Hey mama! As a mother myself and a Tampa newborn photographer, I know that the first week with a newborn is a beautiful blur of sleepless nights, excitement, endless diaper changes, and a rollercoaster of emotions you didn’t realize you could feel all in one week.
Mama, if you are feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Every parent navigates through this and there are some ways to make it easier. Here is my round up of advice to help you navigate your first week with a newborn.
Table of Contents
Lower your expectations and give yourself grace
The house might not be spotless, and the laundry will likely pile up. That is perfectly okay. During your first week with a newborn, your only “job” is to soak in those milky snuggles, feed your baby, and recover.
Meals – Don’t worry about gourmet cooking. Lean on frozen pizzas, cereal, and the kindness of friends.
Rest – If the baby is napping, try to close your eyes and get some rest too, even for twenty minutes.
Create simple systems
Your brain will likely feel like mush (we call it “mom brain” for a reason!). To survive the first week with a newborn, you need to outsource your memory to some simple systems.
Logging – Use an app or simple notepad to track feedings and diapers. You’ll be too exhausted to remember. Even wearing a hair tie on the side, you last nursed is an easy system that will help you remember which side you nursed on last.
Stations – Set up some stations around the house. Have a diaper basket and a nursing station with snacks and a water bottle in the rooms you will spend the most time.
Accept help (and actually ask for it)
I know it’s hard to relinquish control, but this is not the time to be “supermom”. If a visitor offers to help, give them a specific task. Let them fold your mountain of laundry, load the dishwasher, or bring you a hot meal. Accepting the help will help you focus entirely on recovering and bonding with your baby, which is vital for the first week with a newborn.
Prioritize self-care (even the small stuff)
It is so easy to forget your own needs when you are staring at your sweet baby’s face! You cannot pour from an empty cup though.
Hydrate – Keep that water bottle full to maintain your energy and milk supply
Refresh – A five-minute shower can drastically improve your mood!
Step outside – If you feel stuck inside, take a short walk to the mailbox for some fresh air or go sit on your back patio.
Capture the joy
We have already established what a blur this first month is and how quick the first week with a newborn goes by. Make sure you’re capturing all the little details on your phone. The tiny yawns, the sweet moments with family, visitors, and even the messy parts. You’ll be so glad you did when you look back because chances are some of it will be forgotten.
And when you’re ready, book professional newborn photos, so you don’t miss the preserving the memories. Plus, this will allow you to be in the images and that is so important.
Mama, you’re doing amazing and I know you’re going to survive that first week like a pro! Remember to give yourself grace, prep ahead with simple systems so other people can step in and help, capture the joy, and first and foremost, take care of yourself.