How to stay sane with a newborn

How do I put this?
​You will never sleep again!
                              -a newborn 

When I was pregnant, my life hadn't changed too much and my daily routine pretty much stayed the same.  But now that Lucille is born- BOOM SHAKALACKA!  My life has transformed and turned upside down in the best possible way.  My days now literally revolve around Lucille.  I am her food, her bed, and her comfort. 

My new purpose in life at this moment is to provide Lucille with all of her basic needs, but also to REST in order to allow my body to heal from child birth. 

I'm unsure why, but no one really talks about the postpartum recovery process. Maybe because it can be unpleasant and painful emotionally and physically, or maybe because mamas don't want to scare future mamas? 

Whatever the reason, I think more of us out there should share our postpartum experience in order to unite and build a strong mama community.  We (mamas) are not alone in this process, and can totally support each other during this crazy time in our life. Not to mention our partners can support us too! 

Childbirth is tough, and recovery is no walk in the park either.

After having an episiotomy during my labor (read Lucille's birth story here) I've been resting and taking it easy for almost 3 weeks and counting.  I had no idea recovery would be this long and uncomfortable.  I can see how it can be quite easy to go a little nuts during this postpartum time. 

My undercarriage is a ragtime doll, it's difficult to sit, stand and walk, I'm still getting the hang of this whole breastfeeding gig, and I'm adjusting to a new sleep or should I say lack of sleep schedule. This is me dishing out the realness of the situation, not complaining.

I am extremely grateful for everything I have and continue to grow from the ups and the downs in life. 

Motherhood is an exciting battle and I think we (mamas) are fierce beings to behold! 

Let's spread awareness of our unique journeys of strength and resilience so we can lift each other up when the going gets tough.  We can all join together and inspire sanity in the time of huge life changes, whether you're a mama or not. 

Below I have shared a typical day with Lucille (as a newborn) and the activities that had helped me from going completely off the deep end.   In order to stay happy and healthy during this wonderful transition in my life I had to squeeze in small activities of self-care. 

Three self-care activities that are non-negotiable: 
1.   Eating real, good food throughout the day.
2.  Sleeping as much as I can.
3.  Doing one thing that brings me joy (besides watching Lucille).  

MY "TYPICAL" DAY WITH LUCILLE

Wake up anytime between 4 a.m. - 7 a.m.

• Wake up for the morning feeding. I usually go back to bed if she wakes up at 4 a.m.  and then we both sleep until 7. 
• I drink my freshly ground organic coffee with a little bit of honey and half-n-half. This my favorite self-care activity to start my day :). 
• I eat breakfast, which is usually scrambled eggs, sauteed greens, and sourdough toast. 

• I drink Metamucil (The first poop after child birth is like a horror movie!)
• I feed her whenever she's hungry throughout the day - I don't document times.  My boob is basically at her disposal.  
• She usually sleeps after feedings. 
• I change her diaper every 2-3 hours. 
• I eat a snack.  My current morning snack is a Larabar or yogurt with granola. 
• Every three days she gets a bath. 
• Lucille gets tummy time when she is awake. 

Afternoon 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• I blog or listen to a podcast while she's sleeping or feeding. 
• I eat lunch.  Lunch is usually a balanced protein smoothie so I can fuel my body with lots of nutrients and energy.  
• I squeeze in a 40 minute to 60 minute nap while she sleeps. 
• I watch a Netflix episode or two.  Right now I've been watching Call the Midwife. 
• I eat another snack.  My current afternoon snack is a plate full of almond crackers with melted cheese and a dab of mustard. 
• I take small strolls with Lucille in my house or in my backyard.  We haven't started going on long stroller walks yet because I'm still healing.  Hopefully this will be implemented in my days very soon! 
• Lucille gets more tummy time when she is awake. 

Evening 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

• I prepare a simple dinner or get help to do it for me.  Thanks grandmothers! 
• I will eat another snack while waiting for my husband to come home around 6:45. 
• We eat dinner all together currently on the couch because sitting on our stools (hard surface) just isn't pleasant for me. 
• We may watch a Netflix show together or just sit and talk about our day. 
• We will start to go on neighborhood walks once I'm feeling more confident. I miss these walks so much, but I know I need to be patient and heal. 
• After Lucille's last feeding (around 9) we swaddle her and put her to bed in the bassinet by our bed. 

Crazy hours of the night 1 a.m. - 3:30 a.m.

• Lucille usually sleeps 2 1/2 -3 hours before waking up hungry, so I've been getting up only one time during these hours. 

As you can see, my daily routine with her is very flexible and depends on when Lucille is hungry and when she is sleeping.  I feed her when she's hungry (every 2-4 hours) and she sleeps when she wants.  I integrate tummy time and small walks around my house when she is awake to keep her from boredom.  It is vital that I make time to fuel myself with healthy foods and to take at least one nap a day.  If I don't squeeze in these self-care activities, my body starts to break down and I feel ill. I also make sure to either blog, watch a Netflix episode or listen to a podcast because it brings me joy.  These small self-care activities are a MUST for my health and sanity!

I hope my journey will motivate other mamas (and hey - even the papas) to share their unique stories of the postpartum period as well.  Together we are strong, powerful and thriving! 

Want to hear more about self-care?

Check out our podcast (Simplified Khaos EPISODE 8) that dives deeper into all about me and my husband's self care activities, why they are important to us and some great resources to get you thriving instead of surviving. 


                                 xoxo,
                                                 Jillian ​