Photo via D. Crowe Photography (c) 2019

Newborns. 

Most people are pretty polarized when it comes to their feelings on the newborn phase. 

It’s usually either give me all the babies! Or I’m just trying to survive the first 6 months.

We get it!

Newborns can be trying for lots of reasons. The upheaval of your old routines, round-the-clock care, interrupted and diminished sleep, troubleshooting feeding problems, crying for no apparent reason...it's no wonder new parents feel overwhelmed! 

Often the challenging parts are even more magnified for first time parents who may be wondering when and if things will get easier! 

The repetitive tasks of having a new baby and the way they carry over from daytime to night can cause time to blur. Don't be surprised if you find yourself asking if it's actually Groundhog Day. Perhaps that’s the most difficult part of having a newborn -- feeling like the “newborn fog” will never fade. 

Whether you’re a first time mom or a fourth time mom in the thick of the postpartum phase, we want to remind you of just that - it is a PHASE. And no phase lasts forever. 

That means it’s temporary. Let that soak in! 

The demanding nature of caring for a newborn will ease with time. You WILL be able to connect more hours of sleep and the fog WILL slowly lift. One day soon you’ll be able to get away with less under eye concealer and less caffeine to fuel your day. 

Keeping this awareness in mind can bring such sweet relief to the weary mom. 

So how do we keep a healthy perspective on the inevitable changes coming our way, even when that doesn't feel true?

The common phrase, "it's a season" doesn’t only apply to the arduous side of newborn life; it’s all encompassing. The whole-body newborn stretch and the way they curl up in the tiniest ball on your chest? Those markers of the newborn days will also slowly fade with time. So while it’s tempting to think that all the “good” of motherhood is waiting just around the corner, don’t overlook the good that’s right under your nose. Literally - that little newborn head tucked under your chin right now? Breathe in that new baby smell. Rub your cheek against their soft downy hair. When you unswaddle her and she throws her arms up in a sweet stretch and pouts her lips - take that sight in. Tuck all of the good into your heart for safe-keeping, and when you’re having an especially hard day, reach in and grab one of those memories. Let it remind you that there’s always good to be found in every season and that a brand new phase is always (fast!) approaching.

*We want to acknowledge that so much of your feeling about the newborn stage is influenced by your baby’s temperament, what kind of support you have in place, and any especially trying circumstances you might find yourself in. If we can be of any help to you or provide you with any additional resources, please reach out to us HERE! 

If you’re gearing up for these newborn days and still need a breast pump, we’d love to help you get one at NO COST to you through insurance. Just fill out this form and Wyatt’s Maternity will handle the rest!