#Not62: 26 Tips For A New Mom – Part 1

26 Tips For New Moms 

by SusieQ Wong-Benjamin

There are many lessons that new mothers-to-be can learn from other new moms! Work It Out Baby has found the perfect doctor and new mom, Amber Brody, MD, who candidly shares some important information for all new mommies! Keep in mind that pregnancy and post-partum experiences are different for everyone and always consult your medical care provider with any questions or concerns.

Credit: Michael W. Law

Dr. Amber Brody is a physician in Family & Geriatric Medicine & Assistant Clinical Professor of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and at the Touro College College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Brody shared with Work It Out Baby twenty-six (26) tips that new moms need to know after giving birth.

Dr. Brody, says “YES!  I’ve found a few necessary tips that I must pass on.  The majority of tips I have gathered are from fellow moms who are friends, family, or work colleagues of mine and also from a few books I’ve read.”

26 Things to Know After Giving Birth!

1. In the first few weeks, take it hour by hour versus day by day.

Following birth, the next 48-72 hrs in the hospital will be the toughest of your life!  Let your newborn be taken care of by the wonderful hospital nursery staff while you get some rest and a shower.  Your baby will be brought to you every 2-3 hours (day and night) for feedings.  Take advantage of the free babysitting.

Take this time to be in a calm and quiet environment and be cognizant of the new mommies around you.  Try to keep visitors (not only in the hospital, but also at home) to a minimum for the first three weeks.  This is invaluable irreplaceable bonding time for you and your baby.  Plus, you will be exhausted.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I read several baby books.

4. Do not expect your baby to be “textbook.”  Every baby is different. You’re going to make mistakes.  It’s okay.  You are still human when you are a mother.

5. The breastfeeding diet is tougher than the pregnancy diet.

7. Floss and shower and brush your teeth when you can!

8. Stock up on protein bars.

9. If you can’t breastfeed do not be too hard on yourself.  If your baby is good at latching on try to give him or her the breast at least for the first week so they get the colostrum (high in nutrients and antibodies).

10. You will get hemorrhoids from giving birth.  Have Tucks pads ready at home.  Also you will bleed for about six weeks.  It should be like a light period. Have pads at home (regulars) and panty liners. Change your breast pads daily to prevent mastitis.  Have ibuprofen or acetaminophen at home: Your groin will be sore.  Also, your back will be sore from carrying the baby and from breastfeeding.

11. During the first few weeks the baby really is a bit of an object instead of a human that reacts to you.  Give it a few weeks and be patient.  The smiling and cooing and eye contact will begin before you know it!  That being said; at birth they know you by your scent.  The bond is instant!

12. Talk and read to your baby.  Their brain is developing.

13. Be sure to pick your baby up even when they are quiet and content when sitting in their chair or swing or crib and not crying.  You do not want to teach them that they must cry in order to be picked up.

Dr. Brody is currently seeing patients in the Urgent Care setting at the Duane Reade Walk-In Medical Group on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

SusieQ Wong-Benjamin, your Armed Celebrity Fitness Trainer, is a certified fitness personal trainer and owner of SusieQFitLife and Work It Out Baby. 

The above information is not designed to and does not furnish medical advice, treatment, professional diagnosis, opinion or services to you or to others.  Do not use the above information in place of your medical provider’s care.  If you have medical questions or concerns, please consult your medical provider.  Dr. Brody is not liable for any diagnosis, information, advice, or treatment you acquire via this site or publication.