What To Expect After Giving Birth

You've packed your bag ready for baby's birth, bought enough diapers to fill up a guest room, learnt how to change a diaper, probably even started expressing milk to get your supply going.

But what about you, the mum, after birth? What about you, the dad?

With all the attention given to the newborn, it can be very overwhelming for the new parents. I felt the same. I wanted to give the baby away, even though I loved it at the same time.

I'd like to make a few suggestions :

MUM -
1. Have lots of sanitary pads handy. You'll need them after giving birth because of the bleeding. It'll take a few weeks to clear up.
2. As much as breastfeeding is recommended, don't stress about it. The more tired and cranky you are, the less likely you're able to provide. A bottle or two of formula a day won't hurt bub.
3. Take time to go out with your partner. Having a new person who doesn't talk is difficult. It can affect your time with your partner. Going out together helps to keep the relationship going. And while you're out, talk about yourselves. Not the bub.
4. Have some time out with friends. Invite them over or go out and have a cuppa. You'll need it to keep yourself sane. That's right - caring for a new baby can eat up a lot of you (physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally). Taking time to keep up with friends give you something else to think about.

DAD -
1. Be patient with your partner. It's not an easy time for both of you, but the women have to cope with hormonal changes, settling bub, breastfeeding and they don't need additional pressure.
2. Keep an objective view on things. It helps the mum to see things in a different perspective. Mothers get so caught up with doing things well for bub that they sometimes don't see things the way they should.
3. Bring your partner out on a date. Arrange for a trustworthy babysitter. Let her relax and just have a chance to talk to you.
4. Have a paper and pen handy at all times. If you think a pregnant woman has a short memory, a new mum who is breastfeeding and lacks sleep is no better. Help her to remember things by writing them down.

Do you have other suggestions for new parents?