First Time Moms: Survival Guide

At this very moment, my son is lying on my chest since it is the only position that gives comfort since he was cranky all day. My head is spinning and I feel so lightheaded already from sleep deprivation. I don't understand why It feels like I am back to square one where in fact, he is already my third child. 

Now I began to wonder what other first time mommies out there would feel few days/weeks/months post partum. Most people would rejoice because yes, it really feels good to have a new baby but probably nobody told them how hard it will be when the sleepless nights starts to kick in. 

To all the first time mommies out there, hang in there. We shared the same road once and I tell you, it wasn't easy but it will pass. Life is good. 

Most probably right now, you can't figure out what next move you will do as everything just seemed to be chaos and painful and messy. I feel you, I have been there before. But I am glad I carefully learned from all of it.

I know you won't be spared from the relatives who will visit you and bug you every now and then and asks you how was the birthing process and all sorts of questions. At first it was overwhelming but at the same time quite annoying. You need alot of rest or the first few days but instead there you are trying your best to entertain them and probably not just it. Though, I appreciate it and so much thankful but sometimes it just get so exhausting.

So if you would ask me, what are the things you need to do? Here, I am sharing with you what worked for me:

Sleep. So how do you sleep if you need to wake up every now and then? Sleep when the little one is asleep. You need to repair every tissue in your body as well as the entire system needs recuperation from the birthing process. 

Take your medicines. Post Operatively there will be unbearable pain and because you are still prone to infection, most probably your OB will prescribe you few of them. Take it. It will do you good than harm. Your soft tissues needs repair and it will help. If you have pain, take analgesics. It will help you relieve from untoward anxiety too.

Take a refreshing bath. Who doesn't love refreshing baths? So if your elders say, do not until they said so. Think again, even intubated patients in ICU are given sponge bath how much more are we? And again, either you give birth vaginally or ceasarian, personal care is a must to avoid acquiring infection. 

Shut them off. Which one? Why? People will be happy for you and some will make your life a little complicated. Its reality. Some may tell you how hard life will be with a baby WITHOUT help and they will question you with a lot of things mostly with your parenting. I. Have. Been. There. If you can, just focus on being a mother and be a deaf for once in your life. If you think and confident of what you are doing, then do so. If you have questions regarding your baby, ask the pedia directly. Some know-it-all relatives/friends will give you unsolicited advise. I assume that you have done research already prior to giving birth so take out those notes and scan it again. Believe me, too many advices can do harm than good. 

Feel better. But really, how? Again, follow the steps mentioned above and most of all, make yourself fabulous. If you need to put those red lipsticks on just to make you feel better, then do so. If you need a full make up even if you are home, get that foundie on at splash that face with colors. It works wonders, I tell you. 

Why did I not mention the husband? Well, I am saving you from pain in the ass. No, I don't hate my husband like that but most probably not all husbands are ready to enter or should I say they are ready to enter parenthood in words but in actions. I also assume here that they are out working and most of the time you will be alone in the house. It's okay. As I have said, I have been there. He may want to involve himself in the house with the baby and some chores, but not all can do it. It is supposed to be a team but oftentimes they are tired too from work outside as well. 

First time mommies, I hope you can learn from this. If you have anything to add, do let me know in the comment box or share a little of your experience.