After your first baby is born, a lot happens to your body physically and emotionally. One of the biggest challenges that new mums face is regaining their own personal sense of selves after their mind has been totally focused on a safe delivery for several months.

1. Your First Outing with Your New Baby
After your first baby is born, a lot
happens to your body physically and
emotionally. One of the biggest
challenges that new mums face is
regaining their own personal sense of
selves after their mind has been
totally focused on a safe delivery for
several months.
At the same time, many mums feel
insecure about taking their newborns
out of the house, or enjoying
themselves. Some new parents have
a difficult time just taking a shower
because it means all their efforts are
not directed at their baby. It is all
completely normal, but that does not
mean that you should stay at home
and direct yourself away from any
diversions. It will negatively affect
your entire family, which is clearly the
last thing that you want.
Addressing Your Concerns
If you have just gotten home from the hospital and you are concerned
about heading out into public with your new baby, then it is probably too
soon for both of you. But, that does not mean you cannot treat yourself
(and, after all, you do deserve it). Enjoy a long shower, or invite your
sister around for a cup of tea. You are likely to discover that she is
happy to watch your newborn while you close your eyes for just a few...
However, if it has been a couple of weeks, and you still have not taken
more than two steps outside your front door, then you need to consider
your reasons. Are you afraid your baby will get sick? Are you nervous
that you cannot cope with your newborn in a strange place? Or,
perhaps you have developed a real fear of embarrassment, which you
are sure you will feel if your child is not a perfect angel in public?
Whatever your concerns, you need to address them. Maybe you just

2. need to call your mum, or perhaps your paediatrician for a spot of
advice. You may want to chat with your own doctor about the possibility
of post-partum depression.
Whatever your concerns about leaving home, you will need to face them
eventually. And, it is usually easier the sooner you do it.
Baby’s Safety and Security
If your baby is only a few days or weeks old, you may not actually want
to take her out. Well, not out to a busy shopping centre, on a bus during
rush hour, or even to your favourite restaurant. Your child is still working
out the kinks of her immune system, and she is unable to defend herself
adequately. Having just given birth, you may want to be a little careful
yourself.
That is not an excuse to stay at home, simply to make more considered
choices. Start small, and aim for slow and quiet activities. A stroll
around the neighbourhood is usually a brilliant place to start (if the
weather is playing along). Stopping off at an almost deserted coffee
shop is not a bad idea, nor is popping into a quiet bookstore. After about
six or eight weeks, you can be a little more liberal with the places you
visit.
However, when it comes to your first outing with your new baby, even if
it is just a walk, there are a few things every mum should know.
 Temperature – Your baby cannot regulate his body temperature
as well as you can. Whether it is hot or cold outside, any extreme
will have an immediate effect on your baby. Dress your infant
accordingly, and limit the amount of time you spend away from
home.
 Safety Precautions – Having a pram is almost a necessity when it
comes to taking baby out for a bit. However, make sure that you
have a quality pram which meets all current safety regulations.
Ditto for the car seat. The hand-me-downs may cost less, but is
negotiating your baby’s safety really worth it?
 Keep Your Cool – Of course you will grab an extra nappy or two,
and a towel for nursing, even if you have only popped round to
your neighbour’s place. And, there is good reason to suspect that
you will need these items. But, do not fret if you have forgotten

3. something at home. You are not likely to be gone long enough, or
have travelled far enough that your baby cannot wait an extra
couple of minutes. Think of it as a learning experience, and you
will never forget something important again.
 Duration – New mums are still a bit fragile; after all, your body has
been through a significant number of changes in the past several
months – and the past several weeks especially. Even if you are
desperate to get out of the house, you really do not need to overdo
it straight away. Choose to be gone for a very short period. After
your first success, you can repeat it again tomorrow (or even later
the same day if you are that ambitious).
Dealing with Life Outside Your Home
Do you remember a few weeks ago when women would stop you at the
tills to marvel at your bump? Now, you really have the goods, and you
are likely to attract some attention when you leave home. You may love
hearing that you have the most beautiful baby, but it can still feel a little
intrusive.
And, when it comes to other new mums, you can also expect a bit of (not
so friendly) competition. Not from your friends, mind you, but from
strangers on the street. They are likely to size up everything, from your
pram to how much better you look. Just ignore these people. They
have no effect on your life, or the development of your child.
In addition to these interruptions is your new, reduced tolerance. You
may find yourself irritated by fast cars and loud noises, and assume that
your patience is gone for good. But, don’t worry; your baby will teach
you patience every day for the rest of your life. You must simply
appreciate that you are in a new phase of your life – and how lucky you
are that you have a beautiful new baby to enjoy it with you.
If you’d like more information on fun activities for your children then
please visit the Lindam website - http://www.lindam.com