When I delivered my premature twins, I already had a 9-month-old at home. It was the most challenging experience I've ever faced. The twins arrived at 26 weeks via C-section, leaving my body sore and me deprived of sleep. Determined to breastfeed, I pumped every two hours and also breastfed my 9-month-old. When the twins came home at 5 weeks, I was overwhelmed with responsibilities and barely managed to care for the kids, leaving no time for my own self-care.
As a registered nurse accustomed to managing multiple patients, I realized I needed to go into survival mode to handle this overwhelming situation. I'll share some tips on maintaining your sense of self while caring for your babies.
1.) Get organized by creating a checklist, developing a schedule for everything, and sticking to it.
- Being prepared enhances efficiency. Laying out the babies' clothes the night before, setting out your clothes, and prepping meals can help ensure a smooth day.
- For example, feed your baby on a schedule. This helps with breastfeeding demands and reduces guesswork when the baby gets fussy. If the baby is on a schedule, you know they're not hungry.
2.) Allow the baby some alone time.
- Set a start and end time using a timer. Utilize a bouncer or swing; as long as they're safe, they will learn to self-soothe.
3.) Take a shower every day and dress yourself, even if it's in lounge clothes.
- Spending a little time to freshen up will boost your mood.
- Hot showers can help relax and ease sore muscles.
4.) Increase your dopamine levels.
- Open the blinds to let sunlight in!
- Exercise daily with fun music to release endorphins.
- Checking off tasks on your checklist can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost dopamine levels.
- Plan to meet with someone who supports and encourages you.
5.) Schedule some alone time.
- Meditate and reflect on your thoughts. Remember what you're grateful for; it will refresh you.
- Allow your support system to watch your baby for a few hours while you go to lunch or get your hair done. This will help you feel like your old self.
6.) Don't hesitate to ask for help; no matter how organized you are, assistance is needed.
- Having a family member or hired help to sweep and mop the house or clean the bathrooms can make a significant difference.
- Someone to meal prep, grocery shop, or help with laundry can significantly reduce stress.
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