Tips for Surviving the First 2 to 6 Weeks

Pregnancy may have been exhausting, but once the baby has arrived, life can be turned upside down. If you’re floundering and wondering how to cope, here are some useful tips on surviving the first two to six weeks.

It’s a tiny new life, but it’s amazing what changes will occur when a new baby arrives. If it’s your first, then there’s a whole new world and routine to get into and if it’s a second, third or more, then you’ve got to fit your baby’s needs around looking after the rest of the family. It’s no wonder parents can find it bewildering and difficult in the first few weeks.

Ask for Help

Don’t suffer or struggle along in silence. You’re not the only parents in the world who find themselves in this situation and it’s not something to feel ashamed about. Family and friends are usually rearing to go and longing to help out with the new arrival, so ask for assistance if you need it. It could be help with basic tasks around the house, help looking after other children or an hour or so minding the baby whilst you get on with other tasks.

Get a Cleaner

Take the pressure of some of the household tasks by employing a cleaner. It doesn’t have to be a long-term arrangement (unless you decide you can’t survive without a cleaner!), but it will help ease things during the first two to six weeks. Although friends and family may be happy to help with bits of cleaning, it’s better to employ someone else who can provide regular help, then have to rely on when friends and family are free.

Use a Washing or Ironing Service

If the piles of ironing and constant washing are getting you down, then consider using a washing or ironing service. Depending on where you live, there’s likely to be someone nearby offering such a service and you could find details in the Yellow Pages. Other mums may know of someone too, or you could ask your health visitor if they’ve heard of anyone. If it takes the pressure off, even for a couple of weeks, it’s worth it.

Use Online Shopping Services

The weekly shop can use up valuable time, so save yourself the hassle of going out by doing your shopping online. Most supermarkets offer this service these days and you can place your order at any time of day and night and pick a convenient delivery time. Shopping can also be ordered in advance, which comes in handy. You could, for example, place the order for your shopping before you go into labour then have it delivered when you’re back at home.

Use Nurseries or Play Schemes

Whilst it’s good to involve other children in the life of your new baby and helps them feel part of what’s going on, sometimes a break is valuable for you all. Friends and family may be able to help out with looking after other children, but perhaps you could consider using nurseries or play schemes too. It would offer them the chance to go and do something different and gives you a bit of a break from looking after everyone.

Rachel Newcombe