Breastfeeding a newborn can be a challenging experience at the best of times, let alone running a household and looking after older siblings at the same time. However, with a few tips and a little planning it can be a very rewarding experience for both you and your new baby. You will even get an excuse to put your feet up once in a while!
Plan Ahead
Think of what you need to achieve in a day and plan around your baby’s feeding and sleeping patterns. Babies are usually more settled in the morning after a good feed, so this may be the best time for you to attend to household matters. The best thing about a new baby is that you can work while your baby sleeps or have them near you on a play mat or rocker.
Be Realistic
When breastfeeding a new baby be realistic about what you can achieve and try not to plan too much in the first few months of your baby’s life. Stick to the essentials and live by the to-do list. This will help you to focus on what needs to be done – a must for the sleep deprived brain! Once feeding is established you will feel more confident to take on more.
Buy a pump and express
If you need to spend time away from your baby for work it is worth investing in a quality breast pump so you can express breast milk for your baby. Your partner or carer can then give the expressed breast milk in a bottle to feed your baby while you are away. Start freezing and storing your expressed milk so you have a good supply built up when the need arises.
Look after yourself
It is important to eat healthy and nutritious meals while breastfeeding, so have a cook up and freeze easy to prepare meals before your baby arrives. Casseroles, soups and lasagnes are good examples and simply add some crusty bread and salad for a healthy meal. Make sure you drink lots of water to keep your fluids up as well.
Ask for help
Don’t try to be superwoman and do everything yourself! The housework can wait and it is much more important to catch up on sleep and rest while you can. Why not hire a cleaner for the first few months or ask a friend or relative to help out. Except any offers of help or food!
‘Me’ time
It’s important to have time out for things you enjoy, even if it is just a walk around the block, a nice hot bath or a quiet cup of tea. You will feel refreshed and as they say ‘When Mum’s happy, everyone’s happy!
Get support
Find like-minded people that can help support and encourage you while you are breastfeeding. Mums are often the best source of advice and knowing that someone else is going through the same thing can be a big relief!
Remember do your best and try not to be too hard on yourself if things don’t go according to plan. Enjoy the early days with your new baby, because they really do go too fast.