Talk about your feelings and seek medical help if the depression doesn’t lift. Join a support group where you’ll meet other Mom’s who are experiencing postpartum depression. Keep in mind that you’re not alone. Seek support from family members and friends.
Take Time Out
Don’t stay cooped up with your newborn. Get out of the house. Visit family members, friends or other new mothers. Put Baby in the stroller and go for a walk. Sit on a bench under a shade tree in the park and enjoy people watching, strike up a conversation with another new mother, or watch the birds and squirrels. Nature is balm for the soul, as is water. If there is a fountain in the park, sit nearby, close your eyes and let the trickling sound soothe your cares away.
Professional Help
If all else fails, or if you feel so overwhelmed that you don’t know how to go on, seek professional help. Talk to your doctor and ask him to refer someone. If he doesn’t understand what you’re going through, demand a referral to a support group or a mental health professional.
Navels
First time mothers are often intimidated by the remainder of the umbilical cord that is attached to Baby’s navel. This should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol at bath time. Use a cotton swab and gently clean the area. Eventually it will fall off. Don’t panic if it bleeds a little. Clean gently and apply a clean bandage.
Diapering
Diapers need to be changed between four and eight times a day. In your child’s early life, you will change approximately 4,000 diapers. Don’t cringe at the thought. Diaper time can be fun for both you and Baby.
Keep baby wipes moist by storing them upside down a couple of times a week. This keeps the top wipes moist and the bottom ones from becoming saturated.
When the child is old enough give him the choice of where he would like to be diapered. This gives him some control over the situation, which takes his focus off the actual diapering.
Wear a finger puppet when changing Baby’s diaper. He will focus on the puppet and the diaper will be changed before he realizes what is happening.
Hang a musical mobile over the change table. Wind it up before starting the diapering process. Baby will focus on the mobile instead of the job at hand.
Play with Baby at diapering time. Tickle his toes or tummy gently and talk to him in soothing tones to keep his attention focused on a fun activity.