As new moms we can’t be sure exactly how we will feel once our precious baby arrives. I remember hearing about the baby blues and thinking, “that wont be me.” I had no idea how I would feel, so how on earth would I be able to prepare my husband for the basket case I may possibly turn into? To all the new moms out there, feel free to pass this list along to your spouse for all their new baby prep, because they can’t go wrong saying these 5 things.
1. You Look Beautiful
When you are home from the hospital and possibly haven’t showered in a few days and most likely still rocking the hospital netty undies, a compliment from your husband goes a long away. Remember, that if your partner has gone out of their way to compliment you, listen. You are most likely more beautiful to him now, than ever before. Birthing a baby basically makes you a goddess in their eyes – go with it!
2. You Are A Great Mom
Isn’t it amazing that just weeks, or even days, in we can start feeling the “mom guilt.” We start to wonder if we are doing a good job. The first couple of weeks are an especially daunting time as a new mom as were figuring out this mom gig and our new bodies. No matter how many books you read or classes you take it’s all new and that comes with a learning curve. Support from your spouse is vital during this time and feel free to remind him to keep the encouragement coming.
3. How Can I Help?
Don’t be afraid to tell your husband what you need from them. They probably don’t know what they can do to help and maybe feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed by this new parenting thing too. Maybe it’s taking over a night-time feeding, or getting the dinner started. Maybe you just need to take an long soak in the bath, whatever it is, let them help, and don’t be afraid to ask for it.
4. Go Take A Nap
And all the women in the world shouted, AMEN. As a new mom we don’t always know what is best for us. We can get caught up in everything we need to get done instead of taking care of ourselves. When your husband is around offering to hold down the fort while you get some much needed shut eye, take advantage of it and don’t feel a bit guilty.
5. The Baby Is Doing Great
When my daughter was born we struggled a lot in the first month to get a good latch during nursing. I started doubting my ability to take care of her and also in her ability to latch correctly. In our hormonal and emotional state, mamas start to be concerned that our baby isn’t thriving as they should. I found myself worrying if she was too hot, or too cold. If she was hungry, gassy, tired – you name it. My husband’s consistent reminder that she was just perfect really helped me through the tough few weeks, and focus on our best and biggest blessing.