Tips for coping with a newborn - FTM here

[Dreamzcancometrue]

Hi everyone!

I have a 6 day old baby girl. And trying everything I have learnt to keep her dry,warm,healthy and safe. Struggle with breastfeeding but its because of my nipple being to big for her tiny mouth. Do any MN users have any helpful advice to give a FTM?? Anything would be helpful. My anxiety levels are high atm and I worry so much about her.

High anxiety with a newborn sounds normal. What does your midwife say about breast feeding? Are there any breast feeding supports groups near you or LLL volunteers?

Congratulations. My advise would be to take it easy. If she is awake half the night, that’s normal, if she cries when you put her down, that’s normal. If you send the either day in your pjs on the sofa, that’s ok.
Take it one feed at a time and Ask if there is any breast feeding support from your midwife. And remember formula is fine too, millions of babies drink it and it doesn’t mean you have failed. Be kind to yourself.

Congratulations on your new baby girl!

The early days are a big learning curve - you suddenly have this little bundle depending on you 100% but remember, you can do this!

As long as your baby is fed (get some support with the breastfeeding - getting a comfy latch that suits you and your baby can take a little bit of practice, but you will get there, and if you find it too stressful, you can always move to a bottle), clothed, in a clean nappy, and has lots of love from you (and others) she will be thriving. They do not need much at this age, just hold her and love her and always remember there are people who will help if you are feeling like you need it. Keep in touch with your health visitor and let her know if you feel anxious, she will be used to new mum's telling her this, and will have great advice.

In order to help establish your supply, pump as frequently as you would feed (eg at least every 3 hours). Give baby the expressed milk (you can use bottles, or syringes, or cup feeding).
My little one wouldn't latch the first couple of days and we syringe fed, but he got the hang of it by day 5. He also had a tongue tie though, so feeding was v painful and damaged my nipples until he had it cut. Have your baby checked for a tongue tie.
Around day 10, and day 14, are known cluster feeding phases and growth spurts. Baby will be feeding more constantly to bulk up for the growth spurt.

Don't worry about dishes, do the bare minimum of housework. Most important thing is you and baby.
In terms of food, try to have healthy food that's easy to grab and go quickly eg bread, sandwich meat, salad. DH and I ate ham and salad sandwiches for every meal the first week unless someone came over with a meal.
If friends offer to do this, say yes! You need all the help you can get.
Keep your fluids up. Drink water at every feed.

Congratulations.

My only advice is rest when you can and get visitors to help out, so ask them to make a cup of tea or load the dishwasher (and you just sit with your baby while they do it).

Six and a half months in, here. I'd advise you to ignore everything the books say and use your instinct with your little one. You'll both be absolutely fine. And, if your anxiety gets worse- please seek help.