Survival tips for the first few days home with a newborn Bringing Home BABY Survival tips for the first few days home with a newborn Original Presentation by Jessica Bunyard

First time parents experience many different feelings over the course of their pregnancy. First, many parents may spend countless hours preparing their home and nursery for the arrival of their newborn child. Once the baby is home, it can seem like a whirlwind of new adjustments. Often times parents forget to take care of themselves.

The following are steps for parents to take to ensure a successful first few days home with their newborn. (Click each for more information) Help! Visitors Eat Sleep Pets

The following are steps for parents to take to ensure a successful first few days home with their newborn. (Click each for more information) Help! Visitors Eat Sleep Pets

First tip for parents to consider: Pets It can be difficult for your family pet/s to transition to sharing attention with a new person. You can help your pet with this process by doing the following: Give your pet a shirt, blanket, or clothing item that has the new baby’s scent Take a few moments out of the day to give your pet extra love and attention Invite your pet into the nursery and allow him/her to explore the new environment.

Second tip for parents to consider: Sleep It is no secret that the first few days home with baby are both mentally and physically tiresome; however, it is vital for parents to get sleep as much as they can for both their safety, as well as the baby’s. The following are a few tips on how to sneak in some sleep during the first days home from the hospital: Try to take shifts in sleeping/napping Sleep when the baby sleeps. (The dishes and laundry can wait.) Ask for help from grandparents or other family members.

Third tip for parents to consider: Eat Food can be the last thing on parent’s minds during the first few days home with baby, but it is extremely important for nursing mother’s to have proper nutrition an calorie intake. Also Dad’s need food intake for energy. The following are tips to consider when it comes to eating. Its okay to accept food from friends & family Ordering in is perfectly acceptable If you do cook, make large portions that will last several days. Food Ideas

Fourth tip for parents to consider: Visitors Visitors are inevitable, but parents have the option of deciding when is the best time for them. Visitors may ask to bring food to new parents. To help with food overload or having visits at inopportune times, parents can sign up for takethemameal.com This website allows parents to set up dates and times for visits and meal drop off Simplifying meal coordination so friends, family, neighbors and co-workers can show they care

Final tip for parents to consider: HELP! It is OKAY for parents to ask for help. There are many friends, family, and church members who would love to stop by and help in any way they can. parents should remember to take time for themselves. You are not a bad parent for asking for help. Family members can help in the following Ways: Rock the baby to sleep while parents take a shower Help the other parent while one parent sleeps Make a grocery run Help in making dinner Answer questions/concerns, and give wise, parenting advice Assure parents they are doing great and are loved and supported

Jessica, Cody, & Charleston My Family Jessica, Cody, & Charleston