AURORA NEWBORN PHOTOGRAHER
NAVIGATING THE FIRST DAYS WITH A NEWBORN: ESSENTIAL TIPS
As a newborn photographer (and mom myself) based in the beautiful city of Aurora, Colorado, I've had the privilege of capturing countless precious moments with newborns and witnessing firsthand the joys and challenges that come with those early days. Welcoming a newborn into your life is a magical experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. To help ease your transition into parenthood, I've compiled some essential tips for navigating those first few days with your newborn:
Embrace the Fourth Trimester:
Remember that your newborn is still adjusting to life outside the womb during the first three months, often referred to as the fourth trimester. Be patient and understanding as your little one adapts to their new surroundings. Keep your baby close, provide plenty of skin-to-skin contact, and respond to their cues with love and care.
Prioritize Rest and Recovery:
It's natural to feel exhausted in the early days of parenthood, so don't hesitate to prioritize rest and recovery for both you and your partner. Take advantage of any opportunity to nap when your baby sleeps, and don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family members who are eager to lend a hand.
Establish a Feeding Routine:
Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, establishing a feeding routine is crucial for your baby's growth and development. Pay attention to your baby's hunger cues, such as rooting or sucking on fists, and feed them on demand. If you're breastfeeding, seek support from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group if needed.
Take Care of Yourself:
Remember to prioritize self-care amidst the demands of caring for a newborn. Stay hydrated, nourished, and take breaks when needed to recharge. Don't hesitate to seek support from other moms in your community or online parenting forums who can offer guidance and encouragement. With my first baby I tried to get "back to normal" and out of the house as soon as possible. I regret that! It wasn't good for my mental health. With my second I followed the 5-5-5 method. The 5-5-5 method provides a deliberate guide for postpartum recovery, allowing you to respect your body's needs while gently easing back into daily life.
Five Days in the bed:
Begin your postpartum phase with a focused five-day period of deep rest. Keep activities to bed, letting your support system handle tasks like meals, water, and diaper changes. This time is for nurturing your body and building a strong bond with your newborn.
Five Days on the bed:
In the next five days, stick to bed rest primarily, dressed in your cozy robe. Integrate short 30-minute activities, enjoying brief moments outdoors or on the couch. This gradual increase in activity respects your body's need for recovery.
Five Days around the bed
In the final stretch of 5-5-5, spend half your day in rest, whether in bed or on the couch. Start venturing out for very short outings very close to home, such as a gentle walk down the street. The focus remains on rest and those precious bonding moments. If increased activity coincides with more bleeding, use it as a gentle cue to ease back and prioritize ongoing recovery.
Capture Every Moment:
As a newborn photographer, I can't stress enough the importance of capturing every precious moment with your little one. Invest in a quality camera or smartphone to document those fleeting newborn days, from their tiny fingers and toes to their adorable facial expressions. Consider scheduling a professional newborn photoshoot to preserve these memories for a lifetime.
Trust Your Instincts:
Above all, trust your instincts as a parent. You know your baby better than anyone else, so listen to your intuition and do what feels right for you and your family. Don't compare yourself to other parents or feel pressured to adhere to strict schedules—every baby is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting.
Postpartum checklist
Creating a postpartum checklist can be incredibly helpful for new parents as they navigate the early days and weeks after welcoming their baby. Here's a checklist to consider:
1. Nesting Area:
Set up a comfortable area for feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
Arrange a cozy space for resting and napping.
2. Essentials for Baby:
Diapers and wipes
Onesies and sleepers
Swaddle blankets
Burp cloths
Baby-safe laundry detergent
3. Feeding Supplies:
Nursing bras or comfortable bras
Breast pads
Nipple shield. Have this just in case! With my first, I had no issues. Unfortunately, with my second my nipples were bleeding the night we came home from the hospital. I had to arrange a walmart delivery of nipple shields for the following morning.
Bottles and formula (if formula feeding) - It's worth having at least one bottle and some formula in, just in case you unexpectedly have issues like above.
Breast pump (if breastfeeding)
4.Postpartum Care Supplies:
Maternity pads or adult diapers
Perineal care items (spray, cream)
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
5.Meal Prep:
Prepare and freeze easy-to-reheat meals.
Stock up on healthy snacks. If you are breastfeeding you will likely be very hungry. Oat bars are a great, filling snack.
Newborn Photographer
Aurora, Colorado