What you should do after your baby is born?
Photo by Spencer Selover from Pexels
When you bring your baby home from the hospital, you’ll likely experience a range of feelings, including excitement, nervousness, joy, uncertainty, and exhaustion. As you’re crying tears of joy, you’re also realizing that you are completely responsible for another life, and this can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a plan outlined for what you’ll do when you and your baby come home. While caring for an infant can be unpredictable at times, here are five things you should do once your bundle of joy enters the world.
Write down your birth story
It’s important to keep a journal of your birth story and the emotions you feel now that your baby is born. While you may have video footage of the birth, looking back on the words you wrote about your birth experience can be especially meaningful as your baby grows. You can also keep your baby’s pictures in a hard-copy or digital photo book so you can remember all the best moments of being a parent.
Make your baby’s first doctor’s appointment (and yours)
Before you leave the hospital, your physician or nurse will likely tell you when you should bring your baby back in for an appointment. Your doctor will want to examine the baby and make sure they are developing properly. The appointment is also a good time to ask questions or voice your concerns so you can get the answers you need for your little one’s daily care. Be to make the appointment as soon as possible so you won’t forget.
You should also schedule an appointment for yourself. Your body goes through several significant changes during pregnancy. You’ll need a postpartum check-up six weeks after giving birth. Be honest with your OB/GYN about any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing, and come up with a plan for birth control if that is your preference.
Take pictures of your baby
Your little one will change every day, especially in the early stages of infancy. It’s important to take photos of your baby as often as possible to document their growth and begin developing distinct features. You should also take professional photos of your baby as a keepsake. If you live in or near the Houston area, you can find professionals who specialize in newborn photography in Houston, Texas to take beautiful photos using the colors or themes you’ve chosen.
Ask for help when you need it
Even though you may be in a state of bliss after giving birth, you’re likely going to be extremely tired as well. Newborns don’t often sleep through the night, and they require constant care and attention throughout the day. Some days you may feel like you have it all under control, but other days, you may need your friends or family to help. Before you become too fatigued or exhausted, ask your loved ones to assist you in the ways that will be most helpful, whether that means preparing dinner for you a few nights a week, running errands during the day, or watching the baby so you can sleep for a few hours.
It’s also important that you are being honest with your loved ones about the type of help you need. While well-meaning family members and friends may try to tell you what is best for you and your baby, this could cause you to experience more stress and anxiety. Make sure your family knows that you may be especially sensitive right now, and to keep this in mind when offering any type of advice.
Enjoy every moment
Don’t forget to enjoy all the beauty that comes with having a baby. While there are challenging moments and times when you’ll wonder how you’re functioning off of two hours of sleep, the times when you cuddle with your child, watch them smile for the first time, or take their first steps makes parenting worthwhile. You may want to keep a family blog or vlog so you can document your child’s growth and relive the moments whenever you want.
Having a baby is a life-changing experience and milestone in your life. It’s important to enjoy every moment you can since your little one won’t be a baby for long. Managing your time and getting assistance from the people who love you the most can also make welcoming a new baby into your family a fulfilling experience.