Shower every morning. This gives you a little break before starting another busy day.
Go for a walk while Dad watches Baby
Nap when Baby naps. Power naps do help.
Hire a competent sitter once a week so you and Dad can have some time alone and a much deserved break.
Find a doctor that can care for both you and Baby.
Get a good baby swing. These are worth more than gold.
Don’t be hard on yourself.
Cuddle Baby often and spend time bonding.
Join a Mom’s group for social time with other mothers. This allows you to talk about any problems you’re having. Remember, you’re not alone.
Survival Guide for Dad
Bath Baby and give Mom a break once in a while.
Take part. You can do all the things that Mom does, with the exception of breastfeeding.
Spend time playing with Baby.
Talk about your feelings.
Be sure to get time alone with Mom. Take her out once a week for dinner, a movie, or even a walk in the park.
Great Gifts for Mom
A basket of bath products
A certificate for a day at the spa.
Soothing music in the form of CD’s.
Collector’s tin of her favorite candy.
Time: give IOUs to run errands, do laundry, houseclean or babysit.
A comfortable chair to sit in while feeding Baby.
Great Gifts for Dads
Comfortable slippers.
Film, tape and batteries for the camcorder or camera.
Photo of Mom and Baby for the office.
Baby backpack.
Gift certificate to take Mom out to dinner or a movie.
Post Partum Depression
The time following Baby’s birth can be a rollercoaster of emotions for Mom. Feeling down is normal, but this usually passes quickly. However one in ten new mothers suffer post partum depression for a few weeks or even months.