Make Your Own Challenge - Day 5: Letting Others Help

[Cafe Naomi]

As moms, we often try to do it all even though our SO, other kids, friends, family, even neighbors can all do their part to help; even if it's just bringing a very thirsty mommy a glass of water when she sits down to nurse!

How can you help your fellow nursing moms break the supermom syndrome and ask for (and perhaps more importantly, learn to accept) a little extra help?

                                                        

Everyone had great advice to offer when it comes to unwanted (and sometimes just plain bad) advice!  Feel free to share even more!

[mama02040608]

 I think by first understanding that you're still caring for two, you can get past the Superwoman thing. This is the fourth trimester.  There is no need to do it all.   My minimums were clean clothes and clean dishes.  No one is going to remember if your grout was spotless or if you had scrubbed the floor on hands and knees.  As long as everyone was clean, dressed and fed, I was happy. I also had my DH to lean on in the beginning.  He wrangled the other kids while I recuperated and cared for the newest one. 

[huntersmama711]

For the 1st couple months we used paper plates just do I would have 1 less thing to worry about. Even now, 7 months in, I still bring them out when we have company over. Lol

[srbeusk]

If you don't take care of you (or allow others to help take care of you) you'll never be able to take care of everyone else, especially the little nursling...

[mjimaging]

I was exhausted and DH was great. I did finally have to let him know I needed help at night too. He started changing diapers and I nursed DS back to sleep. Even if your friends and family just want to make meals you can freeze it will be helpful.

[Sophie4910]

I totally agree.

Quoting srbeusk:

If you don't take care of you (or allow others to help take care of you) you'll never be able to take care of everyone else, especially the little nursling...

[whatssleep]

To me asking for a glass of water is easier than disturbing my baby while he naps on me or nurses, if there are people around to help why subject yourself to discomfort or stress? A happy baby requires a happy mom :)

[new_mom808]

Know that everyone has been there. This is why in my moms day they kept you in the hospital for a week. :)

Honestly everyone wants to come visit the baby and hold the baby.....let them, and catch a nap.

I had a friend who for her baby shower we asked everyone to either bring a pack of diapers or a coupon of a chore they could do for her. She got some really creative ideas. A casserole redeemable upon returning home from the hospital. 1 mom picked her daughter up from school for a week. A couple of us "went in together" and spent a Saturday afternoon doing laundry and dishes, vaccuming etc for her.

[Ecobabyz]

Your husband and cjildren need to learn how to be kind, helpful, and compassionate - even if it starts with just you and the baby!

[MissElissa21]

Take the help! I let my mom keep dd for a while so I could fuss with ds when he was born. Dh did dishes and vacuumed and took dd to school so I could sleep in and snuggle with ds longer.

[WheelerWife]

This one is a toughie. No one wants to show weakness or unhappiness, I know that I sure don't.

I wish I knew the secret because I still have this issue. :(