A newborn needs to feed approximately every 2 to 4 hours. As babies grow at an exponential rate, they need their elixir of life to keep up with what their bodies need. For a new mum, this can be exhausting and time-consuming, especially with other grown-up responsibilities they still have to do. All in a day’s work, right? While it does get better as they age, newborns still take up a lot of their mother’s time. But even then, there are still activities you can do in between feedings while your baby is asleep. Those 2 to 3 hours can be optimally utilised, and here are some suggestions on how you can do so.
Take a Nap
it’s important to take as much rest as possible as a new mum, especially when you’re nursing. A woman’s body requires a lot of energy to produce milk. This is why you should recuperate as often as you can. And there is no better time to do so than in between feedings. Take a load off while your baby is napping in the other room. Of course, you don’t have to take a nap if you don’t feel like it. Many people may not be built for sleeping during the day. And if you think it will mess with your sleeping schedule, then just relax on the sofa with a good book and some tea. But if you do want to try napping, or rather ‘power napping’ you can try to set an alarm for 20 or 30 minutes. Sleeping not only helps you replenish your energy; it can also help stave off stress, which can negatively affect your milk production.
Take a Shower
Having a new baby can take us away from our regularly scheduled program. You may find that that you’re missing chores, meals and yes, even showers. Even if you don’t feel dirty, never underestimate the power of a good shower. Especially cold showers, which has been scientifically proven to uplift your mood, promote mental clarity, re-energise, and even boost immunity. You don’t have to do anything special either. Just 10 to 15 minutes of rinsing your body under the cold water can be a refreshing experience. Personal hygiene aside, showers can also be a great opportunity to plan your next activity for the day.
Eat Something
Time gets away from you when you’re taking care of a baby. So, it’s no wonder why some mums totally forget their meals. Between household chores, feedings and errands, it may be hard to find a time to sit down for some actual food. And this does not include unhealthy snacks or finger food that you might find in the fridge. It can be hard to resist eating those cookies and chips, but it’s important to maintain a well-balanced diet if you’re breastfeeding. So, consider meal prepping some quick overnight oats, chia pudding, salads and other small, filling meals that you can munch on throughout the day. It may even help you save some time.
Get Some Sun
Having a new baby doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up all day indoors. There are many confinement myths out there and staying indoors is definitely not one of them. While you should ideally rest for two weeks according to some, one week is usually enough. If you’re feeling strong enough to walk around the house, getting a few rays outside is definitely harmless. In fact, exposure to sunlight may actually be beneficial. It boosts your mood, improves your sleep, strengthens bones and even help with postpartum depression. Whether it’s gardening, exercising, or just taking a walk, spending a few hours in the sun everyday may do you a world of good. Just be sure to apply some sunscreen and keep the baby monitor on hand.
Do Inventory
New parents run out of basic everyday items fast. Because they’re always preoccupied with the new baby, they may not notice when the toothpaste is finished or when the kitchen sponge needs replacing. The next thing you know, your supply cabinet has run dry. So, when you get the chance, go around the house. Your kitchen, your bathrooms, the nursery, the pantry and yes, even fridge, to see what needs restocking. You can also ask your kids if they need anything. So the next time you go shopping, you’ll get everything the family needs in one weekend grocery haul. Proactive parenting is definitely where it’s at.
Save Your Milk
Breastfeeding has been scientifically proven to help a mother forge a stronger and lasting bond with her baby long after they’ve grown up. But breastfeeding can also be hard on the mother as it can often result in chaffed, abraded or otherwise irritated nipples. This can be a problem especially for first-time mums. So, if you have some spare time, consider using a breast pump to express as much milk as possible. Then, you can store all that breast milk for bottle-feedings. This will give you an opportunity to take a much-needed break from breastfeeding. It would also be a good idea if you have a lactation consultant or specialist. They may help you with the breastfeeding sensitivity and even with special diets that can help you express more milk.
Check Up on Your Other Kid(s)
Bringing a new baby into the family can often be a lonely and even jealous time for your other kids. They may feel left out from all the time you spend taking care of their younger siblings. While sibling rivalry is normal and oftentimes inevitable, it’s important to try and prevent it as soon as possible. A good way to do this is by spending your free time between feedings to reconnect with your other kids. You can abandon the housework for now, or if you absolutely have to do chores, get your other kids in on the activity. It can be an opportunity for you to bond with them too.
Make Good Use of Time
No one said having babies was easy, and feedings aren’t even the most challenging things you have to do as new parent. You usually have to spend a few minutes afterwards burping them or rocking them to sleep. If you have trouble putting them bed, here are some good tips to follow. These regularly feedings can take you away from your other loved ones. And they may not get to spend as much time with you as they once did. But be patient. Your newborn will soon require fewer feedings by the time they’re 6 months old. Then you’ll have plenty of time for your kids, your spouse and most importantly, yourself.
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