Having a baby is such an incredible experience and a wonderful life-changing event. Here is a guide of things to do after baby is born to take the guesswork out of the first few months.
The birth of your baby is so exciting! Bringing home a newborn baby really is a blessing and such a time to cherish, but I do not want to sugarcoat it and say it is easy. It’s one of the most life-changing transitions you will go through as new parents.
The first couple of months is especially draining and all-consuming. It can leave a mom feeling depleted, and that’s why it is so common for a woman to feel like she has lost herself.
When I became a new mom, I was excited and nervous. I didn’t know much about what came after birth. Heck, I barely knew what birthing a baby would be like at all. I only knew what I had heard from other people or what I read in a book.
Even then, the things I learned were in little detail. That is why I made this guide for things to do after baby is born. So you will know what to expect once you bring your sweet baby home. I hope to make the first few months more enjoyable and less stressful for you.
I’m giving you all the details for how to care for yourself postpartum (because this is a must!!), Things to do for your baby in the first months (to create memories, make life easier), and important things to take care of in the first month.
After you read this guide, you will be prepared for after baby is born.
This Post Is All About What To Do After Baby Is Born
Things To Do After Baby Is Born
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Things To Do For Baby
So you brought your new little family member home. Now what? Yes, your little one will be sleeping quite a bit, but there are still things you can do to start them off on the right track. There are also fun little things you will want to do for memories!
Take An Imprint Of Baby’s Hands And Feet
This is a special little activity. There are cute clay footprint sets you can purchase to make it easy. These little keepsakes are something you will want to keep forever. I did one for my daughter and look back at it, and I can’t believe how cute and tiny her hands and feet were.
Take Lots Of Pictures
If you are having professional baby photos done, try to schedule them before the birth if possible. You will only have about 10 days to take those pictures.
Otherwise, take lots of cute photos on your own. You can set up a cute photo shoot at your house or even just some here and there throughout the day.
I still look back at my daughter’s photos all the time just to reminisce. The photos bring back so many sweet memories every time I look at them. So take lots!
Start Tummy Time
You can start tummy time within the first week or two. After the umbilical cord stump has fallen out, you are good to go!
You can start tummy time on your chest until they build a little head strength. Once baby has built a little strength, and you are comfortable doing so, you can move on to doing tummy time with a
boppy pillow or your preferred tummy time pillow (I prefer boppy since it has multiple uses.)
Starting with only a couple minutes a day and gradually extending the time will give your baby a great head start on milestones!
Research Milestones
Doing a little research each month on milestones is very beneficial to your baby. Knowing what to work on with your baby will give you ideas on activities during your little one’s wake times.
Helping your baby achieve those little milestones is so gratifying as a parent. However, do not stress If your baby isn’t meeting some of those milestones “on time.” All babies really are different.
Start A Keepsake Box
Throughout your baby’s life, there will be little items that you will want to cherish forever. You can start a keepsake box as soon as your baby is born and add to it as time goes on.
How To Care For Yourself Postpartum
The first few months postpartum are tough. Not only are you healing and tired, but you are going through a huge transition from what your life used to look like to getting used to your new life with a baby.
This is the time to be kind and less critical of yourself and give yourself grace when it comes to getting things done. If you’re a busybody like me, this was tough, but I had to keep reminding myself I was going through a lot and a significant change.
Here are things that helped me through postpartum.
Take Care Of Your Body
In the first few weeks postpartum, your body will be going through a lot of changes. The basics, of course, are getting plenty of rest (as much as you can, anyway), drinking plenty of water, and trying to eat healthy meals. Drinking lots of water is imperative, especially if you are breastfeeding, since it dehydrates you quickly. Also, more water = more breast milk production
Be nice to your postpartum body, and do not judge yourself. I know it can be challenging, but truly give yourself grace. You just had a baby! Your body changes a lot during pregnancy, do not expect to “snap back” It usually takes around a year to get back to lose the baby weight.
In the first weeks postpartum, starting your kegel exercises is a good idea. Kegels will help you strengthen your pelvic floor so you can try to avoid things like sneezing and accidentally peeing yourself. Because yes, this really does happen.
Take Care Of Your Mind
Taking care of your mind is essential to your overall health and the care of your baby. Taking steps to avoid postpartum depression will help you thrive through the first months with your newborn.
The better you feel, the better you can care for your baby, and the more you will enjoy the sweet moments with your little one.
Getting out of the house is a MUST. Go on a walk with your baby. Making a habit of it is a great way to build a new routine for yourself, and the baby usually enjoys it as well.
Take some time for yourself while your baby naps for self-care. I promise you a little self-care goes a very long way as a new mom.
Related Post: The Complete Guide To Self-Care For New Moms
Making a small to-do list for each day also helps give you motivation and a feeling of accomplishment. Jot down 2-3 little things you want to complete that day. Starting small will avoid overwhelm. Completing even the most minor tasks helps you feel productive and accomplished.
Postpartum Healing
Continue taking your prenatal vitamins. Nursing is known to really suck the life out of you, so the vitamins continue to help you get the nutrients you need. Your hormone levels will also still be all over the place, so they can help regulate.
During your hospital stay, you will receive a stool softener and over-the-counter pain relievers to take during your healing process. Stool softeners were news to me. I was not aware It would be difficult to take a poo, but I guess it does make sense…
If you had a perineal tear during birth, it is good practice to keep an eye on the stitches to make sure there is no sign of infection. Witch hazel will also help tremendously with healing.
Don’t be alarmed if you receive your first postpartum period within the first weeks after birth. Some women get it weeks after, and some months after. Everyone is different.
Postpartum hair loss is also very common, usually starting around 4 months. It can be alarming, but it is perfectly normal.
I was shedding SO BADLY for months. To help my regrowth grow faster and also lessen the shedding, I used Sana Collagen & Greens. It did incredible things for my hair and skin and the added greens is a huge plus.
Things To Take Care Of In The First Month After Baby Is Born
These are essential things to do the first month after bringing your baby home. Some of them take longer than expected to complete, so start as soon as possible.
You will want to get all of these done ASAP. I know filling out paperwork is the last thing you want to do when you’re exhausted and healing, but it’s crucial.
- Take Care Of The Birth Paperwork
While you are still at the hospital, they will have had you take care of all the necessary paperwork to register the birth.
Usually, on day 10 after baby is born, the paperwork will have been processed, and you can file with your local county’s office to get a copy of your baby’s birth certificate.
- Get Social Security Card
Usually, when filling out the paperwork at the hospital, you can request the social security number at that time, and they will mail you the card at a later date.
If you do not have that option, you can apply at your local Social Security office. You will need to provide them with the baby’s details and have the birth certificate on hand.
- Apply With Your Preferred Health Insurance Company
Applying for health insurance can take longer than expected, so it’s a good idea to take care of it as soon as possible. Your new baby will have 30 days on your insurance plan before they become uninsured.
I cut it SO close to my daughter not having health insurance before her 30 days was up. I did not realize it could take so long to get insured (I was so stressed that hers wouldn’t start on time), So learn from my mistake and get it done ASAP.
Newborns have multiple doctor appointments in the first 2 months, so get the insurance taken care of in the early days.
- Baby’s First Doctor Appointment
The hospital will often schedule the first 3 doctor appointments after the baby is born. If you had a home birth, you will need to do this on your own.
Here are the things you can expect your doctor to look at It the first 2 appointments.
- Measure the baby’s length & head circumference.
- Check the baby’s weight to ensure they have gained the appropriate weight after birth. Don’t be alarmed that your baby will drop a little weight in the first couple of days after delivery. Checking weight will also help tell if the baby is latching correctly and eating enough.
- They will ask about your baby’s sleeping, eating, and bowel movement. You can keep track of these on an app. I loved huckleberry. You can track everything there.
- If your doctor recommends seeking the help of a lactation consultant, don’t hesitate. Schedule the appointment. A consultant will help you have a more successful breastfeeding experience and benefit your baby greatly.
- Lastly, The doctor will do a complete head-to-toe physical to check baby’s health.
- Schedule Your Follow Up Appointment
Yes, you need an appointment too. After all, you just birthed a baby out of your body, whether it was a vaginal delivery or cesarean birth. Don’t forget to schedule your appointment with your healthcare provider as well.
Final Thoughts
These things to do after baby is born will help you be able to worry less and enjoy more. After all, these times really do go quickly. So the less you have to think and stress about, the more you are able to really soak in every moment with your baby.
This Post Was All About Things To Do After Baby Is Born
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