24 msfocusmagazine.org • If possible, have your partner home with you for the first several weeks. Set up a support system of neighbors and/or family who you can call if you are feeling overwhelmed or too fatigued to safely care for your baby. • Try to set up baby equipment before you need it. Setting up a crib or swing can be exhausting in itself, without a screaming baby. Fatigue and sleep tips • The old saying “sleep when the baby sleeps” really does hold up. Newborns sleep in short increments, but they sleep for up to 18 hours a day! During naptimes, take time to catch up on some sleep yourself. Even a short 1-2 hour nap can improve thinking and mood, reducing stress and helping you cope. • Make sure you and your partner take turns or set up a schedule for nighttime feedings. Have your partner wake up with the baby between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. and you can wake from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. Switch off feedings throughoutthenight.Ifyouarebreastfeeding, have your partner bring the baby to you in bed, and try nursing while lying down. • Try to keep the bassinet close by so you don’t have to get up and walk in a dark room and risk falls. • If standing causes fatigue, use a chair next to the changing table so you can sit while changing diapers. Portable cribs often have changing table attachments and tend to be lower, making this easier. Mobility tips • Try using a baby wrap or carrier when you are in a wheelchair so you can keep your arms and hands free and you can reduce muscle fatigue from holding the baby. Be sure to choose one that has lightweight, breathable material like mesh to avoid overheating. Look for words such as “airflow”, “breathable”, or “all weather” to ensure you and the baby don’t overheat. • Choose a stroller that is sturdy and designed to avoid tipping. New strollers are made specifically to be lightweight, especially jogging strollers. Look for air-filled tires and check the weight and mechanism to fold prior to purchase. • Infant car seats are not all made the same when you factor in weight. Do some research and find the lightest option available, especially because adding a baby usually doubles this weight! All new Life with MS