5 Top tips for Mums and Bubs

1. Rest when you can

It can be hard in the first days and weeks at home. You're inlove with your baby and you want to be with them every second. But then reality hits you, and you realise that you are completely responsible for this little person. You want everything to run smoothly, so you use baby's sleep time to get your housework done.

Bad idea. Use the time to rest. Even if you don't sleep. Grab a magazine and a hot chocolate, lie down and do NOTHING.

Lack of rest can result in:

Higher risk of Postnatal Depression (PND)
Decreased breastmilk supply
Unnecessary stress on your partner, and your relationship

And hey, the mess will still be there for you when you've finished that mag and hot chocolate!

2. Ask for help

If things are getting you down, or you need a shoulder to cry on, ask for help. There is no need to be a superwoman and nobody expects you to do it all. You would be surprised how much help is at your finger tips if you look. Look within your own family and social network for help with the house, the other children (if you have any), or with the baby. If you don't have a lot of family or friends available to help, there are services available to assist with these things.

3. Settling your new baby

Sometimes it can be hard to get baby down for a nap. Some babies seem to cry the moment they're out of your arms. Luckily there is help available. Several organisations have phone assistance, home visits, day stays and residential units who can teach you settling and routine techniques, as well as reassure you as a parent. There can be long waiting lists so get in early if you think you may need assistance.

4. Breastfeeding

Arriving home with a newborn is daunting even for seasoned parents! No buzzer is available to press when you need help. No room service meals are delivered. And rarely is there a lactation consultant available to help you when you need it. Breastfeeding is an acquired skill. It takes time for the two of you to get to know each other. And it is something that is not always easy to do. If you feel as though things are not working out, or if you feel that you are struggling to continue to breastfeed, it is important to seek help.

Breastfeeding is complex. Many things can occur which can affect your experience with it such as:

Mastitis
Cracked, dry and/or bleeding nipples
Poor attachment
Breast refusal
Low supply

All of these problems can be overcome, and this in turn will give you the confidence that you need to continue.

5. Trust your intuition

In the hospital 8 babies can be crying at the same time, and a mother will always be able to identify her babies cry in the midst of it all. This is how strongly connected we are to our babies without even realising it. Even stronger is out intuition. If you feel that something is wrong, 9 times out 10 it will be. If you feel that your baby is hungry and needs more feeds than you are giving her, then trust that feeling and feed more often. When your baby is tired earlier than usual, put her to bed. Most of parenting is based upon gut instinct. It is the best advice you will ever get, and you will use it for the next 18 years (or longer these days!).

Important Contacts

For help with Breastfeeding, Overnight Sleep Rescue, Settling and Routine Techniques and more go to - www.sydneybubs.com.au

Postnatal Depression
www.beyondblue.org.au

Settling and Routines
www.karitane.com.au

Breastfeeding
www.mumknowsbreast.mumspace.net
www.breastfeeding.asn.au

Meals and the home
www.dialanangel.com
www.gourmetdinnerservice.com.au