Life at home with your new baby
How can this little creature who barely moves take up so much time and space?
Read time: 3 m
Verified by Elin Melander
Reg. Psychologist & Couples Therapist
Returning home from the hospital with a newborn can feel quite strange. Suddenly, there’s a new little person living in your home who requires constant attention, even though they mostly sleep. It can take time to establish a functioning routine. When should you actually feed, change, and sleep yourself? And how will you find time to cook? A great tip is to opt for takeaway and ready meals during the early days, unless you’ve already stocked up your freezer. If family members want to visit, suggest that they bring food with them or cook while they’re there—it’s invaluable!
There are countless books, magazines, articles, blogs, and other resources about the early days with a newborn and child development. It can be helpful to read up, as many find that ‘knowledge’ provides a sense of security, and it’s fun and inspiring to learn about your child and explore the role of a parent. However, remember that every child is different; just because it’s written in a book doesn’t mean it will apply in your home. Be patient and give yourself time to adjust to all the newness. Find what works for you. If you’re breastfeeding and have a partner, ensure you agree that they handle the household tasks in the early days, as breastfeeding can take up to ten hours a day at first. If you are alone with the baby, call on any help available from friends or family. You’ll need support for rest and recovery so you can cope with sleepless nights and feeding at irregular times.
Many people will want to come and visit once you’re home with the baby; your mother-in-law has been waiting for a grandchild for a decade, and your father is ready to teach the little one everything he knows. Visits can be great fun, but it’s wise to gauge how much you can handle right now. Many feel obliged to receive visitors, even though they might prefer to be alone with their little one. The physical and emotional transition after childbirth can stir up intense feelings, and it can be comforting to avoid dealing with the entire extended family while going through this transformative time in your life. Sometimes it’s nice to just be in your ‘baby bubble’ quietly; you, your partner, and any siblings. Don’t hesitate to express if you feel you need some time alone to absorb your new routine.
Talk to your partner or another supportive person about how you’re feeling, and let them speak on your behalf if you find it difficult to communicate with everyone who is asking. And don’t worry, family members will have plenty of opportunities for babysitting and spending time with your little one once you’ve settled in!
It’s common to encounter challenges related to breastfeeding in the early days of your child’s life. If you’re concerned that your baby isn’t getting enough breast milk, or if you can’t or don’t want to breastfeed for any reason, it’s important to seek support and information about the options available. You can reach out to local health centres, hospitals, breastfeeding clinics, or relevant support organisations in your area. If you have questions or are unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to get in touch and ask.
Verified by Elin Melander
Reg. Psychologist & Couples Therapist