- 1). Rest whenever you get the opportunity. It is no joke when you hear parents say they got no sleep at all with their newborn. Sleepless nights are the name of the game when it comes to new parenthood. Deal with the situation by getting a little bit of shut-eye and quiet time whenever you can, whether it is in the five minutes before the baby fully wakes up for the day or when your spouse is keeping an eye on him. Do not be afraid to enlist the help of relatives and friends occasionally, if the offer exists.
- 2). Talk to your partner. You and your partner are a team. You made the baby together, so you fully understand how different life is now that the baby has arrived. Keep your connection as a couple strong by freely and openly discussing your feelings with each other, from your biggest stress factors and worries to your hope and enthusiasm regarding the new member of the household. Make the adjustment process easier by ensuring that your relationship is stronger than ever, with ample intimacy, affection and communication. A newborn baby is no excuse to abandon your relationship. Even though a newborn brings changes to a relationship, understand that you and your partner can use those changes as opportunities to grow together.
- 3). Research information on baby care. Newborns are fragile and delicate creatures. In the beginning, you may feel at a loss on how to deal with them. Before your baby enters the world, read as much as you can on the topic -- from ways to properly hold newborn necks and heads to how you can establish a strong emotional bond with the young one. Raising a newborn is a full-time job, with diverse duties ranging from changing diapers to bathing; so make sure you are familiar with all of them. If you know other parents, consult them regarding any tips they may have, as well.
- 4). Avoid being too hard on yourself. A newborn is a major adjustment, and you cannot expect perfection as a parent right out of the box. Being an effective parent is something that comes with experience, time and confidence. If you find yourself acting a little crabby or getting tired very fast, realize that it is completely normal. You are undergoing a major change and doing something you have never done before.
- 5). Focus on your well-being. Even though you have a newborn baby, you need to remember that you too are a human being with needs. Do not neglect yourself, no matter how overwhelmed you may feel. Make sure to eat healthy meals and work on your own health, whether you need to work out several times a week or take occasional "time outs" to catch your breath and recover your thoughts.
- 6). Reach out to others. In the beginning stages of having a newborn baby, you may feel slightly lost and detached from society. After all, you're spending a lot of time at home and probably do not have even one spare second to get out there and connect with the world. To handle these feelings, communicate with other people who may understand how you're feeling, including friends and family members who have been in the same boat. If any new parent support programs are available in your area, attend a meeting and exchange your experiences and personal stories with others like you.
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