Guest Author - Jacqueline Geller

Mom and Dad have brought their precious little bundle home fromt the hospital. While they expect peace and quiet to enjoy their baby, that is absolutely not what happens during the first few weeks!

Mom should be napping while baby sleeps, as the little gems tend to wake up for feeding every couple of hours. Instead, the phone rings; people drop by and the grandparents want to spend time with the little ones.

For nursing moms, this is a difficult time. Babies demand feeding every couple of hours on a 24 hour/7 day basis. As a growth spurt occurs, this can be even more often.

So, what is a mom to do? Turn off the phone and set up some ground rules immediately before life turns into a baby circus!

Try to make sure that visits from neighbors and relatives take place while baby (and Mom) are awake. Set limits for the visits so that well-meaning folks do not overstay their welcome.

It is imperative for moms and babies to get enough rest during these first few weeks. It is often too easy for moms to accept unwanted visits and visits that go on for too long. Don't be afraid to put your foot down and say, "I'm sorry, but it's nap time for both baby and me. I'm sure you understand."

Since the night hours are sporadic, it is essential for moms to avoid doing things during the day that will disrupt their routines with newborns.

Further, postpartum depression increases if moms do not get enough rest. Not being able to sleep causes depression, anxiety and resentment. It's good if dad is around to bring the baby to nurse or takes turns giving bottles. However, this is not always possible if Dad must be up at 5:00 am for work and Mom is left alone to tend to the baby and possibly other children as well.

Taking care of mom must be the priority, so that baby can be taken care of as well. Turning off the phone; not answering the door; taking the time to nap are essential for moms to maintain their mental health, as well as to heal from the childbirth process. Take care of yourself and the rest will take care of itself.