Here's a real survival guide for your first six weeks with a new baby

Trust us, the baby's thinking "What the...?" as much as you are. This is our honest advice for making it through.

So, they've handed you your newborn and waved you off. It's time to go home.

It's as exciting as it is terrifying - but don't worry, most new mums feel like that!

There's also this strange sensation... you're wondering, are they really letting me look after this vulnerable little thing? I'm... totally responsible for it now?

PUT IT BACK IN!

That feeling can last for the first six weeks or so of motherhood (and to some small degree, forever); but again, don't worry.

If you can follow some of our survival suggestions, things can go a lot more smoothly... or at, least, be slightly less chaotic.

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Being born is exhausting. Image: iStock

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Tips for the first six weeks with a baby

Accepting your new identity

So you have a new job, and a new boss. Everyone refers to you as 'Mum' and speaks to you through the baby. "Has Mum done her first number two yet?" they'll ask the infant that was inside of you just yesterday.

(What does that kid even know about poop? Sheesh.)

Anyway, this new life title may take some getting used to, or you might think that you're finally who you're meant to be. Either way, we're proud of this incredible you you've become.

What the...?

Motherhood comes with a whole lot of "What the..." moments, because you're going to see, smell, and most likely taste things you never knew existed.

Most of it will be standard stuff (like the distinct scent of a newborn) but it will take you by surprise the first time, and in the first six weeks you'll feel like you never stop asking "What the?" because that baby is schooling you hard. 

It's a steep learning curve, and many will want to give you advice (a great reason to limit visitors, TBH) - but you'll get there on your own.

Sleep for the night ahead

The importance of your sleep, as well as the baby's, cannot be underestimated in those first six weeks.

That may sound like common sense, but you'd be surprised at how many mums feel guilty for sleeping, especially when there's washing to be done, meals to be cooked and grocery shopping to be done. (Pro tip: you can outsource all of this!)

Become a 'sleep addict' - grab naps, close your eyes, or even tuck yourself up into bed, whenever you get the chance. This way, you won't develop the dreaded sleep deficit, where you are so sleep-deprived that it becomes a real issue.

For weeks when the sleep struggle is real, consider sleeping for the night ahead. It's tempting after a night of a solid four hours to think you've turned a corner, and that might be so.

But what if it's not? 

And that's why, my friends, you should sleep for the night ahead whenever you can.

Marriage

There's no doubt that your marriage will change when you have a newborn in the house. There's a whole new mental load and division of labour to negotiate, and it's not always easy to do that in a productive way when you're all so tired that you could cry. (But still somehow have energy to bicker with each other.)

The biggest thing to remember during this time is that it's all temporary. Babies have a knack for changing the game on you when you least expect it - which is frustrating when things are going smoothly, but a bright beacon of hope when you're in a difficult phase.

It would be nice to think that the people who were once such a strong team that they had a joint hashtag at their wedding, could survive anything.

But at that time, you hadn't met your newborn yet.

Hang in there, and don't hold grudges (sometimes easier said than done, we know).

Neither of us are sure what's happening right now, but at least we're in it together. Image: iStock

Crappy Nappy Times

The bodily functions of your newborn may be the biggest reason for you to say, "What the?" in the first six weeks.

Did this child just projectile vomit all down my back?

How can a baby possibly pee for 60 seconds straight?

I swear a kilo of poop just came out of a baby who only weighs 3.5 kilos...

Amongst all of these new wonders, you will want to minimise poo explosions and nappy leaks, because those things can destroy you physically and emotionally for an entire day.

So do your homework and speak to other parents as to the type of nappy that's best for you. Many Aussie parents swear by Huggies as their go-to brand for baby wipes and nappies.

The Huggies range has been developed in response to what parents want and what babies need; kind to skin, the perfect fit, and value for money. Recently, mums have been loving the new infant and newborn nappy range, with an enriched zinc layer for the TLC a baby's bum deserves.

You will be patting yourself on the back for doing your research the first time you encounter the runny stuff!

One final tip...

Just remember, six weeks will go by in a blur... Parenting is a wild ride, so buckle up and always just do what's best for you and the baby.

And always take any help that's offered - ask for help when you need it. It will see you become the best mother you can be.

Before you know it, you'll be a pro at doing what every parent does, and develop the most important skill a mum can have - winging it. 

Originally published as Here's a real survival guide for your first six weeks with a new baby