You've given birth. Your baby is in your arms and your settled at home, now what? This is a very important time. You are healing, your baby is adjusting, and your whole life really has changed. No matter how many you've had, there is always an adjustment period when a new baby enters a family. New babies, while they do sleep a lot, still require attention and care that no one in the family has ever given, or at least given in a little while. These little ones need us completely, and we need to give them all they need. As a new mother you need to rest from the great feat you have achieved. You worked hard, body and soul, to bring this life forth.

In many cultures past and present, the new mother rests for the first month, just her and her baby. Other mothers, sisters, and grandmothers care for the new mother so she can recover and so she can just "be" with her baby. In our culture, we don't seem to get this level of support after birth. We can hire a postpartum doula to help, but often, life still needs us. Other children, work, there are often many demands placed upon women that don't just fall away simply because we have just had a baby. Even still, we can do a lot to take care of ourselves, and meet the needs of our newborn babies.

Naps. They are the cornerstone of any successful new mothering experience! Whenever you can steal away and rest, do so. Don't take the time the baby sleeps or the time your partner is with her to do things like dishes, or laundry. Sleep! Your baby needs you when she is awake to hold her and bond with her. And, she doesn't know the difference between day and night yet! She will, but not yet. So, one of the most important things you can do, is relax and rest when she does, and follow her rhythm a bit for awhile, and give yourself a break on the household chores. Babies are only babies for such a short while, there will always be dishes to do!

Food is one of the most important elements of a newborn's life. Newborn babies eat every 3 hrs or so, sometimes more, sometimes less. It is best to feed them on demand. This helps with successful breastfeeding as it builds your milk supply, whish is based solely on the demand of your baby. It also lets your baby know that you are there for her, and that she doesn't have to go hungry. Hunger is a foreign feeling to a baby. She had everything she wanted inside your womb just when she needed it. But now, she will feel an empty belly, and her reaction is to seek food. She is also still growing and gaining weight at a pretty amazing rate. She needs a constant supply of good nutrition.

The post partum period lasts for the first 3 months after birth. During this time, and sometimes after, all new mothers are susceptible to "the baby blues". I still remember sitting on the floor weeping about 2 months after my son was born for no apparent reason. My emotions were so intense. It happened a few times, just this intense sadness, and a need to release it all. It wasn't in any way unmanageable and passed quickly however, some times what we may call "the baby blues" turns into Post Partum Depression. This is a very real illness, and often requires professional support. You can find out more information, and see a check list of symptoms at http://www.postpartum.net/brief.html

By the end of these three months, you will have a very different baby than you do immediately after birth. By 3 mo. most babies are smiling and will show a preference for and recognition of their parents. They are also often able to hold their heads up and to push up on the floor when lying on their belly. "Tummy Time" is important for babies so that they can begin to develop these muscles, however, don't put them to sleep on their tummies yet. Lying for rest on their backs is still best.

These 3 months will have changed you and your partner as well. By this time you are likely in a bit more of a groove with your baby and with being a parent. It is shocking at first to think of yourself as responsible for a human life. But after a while, you can't imagine life any other way!