5 things all new mamas should do

Have you ever noticed how so much of our time during pregnancy is spent preparing for child birth and very little of it is spent preparing for EVERYTHING that comes after? We spend hours upon hours to prepare us for child birth, which in comparison to the postpartum period and new parenthood is really a blip on the radar, and yet its often us and the internet at 2am trying to fumble our way through the first few months of new parenthood. 

The internet became my go to resource for so much information postpartum, and in those frantic searches for answers I realized how unprepared I felt. And I am guessing I wasn't alone in that.

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​My google search bar was filled with so many "how do !...
      ...know if baby's too warm?
      ...know if baby's too cold?
      ...know if baby has a good latch?
​      ...know if <insert almost anything here> is safe for baby?

Do you know what wasn't in my google search bar? "How do I take care of myself postpartum?"

Here's where I'd like to help you prepare. Here are five things I wish I had done (or was so happy I did) prior to baby's birth or early into the postpartum period that will help you navigate the rough waters of new parenthood:

1. Just say yes: say yet to support. Say yes to people bringing you meals. Say yes to people doing your laundry. Say yes to people cleaning your house. People want to help, and sometimes they need to be told how. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need and don't be afraid to be vulnerable and ask for help from those around you. Going into parenthood I was a very much of an "I can take care of it myself" person. The exhaustion and overwhelm of parenthood made me realize quickly how much easier I can do it with the help of those around me. 
2. Leave: the first time (heck, who a I kidding, even the 100th time) leaving the house can feel daunting. There's so much gear, so much to get ready and then when you're ready to step out the door baby spits up or poops and you start all over again. However, its worth it! For me, getting out of the house helped break up my days, brought me into connection with other people and helped me feel a little more human. Meet a friend for coffee, find a mom and baby massage/singing/story time class or find a fitness class you can attend for new moms. The internet is you friend here for sure! Find somewhere to go at least once a week and get out!
3. Make a list and check it twice: before baby arrives, put together a list of all the support people you'll want to have contact information for postpartum. Also be sure to check to see what their policy around bringing baby with you. Many places are super welcoming but some are not. Here are some places to think about:
   1. Health: physical therapist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, massage therapist.
   2. New baby support: lactation consultant, postpartum doula, therapist.
   3. For you: house cleaner, hair stylist, nail salon.
4. Me time is baby time: per number three above, make sure you make some space for you. And this might be small at first. For me, it was always trying to get a shower in every night after my daughter went down for the first time. Those 5ish minutes alone, under warm water getting clean were my "me time." I always felt so much better afterward and I knew it made a difference for how I would then interact with her. Start small, you might do a few 3 minute yoga videos to start and then gradually work into getting your nails done or scheduling a massage. Remember, it doesn't have to be big, it just has to be for you. It makes you a better mama.
   
5. Don't sweat it: its clique I know, but really, don't sweat the small stuff. I stopped shaving my armpits the first few weeks of my daughter's life. Our toilet doesn't get cleaned as often as it used to. We definitely eat more take out than we used to. But you know what? Its no big deal. Letting go of perfection and doing everything "right" or even well has lead me to be more relaxed about a parenthood which I know in the long run will make it way more enjoyable.