Top 5 Tips

Someone asked me my top five tips for new mothers. I'm no expert except in my own personal experience (and then sometimes not since my memory is ALREADY a little fuzzy), but here goes.

5. Find other new mothers. If you've been working up until Junior was born, chances are you don't have a lot of friends who are stay at home moms. Find a group. It will help with your mental health. A lot of hospitals and pediatrician's offices have groups for new moms or breastfeeding support. Join Gymboree or find a walking group. Whatever. Taking care of a baby is overwhelming - period so finding others in your same shoes helps you realize you're not a failure and your kid is progressing nicely.
4. Get out of the house every day. The first couple of weeks, baby naps well and so can you. But at about a month, they don't usually take a long nap so do what you can to get out of the house. You'll feel better talking to adults and baby will sleep better getting some outside exposure. If it's cold or hot, you can always hit the mall for a stroll. Some big department stores even have mother's rooms where you can meet other new moms.
3. If your mother wants to visit, let her. Even if you have the best relationship with your mother, you're probably worried about letting her come visit for two weeks. Let her. You'll be exhausted and scared about what the heck to do and it's nice to get a refreshed person you trust in the house. It will also bring you closer to your mother and give you a new appreciation of her.
2. Tag team sleeping. I now understand why sleep deprivation is a form of torture. Try to alternate sleeping with your husband so you can each try to get 5-6 hours solid sleep. If you're breast feeding, pump a bottle to let daddy get a shot at feeding. This will also stave off babies who refuse to take a bottle.
1. Borrow, borrow, borrow. If people offer stuff to borrow, say yes. Alot of the infant stuff -- baby carriers, car seat bases, infant clothes -- are only good for a few months so borrow what you can. Save your money for stuff you do need long-term like a high chair or a convertible car seat.