Sleep when the baby sleeps

Get as much rest as you can while your baby is sleeping. This sounds like practical advice to give to new mothers; however, is this advice always feasible?  As a new mother, I have only applied this well-meaning advice after I have finished urgent tasks. My daughter usually takes 5–30-minute naps during the day. A quick nap may be rejuvenating to some people, but it makes me realize how tired I am. Sometimes she sleeps for two hours during the day and I can prepare formula, do housework, and schedule appointments.

Don’t spoil the baby by picking the baby up too much. I heard this advice many years before having my daughter and thought that it was true. However, after reading the parenting book Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy, I realize that infants need to be picked up and held often to nurture their development.

Sometimes you have to let some things go. This advice is difficult to take when you are accustomed to doing most things yourself. I took “baby steps” on outsourcing chores two years ago when I hired a lawn care company to maintain my small yard. I know when my maternity leave ends, I will have to allow someone else to care for my daughter. With the dynamic nature of parenthood, I know I will eventually have to outsource other tasks.

What other advice have you been given that does not fit your circumstance?