Family and Newborn Photographer Serving the OKC Metro
L
8 Tips To SURVIVE The Newborn Stage
Posted in Motherhood Tips, Newborn Photography by Charis Elisabeth
Bringing a new baby home is exciting, wonderful and beautiful, but it is also a big adjustment for everyone in the family. Over the years, both as a mom and through the families I photograph, I have seen a few simple things that can help make those early days feel a little more manageable. And let me tell you as a mom I’m all about making things as easy and smooth as possible.
my favorite tips to survive the newborn stage
1. Let Go of Expectations
One of the most helpful shifts you can make is letting go of the idea that things will go as planned. As you quickly learn, the newborn stage is unpredictable, and trying to control every part of it can leave you feeling frustrated. Giving yourself permission to be flexible allows you to move through the day with more ease.
2. Have Food Ready Ahead of Time
Having meals, snacks, and water easily accessible makes a big difference. And one way to do this is plan it ahead of time. Whether it is freezer meals, prepped snacks, or simply keeping a water bottle nearby, making sure you are taken care of helps you keep your energy up during long days and nights.
Grab a subscription for a food meal kit system or a local one. Local stores like Supper Thyme also have yummy homemade meals for easy purchase.
3. Know Your Support System
Before your baby arrives, plan out who you can reach out to when you, your family or baby need support. This might include a lactation consultant, trusted babysitters for older siblings, friends, or family members. Having these plans in place ahead of time makes it easier to ask for help when you need it.
4. Consider Hiring a Postpartum Doula
A postpartum doula can be a meaningful source of support during the early weeks. Whether they help overnight so you can get some rest or come during the day so you can shower and eat, having a trusted person caring for your baby and your home can ease the transition into this new season. Some of them also offer food prep service which is a lifesaver! Check out the OKC Postpartum Doula Guide.
5. Be Willing to Rest
It can be tempting to try to keep up with everything, but your body needs time to heal. Allowing yourself to rest, even when it feels like there is more to do, is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family during this stage and for long term health.
6. Get Outside When You Can
Stepping outside, even for a short walk, can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
Fresh air and a change of scenery can help reset your mind and bring a sense of calm to your day. Many parents find that even a simple walk with the stroller helps both them and their baby settle.
7. Book Your Newborn Photographer Ahead of Time
One of the easiest ways to simplify the newborn stage is to plan ahead.
So that’s why booking your newborn photographer before your baby arrives means one less thing to think about once you are home. It’s planned and ready and all you have to do is reach out to your photographer that baby is here and the next steps happen smoothly for you. I always recommend reserving your session during pregnancy so everything feels smooth and simple later on.
8. Create a Postpartum Basket
A postpartum cart or basket can make everyday life much easier. Personally I like to do one in the main living spaces and one in the master bedroom but you can also just do one basket you move back and forth between the spaces you need it in.
Having all the essentials like diapers, wipes, burp cloths, snacks, and water ready before baby arrives and within reach allows you to stay comfortable and prepared. And don’t forget the snacks (always always have the snacks for mama!)
If you have a toddler in the family a basket for the toddler of special activities they can do while you are nursing/feeding the baby can be quite helpful too. Some snacks, books, fun toys just used during that time is helpful for them.
Ready to Plan Your Newborn Session?
The session shared in this post with two big sisters welcoming their new baby sister was full of those quiet, in between moments that define the early days. Excitement, curiosity mixed with love, and a home slowly settling into a new rhythm. These are the kinds of sessions I love most as a North West Oklahoma City newborn photography provider because they reflect what this season actually feels like.
I will always be adamant that cozy at home newborn session allows families to remember not just what their baby looked like, but what this season felt like. If you are expecting and looking for a newborn photography experience that feels relaxed and true to your family, I would love to help you plan it.
Reach out here to start planning your newborn session – contact me now!
Did this list of tips to survive the newborn stage feel helpful? Check out these other helpful posts:
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Resources in Oklahoma City
- How I’m preparing for the newborn days as a Mom of 3
- Why bundle maternity and newborn photography sessions
And for first time parents my friend Tiffany is a Huntsville Newborn Photographer and shared this guide for new parents in her area.
Ready to book your spring family photos?
As an Oklahoma City family photographer, I would be delighted to photograph your family and help you document this season of life. Check out the different options I have and then reach out and let’s schedule your session.
Having food prepared ahead of time is truly gold before welcoming a baby. I wish I had been more intentional about that when I had my own children.
This is such an amazing resource for new moms! A postpartum basket is one of the best gifts you can give a postpartum mom so they can remember to take care of the sleeves too.
These are great tips! Several of these could have really helped me in my postpartum journey. Beautiful photos as well!
These tips are so perfect! I love the colors of these family outfits <3
Ok this blog is so helpful! I wish I had something like this when I was having my babies. Also, your work is absolutely stunning!
My kids are older and we didn’t have postpartum doulas or night nurses but either would have been so helpful! Love all of these tips for parents during those first few weeks with a new baby.