You did it! You delivered a baby and learned how to clean a belly-button stump and have lost all inhibitions when it comes to toplessness in front of your in-laws. But now you’re home from the hospital, and it’s just you and the little person you made, figuring out life together for the next three months (or however long you’re planning to take). Yes, it’s scary, but there are a handful of ways to maximize the time off.
ACTUALLY DISCONNECT FROM WORK
It’s been your routine forever, so if you find yourself reaching for your smartphone—not your baby—we understand. That said, this is quite possibly the only time in your life when you’re allowed to 100 percent disconnect. So do it. Even if you have to go into your phone settings and physically remove work email, we promise it’s worth it.
SLEEP, DON’T CLEAN
Yeah, yeah: “Sleep when they sleep.” That’s easier said than done when all you want to do is clean your kitchen during your baby’s 45-minute nap. But part of having a newborn (and, um, kids of any age) is giving in to the chaos. Your kitchen will probably never again be spotless (sorry) and your self-care is paramount. So go ahead and lie down…the dishes can wait.
ARRANGE FOR A COUPLE HOURS OF WEEKLY HELP
Sure, an on-call babysitter is great, but so is a nearby relative or friend who can pop by on a regular basis to keep you company or hold the baby or go throw in your laundry while you hold the baby. Ideally, it’s the type of person who doesn’t care if you haven’t showered or brushed your hair. Because, trust: You won’t have showered or brushed your hair.
JOIN A NEW MOMS’ GROUP
Yes, forced friendships are weird. But you know what’s worse? Sitting in your living room for the 14th day in a row, without an adult conversation. Worried you look gross? So do they. Worried you won’t have anything in common? Guess what, you can talk about cluster feeding for the whole two hours you’re decamped at the Starbucks. Worried these women can’t replace your actual best friends? Yeah, they probably can’t. But they just might get you through this crazy, weird (and primarily topless) time in your life.
TAKE A BIG TRIP
No work, plus a newborn who sleeps all the time (and flies for free!) makes this the perfect time to get out of town as a brand-new family of three. Whether you go for a do-nothing beach vacay or wild Parisian adventure, go now before sleep schedules and temper tantrums make everything harder.
