Welcome to the Preparing For Baby series. This series will run for two weeks (Dec. 3-7 & Dec. 17-21). If you missed any past posts in the series, just click the links below.
Preparing For Baby {a series} – intro
Labor Playlist
Prayers for Labor
Advice for First-Time Moms
Post Partum Freezer Meals
To-Do List
Several months ago, I asked my fellow pregnant bloggers that participate in the My Pregnancy Journal Link-up, to share some advice for first-time moms. The moms had so much great advice to offer, here is a sampling of it.
1. Sleep when the baby sleeps! Almost everyone offered this advice. It sounds simple, but yes, it can be difficult; you want to clean, eat, visit with family and friends, get out of the house, and just get back to normal. You need your sleep! All the other things can wait. It’s pretty amazing how fatigue and severe exhaustion can affect a person. So you, and your spouse, need to make sure you are getting your rest.2. Be flexible with your birth plans. Birth is unpredictable and it may not go as you had envisioned or dreamed. Be prepared for this. Research different scenarios for labor and birth so that you will be prepared and educated. And remember, it’s God’s plan that will prevail.
3. If you are planning on nursing your baby, just know that it may not be a walk in the park (at least in the beginning). This is a learning experience for both you and baby and it could take days, or even weeks to get the hang of it. If it is your heart’s desire, keep at it, you will get it! And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are having difficulties; use the nurses in the hospital, a lactation consultant, the LeLache League, or a friend that has experience in this area.
4. Accept help when offered (if it’s from someone you trust). And ask for it if it’s not. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or accept help from others. More than likely, you will bless that person by allowing them to help out!
5. Make and freeze about 2 weeks worth of meals about a month before you are due (and use disposable pans). And use anything else disposable that you can – plates, cups, bowls, etc. You will thank yourself later!!
Great advice! Stopping by from the TOS blog linky. I’m your newest follower.
izziemacandme.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping by!
Great advice! Stopping by from the TOS blog linky. I’m your newest follower.
izziemacandme.blogspot.com
1. Go to the bathroom BEFORE you sit down to nurse. If baby falls asleep, you’re stuck.
2. The whole bathroom thing will probably NOT be fun when you’re post partum. The laxatives they give you in the hospital are for a reason.
3. I slept when my baby slept for ds1, and it seemed great. The problem was that I was in the habit of it when ds2 came along, and the two boys never wanted to sleep at the same time. It was really hard to break that habit, and I wish I had not fallen into it.
4. Nursing won’t just make your baby sleepy, it will make you sleepy too.
PS Don’t worry if your baby won’t stop nursing. The doctors and nurses may scold you for it, but baby knows when he’s hungry and full. Constant nursing will also help you establish a good milk supply. As your milk comes in and regulates itself, your baby will ease off on nursing and fall into a pattern. If my experience with ds1 is any indicator, trying to push a schedule on a baby too early will only frustrate baby and discourage him from nursing effectively.
Thanks for sharing some more great advice!
Sarah, thank you so much for making this series! I am going to bookmark it!
I think most of the advice I have been given or read somewhere, but it’s sooooo good to keep hearing it. It confirms my own instincts, but also helps me supress those urges I already feel about when baby comes – like still trying to maintain an orderly home when I should sleep! I think that one will be a biggy for me.
Though I’m a first-timer, I know I will have to give myself grace. I’m already praying I will because it’s such a struggle for me.
Thanks for the kind words Sarah. I’m glad this will be helpful to you. I’m really enjoying writing it; it’s helping me get prepared and pass the time until baby comes!!
Blessings!
I love this post! You’re right about the number 6. That advice is not only for moms but also for grown ups sons and daughters out there. Don’t get mad to us when we sometimes treat you like kids… Were just missing you. 🙂