by Khyrana Oktivia Pambudi

Created on: January 30, 2009

Life for new mom can only be described with one word, chaotic. Somehow everything that used to work out smoothly just doesn't work out so well anymore. 24 hours in a day just doesn't seems enough anymore. When I have my first born baby, I used to fantasize of having this super power to control time. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just pause time and get some work done (or perhaps a good sleep). And if only those babies come with a mute button, we could use it after they cry for the first hours or so. Well, enough dreaming, I'm just an ordinary woman like you having no power whatsoever, but somehow I manage to get through those few years of toddler hood. So let me bring you in some secrets. Here are some simple tips to make your life a bit more livable :

1. When your baby is sleeping, try to take a deep breath and stretch. I know the feeling of that numbness in your hand from all that carrying your bundle of joy. Oh my, a massage right about now would be just heavenly. And you can do that, maybe not now, but book your spouse for the weekend and go get your spa treatment. Even spending a couple of hours over a cup of good coffee with the right book can make a world of difference. It gives you something to look forward to during your hectic week.

2. Planning for tomorrow is important. You don't have to get down into details, because God knows your little one has his own plan, but you could perhaps list out some chores you would like to get done the next day. The key is to be realistic, and prioritize well. So if some unexpected event happens at least you know you have the baby's bottle sterilised and an extra milk powder in the pantry. If you are breastfeeding, then this should be no problem. Don't beat yourself up if you can't finished some of your chores. Believe me, the world won't collapsed if you didn't vacuum for a day or even two, and I'm sure your husband won't mind to have take out a few days in the row. The best thing about just giving birth is, everyone seems happy to lend a hand or two. My suggestion is that you take as much help as you can. Please, this is no time to hold on to your ego.

3. Schedule your activity around your baby's nap pattern. This requires some observation for the first couple of days, in fact I suggest you write it down. I know, I know, you have your hand full already, but if you take two seconds to pen down your baby's nap time you would realize you have more time in your hand then you think. Just get a piece of paper and put it somewhere visible, perhaps stick it to the fridge and take down those naps timing. This knowledge will give you back a sense of control in your life. Won't that be nice?

Alright, those are the three powerful secrets you need to know to survive your early motherhood. So for all the new momies out there, congratulations on your newborn and have fun taking care of your little angels.

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