The earliest weeks postpartum can zoom by so fast. We can get so occupied in doing all the same things we did pre-baby, but that was pre-baby. Baby is here now and the way we do things from dishes to basic hygiene practices are all changing. This article is about where to focus your mind as a new mom as your house seems like it's flooding with people, milk and poop.
The many things that make up our life have a direct impact on our home. What we bring home, where we stack stuff, our organization strategies will adapt to what baby needs throughout the home. Now, the home is where we spend the majority of time in the early postpartum stages. I'm going to start out with total transparency, your house will rarely ever be all clean at one time. Something will always have to be done. The key to having a nice space for yourself while taking care of your newborn is to let some shit go. Expect a reasonable amount of messes to be hanging about and you'll stop feeling the pressure of perfection.
Not the advice you were expecting? After birth most girls have discovered that nothing goes as planned when it comes to babies. Breathe with grace and acceptance that some things will remain undone and that is simply okay.
Now, for what I can actually help with. In the early weeks, the first step is to prioritize what comes to mind first. When you start 2 more tasks in the middle of the first STOP! Reverse and finish the first task, leaving the others you've likely begun undone. You are carrying clothes to baby's room because they are siting on the counter where you were planning to stack dishes? Leave the clothes, finish the dishes.
The reason behind stopping yourself from overproduction of octo-mom chores is that baby can wake, cry or you could have to eat or pee at any time. There's no getting around those basic needs. Postpartum, we NEED to care for ourselves and baby needs much attention. While prioritizing the home for your own mental health, you are also prioritizing you and baby when you complete one thing at a time. When the tasks stack into one another you risk you time and baby cuddle time, even in small minutes.
Did you know that completing small tasks gives your brain a shot of dopamine (the happy hormone)? This can be why depression affects so many new moms. With a new baby, even showering regularly can become a difficult task. The sudden lack of capability to complete basic hygiene tasks, let alone house chores, can trigger discouraging emotions. I can't say it enough, give yourself grace and do one small thing at a time, just so you can feel that you did it.
Practically speaking, how small do I mean? I mean drape the used-but-still-clean burp cloth on the back of the rocking chair. Check, done! Want to sit in the rare quiet and stare at all the changes surrounding you? Do it now or forever hold your peace, girl! Moments pass quickly so indulge in still memories, especially if it's your first. You will never have this time back again with your first. The second baby will be a whole different experience. Overall, this is about keeping up with basic things for health while also prioritizing you!
It's so simple, mama. This isn't an article telling you a step-by-step list to achieve near perfection. This is real advice from a mom who's been there and talked to many other moms who have been there too. The thoughts, pressure, fears and guilt are always the same surrounding postpartum, although each gives a different emotional experience for every mother. In short, you will find yourself prioritizing household tasks more easily when you keep your to-do list simple and forgiving.
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