to what is most effective in coping with the challenges of caring for a newborn but this from my personal experience does work ,so if you have tips that worked for you, share so other mothers can benefit and enjoy the journey of motherhood.