Seize every napping moment
Nap whenever possible. Even if it means leaving the house a shambles and the laundry in a pile, take the opportunity to get a bit of rest. If possible, try to nap when your baby naps. At this point, your sleep really is more important than household chores. Ask your partner, a friend, or a relative to sit with the baby (and your other children) while you grab a few hours of sleep.
Limit entertaining
Sometimes visitors can be more of a hindrance than help, so don’t be afraid to limit visitors during the first weeks at home with baby. Put all the important information about the baby on your social media pages or send out group emails to update friends and relatives. Let your phone voicemail answer your calls. Ask potential visitors to call ahead, and be selective about whom you invite over. If possible, choose friends or relatives who won’t mind washing a few dishes or sitting with the baby (and your other children) while you take a nap.
Eat wisely
Since you never know when you’ll have the opportunity to lie down for a bit, avoid really big meals that may make it difficult to fall asleep. Frequent light, healthy meals will keep your energy levels up without interfering with your ability to sleep.
Cut down the caffeine
An occasional coffee or caffeinated drink may give you that boost you need to stay alert, but if you rely on caffeine to keep you going it may be harder to fall asleep when you actually have the chance.
Exercise early
If you’re trying to get back into an exercise routine, schedule your workout in the morning, when it will give you an energy boost. Late afternoon or evening workouts may keep you up. Always talk to your doctor before starting to exercise after giving birth.
Related articles
Hospital stay and going home
The average stay in hospital is about three days, if there are no complications. Use the time to rest and gather as much information as possible.
1 min to read
Your body
After the birth your body undergoes rapid physical and hormonal changes.
4 mins to read
Postnatal exercise progressions
Check your basic progressive exercise programme with your caregiver.
5 mins to read
Baby Thrush
Thrush is a fungal infection and can be found in your baby’s mouth, nappy area or under the chin. The fungus lives on the skin and usually causes no harm, but when conditions are favourable,&n
2 mins to read
Check-up
A general physical and gynaecological examination is advised 4–6 weeks after delivery to assess your recovery and the return of your body to its non-pregnant state.
1 min to read
Baby’s temperature
The normal temperature of a healthy infant varies between 36–37°C. A slight rise in temperature may be due to a cold or a mild digestive upset.
5 mins to read
Stools
A baby’s bowels usually work within the first 24 hours after birth. The first stool, meconium, is blackish-green and sticky, with no smell.
2 mins to read
The Apgar score
Apgar:
A system of evaluating a newborn’s physical condition by assigning a score (0,1, 2) to each of the following criteria:
5 mins to read
Breastfeeding Videos
A Breastfeeding experience which is enjoyable and beneficial to both mom and baby depends on a relaxed, well-nourished mother who approaches this experience positively and with confidence.&nb
5 mins to read
Foundation of life
Breastmilk is uniquely designed for each individual baby!
5 mins to read
Possible problems
If you are ever concerned about your baby’s health, behaviour or development, consult your doctor or clinic sister. It is better to be safe than sorry.
5 mins to read
Rashes
A young baby’s skin passes through many phases, from clear to spotty (rash), to peach-like. This may be due to the transition from a protected environment in the womb to the outside world.
5 mins to read
Vomiting
Possetting
5 mins to read
Common concerns in the first days
Physiological jaundice
5 mins to read
Emotional development in Your Baby
Your baby is discovering their emotions from birth.
3 mins to read
My newborn
Parent-infant interaction
Interaction with your baby begins before she is born. You usually feel life at about 20 weeks into pregnancy as light, fluttering sensations.
5 mins to read
At Four Months
Baby is growing and getting excited about, well, just about everything. Especially playtime and all the things hands can touch. Hands are so fascinating!
5 mins to read
At Five Months
He starts to roll over from his tummy onto his back.
5 mins to read
Teething
First teeth! Consult your dentist about fluoride for your child’s teeth. Until a child learns to brush his teeth, the mother must clean them for him.
5 mins to read