Having a new baby is a funny thing. People often go back and forth about how draining and stressful the newborn phase can be. I have to agree that the sleep deprivation, lack of time, lack of energy and the emotional exhaustion are very real. The other day it occurred to me I had not eaten in three days. Meals are usually too much effort! The reality of caring for a new baby while still keeping the other kids alive, the house clean, the bills paid, and caring for yourself is a harsh one.
However, there are ways to make it easier on yourself.
Delegate.
This is often easier said than done when you have so much to do and are used to be super mom. Seriously though, ask the kids to help, Ask your husband to step up. My four year old can even be helpful every now and then. This one is hard for me, I admit. I get annoyed by the fact that I have to ask people to pitch in instead of them just taking some responsibility. But you gotta do what you gotta do to get it done.
Simplify.
Honestly, the simplify part should start before you birth the new arrival. Find a household maintenance routine that works to get the minimum done without too much effort. For me that means having as little clutter as possible and a separate vacuum for each floor of the house, but for you it could be a cleaning lady and awesome meal planning. I like to simplify all facets of life so that I can more easily pinpoint which area is giving me stress. Stress can come in the form of work stress, emotional stress, visual stress, etc. Simplifying my home helps me create a calm environment. A calm mom can help when dealing with a not so calm baby. Sometimes the kids are getting peanut butter sandwiches for dinner. Again.
Organize.
I have a million appointments coming up. Dr. Appointments, school appointments, parent teacher meetings, school shopping, all with kids and newborn in tow. While still healing from a cesarean. Being organized is the only way I can cope. The to-do list can be overwhelming, but without it, i would be lost. I use a notebook app on my phone instead of a calendar app. I find the linear list less confusing and less visually stressing. What can I say? I like a minimalist look. There are a ton of ways to organize your family life, but I love the simple list.
Do what works for you.
Everyone will try to give you advice on what you should be doing and how you should be doing it, when it comes to a new baby. My advice is to ignore all advice and find out what works for your personality, your baby’s personality, and the needs of your family. I breastfeed on demand without a schedule, babywear when I need to, use a stroller when I need to, sleep on the couch for weeks or even months with baby, and do whatever allows me the most rest and peace. Some of it raises some eyebrows. I get questioned by people, even by family living in my own home. My thought is other people can have a say when they are the ones doing all the work for MY kids. Until that mythical day comes, unhelpful judgment and advice will be ignored. Do what works for you.
I keep my approach to parenting simple. I keep my home simple. I keep our lifestyle simple. which is why I love the Burt’s Bees Baby clothing line. The designs and colors are simple, calm, and fresh, The organic cotton is soft, cozy, and durable. The prices are reasonable and the styles are timeless. When my house is sometimes a sea of brightly colored plastic toys, I can at least dress my little ones in soft fabric in a soothing palette.
You can shop Burt’s Bees Baby’s 100% organic cotton selection of clothing, accessories & nursery needs for baby, toddlers, and kids HERE.
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