Sometime after your baby is born, you will be transferred to a magical land called the maternity ward, where complete strangers will help take care of your baby. They give the first bath, change diapers, watch your little bundle of joy while you sleep, bring you food and give you a foot massage (I wish). The maternity ward can be a peaceful oasis before you head off to your home and the excitement of bringing home a new baby. While you are there, consider two steps to make your time in the Maternity Ward as calm as possible and help you get off on the right foot with your baby.
Manage the hospital horde
Most parents are understandably excited right after their baby arrives. They’ll call their family, friends, butcher, baker, maybe even their candlestick maker (assuming they know one). They might even invite these folks to the hospital. Many times, these well-wishers come right away. And they stay. And stay. And then more visitors arrive. Before you know it, the rush of excitement you felt has transformed into a steady stream of fatigue. The arrival of a baby is a wonderful moment, but sharing it right away might be more tiring that you think.
Remember, you just gave birth, an event that is no small feat, and your body needs to recover. After the initial rush of excitement, many new mothers are exhausted and would prefer to just sleep. Entertaining guests only adds to the exhaustion. If you can, keep your visitors to the bare minimum. Consider establishing a short lists of guests before you go to the hospital. Ask everyone other than immediate family and any other children you might have to wait until you get settled at home. The baby isn’t going anywhere. You’ll feel better and look better.
The Baby Nurse Army
Even if you will have assistance at home when you return from the hospital, you will never have as many people available to help both you and your baby as when you are in the hospital. The nurses are a great resource for advice on almost anything baby-related. Take advantage of all the helping hands while they are available. At night, some parents choose to have their baby sleep in their room, while others opt to have them stay in the nursery. This is a personal choice. One advantage to putting your baby in the nursery is that you have a better chance for undisturbed sleep. A newborn, though small and cute as a button, can make quite a few noises in its bassinet. The nurses will watch over your baby and come get you should any need arise.
Remember, a little organization and preparation can go a long way in helping any new parent feel more in control, more successful and, in the end, a little saner.
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