Pregnancy and giving birth was rather easy for me. But that isn’t the case for everyone. And what happens when you come home with your new bundle of joy is the biggest adjustment of all. Many people don’t know what to expect, especially with their first child. But those with multiples experience a lot of changes as well. So here’s a few tips for those who may be adding new members to the family soon.


Some six million Americans give birth every year. Many women will discover that pregnancy isn’t the hard part; it’s life after birth that becomes more difficult. A new baby can totally change you and your life forever. While there may be a lot of sleepless nights and late night feedings to store, the joys of watching your newborn child start to grow up and become a healthy adult far outweigh the inconveniences. The following are a few suggestions about what you need to remember when your family expands.

 

Time to be cautious

Many women will have had an easy and straightforward birth and will have enjoyed the experience of pregnancy, but once the baby arrives, life changes. Many women will undergo different physiological changes. These can be difficult when simultaneously caring for a newborn infant. According to the US website March of Dimes one of these changes can be the temporary loss of bladder control which will require finding the right type of incontinence supplies to suit you. These pads may be needed during pregnancy or approximately during the first six weeks after the birth, depending on individual needs.

 

photo credit: limaoscarjuliet via photopin cc

photo credit: limaoscarjuliet via photopin cc

Breast is best?

You should also ask your midwife about the benefits of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. No one is a perfect Mom, and if you can’t breastfeed, it doesn’t mean you’re not looking after your baby properly. Breast milk will protect your baby against infection and build up your baby’s immune system. Be prepared to hear lots of different opinions about this subject…and where you should and shouldn’t breastfeed.

 

Looking after yourself

Most women can lose around 12 pounds during the birth, depending on the size of their baby, but may have gained up to 35 pounds during their pregnancy. Once your baby has arrived and your body has started to return to normal it’s time to look after yourself as well as your baby. Many women choose this time to begin an exercise regime, even if they never kept fit before their pregnancy. So getting healthy may keep you going on those nights when your child decides not to sleep. The National Library of Medicine suggests eating several small meals a day, rather than three big meals. The period immediately after the birth is not the time to go on a crash diet. You can take exercise when you’re out with the stroller introducing your infant to the outside world.

 

What’s dad up to?

When pregnancy and children are mentioned the first thought is for the woman, but what about the father? Many dads have been organizing and planning everything down to the finest detail but according to the website whattoexpect 10% of new fathers suffer from the baby blues. Many dads feel left out and this can lead to arguments. This is the time when both parents should try to support each other.

 

Your life will change after pregnancy

Whether you’re a stay at home mom or a high powered business professional, the sooner you realise that you will suffer feelings of self doubt and inadequacy as a result of the birth, the more quickly you should be able to regain your natural equilibrium. You will have days when you are overwhelmingly tired, and your body shape may change forever, but the birth of your child should always be seen as a bonus in your life.

 

What types of experiences did you have after adding a baby to the household?

photo credit: Nanagyei via photopin cc

photo credit: Nanagyei via photopin cc