Coping

Involving your partner

The more you can share your baby’s care, the more you will both enjoy your baby. Your partner may not be able to breastfeed but he can help with bathing, changing and dressing as well as cuddling and playing. He may feel quite nervous of handling the baby and need encouragement. Be patient if he seems awkward at first.

Help at home

You’ll probably need a lot of full-time help at first, not just with the chores, but also to give you emotional support. You’re bound to feel up and down and to get easily tired in the early days.

Many women want to have their partners with them so that they will have a chance to get to know the baby properly, as well as helping with the work. It also gives you some time to start adjusting to the changes in your life. If you’re on your own, or your partner is unable to be with you, perhaps your mother or a close friend can be there. Even with help you will probably feel tired. Cut corners where you can. 

• Cut down on cleaning. A bit of dust won’t hurt.
• Keep meals simple. You need to eat well but this needn’t involve a great deal of preparation and cooking.
• Try to space visitors out. Too many in a short time will be very tiring. If visitors do come, don’t feel you have to tidy up or lay on a meal. Let them do things for you.
• If you need extra help, ask. Friends or neighbours will probably be very willing to do some shopping, for example.

Information provided by Health Promotion England.