Taking care of a newborn is a challenging task in itself. However, taking care of a newborn all by yourself is all the more difficult as you have to juggle the needs of your baby along with your own goals. From stocking up on baby supplies, finding a nanny to lend support, to manage the financial strain that comes with it, being a single mother to a newborn can be a handful.
We know we don’t need to tell you that being a single parent is the hardest thing you will ever have to do. Nevertheless, it’s important to know that with the right amount of support, preparation, and patience, you’ve got this!
Read ahead for some helpful tips to ensure that this new chapter in your life is more magical and rewarding than tough and challenging.
- Stock up on supplies ahead of time:
The initial days of postpartum are as it is hard for your body to cope with. Bringing your baby along whenever you go running errands will just add to the stress.
The best way to tackle this problem is to stock up on the following supplies for your baby ahead of your due date:
You can check off your supply list at Mothercare online.
- Seek help in advance for your due date:
Since you can’t drive yourself up and down the hospital on the day you’re supposed to give birth, you must line up help for the day well in advance. Reach out to friends and family to have someone by your side to accompany you to your Lamaze classes, to take you for your prenatal doctor visits, to help you through labour and childbirth, and to take you and your precious baby home safely after delivery.
We recommend that you reach out to your friends and family in the sixth month of your pregnancy so that they can prepare themselves and mark their calendars for the same.
- Hire a nanny:
Managing everything by yourself will take a toll on your body. As a new mother, getting rest is as important for you as eating food every day. Having a nanny to take care of the baby while you rest will be helpful. Get in touch with an agency or get references from your fellow mommy friends for a nanny to help you get through the initial days of motherhood without putting your health, both mental and physical, at risk due to overexertion.
- Give yourself a break:
The job of being a single mom to a newborn entails constantly being up and about, checking tasks off your to-do list without a moment to sit down and relax. In the first few days of postpartum, it is very important to give your mind and body some time off.
Whenever you find the time during the day, instead of focusing on chores, use that time to relax, read a book, listen to music, meditate, or anything else that helps take the load off your shoulders.
Yes, it will be a bumpy ride raising a newborn without a partner, but with the right planning, preparation, support and guidance, we are sure you will rise to the challenge. Just remember to enjoy this journey one day at a time and go easy on yourself.
