Welcome back to ‘5 Things’ my Sunday series, which covers anything and everything. This week I am sharing
One of my closest friends is due to have her first baby in August and a recent conversation with her made me think back to when Baby was born. Wow, those early weeks were really hard. Having gone through a less than perfect pregnancy and a difficult and sometimes scary labour, I was probably a little traumatised. We were so lucky that we had my sister-in-law, J, come to stay with us. She drove down from North Wales when I went into labour and was there when we came out of hospital. J is one of my closest friends and so it was perfect for us. She did everything in the house and the shopping, leaving Mr Hubby time to focus on Baby and I.
However, I am well aware that not everyone has a princess in shining armour arrive to save the day. So what do new mums ACTUALLY need.
-
Comfort and support
Having a baby is hard work and changes you in every way imaginable. From the second your baby breathes their first lung full of air you start to doubt yourself. New mums need to be supported and given confidence that they are doing a great job. Simple.
-
Food
I know I was starving when I got home from the hospital. I had barely eaten in hospital, due to the long labour and then the less than desirable hospital food… I was exhausted and needed my energy levels to be built back up. I still remember eating a gorgeous roast dinner cooked by J, from the arm of the couch with only a fork as Baby was asleep on me, but wow it tasted so good! J did all the cooking for the week that she stayed with us, she was such a blessing.
-
Sleep
By the time Baby was born, I hadn’t slept for about 72 hours, then add in the exertions of a hard labour and it is safe to say I was pretty tired. The biggest thing new mums need is time to sleep and rebuild themselves. ‘Sleep when the baby sleeps’ is not always possible unless you have support, so be that support for someone and do all the jobs that the new mum will have to do instead of sleeping.
-
A clean house
I have never been a clean freak and we have always had animals; but when I first came home from hospital with Baby, dirt really freaked me out. I couldn’t bear a single stray dog hair anywhere near me or Baby. This is difficult to achieve as dog owners will attest, poor Mr Hubby certainly had his work cut out. Having someone to simply clean the house, hoover and make sure everything was in its place is one less thing for new mums to worry about.
-
To be spoiled
I don’t think I really need to say much about this one do I?! We have brought another person into the world and that should be celebrated. Visitors come with gorgeous presents for the new little bundle, which is so lovely. However, I think a little thoughtful gift for mum goes along way to helping her realise how special she is.
What do you think new mums actually need?
Comments 7
Definitely! I didn’t care about the house being clean. I really needed support since I had a C-section and it took awhile to walk down the stairs. I was determined to do it even though it took forever. Thank goodness my husband was a great support who cooked and cleaned. Uninterrupted sleep for sure. The nurses would come in throughout the night to check in on me and the baby.
Author
Sleep is so important x
This makes me miss when Lily was first born so much! Such a precious time although sometimes overwhelming. Luckily, like you, I had support from my Mum who stayed with us for a week when L was born to help with everything so we could enjoy those first moments, we really appreciated it and as first time parents, she was also on hand to answer any questions. Like you said, you do constantly doubt yourselves! Xx
Author
It is great that you had the support, so many don’t xx
To hear the words “Your doing a great job”. Which doesn’t just apply to being a new mum. But always. Especially nice when its from a stranger.
I agree completely. If friends had come over after the babies were born bringing dinner with them and offering to clean I would have snapped their hand off! x
Author
We were so blessed with the help we had in that first week x