It is 2:00am and your baby is up, wide awake, and wants to play. You on the other hand are exhausted and ready for some much needed rest. Before your baby came along you could focus on just you, and taking care of the things you needed to get done. Now, you have a precious little one who requires lots of love, attention and depends on you to take care of them, even at 2:00am. Tired, exhausted and overwhelmed are not uncommon feelings. As a mother of two beautiful boys, I remember those feelings well. Your heart is full of love, but your body cannot keep up! Here are 10 tips to help you new moms keep your sanity:

Sleep. All the baby books you have read say this, but let me reemphasize, you need to rest when your baby is resting. Not only will you feel recharged, but taking care of yourself will help you take better care of your baby. Plus, you will have an easier time accomplishing anything if you are not a zombie. Take care of you. This is in addition to getting sleep whenever possible. Schedule time for yourself daily. This may include getting a shower, going for a walk, meditating, or just reading some of your favorite book. It is extremely important to not forget yourself during this time, difficult as that may sound, you will feel stronger and more ready to take on anything if you are taking care of yourself. Plan your meals. You must plan ahead what you are going to eat. We tend to make quick (often poor) decisions on meals when we leave that decision until the last minute. Prep salads, veggies, fruits ahead of time for a quick snack. Make larger quantities of meals you enjoy and freeze them. Stock the diaper bag. If you check the diaper bag (and refill) on a regular basis you?do not want?find yourself stranded without any diapers or wipes. Hands-free calling. A new mom should use any resources available that can make things even the slightest bit easier. A hands-free headset for you phone can allow you to give your baby what he/she might need, while keeping in touch with the outside world. Something that is important for our mental health. Baskets, baskets and more baskets. A basket can look glamorous while also being a great way to gather things like, books, toys and baby bedding. Putting a “catch-all” basket in a high traffic area of the house can be a great tool to catch items that belong elsewhere. Rather than return each item one at a time, you can gather all the items and return them in the same trip. Get a Planner.A planner, digital or hand-written, will allow you keep track of doctors’ appointments, play dates and even a much needed night out with your girlfriends. Filing system. If you did not create a file for yourself and baby prior to delivering, now is the time to do it. It is?important to keep track of all the medical information for both you and the baby and setting up a file for each of you is an excellent way to do this. Feeding station. My definition of a “feeding station” is the place where you most likely, and more often will be feeding your little one. Put the things in this area that you will need/want during the time you will be feeding your child. Possible things to make sure are in the area: burp rag, feeding pillow, glass of water, good book/magazine, phone, blanket, etc.?This is?a collection of things that will help make you and baby more comfortable during this time. Write it down. Any thoughts, ideas, dreams that cross your mind, write them down. We are so focused on our little one that the great thought we have one minute will quickly disappear and quite possibly not return. Many call this “Mommy Brain”.

?Make sure to keep things simple; simple meals, simple days, and simple expectations. Enjoy every second, even the ones where you can barely keep your eyes open!

By: Michelle Poteet

About the Author:

Michelle Poteet, Professional Organizer
Reclaim Order
mailto:reclaimorder@gmail.com

http://www.reclaimorder.com

http://www.reclaimorder.wordpress.com

National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), Member
NAPO San Antonio, Membership Director