Raising Eco Baby on a Budget, Part 4: Tips for Surviving the First Few Months

How to Survive the First Few Months

Baby wipe warmers, hooded bath towels, pacifier clips. The list of things that new moms are told they need can go on and on for days, but the truth is you don’t need any of it to relish in this precious time with your newborn babe. Read on for tips on breastfeeding AND getting the most sleep possible, and how to enjoy this time with as little of an impact on your budget and the planet as possible.

Thriving with a Newborn

Why this matters

• These first few months are a crucial bonding period for you and your new bundle o’ joy, but there’s a common misconception that you need a lot of “stuff” to make the most of it. Not true! They only need a few things in life right now, and lucky you, YOU are at the VERY top of the list! 
• Get more of what matters (ie: time) by reducing trips to the stores (especially the overwhelming ‘big box’ ones that have a way of making us want to fill up the shopping cart) and spending less time fussing over ‘stuff.’ 
• Every year they discover more benefits for baby and mama with breastfeeding, 

On a personal note

I am a go, go, go person, and an entrepreneur used to making my own schedule and getting a ton done each day. I didn’t realize the extent (or specialness) of schedule-interuptus I was about to experience, and it was very hard until I just accepted it and started to try and be present with my baby. (read: try to not multitask while nursing, etc.) 

Ready to try?

• Pop on over to watch the episode for my tips on how to truly make the most of your first few months, with the least stress possible!
• Breastfeed your little one (If you can, and don’t feel badly if you can’t!). The health benefits to your babe are enormous, and breastfeeding can help you drop some of the weight post-baby. Not to mention it will save you an average of $1700 in the first year on formula, and that’s not even the organic kind!
• Did we mention, they truly don’t need much? A few onesies, some (re-usable) diapers & wipes, swaddle blanket, Vitamin D drops, and a crib or co-sleeper.
• Slowwww things down! Today’s world is best defined as FAST, but having a baby makes things seem like it’s come to a screeching halt. Plan for that and take advantage, look at it as a vacation (and definitely don’t try to do something like renovate your house. Been there, done that, barely survived it).

A Deeper Dig

According to WebMD: “Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies. Plus, babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea.”

Fresh Pick

When I got a bit stressed, my milk production would diminish, which stressed me out more. Fenugreek got my milk back on tap.

Did You Know?

Breastfeeding moms need 200 to 500 more calories per day… yay! Try my favorite (& sweet!) green smoothie recipe!