Surviving Your First Week with a Newborn

Welcome to the world of parenthood! Welcome to the wonderful, terrifying, amazing, beautiful, and completely overwhelming process of raising a child. As a Columbia, SC Newborn Photographer and mother, I'm so excited to help you navigate this journey! Surviving your first week with a newborn can be a challenge. You're sleep-deprived, you don't know how to take care of yourself, and there are so many things to worry about.  It can be overwhelming, but don’t worry I've got your back! Here are some tips for surviving those first few days with a newborn!

Tips for Surviving that First Week with a Newborn

1.     Take it easy

At first, you're going to feel like you need to keep moving, and that's normal! However, if you're feeling tired or worn out, stop and take a break for a little while. It's okay to take a nap on the couch for an hour or two if it helps you recharge. It’s okay to ask a family member for help so that you can just rest. It doesn’t make you a bad mother, it doesn’t make you week, it makes you human.

2.     Take care of yourself

You deserve it! You just brought a new life into the world! Make sure you're eating well, getting enough sleep, and getting outside for that vitamin D. I know you have a little one to care for now, but you can’t properly take care of them without first taking care of you. You need to nourish and honor your body and mind so that you can be your best self for your little one.

3.     Don't be afraid to ask for help

If you need help with something, ask for it! There's no shame in asking for help when it comes to taking care of a newborn. It's actually very respectable! Someone will probably jump at the chance to help out their friend or family member.

4.     Try to create a schedule

It’s helpful for both you and your newborn to try and get on a schedule of some sort. Designated sleeping times (if your newborn allows for such), times for feeding, activity, etc. Most newborns simply sleep and eat their first week. If you have a troublesome sleeper on your hands, take some time to learn him or her! A lot of newborns love white noise sounds as it is reminiscent of the womb. They also like to be swaddled, so give those a try!

5.     Make time for activities

Even if it's only 10 minutes, try to spend some time cuddling with your baby and reading them a book or singing a song before bedtime each night. The best part about these activities is that once you get into the routine of doing them together, it'll become easier and less stressful over time! Your little one just spent nine months quite literally attached to you…they’re going to want to keep that momentum going to some degree as it’s what makes them feel safe and secure. Allow for that with simple rocking sessions, book readings, even casual walks around the house.

Do you Have Any Other Tips for Future Mamas?

Surviving your first week with a newborn is a challenge, but it's also one of the most rewarding things you can do. As a parent, it's important to remember that while you're learning how to care for your newborn, they have their own instincts and needs that are just as important as yours. You’ll work together to find the best routine. Just make sure you don’t lose yourself in the process. Care for yourself so that you can care for them!

As your Newborn Photographer in Columbia, SC , I cannot wait to meet your little one during their big debut! Make sure you reach out to schedule your session asap!

How Big is the Baby in Your Belly?

Hey mamas! It's so nice to be talking with you this week as your Columbia, SC Newborn Photographer. Pregnancy is such a beautiful time in a woman’s life and I'm so excited to talk to you about how big your baby is in your belly! When you're pregnant, it's hard to know what to expect from your body. You have no idea how your baby is doing, if you should be showing yet or not, if you’re “too big”, etc. However, there's one thing that can help you get through the next couple of months: a little bit of perspective!

So, how big is the baby in your belly? I’m here to tell you!

Let’s Talk About the Size of Your Baby in Your Belly

From 1 to 3 months

During this stage, you won’t really feel your little one in your belly. You will however likely experience those super fun pregnancy symptoms (totally kidding…they’re not fun, but they mean good things are happening!). These first three months are when a cluster of cells forms and slowly starts producing basic features, but no neurological function or motor function.

At the end of the first month, this cluster is about the size of a poppy seed and is virtually weightless. The second month though is when they’re about the size of a raspberry and weighs less than one ounce.

From 3 to 5 months

The size of your baby in your belly will vary based on how far along you are in your pregnancy. I’ve seen various sized mamas as an Columbia, SC Newborn Photographer during my maternity shoots!

The average size of a baby at three months in the womb is less than a pound! They’re about the size of an apple or maybe a bell pepper.

At five months, the average baby weighs about 5-10 ounces and is roughly 5 inches long. They’re often the size of a bell pepper to a small cantaloupe here. They’re still pretty small here, but you may start feeling some movement!

From 6 to 7 months

The baby in your belly is about 6 to 7 months old now. They’re getting larger, growing beautifully, and you’ll definitely feel lots of movement! They may even start kicking and fidgeting.

At six months, he or she is roughly a foot long and weighs around 2 pounds (give or take). That’s about the size of a football or a really big spaghetti squash, haha! They’re definitely kicking around and getting a feel for their current housing arrangement.

At 7 months, they’ve likely grown a couple more inches, but gained anywhere from an extra 0-2 pounds!

From 8 to 9 months

The baby in your belly is growing so fast!

At 8 months, the baby will be about 16 inches long and weigh anywhere from 4-5 pounds. They’re about the size of a Napa Cabbage and almost full term! At 9 months, the baby will be about 18-19 inches long and be about the size of a Swiss Chard. They’ll weigh around 6 pounds and this is the ideal time for delivery, but sometimes your little one wants to wait a little longer and that’s okay too!

So? How Big is Your Little One!

I hope you've enjoyed this blog post! I love talking about the size of the baby in your belly. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every baby and every body is different. Your little one may be smaller or larger than average and that’s okay. As long as your OBGYN isn’t concerned, you shouldn’t be either! So, tell me, how big is your little one?

I can’t wait to meet them during their big debut with me as their Columbia, SC Newborn Photographer! Reach out to schedule as soon as possible and maybe even capture that beautiful pregnancy glow with me as well!