Babies are a lot of work. I'm not talking "oh man, I am POOPED from typing at my computer all day" tired, but rather, "oh man, having my fingernails slowly pulled out over an eighteen-year period is EXHAUSTING" tired. That'll take it out of you.
A common solution is to invite people to come help you, especially in the first few weeks of parenthood. Maybe you need help watching the baby, or cooking some meals, or running some errands. Despite what you might have heard about the weak immune systems of newborns and the need to keep them as isolated as possible, you'll be a more effective parent if you have some help.
So, who do you ask for help, Liz asks.
For many folks, the first line of defense is immediate family. Siblings, parents, or in-laws are a great resource for parents with newborns. Here's what you should do first though.
Think back to the last time you spent a lot of time with these potential helpers. If they're parents or siblings, try to recall any vacations you took that involved many hours in the back seat of a car. Think back to how you felt on the second to last day of that trip. Did you like your family on that day? Or did you fantasize about bludgeoning them with the tire iron?
Having a newborn is like being tortured. You're fearful, sleep deprived, being asked to wallow in feces, and questioning all the actions you've taken in your life that have led up to this horrible horrible point. Is your mother-in-law really the person you want to deal with at this moment?
I am by no means saying that you should not ask for help. I'm recommending just the opposite, but keep in mind that these days/months/years might easily be the worst ones in your life and you might not want to surround yourself with people who cook you meals but irritate the fuck out of you.
Think carefully about who your favorite people are. Ask them for help.
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So many babies come home from the hospital with jaundice anymore. Years ago it was rare, now almost every baby I know has at least a mild case of jaundice. Why is this and what do you do when you bring them home with jaundice…Just what is indirect light…After the fact, I found out my daughter sat my 1st Grand Child out on the front porch at 3 days old, in AZ, to get some indirect light…Instead she got sunburn…
ReplyDeleteHow involved should the Grand Parents be…..?
After the baby is born should a parent go back to work, If so, when? Of course, this is if they can afford to stay home…
How to choose a good sitter?
Animals and babies, do they mix? Say I have a lab or Pit, should it be in the able to be alone with the baby, EVER???? Even for a minute???? Even though that animal is so good and gentle and like one of the family????? Remember you can’t fix stupid!
What is the best baby ‘How to,’ book to read? If I just read one… Besides your Blog…
What about taking the babies temp…Old fashion way or one of those new gadgets? I mean if you can tell it really has a fever over 101…
How important is the first 5 years of a Childs life…When do their values and social skills really develop….
Can you really spoil a newborn…?
What is the importance of movement, such as rocking a new born…?
Sorry Mike...That last LONG comment was from me but the Grand Girl (11 years old) was loged in and it showed as she posted it...BTW she is the one My Daughter sat on the front porch at 3 days old thinking 'THAT' was indirect sun light!
ReplyDelete4th Sis, thanks for the questions. Obviously I have nothing smart to say about any of those, but I'll try to fake something.
ReplyDeleteThis post and this blog is hilarious! And mostly true as well.
ReplyDelete