Having a baby is life altering in so many ways. Even when we've planned for it and done everything possible to set ourselves up for success, things happen that we can't control. All we can do is our very best and give ourselves a break when we fall short. After all, we just had a baby for crying out loud. We have to take care of the baby, but we also have to take care of ourselves because if we don't, who will? That's why I would like to urge you to avoid the four worst things you can do immediately after having a baby.
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Of course there are lots of things that aren't a great idea to do right after giving birth, but some of them are unavoidable. Fortunately, you can avoid the following.
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Do not turn down help. You will have tons of people offering you help right after you have a baby. The worst thing you can do is say, "No, thank you." You NEED help, accept it. Ask for something as simple as a meal. You are going to be too tired to cook. Your loved ones can bring you a casserole. They feel good about it and you get to eat.
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Do not expect to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes. When you pack to go to the hospital and plan the outfit that you will be wearing home with your new baby, please don't have it include your skinny jeans. You will not be ready to zip those babies up because it is totally normal to still look pregnant right after giving birth. Give yourself a break and pack stretchy yoga pants.
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Do not stop thinking of yourself. Yes, you are a mother now and you need to care for your baby, but you just went through a HUGE physical experience and you need time to recover. Admit when you are tired, admit when you are hungry, admit when you want to cry for what seems like no reason at all.
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Do not take on more than you can handle. If you don't have the energy to have people come over to meet your baby, then say no. Let them drop off that aforementioned casserole at your doorstep, though. You do not have to host people before you are ready to.
Go ahead and ease back into your life after having a child. Let the machine pick up, let the dishes sit for a bit, you've got a baby and you to take care of.
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