One of the best ways to fight isolation as a new parent is to get out of the house. However, for some new parents going on that first outing by themselves can feel like a daunting task. You are convinced your new baby will have a huge wet diaper or scream the whole time, or starve. Here are some tips to make that first outing slightly less stressful.

What to bring

Don’t bring the entire house! Bring the things that will keep you and the baby most comfortable. Chances are you  don’t need as much as you think. Extra diapers, change of clothes, feeding supplies (boobs or bottle) and maybe a burp cloth. A brand new baby doesn’t need a toy 🙂

Where to go

Keep it easy and keep it simple. Skip the car if you can. Take a walk around the block (in which case don’t bring anything), or go to a nearby coffee shop. taying close to the comforts of home can make the whole trip go much more smoothly. Think, too, about where you would feel comfortable nursing, changing a diaper, or how you will feel if your baby is screaming.

Keep your expectations low

This is the most important point. I don’t recommend grocery shopping, long drives, or any sort of errand or task driven trip as your first outing. The purpose should be to get out of the house, not to cross things off your to-do list. And don’t feel like you have to go out all morning. Getting out of the house for even 30 minutes can make a huge difference in how everyone feels. And it is a huge accomplishment. Which leads us too…

Pat yourself on the back

Even if there is poop on everything. Even if baby cried the entire time. You did it! You left the house by yourself with a brand new human being. Well done! Sometimes it is hard to see anything as a success when you are a new parent, so it’s important that we remember this, and congratulate ourselves for the little things. Taking care of a newborn is hard.

How a postpartum doula can help

As a postpartum doula I have often helped my clients  get out the door for their first outing. Whether it is simply providing company for a walk or helping  pack the diaper bag, a postpartum doula can help you feel empowered to go out into the world with your brand new baby.