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how to survive first weeks alone?

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in Babies: 0 - 3 Months

My husband is returning to work at the end of this week and the grandparents will all be gone.... Does anyone have any tips or recommendations on how to survive the first weeks alone? I'm still recovering from my c-section so my strength and energy are not what I usually have, and I'm not sure how I'll find time to cook and eat and feed myself, etc., after I've made sure that DD's needs are met....

DD feeds every 3 hours with an hour to feed, an hour to play, and usually less than an hour to nap. I'm just not sure how I'll survive alone.

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Re: how to survive first weeks alone?

  • mkhoy12mkhoy12
    I know it seems impossible...but you will survive it. Just take each hour as they come and do what you can. Try to have as much prepared ahead of time as you can. And sometimes it may seem impossible but you will get through it. Even if that means you may not get to eat when you're hungry or go to the bathroom when you need to but as each day passes, you will figure out what your baby needs and it will get easier. Good luck!
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  • Linds&Chris777Linds&Chris777
    It won't be as bad as you think.  DH was only with me for two days, we had no family to come help us and I started back to work from home full time when DS was 1.5 wks old.  I didn't know how I was going to do it all, but I did.  You will surprise yourself, try not to stress about it.
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  • bostontomainebostontomaine
    The time will be over before you know it. Unfortunately I didn't always eat properly or get sleep (forget about laundry etc). I did what I could and didn't let the rest bother me.  I prepared as many quick meals as I could when husband was around so that when he wasn't, eating could go quick. Good luck.
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  • manda_pierce07manda_pierce07

    1. If you feel a cry coming on...lay the baby down and cry it out!

    2. If youre about to lose your mind, dont be afraid to make DH come home for lunch so you can have an hour to yourself.

    3. When DH comes home from work let him care for the baby for a few hours so you can do what you need to do.

    4. Dont be afraid to call someone to come over and help

    5. Keep your spirits up..on some says when I was about to go crazy I tried to just smile and act happy..and in the end it actually made me happier!

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  • BecauseICanBecauseICan
    First of all, you can do it.  It might take a few days, but you will find what works for you.  Second of all, prioritize.  Obviously baby needs (feeding, etc.) come first.  After that, you need to make sure you eat.  Especially if you're bfing.  Showering and dinner can come last--and can happen after DH gets home in a worst case scenario.  Don't try to do too much, and don't feel like a failure if everything can't get done for several more weeks.  I'm just at the point that I can take a daily shower and get some sort of food on the table every night--I have a fussy baby, and she can make things tricky.  Little by little you will find out how to do it too, just don't expect it from yourself overnight.  I did, and I put a lot of pressure on myself.  When I relaxed, it kind of all fell into place.  GL!
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  • SarahMay77SarahMay77
    Don't plan on doing any housework.  Have snacks and water glasses near where you'll feed before DH leaves.  Try to have a computer and/or TV nearby.  My BFing days became much easier when I brought a TV tray into the living room next to the recliner.
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  • astaraastara

    it turns out i actually like my days alone with my baby. i was really emotional and worried about it after having help the first 3 weeks.

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  • DG1DG1 member

    Frankly, I recommend giving up on the eating and cooking. :)  Be sure you have some easy-to-eat stuff handy (bananas, soup-at-hand, etc) so you can get some nutrition.  Then make DH cook when he gets home from work.  Make sure there are plenty of leftovers for both of your lunches for a couple of days. 

    Eventually, you can take over the cooking duties (when you're more healed and the baby is slightly less needy).  Even better, get takeout, get the ILs or friends to make you some freezer meals, and give up on house cleaning, except for the really important stuff like toilets (which can be done on the weekend - one of you cleans 'em and the other has the baby).

    Good luck! It's really not so bad.

    :) 


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  • Sumler2BeSumler2Be

    Well as far as food goes try freezing small meals and stocking up on easy things like cold cuts, fruits, and maybe some ensure or something similar. House work goes out the window! LOL! Try to prepare your food while the baby is eating. That way when they are finished and playing you can eat. (trick I learned LOL!)

    Just take it easy and when hubby gets home he should tend to the baby at least the first 2 hours. That way you can get some much needed you time. That's all I have  - I think it will be a little easier for me b/c I will bottle feed. Take care.

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  • xmasbabymamaxmasbabymama
    Today is my first day by myself and it has been great! I was worried too, but it really has been easier than I expected. My DD tends to sleep more than yours though. I really just have been trying lots of things and had no real agenda to get things doen, except shower, eat and bathe the baby though!
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  • Megan BriggsMegan Briggs
    It's tough.  Keep lots of easy nurtitious snacks at hand.  I spend a lot of time in bed those first few weeks.  I kept food, baby and laptop handy.  When you are up to it, I HIGHLY recommend a structured mom's group, especially one for people with newborns.  That was a lifesaver for me.
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