A Mother’s Guide To Surviving The Newborn Phase
As a mother of two, I know all too well how challenging the newborn phase can be. Those first few weeks (or months!) are filled with love, exhaustion, and more diaper changes than you ever imagined. So I decided it was time to create a practical guide for new mothers—a guide that walks you through what to expect and how to make it through this unique season with your sanity intact.
What to Expect in the Newborn Phase
According to the World Health Organization, the newborn stage officially lasts until your baby is 28 days old. Many experts, however, extend that timeline to about 12 weeks, often calling it the fourth trimester.
From a parent’s perspective, most find that things start to feel easier around the three- to four-month mark. But whether it’s one month or three, this stage often brings:
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Frequent feedings and diaper changes (sometimes what feels like all day, every day).
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Interrupted sleep—your baby may sleep a lot, but not in long stretches.
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Emotional ups and downs as your body and mind adjust to postpartum life.
Of course, every family’s experience is different. Some parents breeze through these weeks, while others find them overwhelming. A lot depends on your circumstances and on your baby’s temperament.
How to Get Through the Newborn Stage 
1. Prioritize Sleep
The old saying “sleep when the baby sleeps” exists for a reason. Newborns nap often, and taking short naps yourself during the day can help make up for the broken sleep you get at night.
Other ways to protect your rest:
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Room-share at first: Keep your baby’s bassinet or crib in your room so you can feed and settle them without fully waking up.
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Take shifts with your partner: If possible, alternate who’s “on call” for nighttime feedings. Pumping and storing milk can make this easier even if you’re breastfeeding.
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Avoid too much caffeine: It’s tempting, but too much can make it harder to fall asleep when you do have the chance.
2. Care for Your Body
Eat well: Sleep deprivation can make quick, processed meals extra tempting, but your body needs good fuel to recover and function. Stock your freezer with prepped meals before birth, gratefully accept food from friends and family, and consider healthy takeout or meal delivery when needed.
Move daily: Once your doctor gives you the green light, aim for at least 30 minutes of gentle movement. A walk around the block with or without the stroller can work wonders for your energy and mood.
3. Stay Connected
With friends and family: Even a quick text or a short phone call can help you feel less isolated during those early weeks.
With your partner: The newborn stage can be tough on relationships. Communicate openly about how you’re both feeling, be patient with each other, and remember you’re on the same team. If possible, arrange for someone you trust to watch the baby occasionally so you can reconnect.
Final Thoughts
The newborn stage can feel overwhelming but it’s also fleeting. Do your best to rest when you can, nourish your body, lean on your support system, and capture these moments in photos. One day you’ll look back and marvel at how much your baby and you have grown.
If you’d like more newborn tips, check out my guide on helping older siblings adjust to a new baby and my roundup of gentle sleep training methods for when the time is right.
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