Six Things Every New Mom Should Know : Working Mom

1. Don't expect too much from yourself. While you may have pictured yourself doing loads of laundry and even catching up with coworkers via email while your baby sleeps all day, the reality may be that you will be wondering why you're still in your PJ's at 5 in the afternoon. Realize that you will not be as productive as you were in your pre-baby worklife; if you can get two of your physical needs met by 5 o'clock, you're accomplishing a lot.
2. Eat, drink and accept help. You may be so busy taking care of your baby that it can be all too easy to forget about taking care of your needs. Remember to eat meals packed with fruits, veggies and whole grains, and drink regularly throughout the day, especially if you're nursing. A good way to remember to drink enough is to have a cup of water or other beverage on hand each time you breastfeed. Stock up on things that are easy to make (such as pre-made salads and cut-up veggies—perfect for stir-fries) and ask friends and family to bring takeout when they come to visit. 3. See relationship strain as normal. Having a baby can be a particularly stressful time for couples. You may both feel tired at the end of the day—from being up the night before and then taking care of a newborn all day or working—and you may both want to be taken care of. And sex may be very far from reality, especially for a new mom who is coping with hormones and physical discomfort. Communicate, try to handle things with humor and above all, realize that this is temporary. 4. Have another adult with you in the house during the first few weeks, be it a grandparent, another relative or a girlfriend, so that you can take breaks from baby duty and take a shower or a nap. If dad can take paternity leave, arrange it so that he can start when you come home rather than when you and the baby are still in the hospital. 5.. Take a walk. This is not only great exercise, but it can get you and your baby out of the house (and may help your baby fall asleep). But talk to your doctor before you do any power-walking or get back into your regular workout routine.

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