Is this your first, second or third baby? Or for you mama goddesses forth, fifth? Did anyone tell you about those raging hormones post delivery? They didn’t? I’m not surprised. But I bet they told you to sleep when the baby sleeps and other almost impossible things, right? 

 

Well let me tell you about 5 things that worked for me and will hopefully work for you. 

 

1. Go For A Walk

 

Get up and go ASAP. Do it every single day even if you can only squeeze in 5 minutes. Go alone! But if you can’t wear or push the kid. I am so serious mamas. You must get out and breath in some fresh air. Don’t be afraid of the cold or the heat, just go. I did this 2x per day and guess what? It saved me from myself, my newborn and from having my husband back up and leave. Seriously, I kicked him out when Little Z was born and I can confirm the ugly hormones made me do it! So go for a walk, now! 

 

2. Let’s Make A Deal (with visitors) 

 

Gosh visitors are a blessings and a curse. But take advantage and make them worth your while. Confirm date and time and length of stay! Yes confirm and then cut the real deal. For example: 

When you get here, I’m going to nap and then shower. That will leave you with 2 hrs and 15 minutes to have the baby all to yourself, deal? 

 

Yup, that whole sleep when the baby sleeps thing is BS! Well it was for me and just about every other new mama I know but sleep whenever the heck you can made more sense and visiting hours are perfect for that. 

You can share birth stories, etc after your deal time has expired. Visitor not game for the plan? Then remember this: “No” is a complete sentence. 

 

This time around my deals will include some outing time with the toddler because yeah how am I suppose to master this mom of two thing with a raging “two-nager?” 

 

Bonus: brownie points for the visitors that agree to bring a meal (or two) for the family. Anything that will still taste 5-Star out the freezer is even better! IJS. 

 

3. Laugh 

 

Seriously take the time to laugh. Two years into this motherhood thing and Family Feud still gets me laughing just when I need it. Honestly, laugh! 

I’m not big on TV watching for myself and definitely not for the kid but my toddler knows Steve Harvey by name. “STEVE” she yells while jamming to the intro song! That’s my girl. Judge me if you wish. I care not!!! 

Get your laugh on mamas. A TV show, your most insane girlfriend, with your boo, a hilarious book. It doesn’t matter, laughter is a new mama’s medicine. 

 

4. Focus 

 

Turn off all distraction. When I had Zoë, I didn’t consider answering my phone (with the exception of a select few people) nor did I run to social media (besides the time I had to make a statement on FB about people not respecting my privacy.) I focused. I focused on my new baby, I focused on my health (and sanity) and I focused on my hubs. I was very intentional about embracing the moments and figuring this thing called motherhood out. Struggling with this whole new world, emotions, hormonal roller coaster, c-section recovery (the drugs were necessary) and my loves was just about all I could handle so this should probably be number one.

 

5. Music, Meditation and Peace 

 

What helps you stay calm or brings you to a peaceful place? Whatever it is do it. Walks definitely did it for me but so did music, meditation and intentional reading. Start the day with a word from the good book, a daily prayer or whatever positive source you prefer. Meditate for a few minutes. Seriously even two minutes does wonders. Turn on some music doesn’t matter the type so long as it soothes you. My go to is Bob Marley. 

 

I hope this helps. Baby #2 will be here in just about 10 weeks! I am scared but you better believe I will be rocking this mama sanity list hard. Visitors, you’ve been warned. 

 

How did you you get through your first few weeks of motherhood? Share your tips in the comments.