The Reality of Recovery
After nine months of amazing day-to-day changes, do you really think that your body will just pop back to normal over night? Of course not! So try to be realistic about your own expectations.
When you move to a new city, you dont instantly feel "at home." When you start a new school, you allow yourself to get used to the change and learn the new system. So now that your facing the biggest life change of them all - give yourself a break!
Don't rush your recovery, don't expect to have all the answers, and don't feel guilty if your joy is mixed with feelings of anger, resentment, and/or sadness. It's not a sign that your a bad mom - just a human mom! And the better you take care of yourself,the more you'll be able to give your baby.
Rules to Recover By:
Eat! Your body is recovering from major stress, so this is no time to diet. Fill your kitchen with easy, nutritional snack and energy drinks like boost.
Sleep when your baby sleeps. Dont be tempted to use the time to get things done. Long uninterrupted nights are long gone for a while, so you should try to catch some of the sleep you need in bits and pieces.
Make a new list of priorities: Baby on top, absolute essentials next, and everything else can wait!
Break major projects into smaller tasks. You'll still make progress, just a little more slowly.
Dont try to be perfect, in fact dont try to be at all. And when people offer help, learn to say "YES"
Get help with the housework from your partner, relatives, or friends. And when they arrive, dont play hostess, they're there to serve you!
Do something for yourself every day. Read a magazine, watch a good t.v. show, soak in a bath, call a friend.
Avoid major life changes like moving, changing schools, or a new job.
Take time to shower and wash your hair. You'll be amazed at the difference using a shampoo and conditioner like Clairol Herbal Essences can make.
Your skin may be drier now, so go for lots of water, body lotion, and an oil based facial moisurizer.
Pregnancy depleted your body's natural calcium. Eat lots of calcium and vitamin c-rich foods.
Find a babysitter and take a break, you deserve it!
Do these things now and thank yourself later!
Finish your thank you cards for any gifts that you've already received.
Have your baby's coming home essentials ready - Diapers, wipes, cotton swabs, baby soap, baby wash cltohs, alcohol, extra receiving blankets, etc. And you'll need formula and bottles if you dont plan to breast feed.
Make a priority-ordered list of people to call from the hospital. Decide how you'll pay for any long distance calls.
Make and freeze some do-ahead meals. Get some non-perishable food and drinks in the house to have on hand for fast, nutritious eating after your home.
Have an empty photo album ready and waiting. You'll be surprised how many rolls of film you'll go through-and how fast!
Put the infant carseat in the car a couple of weeks before your due date. That way you can take your time, read the instructions, and do it right.
Pre-register at your hospital now. It makes checking in faster and simpler.
Special thanks to the makers of the Enfamil book for making it possible to make this page.