12 Tips to Survive Your First 12 Weeks with Your Newborn
Bringing home your newborn baby for the first time is truly incredible! You survived pregnancy, got baby here successfully, and now the next part of your journey begins: Postpartum.
Those first 12 weeks can feel like a total blur! You’re figuring out feedings, changing a million diapers, and trying to survive on what barely counts as sleep. Plus, you're learning everything on the fly while taking care of a tiny human who didn’t come with instructions.
It really does take a village, and the truth is, you shouldn’t have to do it all on your own.
As a postpartum doula who has taken care of my families in the postpartum weeks, trust me when I say I know just how overwhelming those early days can feel. So whether you’re pregnant or newly postpartum and in the thick of it, I’m happy you landed on this post today.
Here are 12 real-life tips to help you survive (and even enjoy) the first 12 weeks with your newborn:
1. Sleep When the Baby Sleeps
Okay insert eye roll emoji here, I know! People usually laugh when they hear this or think it sounds ridiculous and I get it! It is definitely not always possible!
As a new parent, you might feel the urge to clean, cook, shower or do something that makes you feel remotely human again when your baby finally falls asleep. However, the best thing you can do is rest as well (if you can). Sleep deprivation is real, and getting some shut-eye when your baby naps can help you stay refreshed and functional.
Postpartum is not forever, so if the dishes don’t get done today, don’t beat yourself up. Your priorities are your baby and your recovery right now.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Whether it’s asking a family member to watch the baby for an hour so you can shower, or asking a friend to pick up groceries, don’t hesitate to lean on your support network. You’re not a burden, and your support system doesn’t know what you need until you ask.
This is especially important in the first week or so when you’re recovering from delivery! Whether you tore from delivering vaginally or you are dealing with C-section recovery, neither is a walk in the park and you deserve support as your body recovers.
3. Trust Your Instincts
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and every baby is different. Trust your gut feelings and intuition. You are made to be your baby’s mama. If something feels right for you and your baby, go with it.
As a postpartum doula, I’m here to offer guidance where you need it, but you’re the one in charge! My number one goal is to support you, not to take over. That’s why I love the “ask me anything” part of my virtual services. You get quick answers that help you make decisions confidently instead of spiraling and going down a rabbit hole on Google!
4. Establish a Routine (but be Flexible)
While a strict schedule might not be realistic at first, developing a flexible routine will help bring some structure to your day. Newborns thrive on predictability, even if that’s just knowing that they eat every few hours or take a nap after a feeding.
5. Practice Self-Care
It’s easy to forget about yourself when you’re caring for a newborn. However, self-care is crucial for maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Take small moments to breathe deeply, stretch, hydrate, and eat something nourishing (yes, even if it’s just one hot meal a day).
And if you're not feeling okay? That’s okay too. Give yourself permission to pause, step away for a moment, and ask for help from your support system.
6. Get Out of the House
It’s easy to feel cooped up, especially in the early weeks. However, fresh air and a change of scenery can be incredibly rejuvenating. Even if it’s just a short walk with your baby in a stroller, getting outside can improve your mood and give you some space to recharge.
7. Keep Track of Feedings and Diapers
Newborns eat frequently, and keeping track of their feedings and diaper changes can help you stay on top of their needs. This can also give you a sense of reassurance about your baby’s health and well-being. Many parents find it helpful to use an app or a simple notebook for tracking. Huckleberry and Nara are two really great apps for tracking!
8. Don’t Compare Your Baby to Others
Every baby is unique, and each family’s journey is different. Avoid comparing your baby’s milestones, sleeping patterns, or behavior to other babies. Trust that your baby is developing at their own pace, and don’t let external pressures make you feel inadequate.
9. Take Breaks, Even If It’s Just for 5 Minutes
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to put your baby down in a safe space and step away for a few minutes to collect yourself. Take deep breaths, make a cup of tea, or just relax in another room. Stepping away for a few moments can help you regain your calm and be more present for your baby.
10. Be Prepared for the Emotional Roller Coaster
Hormones, sleep deprivation, and the stress of new parenthood can take an emotional toll. It’s SO NORMAL to experience a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to frustration and exhaustion. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you’re not alone, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
11. Keep Your Baby Safe
In the first few months, your baby is very vulnerable. Make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines, such as placing your baby on their back to sleep and avoiding blankets or pillows in the crib. Always use a car seat when traveling, and never leave your baby unattended on elevated surfaces like changing tables.
12. Seek Professional Support When Needed
It’s also important to recognize when you might benefit from professional support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure how to interpret your baby’s cues, a postpartum doula can provide hands-on guidance and emotional reassurance that make those early weeks feel so much more manageable.
And if feeding has been stressful, whether you’re struggling with latching, pain, low supply, or you just want someone to walk you through the process, a lactation consultant can offer expert, personalized help.
Needing extra support doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong! It simply means you’re taking care of yourself and your baby in the most proactive way possible.
Get the Support You Need for a Smoother Postpartum Journey
The first 12 weeks with your newborn can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Bring Home Bliss is here to provide the guidance, reassurance, and hands-on help you need during this transition.
I offer support with newborn care, breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, emotional well-being, and more—so you can focus on bonding with your baby while feeling confident in your new role as a parent.
You deserve support every step of the way. Check out Bring Home Bliss virtual services to learn how our postpartum doula services can help you navigate the first 12 weeks and beyond with confidence.
